Books in the 50 Gems series

Oxfordshire is rich in many things: fine agricultural land and areas of dense woodland; delightful towns like Burford, Woodstock, Dorchester and Henley; the stately River Thames that bisects the county; the ironstone villages of the northern border; the Oxford Canal meandering its way through remote countryside; and splendid country houses at Blenheim, Chastleton and Rousham. The jewel in the crown is the city of Oxford itself, with its ancient honey-coloured buildings and dreaming spires. This book celebrates both Oxfordshire's well-known glories and hidden gems such as the ruined manor at Hampton Gay, the brewery at Hook Norton and the glories of Wytham Woods. Highlighting these and other gems, this book gives an enticing picture of the rich variety of experiences and sights the county of Oxfordshire has to offer.

Guernsey is a beautiful Channel Island with a fascinating history and breathtaking scenery. With an area of just 24 square miles, visitors are astonished at just how much there is to see and do. The island's varied landscape ranges from beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs and lush countryside to the quirky, cobbled streets of the harbour town of St Peter Port. In this book, accredited tour guide Soo Wellfair takes us on a journey around the island to discover fifty of its cherished places. Guernsey's many visitors find themselves immersed in the delights of this quaint and charming island and the author leads us to some of her favourite hidden treasures. Seek out the tiny chapel decorated in broken pieces of pottery and the clifftop woodland that comes alive every year when it is swathed in a blanket of bluebells. Explore Guernsey's historic sites from throughout the island's history. From Neolithic times through to the medieval and Tudor periods, and even to the more contemporary structures built during the occupation of Guernsey in the Second World War, this is an island that is small in size but immense in history and beauty. Illustrated throughout, 50 Gems of Guernsey will appeal to residents, visitors and all those interested in the island's history.

Herefordshire has had the mixed blessing of being a border county, predominately rural and far away from any metropolis. Lying between England and Wales, its past has been bloody, with raids and an unstable boundary. Borders are always porous and much Welsh influence can be found, especially in the west of the county. The county did not play a major part in the Industrial Revolution, which meant it became something of a backwater. Its unspoilt countryside provided a pleasant place to visit, but not such an easy place to make a living. Herefordshire can make the claim of being the birthplace of tourism as rich travellers, thwarted by the Napoleonic War from making the Grand Tour of Europe, found journeys down the beautiful River Wye some compensation. Now modernity is making changes to the county, with pressure for more houses, large-scale agriculture and the climate crisis all having their effect, but Herefordshire remains an intriguing and fascinating place. In 50 Gems of Herefordshire, local author David Phelps visits some of the favourite and lesser-known locations that reflect its heritage, culture and scenic splendour. From churches to castles and cider factory to cathedral, this is a county with much to discover and enjoy. Well-illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to residents and visitors alike.

This beautifully photographed selection of fifty of Gloucestershire's most precious assets shows what makes it such a popular destination.

This beautifully photographed selection of fifty of the county's most precious assets shows what makes Buckinghamshire great.

Discover fifty of West Cork's landmarks and special places, which reflect the essence, character and beauty of this south-western corner of Ireland.

This beautifully photographed selection of fifty of the Peak District's most precious assets shows what makes it one of the most visited parts of the country.

This beautifully photographed selection of fifty of the region's most precious assets shows what makes East Kent such a popular destination.

This beautifully photographed selection of fifty of the region's most precious assets shows what makes Mid Wales such a popular destination.

This beautifully photographed selection of fifty of the county's most precious assets shows what makes Staffordshire great.

This beautifully photographed selection of fifty of the county's most precious assets shows what makes Dorset such a popular destination.

This beautifully photographed selection of fifty of North Devon's most precious assets shows what makes it such a popular destination.

This beautifully photographed selection of fifty of the region's most precious assets shows what makes North Wales such a popular destination.

This beautifully photographed selection of fifty of the county's most precious assets shows what makes Northumberland great.

This beautifully photographed selection of fifty of Somerset's most precious assets shows what makes it such a popular destination.