Bradt Travel Guides Ltd – The Bell Bookshop

The Chilterns & the Thames Valley

Emma — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Part of Bradt’s distinctive, award-winning series of ‘Slow’ travel guides to UK regions, the new, thoroughly updated second edition of The Chilterns and Thames Valley (Slow Travel) celebrates this charming, popular English region close to London. Written with intimate detail and insider tips by two locals, it is the only guidebook to provide in-depth coverage of this region, which is shared between the counties of Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire.Divided into six user-friendly sections, Bradt’s The Chilterns and Thames Valley lifts the lid on what makes this area so distinctive. Chalk grasslands, beech woods, streams, one of the world’s most famous rivers and wooded valleys provide perfect landscapes for walking – and are easily accessible from London. About half of the region has been designated as a ‘National Landscape’ – the closest such designation to London, and justifying this edition’s inclusion of several new walking routes. Rare plants such as fleawort and various orchids, and birds including red kite, lapwing and skylark flourish. Millions of people know the Chilterns via TV and films, as world-famous studios have created murder, mayhem, historical drama and horror here; this is Midsomer Murders country. In the Chilterns you find key sites of monarchical and parliamentary power such as Windsor Castle and Chequers, and the location of Magna Carta’s sealing (Runnymede). Many well-loved authors have lived and written here, depicting Paradise, defining our childhoods and painting timeless images of England and its people. Eminent chefs own restaurants with national, even international, reputations: the village of Bray alone hosts two of Britain’s eight triple-Michelin-starred restaurants.The Chilterns and the Thames Valley (together with the Vale of Aylesbury) represent a wonderfully paradoxical mixture of world-famous tourist sites and lesser-known attractions full of quirkiness and character, which will repay the visitor’s interest and attention many times over. From Windsor Castle to Whipsnade Zoo, Britain’s oldest road (The Ridgeway) to National Trust properties such as Cliveden and Waddesdon, the Henley Regatta to the Grand Union Canal, Bradt’s The Chilterns and Thames Valley (Slow Travel) is your perfect travelling companion to this enchanting area.

Orkney

Emma — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This thoroughly updated second edition of Bradt’s guidebook to the alluring Scottish archipelago of Orkney is written by experienced author and journalist Mark Rowe, who is something of a specialist on the more remote parts of Scotland. Bradt’s guidebook combines all the practical details a traveller could need (when to visit, suggested itineraries, local culture, accommodation, and where to eat and drink) together with insightful background that ranges from geography and geology to architecture and archaeology, plus significant coverage of wildlife.Comprising 70 islands, of which just 19 are inhabited, Orkney is extraordinary. The World Heritage Site of Neolithic Orkney harbours many archaeological treasures, including Skara Brae, the most important Stone-Age village in northern Europe, and Maeshowe chambered tomb, whose entrance is aligned with the setting sun on the winter solstice. Here you’ll also find the Old Man of Hoy, a spectacular 140m-high sea stack; Scapa Flow, scene of the dramatic scuttling of the German fleet in 1919; and dramatic nature reserves with cliffs upon which one in six UK seabirds nests. The deeper you delve – made easy with Bradt’s Orkney – the more you uncover. Foodies will be delighted by an astonishing number of local food outlets and family producers, some going back more than 100 years. Discover Scotland’s first carbon-neutral island (or that’s the plan!), the island whose past may have included sky burials, and the world’s shortest scheduled commercial flight (just 60 seconds!). Or why not attend one of the world’s leading science festivals or Scotland’s sole wine festival?New for this edition are additional mapped walks; greater detail on history; expanded coverage of archaeological developments, the outer isles, new or enhanced visitor attractions including croft tours – all in the UK’s top destination for cruise ships and an increasingly popular location for family staycations.With much to enchant archaeology enthusiasts, walkers, cyclists, wildlife watchers, beach lovers and genealogists, Bradt’s Orkney is the ideal guide for those who travel with curious minds to discover far-flung places of great cultural, historical and wildlife interest.

Heritage Weekends

Emma — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0000

History and heritage are among Britain’s greatest passions. Travel writers and historians Helen and Neil Matthews have selected 52 places that are wonderful examples of natural, architectural, industrial or cultural heritage. Some are neglected or under-rated and deserve more attention. Others are famous locations waiting to be enjoyed from new perspectives. Heritage Weekends is here to help you explore and indulge your passion for Britain’s past: from the Prehistoric era, through ancient, medieval, Tudor, Regency and Victorian times to the 20th century. With their inspirational guide you’ll meet some of our greatest creative geniuses, monarchs and heroes, eccentrics and legends, giants and saints. And you’ll find everything from the world’s most famous map to a vision of Hell!As well as detailed descriptions of the sites, Heritage Weekends includes suggested itineraries, directions and top tips for accommodation and eating out. England, Wales, Scotland, Jersey and the Isle of Man are all covered, with weekends divided into in-depth and shorter entries. All weekends include detailed information on how to get there, as well as suggestions for further places to visit if you have time to spare. From St Albans’ Roman remains at Verulamium to Avebury’s stone circle, Windsor Castle to York’s Jorvik Centre, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon to the Neolithic sights of Orkney, there’s more than enough to entice, stimulate and entertain. Chester’s impressive city walls are also included, as is Portmeirion, the war tunnels and underground hospital on Jersey, and Margate’s mysterious Shell Grotto. Literary buffs can explore Jane Austen’s Bath or visit the home of Sir Walter Scott at romantic Abbotsford House in the Scottish Borders. Ideal for all the family, whatever your interest, Bradt’s Heritage Weekends lets you create your own magical tour of Britain.

North Cyprus

Emma — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Bradt’s North Cyprus remains the most authoritative guide available to the fascinating and beautiful northern region of the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Thoroughly updated by expert authors and now into its ninth edition, it offers everything you need for a successful trip, from pre-departure and background information including when to visit, red tape, safety, history, culture and natural history, to accommodation, restaurants, shopping, festivals, transport and money. The region is broken down into four areas, each of which is covered in detail, including Girne (Kyrenia), Lefkos ¸a (Nicosia), Gazimag?usa (Famagusta) and the Karpas Peninsula, with its population of wild donkeys. Where to go and what to see are detailed for each area and attractions such as Crusader castles, Buyykonuk’s markets and eco-festivals, beaches and turtle watching are all covered. There are also contributions from local specialists on flora and fauna.Steeped in history, soaked in sunshine, North Cyprus offers a great deal both to those who want to delve deep into the past or to those keen to pull up a sunbed and simply relax. Girne is still the most attractive harbour on the whole island, while Lefkosa’s old quarter exudes the ambience of an old Middle Eastern trading town. Gazimag?usa is fringed with some excellent beaches, while also being close to North Cyprus’s most revered historic site, Salamis. With Bradt’s North Cyprus, hike up to Buffavento, stroll through the cloisters of Bellapais Abbey or go barefoot on the golden sands of the Karpas Peninsula.

Dog-Friendly Weekends

Emma — Fri, 06 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Dog-friendly Weekends is the first all-encompassing, practical and inspirational guidebook to dog-friendly holidays in Britain. Not only does it cover dog-friendly accommodation and pubs, but most importantly, each chapter offers a well-rounded weekend away, with recommendations on attractions where the dog is allowed and great walks for all abilities. Travel journalist and dog-travel expert Lottie Gross has spent several years travelling thousands of miles around Britain with her canine companions sifting out places which are truly dog-friendly from those which are simply dog-tolerant. Drawing on her experiences, and on her research as the Times Expert Traveller dog-friendly writer, she has come up with a unique guidebook that pinpoints all the best places to go and things to do when travelling around Britain with your dog.Going on holiday without your dog is never the ideal solution, which is why this book offers inspiration for 50 dog-friendly weekends away in Britain, including museums where you can take the dog inside on a rainy day, heritage railways where the dog rides free, and countless excellent walks the whole family can enjoy. Island-hopping, city breaks, and coast and countryside romps are all included, from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands. This is also a useful, practical guide that addresses the questions all dog-owners have to consider when travelling with their pets. Is there space by the table for my dog? Can the dog come down to breakfast? Can the dog be left in the room? Each place included has been vetted (no pun intended) by the author, whose first-hand experience is supplemented with contributions from experts on safe and responsible travel with your dog, ensuring every owner is well equipped to give the whole family a memorable break away.

Barbados

Emma — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

With an all-year-round tropical climate and relaxed atmosphere, Barbados is the ideal Caribbean destination for some fun in the sun. Bradt’s Barbados offers extensive coverage of the famous and lesser-known sights, from the glamourous celebrity-studded Platinum Coast to the wild and untamed remoteness of the Atlantic east coast. In-depth advice on accommodation is included, from luxury villas to local guesthouses, and where and what to eat from gourmet beachside restaurants to Barbados street food and rum shops. Also covered are details of events that capture the culture, fun, music, food and drink of Bajan life, such as a Friday night ‘lime’ or ‘fish-fry’ and sports, festivals and the much-loved Barbados carnival. Whether it’s beaches or duty-free shopping along Broad Street, nightlife or cliff-top hikes, traditional villages or local rum distilleries, Bradt’s Barbados has got it covered.

Mauritius

Emma — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This new, thoroughly updated tenth edition of Bradt’s Mauritius, Rodrigues and Réunion remains the most comprehensive English-language guide available and is the only full-blown guide to focus solely on the Mascarene Islands, a place where the dodo once roamed and which today produces exquisite vanilla-flavoured tea. World-leading luxury resorts, excellent beaches, watersports and lively nightlife, weddings and medical tourism, the raw unspoiled beauty of Rodrigues and fascinating birdlife of the Ile aux Cocos nature reserve, world-class hiking through the mountainous interior of Re ´union and an intriguing blend of European and African culture are all covered.Unlike other guides, Bradt’s Mauritius includes detailed sections on natural history and conservation for each of the islands, as well as guides to and maps of their nature reserves. The Bradt guide also offers more detailed background information on history, culture and politics, plus fuller information on activities and sights, as well as in-depth coverage of the full range of accommodation and restaurant options, from budget to luxury.Activities for each island are included, covering everything from golf and horse riding to expert analysis of individual dive sites, plus extensive information on flora and fauna. Adventure sports and hiking on Réunion are covered, as is the most recent information on getting married in Mauritius, plus detailed coverage of Mascarene culture. Food, local recipes, language, customs, music and medical tourism are all included, and a language appendix offers useful phrases in Mauritian and Réunionnais Creole. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, fascinated by the wildlife, or just want to relax into uncomplicated island life, the Bradt guide is the ideal companion.

West With the Light

Emma — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

‘Don’t send him to Torremolinos; it’s not his kind of tundra.’ Such was the mantra of The Sunday Times when considering assignments for Brian Jackman, for whom deserts, rain forests and mountain ranges have always been more enticing habitats.After decades spent travelling and writing about the places and wildlife that have inspired him, one of the world’s most experienced naturalists has turned his focus onto the story of his inspirational life. ‘This is no ordinary autobiography’, he says. West with the Light sweeps through Jackman’s wartime evacuation, grammar school, Soho jazz clubs of the ’50s and the navy to a career in travel journalism to which his first marriage gave way before he found a new, true and more lasting love that abides to this day in his beloved rural Dorset.Beginning with memories of Edwardian London and the growth of suburbia, it provides a vivid portrayal of post-war travel and the rise of a new sort of tourism – ecotourism – set against the background of the most turbulent decades the world has ever known. Through it all shines Jackman’s lifelong love of nature, instilled by childhood holidays in the West country and the stories that led to his passion for Africa and the big cats that that still walk through his life and dreams.Rippling across continents with Jackman’s natural charm and hallmark stylish prose, his recollections include lively first-hand encounters with pioneering wildlife conservationists like George and Joy Adamson, Iain and Saba Douglas-Hamilton, Richard Leakey, Gavin Maxwell and Jonathan Scott.Travellers, wildlife enthusiasts, writers and anyone with a love of adventure will adore this book.

Bulgaria

Emma — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Fully updated for this third edition by expert author Annie Kay (for over 10 years Chairman of the British-Bulgarian Society and a part-time resident of Sofia), Bradt’s Bulgaria offers a comprehensive guide to this increasingly popular country. Detailed background information is combined with everything from tips on the best hotels and mehanas to hiking through the Rila Mountains in search of brown bear or simply strolling around Nesebur’s harbour. Bradt’s Bulgaria also offers better coverage of the country’s compelling natural history than any other guide.New for this edition are greater coverage of outdoor activities and adventure trips, a fresh perspective on Bulgaria’s burgeoning music scene and nightlife, significantly increased coverage of food and wine – including winery tours, the local grapes, and some on site restaurants and hotels – plus the benefit of new contributions from locals sharing their inside knowledge of local towns.Bulgaria has a history and culture as rich and diverse as its landscape. From the gold-domed churches of Sofia to the picturesque National Revival houses of Koprivshtitsa, mountain monasteries to medieval fortresses and ancient rock formations, the country boasts an eclectic mix of traditions and architecture. Recent archaeological discoveries are detailed in this new edition, along with Bulgaria’s participation in the European rewilding scheme. From Plovdiv’s UNESCO-listed Old Town to the frescoes of Rila Monastery, skiing to eagle spotting in Pirin National Park, elegant Ruse to the beaches of the Black Sea coast, or the former capital of Veliko Turnovo to the famous mountain town of Koprivshtitsa, Bradt’s Bulgaria is the ideal companion for a perfect trip.