In this fascinating new series, renowned actress Dame Penelope Keith travels through Britain's charming villages to uncover what makes these places so unique and special. Armed with her beloved vintage 'Batsford' travel books, Penelope explores the rich artistic, literary and royal histories of each region, discovers how time has changed village communities, and seeks out quirky local traditions which continue to this day. From county shows and village fairs to dance performances and ancient ceremonial gatherings, she seeks out the community heartbeat of each village. She travels by land, sea and air to discover the characters and communities who have made a big impact to village life. Join Penelope on her mission to find out why we love villages so much; what's disappeared, changed and stayed the same - and what's the secret to their longevity?
1. Devon and Cornwall Penelope is in the land of rugged coastal communities and cliff-edge fishing villages, but also of huge numbers of holiday makers. She visits the most exposed theatre in the country and Fowey Harbour.
2. Cumbria Penelope is in the far north-west of England, learning about life amidst the renowned landscape of Cumbria and discovers there is much more to life in a Cumbrian village than tourists and tea shops.
3. Royal Deeside Penelope travels through Royal Deeside,Aberdeenshire, exploring its considerable links to the Royal Family. She also goes gamekeeping and takes to the skies in a glider.
4. Sussex and Kent On a trip across the South Downs and The Weald, Penelope visits the Cuckfield Donkey races, Rudyard Kipling's home and a cricket bat maker.
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