Out and About TV

We Crawled Inside a 6,000-Year-Old Tomb Older Than Stonehenge

Our latest adventure took us to Stoney Littleton Long Barrow in Somerset – one of Britain’s best-preserved prehistoric burial monuments and a fascinating glimpse into Neolithic life.

Located near the village of Wellow, this chambered tomb was built between approximately 3750 BC and 3400 BC. That makes it older than Stonehenge and older than the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Stoney Littleton is a classic example of a Cotswold-Severn long barrow. The monument measures around 30 metres in length and contains a central stone passage about 13 metres long leading to seven burial chambers – three pairs of side chambers and a final chamber at the end.

During excavations in the early 19th century, archaeologists discovered human bones and cremated remains belonging to multiple individuals, including men, women and children. This suggests the tomb was used repeatedly over many generations by a local farming community.

One intriguing feature is an ammonite fossil set into the stonework near the entrance. Whether this fossil was deliberately chosen for symbolic reasons or simply happened to be in the building stone remains unknown.

Today, visitors can still walk to the monument and carefully explore the narrow stone passageway themselves, experiencing a structure that has survived for nearly six millennia.

Facts about Stoney Littleton Long Barrow:

• Built approximately 3750–3400 BC
• Around 30 metres long
• Contains seven burial chambers
• Central passage approximately 13 metres long
• Human remains from multiple individuals were discovered during excavations
• One of the finest surviving and publicly accessible Neolithic chambered tombs in England
• Managed today by English Heritage

Have you ever visited a prehistoric monument? And would you crawl into a 6,000-year-old tomb?

#StoneyLittleton #LongBarrow #Neolithic #StoneAge #Somerset #AncientBritain #Archaeology #EnglishHeritage #HistoricSites #outandabouttv

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6 days ago | [YT] | 6

Out and About TV

Wells Cathedral: 850 Years of History in England’s Smallest City

Wells Cathedral is one of the most remarkable and historically significant cathedrals in the United Kingdom. Located in the heart of Wells, it stands in what is officially recognised as England’s smallest city, yet it holds one of the greatest architectural treasures in the country.

Construction of the cathedral began around 1175 during the early Gothic period and continued for over 300 years, with major phases of development extending to approximately 1490. This long construction period reflects the evolving styles, techniques, and craftsmanship of medieval England.

Wells Cathedral is widely regarded as one of the earliest cathedrals in England built entirely in the Gothic style. Its design showcases the transition from Romanesque architecture into the more expressive and structurally ambitious Gothic form that would come to define much of Europe’s great ecclesiastical buildings.

Some of its most famous features include:

* The West Front, completed in the 13th century, featuring one of the most impressive collections of medieval statues in Europe
* The scissor arches, added in the 14th century to stabilise the central tower and still standing as a unique feat of medieval engineering
* Beautiful medieval stained glass, much of which survives from the 14th century
* Intricate vaulted ceilings, stone carvings, and exceptional craftsmanship throughout the interior

The cathedral is constructed primarily from local Doulting limestone, which gives the building its distinctive warm colour and has helped it remain a defining landmark in Somerset for over eight centuries.

Today, Wells Cathedral continues to function as both a place of worship and a major heritage site, attracting visitors from around the world who come to experience its history, architecture, and atmosphere.

In this video, we explore the story behind this incredible building — its construction, its survival through centuries of change, and the extraordinary skill of the craftsmen who built it.

If you enjoy historic places, cathedrals, castles, ancient monuments, and hidden gems across the UK, consider subscribing to Out and About TV for more.

#WellsCathedral #WellsSomerset #Cathedral #HistoricEngland #GothicArchitecture #Somerset #MedievalHistory #EnglishHeritage #TravelUK #outandabouttv

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1 week ago | [YT] | 4

Out and About TV

🎄✨ We’ve just explored the magical Dunham Massey Christmas Lights 2025!
Have you been this year — or planning to go? Let us know your favourite UK Christmas trail 👇

6 months ago | [YT] | 0

Out and About TV

We spent the night at the Hampton by Hilton York, and here’s what we thought!

If you’re planning a short city break, business trip, or even travelling with your pet, this hotel really ticks the boxes. Located just a few minutes’ walk from York Railway Station and the city’s historic centre, it’s in the perfect spot to explore attractions like York Minster, The Shambles, and National Railway Museum.

Inside, the Hampton by Hilton York offers:
✨ 24-hour reception – always someone on hand to help
🥐 Free hot breakfast included with every stay
📶 Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
🐾 Pet-friendly rooms available on request
🏋️ Fitness centre with modern equipment
🍸 Lounge bar and dining area for relaxing evenings
🅿️ NCP parking nearby (discounted charges apply on ticket validation)
🛏️ Comfortable rooms with HDTV, air conditioning, and walk-in showers

We found it clean, welcoming, and ideal for both business and family travel.
Watch full video here: https://youtu.be/exchUgANpHo

Would you stay here on your next trip to York?
👇 Let us know your go-to hotels for city breaks!

#York #HamptonByHilton #HotelReview #TravelUK #OutandAboutTV #YorkHotels #PetFriendly

8 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 2

Out and About TV

🌿 How to Grow a Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera adansonii) in Your Aquarium

If you’re looking to add a unique tropical flair to your aquarium, look no further than the Swiss cheese plant — scientifically known as Monstera adansonii. Known for its iconic perforated leaves and lush growth, this plant is not only a houseplant favorite but also surprisingly adaptable to aquatic environments. Whether you’re interested in aquascaping, hydroponics, or just want to try something new, growing a Swiss cheese plant in water is easier than you might think.

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🪴 Why Grow a Swiss Cheese Plant in Water?

Monstera adansonii is naturally adapted to humid, tropical environments. It’s an epiphytic plant in the wild, meaning it often grows on trees and absorbs moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. Thanks to this adaptability, it can thrive in water — especially in aquarium setups where it adds aesthetic value and contributes to water quality by absorbing nitrates.

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🌱 Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Monstera adansonii in Your Aquarium

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1. Choose the Right Cutting

To start, take a healthy cutting from a mature Swiss cheese plant. You’ll need:
• A node (a small bump where roots and leaves grow)
• At least one healthy leaf

✂️ Use sterilized scissors to make a clean cut just below the node.

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2. Rooting in Water

Place the cutting in a container of dechlorinated water, making sure the node is submerged but the leaves are not.

📍 Tip: Keep the container in a bright, indirect light area — direct sun can scorch the leaves.

Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation and bacterial buildup. Within 2–4 weeks, you should see white roots emerging from the node.

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3. Adding to the Aquarium

Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transfer the cutting to your aquarium. You have two main options:

🪵 A. Above-Tank Hydroponic Style:
• Place the plant on top of the aquarium with roots submerged and leaves above the water.
• Secure the stem using suction cups, clips, or mesh lids.
• This allows the plant to benefit from humidity while preventing leaf rot.

🌊 B. Partially Submerged in the Tank:
• Position the plant with the lower stem and roots underwater, ideally near the filter output or a gently flowing current.
• Leaves should ideally stay above the waterline, though some partial submersion is okay short-term.

Avoid burying roots in gravel or substrate — this can lead to rot.

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4. Care and Maintenance
• ✅ Lighting: Bright, indirect light is best. If the tank is heavily shaded, consider a grow light.
• 💧 Water Quality: Monstera helps absorb excess nutrients, but decaying leaves can still pollute water — prune regularly.
• 🌿 Growth: Expect steady growth. If the plant gets leggy, pinch the tips to encourage bushier foliage.
• 🧪 Tank Companions: Safe with most freshwater fish, shrimp, and snails. Avoid aggressive nibblers like goldfish.

🧪 Can You Leave It in Water Permanently?

Yes — Monstera adansonii can live permanently in water if the environment is stable. However, you can also transplant it into soil later if you’d like a more traditional houseplant setup.

If you choose to keep it hydroponic:
• Clean the roots monthly
• Trim dead foliage
• Add diluted, aquarium-safe nutrients occasionally

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🌿 Final Thoughts

Growing a Swiss cheese plant in your aquarium is a great way to blend botany and aquatics, creating a stunning natural aesthetic that benefits both your fish and your space. Whether you’re starting with a single cutting or experimenting with a hydroponic jungle, Monstera adansonii proves to be both beautiful and low-maintenance.

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1 year ago | [YT] | 2

Out and About TV

Dragonfly Nymph: The Underwater Predator! Or Another Red Mason Bee 🐝

Spotted this incredible creature during our latest outdoor adventure! This is a dragonfly nymph, the juvenile stage of a dragonfly. Unlike the elegant fliers we see darting over ponds and rivers, dragonfly nymphs spend most of their lives underwater, hunting with their extendable jaws. They ambush small fish, tadpoles, and even other insects—making them one of the top predators in freshwater ecosystems!

Once they’re ready, they crawl out of the water, shed their exoskeleton, and emerge as the dragonflies we all recognize. Nature never fails to amaze! Have you ever seen one of these before? Let us know in the comments!

#DragonflyNymph #NatureUpClose #WildlifeEncounters #OutAndAboutTV

Nature’s Battle: A Close Encounter in the Wild!

Bees play a crucial role in our ecosystem, pollinating flowers and keeping our environment thriving. However, they also face many dangers, from predators like spiders to environmental threats like habitat loss and pesticides.

This sighting is a reminder of the delicate balance in nature—every creature plays its part in the cycle of life. Have you ever witnessed an intense moment like this in the wild? Let us know in the comments!

1 year ago | [YT] | 3

Out and About TV

Spotted in my pond. This is an amazing Pollinator! 🐝
We recently came across a Red Mason Bee around our pond! These solitary bees are great for pollination and love nesting in small cavities. Want to see them up close? Check out our latest video!

📽️ Watch here: https://youtu.be/0J0rJhi19CA?si=oOtSY...

#Pollinators #GardenWildlife #RedMasonBee

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 2

Out and About TV

The River Bollin is a significant waterway in North West England, flowing through the counties of Cheshire and Greater Manchester. Originating near Macclesfield Forest on the western slopes of the Pennines, it winds its way through picturesque countryside, including Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, and Dunham Massey, before joining the River Mersey near Lymm.

👉 Watch video here: https://youtu.be/c9cU16r8KTI?si=UXN9G...

Historical Significance
• Medieval Times: The Bollin was an important resource for local communities. Its fast-flowing waters powered mills, particularly in Wilmslow and nearby villages, where industries like corn milling and textile production thrived.
• Agricultural Importance: The river has long provided irrigation and fertile soils, supporting farming in the region.
• Transport and Trade: Though never a major navigation route, the Bollin connected rural areas to trading hubs, aiding the local economy.

Industrial Influence

During the Industrial Revolution, the Bollin played a pivotal role. Water mills along its course were adapted for textile production, contributing to the region’s prominence in the cotton industry. Some remnants of these mills, like at Styal, have been preserved as part of the Quarry Bank Mill, now a National Trust site.

Ecological Importance

The river supports a variety of wildlife, including trout, herons, and kingfishers, and its banks are rich in flora. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining its biodiversity and water quality amidst urban expansion.

Cultural and Recreational Role
• Dunham Massey Deer Park: The river flows through this historic estate, providing scenic views for visitors.
• Wilmslow and Styal: Popular spots for walking, the Bollin offers serene landscapes and historical interest, such as old mill sites and weirs.
• Local Lore: Like many rivers, the Bollin is steeped in local tales and traditions, often tied to the history of the communities along its banks.

Today, the River Bollin remains a cherished natural feature, combining historical significance with environmental and recreational value.

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 0

Out and About TV

Which is the Best Type of Aquarium to Keep?

1. Tropical 🌴
2. Saltwater 🌊
3. Cold Water ❄️
4. Planted 🌱

Let us know which you prefer!

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

Out and About TV

Best Bottom-Feeding Fish for Your Aquarium 🐟🌊

When it comes to keeping the tank clean and lively at the bottom, which fish do you think does the best job? Vote for your favorite bottom feeder! 👇

• Corydoras: Small, peaceful, and great at keeping the substrate tidy.

• Plecostomus (Pleco): A classic choice, known for its algae-eating skills.

• Loaches (like the Dojo Loach): Fun and active, great for stirring up the bottom.

• Catfish: Efficient and adaptable, especially the popular Pictus and Bristlenose types.

Let us know in the comments if you have a different favorite! Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more fish-keeping tips! 🐠

1 year ago | [YT] | 0