Stephanie Cross
Stephanie Cross is a Norfolk-born author and journalist.
Recent articles by Stephanie Cross
St Benet's Abbey, Norfolk: what to see and do
Once the home of wealthy monks, a famous knight and an industrious farmer, this lonesome relic now stands empty, save for the occasional crow, owl and wintertime wren
Cricklade North Meadow National Nature Reserve, Wiltshire
In spring, North Meadow blushes purple with thousands of the snake's-head fritillaries – just one of many wildflower species to thrive in this Wiltshire reserve
Walk: Upnor and Medway River, Kent
Enjoy a leisurely stroll across the Medway Valley, where Neolithic monuments and spring wildlife await
Walk: Mersea Island, Essex
This east-coast island, tethered to the mainland of Britain by a haunted causeway, is a wildlife haven in early spring, where seals exult, sea plants thrive and butterflies dance.
Walk: Horsey, Norfolk
Enjoy a moderate circular walk around the village of Horsey in the Norfolk Broads National Park, discovering marshland, wild coast and grey seals
Guide to nightjars: identification, distribution and where to see them
Learn all about one of Britain's most unusual bird species with our guide to nightjars, including how to identify them, folklore, where they live and when you can see them.
Walk: Bramley, Surrey
Follow your nose on this sensory walk through sun-dappled holloways, fields and woodland brimming with life
Walk: St Catherine’s Hill, Hampshire
Walk to the top of the tree-topped beacon of St Catherine's Hill in historic Winchester with this easy four-mile stroll
Day out: Herringfleet Mill, Suffolk
As winter turns to spring, the skies around Suffollks’s old windpumps become a playground for the first swallows of the season, creating one of England’s loveliest scenes
Day out: Waverley Abbey, Surrey
Founded in the early 12th century, this now-ruined abbey on the edge of the Surrey Hills was the first Cistercian house to be established in Britain
Walk: Abingdon Lock, Oxfordshire
Walk from one of England’s oldest towns through gardens, meadows and a colourful marina to a historic village and the burial site of a famous novelist
Day out: The Orchard Tea Garden, Grantchester, Cambridgeshire
Sit back and relax in the dappled sunlight of an aged orchard, in the comforting company of delicious cakes, wholesome scones and intriguing tales of old
Day out: Watts Gallery and Artists’ Village, Surrey
In the heart of the wooded Surrey Hills nestles a hub of creativity, a portrait-packed gallery and an astounding red-brick chapel, tribute to an extraordinary artistic couple
Day out: Great Eastern Pingo Trail, Norfolk
The British landscape is strewn with unusual-looking reminders of our ancient past. One such landform is the pingo, a small pond of surprising significance
Day out: Chanctonbury Ring, West Sussex
Fables of the Devil and curious cults proliferate in this enclave of the South Downs National Park, a landscape roamed by majestic raptors and hooting owls
Walk: Beddingham Hill, Alciston and Firle Estate, East Sussex
Hike along the chalk footpaths of the South Downs hill tops, passing through woodlands, meadows and rolling fields.
Walk: Wilbur Hill, Inkpen, Berkshire
Stephanie Cross climbs up to the highest point in south-east England to drink in the view while raptors soar overhead
Walk: Shingle Street, Suffolk - the Invasion that never was?
Dark rumours told of German soldiers landing on a deserted stretch of England’s eastern coast. Stephanie Cross wanders the starkly beautiful scene of a wartime mystery
Drive: Suffolk and Essex
A lazy drive through Lovejoy country is the perfect way to visit Suffolk and Essex’s medieval towns, stopping off for sweet treats and a rummage for old gems, says Stephanie Cross