We’ve changed our name!

We’ve changed our main YouTube channel name from “Two Bears On Tour” to “Exploring places and history”. Our “Two Bears’ Cottage” channel will remain the same, although we will be posting less content to this channel. Please bear with us while we update all of our sites with our new search terms etc.. Please continue to watch our videos – we’re keeping it the same; … Continue reading We’ve changed our name!

Stunning Stonehaven’s Memorable Memorial

The Stonehaven War Memorial was built in 1922 and commemorates the men and women who lost their lives in the Great War otherwise known as World War I. The memorial sits on top of Black Hill, just a short walk from the town it’s a popular place to come and have a picnic and sit and enjoy the views up and down this amazing coastline. … Continue reading Stunning Stonehaven’s Memorable Memorial

Dunnottar Castle | myths, mysteries and murders!

Dramatically perched on an outcrop along Scotland’s northeast coast, Dunnottar Castle was once one of the most important medieval castles in Scotland.  Once a bastion of Scottish history, Dunnottar has witnessed many pivotal historical events including sheltering Charles II and the Scottish crown jewels from Cromwell’s invasion.  Its ruinous walls have many secrets to tell … Join us as we discover Dunnottar’s fascinating and brutal … Continue reading Dunnottar Castle | myths, mysteries and murders!

Not all flamingos are pink!

A day out at Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Gloucestershire. The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust site here at Slimbridge is a charity dedicated to the conservation of our wetlands species. It was set up in 1946 by Sir Peter Scott who championed wild life conservation and also set up the World Wildlife Fund. He recognised the potential of the site for the conservation, monitoring and … Continue reading Not all flamingos are pink!

Gloucester Cathedral

Gloucester Cathedral One of Britain’s greatest buildings, Gloucester Cathedral sits in the centre of the Roman built city of Glevum.  Originally an Abbey dedicated to St Peter, it sits on a green which was the former Abbey’s graveyard.  The buildings that surround it were built in the 17th and 18th centuries; they are still in use today.  This cathedral church was built by medieval monks … Continue reading Gloucester Cathedral

Slains Castle | the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”

Perched dramatically on the cliffs above Cruden Bay in Aberdeenshire, the ruin of Slains Castle immediately captures the imagination.  Its intricate architectural details combine with its fascinating history; its towering spires and arched windows showcase the craftsmanship of a bygone era; its position invites you to take in the ever changing panoramic views of the North Sea’s sweeping coastal scenery. This once thriving symbol of … Continue reading Slains Castle | the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”

The Elizabethan Wall

Berwick-upon-Tweed We took a stroll around Berwick-upon-Tweed’s Elizabethan Wall on a sunny spring morning. It was a beautiful walk with stunning scenery and we learnt some of Berwick’s lesser known facts along the way! Berwick’s town walls were built over 400 years ago, but they are still almost completely intact and stand today, as strong as they ever did.  They are 1¼ miles in length … Continue reading The Elizabethan Wall

Hailes Abbey | a place of pilgrimage

We take a fascinating look at the history of Hailes Abbey and the Medieval marvel that is Hailes Church. Hailes Abbey | a place of pilgrimage Nestled at the foot of the picturesque Cotswold hills, this now ruinous Cistercian monastery once held an important Holy relic which turned it into a major pilgrimage destination.  Founded in 1246 this monastery survived both swathes of the Black … Continue reading Hailes Abbey | a place of pilgrimage

Dunnideer | is it a fort, a tower house or a castle | and when was it built?

Sitting on top of Dunnideer Hill, near Insch in Aberdeenshire, is the ruinous remains of a former important stronghold.  Dunnideer castle is purported to be the earliest recorded town house on mainland Scotland.  The first documented mention of a Castle on Dunnideer Hill was in 1260AD, but when was it built? Dunnideer Hill lies on the outskirts of Insch in Aberdeenshire and the iconic tower … Continue reading Dunnideer | is it a fort, a tower house or a castle | and when was it built?

Pitmedden Garden | one of the best in Scotland!

Hello everyone! We’ve a new vlog out! This week we take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque 17th century walled garden at Pitmedden, which was once described as one of the best gardens in Scotland. We agree! Come with us while we explore these beautifully landscaped gardens and the fascinating museum of farming life, which will immediately transport you back to a bygone era. Here’s … Continue reading Pitmedden Garden | one of the best in Scotland!