Great Northern Travel Book

North of Watford Gap - John Brown

The Definitive Northern Travel Book

 In this lighthearted romp across the northern counties of the UK, 
John compares the history of its major cities and their place in modern day Britain. Always well researched, and informative he cleverly unpicks the myths and sets out the true nature of each place he visits. Within this cleverly constructed work he traces the origins of King Cotton and the womens' suffrage movement in Manchester, before widening his net to encompass Yorkshire and in particular Harrogate, and the mystery of Agatha Christie. In Scarborough we find him battling the elements to discover the charms of this delightful Spa town and it's resurgence as a quality weekend destination.

His trail continues in the same inquisitive vein in Whitby, where he discovers the delights of the Abbey, Captain Cook, and the all pervading aroma of fish and chips, not to mention the underlying connection to Dracula. Newcastle Upon Tyne comes under the wicked eye of this incisive writer, as does Holy Island, where John traces the 'Pilgrims Walk' across the sands to the bewitching Lindisfarne.

 Hexam, Hadrian's wall and the Romans, Morcambe and the wonderful Midland Hotel, and the surprise delights of Lancaster all come under the observant eye of this writer. In Liverpool he discovers the fascinating Williamson Tunnels, while the never ending sound of Ferry across the Mersey becomes lodged in his brain. His quest takes him to the walled city of Chester and a talkative Irish tourist as well as a leisurely cruise along the sun-drenched River Dee. In Knutsford his curiosity is awakened by the very narrow pavements and the profusion of Italiante buildings. The delightful Spa town of Buxton finds John testing the waters and waiting to see if they really are as radioactive as people say, before visiting the quirkiest book shop in Britain. Finally he returns to Alderley Edge home of the modern-day WAGS and Athurial legends. Inbetween the more known places, John sprinkles the pages with odd landmarks, places of interest and anecdotes galore. In short, he has once again mastered the art of carrying the reader with him, and as with all of John's writing, there is always a healthy dose of humour or irony, making the reading experience, simply a joy

See what other readers arev saying

John Philips 2010.7.2 19:28
What a tonic. I can't remember when I enjoyed a travel book so much. I am based in Hertfordshire, but you made 'The North ' come alive for me. The chaptyer on Scarborough in particular was superb, so much so, that we have booked a long weekend there in September.
Once again, many thanks for a splendid read.
John Philips.

Tony Randle 2010.6.20 17:00
 I read Return to Oz some time ago and wondered when your new book was due - now I know. What a cracker. I particularly liked the chapter on Liverpool.
I too went on the Mersey Ferry, and that tuned stayed in my head for a week..
Thanks for a great read.

David Crestall 2009.12.15 17:34
Loved the book. What a pity you don't write for one of the Sunday's, I really would enjoy this sort of comment on a regular basis.
Thanks anyway,

Terry Pierce 2011.1.7 10:54
Thank you - you made my Christmas !
My wife bought me your book as a stocking filler - what a tonic. I loved the chapter on Chester, in fact, I loved all the chapters.
 Thank you once again for a superb read.