Wills, Dixe – The Bell Bookshop

Tiny Churches

Emma — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

A handpicked selection of Britain’s most interesting diminutive churches, written in an amusing, accessible style to appeal to modern readers. Puts the spotlight on Britain’s tiniest churches for the first time and uncovers their fascinating historical background. Includes up-to-date practical information on getting to each tiny church via public transport. Highlights special architectural features to look out for, all of which are represented by closeup color photos. Beautifully presented in full color throughout, the book uncovers 60 of the loveliest and most diminutive places of worship in Britain, many of which are known only to locals. Each church is so tiny that fewer than 50 people could fit comfortably inside, each is open to the public, and many boast fabulous wall paintings, stained glass, and artworks as well as fascinating histories. Representing a unique slice of British local history and attitudes, tiny churches are the great survivors of the world. Still standing after centuries of religious unrest and the meddling of the Victorian “church improvers,” they live on in this most irreligious of centuries, scattered all over Britain. Each entry features information on how and when to visit the church, a concise round-up of its history, and details of any must-see architectural features.

Tiny Britain

Emma — Thu, 31 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000

The very first compendium of Britain’s most interesting diminutive attractions, written in an amusing, accessible style. Puts the spotlight on Britain’s tiniest treasures for the first time and uncovers fascinating facts and anecdotes about all 60. Includes up-to-date practical information on getting to each tiny place via public transport Highlights special features to look out for. Praised by BBC Countryfile Magazine for writing ‘intelligently and amusingly, with evident excitement and imagination’, Dixe Wills unleashes his trademark style on the tiniest attractions in Britain. Beautifully presented in full colour throughout, the book uncovers 60 of the country’s loveliest and most diminutive places to visit. Be it a castle, cathedral, cinema or pub, a museum, theatre, wood or stately home, these little gems are all united in their lack of size, making many of them so easily overlooked they are known only to locals. Often representing a microcosm of British local history and attitudes, many of these tiny places date from a time when big and brash was frowned upon and small was definitely beautiful. Each entry features information on how to get there using public transport, when best to visit the attraction, a concise round-up of its history and any must-see features.

Tiny Campsites: 80 Small but Perfect Places to Pitch

Emma — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

A handpicked selection of Britain’s loveliest little campsites, all under an acre. BBC Countryfile Magazine praised Dixe Wills for writing “intelligently and amusingly, with evident excitement and imagination,” qualities that he brings to Tiny Campsites. Here he presents 80 of the loveliest and most diminutive places to camp in Britain, many of which are known only to locals. These stunning little places to pitch are found on farms, in woods, on clifftops, and in beautiful back gardens; they may be under the boughs of an apple tree in a private orchard or on the banks of a river. Each entry features a quick-reference guide to facilities, pubs that serve food, shops where you can stock up on provisions, and local attractions, and there’s a useful Ordnance Survey map to guide you in.

At Night

Emma — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0000

A quirky, amusing exploration of Britain after dark-includes tips on finding your way by the moon and the stars, and discussions of wildlife and natural history

The night is a period of rest and relaxation when we recharge our bodies for the travails of the following day. It is also the time when deeds that are best hidden by a cloak of darkness are carried out-and yet that same darkness can protect the innocent from the predator. It’s a period of calm and tranquility but also a time of disorientation when familiar surroundings become foreign. This is a narrative account of a journey around Britain tasting all that the night has to offer-the sights, the sounds, the smells, the people, the animals. It’s also a reflection on our relationship with the hours of darkness. Ten chapters discover the dark secrets of Cornwall, Devon, Skomer, Snowdonia, Cumbria, Scotland, London, and much more in an illuminating and inspiring tour of Britain by night.

Tiny Islands

Emma — Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

From the tiny island that shaped the entire English language, to the island that terrified Dylan Thomas, there’s more to Britain’s tiny islands than you might think! Have your own tiny adventure by visiting any of the 60 remarkable little islands around Britain featured here. Although Britain boasts hundreds of tiny islands, Dixe Wills has selected only the very best of them for this book. Found around the coast, in lakes, in lochs, and on rivers, these little worlds are waiting for you to discover them?whether you swim to them, walk to them at low tide, row to them, or catch a dinky little ferry.