thom4's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Newquay, England

The Island, Newquay

Sometimes an island, sometimes a rocky outcropping connected to the world by a tiny suspension bridge.
Isle of Wight, England

St. Catherine's Oratory

This lighthouse was crafted as penitence for the theft of wine bound for a monastery.
Ryde, England

1930s London Underground Trains at Ryde

The Isle of Wight’s “Island Line” serviced by former London Underground trains from the 1930s.
Isle of Wight, England

Culver Battery

The now-quiet remains of coastal artillery defenses that were used in both World Wars.
Arromanches-les-Bains, France

Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches

Remains of the artificial harbours invented for the Allied invasion of Normandy can still be seen at sea.
Bayeux, France

Bayeux Tapestry

This enormous "cloth of the conquest" depicts the Norman invasion of England in mind-blowing detail.
Honfleur, France

Église Sainte Catherine

One of the oldest and largest wooden churches in France was very evidently constructed by shipbuilders.
Sark, Guernsey

Sark Dark Sky Island

The first island in the world designated a light-pollution-free astronomical observation point.
Carcassonne, France

La Cité Médiévale de Carcassonne

Historic medieval fortified city in southwest France.
Portbou, Spain

Walter Benjamin Memorial

Haunting monument to the German Jewish philosopher who died while fleeing fascism.
Porto, Portugal

Jardim Botânico do Porto (Porto Botanical Garden)

A small but charming botanical garden that contains many exotic plant species.
Porto, Portugal

Sao Bento Station

Elaborate tile work in this railway station tells the story of Portugal.
Gijón, Spain

Árbol de la Sidra

Made up of 3,200 recycled glass bottles, this tree pays homage to Asturia's love of cider.
Jerusalem, Israel

Montefiore Windmill

After over 100 years out of service this landmark windmill once again turns as a symbol of Jerusalem's self-sufficiency.
Ein Gedi, Israel

Dead Sea Sinkholes

As the Dead Sea continues to deplete, massive sinkholes open along its banks.
Jerusalem, Israel

Shrine of the Book

The home of the Dead Sea Scrolls is an abstract modernist dream.
Masada, Israel

Masada

This daunting 1st century fortress was purportedly the site of one of the most dramatic revolts of the Jewish-Roman wars.
Greatstone, England

Greatstone Sound Mirrors

Huge concrete structures designed as an early warning system for Britain to detect enemy aircraft.
Dungeness, England

Derek Jarman's Garden

An avant-garde artist is survived by his seaside garden.
Lisbon, Portugal

Carmo Convent Ruins

Legacy of the earthquake that nearly wiped Lisbon off the face of the Earth.
Lisbon, Portugal

Santa Justa Lift

This Industrial Age architectural and engineering gem helps visitors and residents alike traverse Lisbon, “The City of Seven Hills.”
Lisbon, Portugal

Rhinoceros of Belem Tower

A king's pet, a pope's gift, an artist's inspiration, and a tragic shipwreck.
Lisbon, Portugal

Jerónimos Monastery

Elaborately carved to showcase the glorious wealth that the age of exploration brought to the Portuguese empire.
London, England

Columbia Road Shops and Flower Market

The Columbia Road Flower Market is now open every Sunday, rain or shine.