http://www.britainexpress.com/uk-picture-of-the-day.htm UK travel photos for the past week, featuring history, travel and scenery from England, Scotland, and Wales. Free Windows and Mac desktop wallpaper images of historic and scenic UK locations Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:10:01 +0000 en http://www.britainexpress.com/images/pr3/logo3.gif http://www.britainexpress.com/uk-picture-of-the-day.htm The eye-catching Feathers Hotel in Ludlow, Shropshire, is perhaps one of the most photographed timber-framed buildings in the country. It is a gorgeous half-timbered building located on The Bull Ring in the historic centre of Ludlow. The hotel was built in 1619, and takes its name from the carved motif of ostrich feathers which appear on the amazing facade. Ostrich feathers are a symbol of the Prince of Wales, and the Feathers was built just after the investiture of Prince Charles (later Charles I) as Prince of Wales in 1616.

]]> http://www.britainexpress.com/uk-picture-of-the-day-image.htm?photo=1925 http://www.britainexpress.com/uk-picture-of-the-day-image.htm?photo=1925 The Ruthwell Cross is a superb carved cross dating to the 7th century. The cross stands in a specially built display area in the tiny church at Ruthwell, a hamlet in south east Dumfries and Galloway, close to the Solway Firth. If you have any interest in pre-Norman history - or even if you haven't - do make an effort to view the cross; it is quite incredible. I almost didn't get this photo, as the church was not open when I arrived, though it should have been, according to a sign outside the door. I sat in my car dithering over what to do next, and before I could decide, the vicar came to unlock the church.

]]> http://www.britainexpress.com/uk-picture-of-the-day-image.htm?photo=1924 http://www.britainexpress.com/uk-picture-of-the-day-image.htm?photo=1924 Orchardton Tower is a 15th century tower house located in a rural area between Dalbeattie and the Dumfries and Galloway coast. This area is known as The Stewartry, and is the most heavily forested area of the UK. The tower is very well-preserved, and you can climb up to the top of the tower for excellent views. The location is wonderful - our family were so amazed by how peaceful and idyllic the area felt that we wanted to find a house for sale nearby!

]]> http://www.britainexpress.com/uk-picture-of-the-day-image.htm?photo=1923 http://www.britainexpress.com/uk-picture-of-the-day-image.htm?photo=1923 New Abbey Corn Mill is an historic mill located in the little village of New Abbey, in south eastern Dumfries and Galloway. It is located just a short walk away from the ruins of Sweetheart Abbey, which is the 'new abbey' in the village name. The Corn Mill is owned and administered by Historic Scotland. It is a fully working mill for grinding oats, built in the late 18th century on a site where there had been a mill since the 1300s.

]]> http://www.britainexpress.com/uk-picture-of-the-day-image.htm?photo=1922 http://www.britainexpress.com/uk-picture-of-the-day-image.htm?photo=1922 Balteran Castle is a ruined 16th century tower house located just off the A77 about a mile south west of Maybole, in Ayrshire. I was actually driving to Crossraguel Abbey, which is just a bit further along the road, when I saw the morning sunlight hitting the castle, and I just had to stop and photograph it! An added note of interest - as of October 2009 the castle is for sale, with planning permission to create accommodation, so if you fancy owning an authentic castle, now is your chance!

]]> http://www.britainexpress.com/uk-picture-of-the-day-image.htm?photo=1921 http://www.britainexpress.com/uk-picture-of-the-day-image.htm?photo=1921 Logan Botanic Garden has been featured in the Photo of the Day before. There's a good reason for that, as the garden is a lovely spot, with plenty of beautiful views sure to please a horticultural fanatic or a photographer in search of natural beauty! Here is a closeup of a plant stalk at Logan.

]]> http://www.britainexpress.com/uk-picture-of-the-day-image.htm?photo=1920 http://www.britainexpress.com/uk-picture-of-the-day-image.htm?photo=1920 Logan Botanic Garden is a delight if you enjoy horticulture - and very enjoyable even if you don't! The garden is located on the Rinns of Galloway peninsula, south of Stranraer, at the very westernmost part of Dumfries and Galloway. Here is a hand-held photo of a quiet lily pond in the heart of the garden.

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