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Stonehenge, the prehistoric stone circle in south-west England, has been given a £10 million ($16 million) grant towards providing a new visitor centre.

The money has come from proceeds from the National Lottery that are earmarked for heritage purposes.

Lady Andrews, the Chairwoman of English Heritage, which manages the site, said it was very grateful for the generous grant. “Not only does it help to narrow the funding gap for the project considerably, it also sends out a message of confidence about the benefits that the project will bring – to tourism, the local economy and the conservation and public enjoyment of Stonehenge and its landscape.”

The proposed centre would consist of a pair of single-storey areas of glass and timber about a mile-and-a-half (2.4 km) west of the stones. It would include exhibition and education facilities, a cafe, shop and toilets.

Stonehenge, constructed between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC, and thought to have been used for a variety of religious ceremonies, is a World Heritage site. It attracts about 900,000 tourists a year, 70 per cent of whom come from abroad. However, visitors have long expressed disappointment – and sometimes astonishment – at the state of facilities there.

by Andy Moreton

Luxique offers a variety of luxury hotels in south-west England as well as in many other parts of the UK.

A host of special events have been organised in the UK to commemorate the 500th anniversary on April 22nd of the accession of one of the most colourful and controversial kings of England – Henry VIII.

Many of the sights most associated with Henry are in and around London, such as three royal palaces – Windsor Castle, Hampton Court and the Tower of London; all of them are all holding special exhibitions in April.

At the Tower will be a large collection of objects known to have belonged to the king, including weapons, armour and clothing. At Windsor, visitors will be able to see his hunting sword and a poem hand-written by his daughter, the future Queen Elizabeth I.

Hampton Court is throwing open the doors of the king’s state apartments and council chamber. There will be opportunities to ‘meet’ the King and his Queens, as well as take part in traditional 16th century games and feasting. Tudor costumes are available for those who want to immerse themselves fully in court life.

Full details of the activities can be found on the Visit London website and Luxique can help you reserve accommodation at a range of luxury hotels in London.

by Andy Moreton

Henry VIII had six wives, two of whom were executed at the Tower. This reminded me that years ago, an advert for the London Underground appeared, showing Henry buying a ticket saying ‘Tower Hill return, please.’ Before long, someone had scrawled underneath: ‘And a single for the wife.

The historic city of Caen in north-western France came under relentless bombardment in the Battle of Normandy in 1944.

Now, historians have unearthed a network of tunnels and caves where thousands of civilians took shelter. Numerous poignant reminders of a terrified population lie largely undisturbed.

These include packed suitcases, tins of syrup, maps and official passes and even ladies’ make-up bags containing nail varnish and lipstick. There are also children’s magazines and toys, shoes, prayer books and makeshift beds.

Caen Memorial historian, Marc Pottier, said the lost world was a hugely moving testament to the ordeal of ordinary people during the war.

He said: “During the summer of 1944 here in Caen, 15,000 refugees experienced some of the most terrible conditions imaginable. By visiting these galleries we can better understand what they went through.”

On D-Day (June 6th 1944), Caen was the principal objective for the British 3rd Infantry Division and was the scene of intense fighting right up until August. The old city, including parts dating back to the Middle Ages, was largely destroyed, with three-quarters of the buildings reduced to rubble.

Reconstruction went on until 1962, with most of the underground shelters largely forgotten. Caen University hopes that at least some of the caves might one day be opened to the public.

by Andy Moreton

For a stay in the Caen region, Luxique can offer the best rates at Relais Chateau d’Audrieu, an outstanding 18th century listed building set in lush parkland.