landmarks

The site of one of L.A.’s most notorious murder-suicides, Greystone has been supposedly haunted ever since. In February 1929, owner Ned Doheny, son of oil tycoon Edward Doheny, was shot and killed by his personal secretary and childhood friend Hugh Plunkett who, minutes later, shot himself. The motive for the crime was never discovered, though rumors posited a sexual relationship, a dispute over Plunkett’s salary and, most plausibly, the pair’s involvement in the Teapot Dome scandal. Doheny’s widow lived in the mansion until 1955, after which a series of sales almost led to its demolition, prevented by an 11th-hour purchase by the city of Beverly Hills, which converted the house into an event venue and the grounds into a park. Since then, there have been many reports by workers of mysterious sounds, the smell of rotting flesh and shadowy, spectral figures. That has not stopped it from becoming a favored filming spot for film and television, from “The Amazing Race” to “There Will Be Blood,” and a popular wedding venue.

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Wells is one of England’s most charming cathedral cities where you can browse markets, drink cider in cosy pubs and wander the cathedral’s gorgeous grounds

Nestled in Somerset lies one of England’s most picturesque cathedral cities, Wells, where you can explore markets, sip cider in quaint pubs and stroll around the stunning grounds of the cathedral. Wells is situated on the southern fringe of the Mendip Hills, with the imposing figure of Wells Cathedral at its heart, reports the Express.

Constructed between 1175 and 1490, Wells Cathedral has been hailed as the most poetic of the English Cathedrals, and it’s not hard to see why. It holds the distinction of being the earliest English Cathedral built in the Gothic style and enjoys an international reputation.

This grand cathedral is worth a visit for its architecture alone, but it also houses over 300 sculptures, Britain’s oldest functioning mechanical clock, and offers daily tours to delve into the city’s rich history.

The city itself gained international recognition after serving as the filming location for the fictional village of Sandford in the cult film Hot Fuzz, featuring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and a host of other renowned British actors.

Many of the film’s most memorable locations such as the Swan Hotel, the corner shop where the characters purchase Cornettos and the marketplace where the epic gunfight occurs are actual places you can visit.

Wells is also home to Europe’s oldest residential street. Vicars Close boasts beautiful stone houses, cobbled streets and a breath-taking view of the cathedral, perfect for capturing memorable photos of your weekend getaway.

The marketplace in front of the cathedral opens on Wednesdays and Saturdays where you can buy fresh produce, treats and homemade crafts – perfect for a lazy day of mooching around before stopping in to one of the city’s many pubs and enjoying a pint of Somerset cider.

According to Tripadvisor, one of Wells’ finest boozers is the Sheep and Penguin, which serves up a cracking Sunday roast.

One punter raved: “The choice of beer was excellent and the bar manager’s knowledge and enthusiasm was great. We then returned for more beer and a meal. The beer remained delicious and the meal was fabulous. If we lived anywhere near, we would be enjoying the delights on a frequent basis.”

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Many people who live in or visit Newcastle may not realise are a set of stairs near the Quayside offer a direct route to one of the city’s most famous landmarks

If you’re a fan of exploration and pretty active you might fancy tackling a ‘secret’ staircase in Newcastle. This hidden gem leads to one of the city’s most renowned landmarks, yet remains largely undiscovered by many locals and visitors alike.

Whether it’s the plethora of top-notch eateries and watering holes in town, superb entertainment venues, or the striking architecture – with the magnificent Grey Street and iconic Tyne Bridge being just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to breathtaking sights in Newcastle.

Now, a landmark that often goes unnoticed until stumbled upon is Newcastle Castle, and the staircase leading up to it from the Quayside is considered one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

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The Quayside is a brilliant spot to enjoy in its own right. After admiring the bridges, enjoying a few pints and, if you time it right, visiting the weekly Quayside market, you can take a direct route from the banks of the Tyne to the Castle via the Battery Stairs.

These shouldn’t be confused with the nearby Long Stairs or the daunting ‘death stairs’. Named after the Half Moon Battery, part of the Castle that was demolished and replaced by crowded tenements in the 17th century, these stairs offer a scenic route from one area of the city to another and are a photographer’s dream, offering plenty of great shots from bottom to top, reports Chronicle Live.

Every person who has posted about climbing the stairs online has mentioned that they’re not for the faint-hearted, including one individual who advised tourists to use the handrails when ascending or descending. Highlighting the potential for some fantastic photos, another wrote: ‘This ancient staircase up to Newcastle Castle looks superb.

They are fun to walk up or down, if you’re a keen photographer you will have some great and dramatic photographic opportunities to take. ‘.