Less a barrier, more a linear space where meadows merge with woodland, forest with chalk ridge through which wildlife passes, impervious to this administrative boundary. Ringshall cottages By far the most challenging walking route, the 19-mile Ashridge Boundary Trail follows the estate boundary as best it can; weaving around livestock, two golf courses, farms and hamlets whilst missing out obvious landmarks such as the Pitstone Windmill. Visible from the Northern loop where the famous...

England is full of quaint customs, some funny and others frankly bizarre. This annual census is both quaint and oddly bizarre. It’s all a bit stressful! The origin of some customs have been lost or re-imagined to suit modern tastes and bank holiday dates. Swan Upping is neither. Firmly routed in the 12th century, this annual swan census is necessary for conservation of mute swans and acts as a gentle reminder of who owns them. "The resident swans can form lifelong partnerships, nest and rear...

The Natural History Museum in Tring’ is a place that has endured and still delights generations of local families. The historic market town of Tring is a busy commuter town within easy reach of London and the M25. Located on the original Roman Akeman Street, the Natural History Museum (NHM) Tring is in auspicious company. Built in 1889 to house one of the finest zoological collections in private hands, this in a museum frozen in time. The town itself has many connections with the museum and...