visitors in the bird world, going back to their winter breeding grounds and those who like to spend their winters with us start to arrive back here, such as Oystercatchers, Canada Geese, Fieldfare and Redwing. So whether you are near an open water space or strolling in a woodland there will be new things to see both high up in the branches, down on the ground or in between and don't forget to look out for the fungi, berries and conkers!

There are still many events taking place during September. Don't forget to use the opportunity on the weekend of 11th to 14th September to use the Heritage Open Days FREE access to properties throughout England, some of which are not normally open to the public. Other events taking place include steam fairs, country shows and river races and as the nights start to close in the torchlight processions begin again. For those of you who like a little unusual entertainment there is the World Black Pudding Throwing Championships, The World Gurning Championships and the World Stone Skimming Championships. Check out our diary for loads more.

Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, nr Doncaster, South Yorkshire . A small manor house but with good quality servant accommodation, not in the attic for the employees of this establishment, here they had large rooms over the kitchen part of the house with wallpaper on the walls and carpeted and a maximum of two in a room. The other quirky fact learned was that during the 2nd World War it was taken over by the Army when the daughter was home alone and allowed them in as 'she thought it would be a bit of fun' to have people around. The gardens are also spectacular with an Italian Garden, Rose Garden, a sunken fern dell 'The Grove', and the flower garden with its colour and neatly clipped shrubs. Other garden features include a summerhouse with views of the house and gardens and The Target House so called because it was once used as a viewing area for target practice taking place on the long lawn.

Mount Grace Priory, Northallerton, North Yorkshire and  . A ruin of a 14th century Carthusian Priory in the grounds of a 13th century manor house whose interiors have been restored to the arts and crafts period. The monks of this priory led a solitary lifestyle and were accommodated in individual 'cells' where they slept, prayed and worked only coming out on Sundays and feast days. On site there is a recreated 'cell' which shows what it is thought they would have been like for the monks of the day.

Heugh Gun Battery, Hartlepool, Durham . A small but interesting military museum overlooking the North Sea. It was the only coastal battery in England to fire its guns in anger during the First World War, when they were attacked on 16th December 1914 by three German battle cruisers, causing extensive damage to the surrounding town.

Heugh Lighthouse (The), Hartlepool, Durham

Hartlepool Maritime Experience, Hartlepool, Durham. A living history museum with examples of an historic quayside with shops, houses and warehouse buildings, as well as interactive displays of life on a British Naval Frigate and recruitment through 'pressed gangs'. There is also the HMS Trincomalee to board and explore all 4 levels, the oldest British warship still afloat, and also the Hartlepool Museum and a paddle steamer Wingfield Castle.

Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge, Durham. Being re-painted on our visit so not able to cross in the car. Being windy we also had to dodge the flying paint!

Saltburn Cliff Railway, Saltburn on Sea, Durham. A water powered cliff lift that still uses the water as it's main power, with a 55 second ride that transports you from the town at the top down to the Pier and beach below.

Whitby Abbey, Whitby, Yorkshire .

Scarborough Castle, Yorkshire . The ruins of this castle can be seen on entering Scarborough as it sits perched high on a hill on the coast. There are some fantastic views of the North Sea and the town from up here. It is quite a steep climb up from the town where you have to park to visit it.

Flamborough Head Lighthouse, Yorkshire 

Black Country Museum, Dudley, West Midlands. A living history museum with a tram, vintage buses, cars, a mine, canal, a couple of streets with shops, foundries, school, small screen cinema showing silent movies and more. It tells the history of the area through exploring the various buildings, talking to the costumed guides and its museum.

Stratford Upon Avon Butterfly Farm, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire. If you want to get up close to butterflies and get a close-up photo of a butterfly then this is the place to visit. If you wear green they may even land on you. The day we visited there were over 2,000 butterflies across 400 different species flying about in the hot house, which is full of greenery and flora that the butterflies love. There were also displays of spiders, insects and a chameleon. Awesome will be going back again I am sure.

The MAD Museum, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire. This is a small museum over the top of some shops in the centre of the town. All exhibits are interactive by pushing buttons to see how they work. From marble runs as well as those using golf balls, to automata and optical illusions with art and light. The most popular exhibit seemed to be the clapping hand - clap loudly and it claps back high above your head!