Dalton, Mill House

Explorer Tom Dalton Parish Church would describe itself to a stranger as 'sturdy, reliable, and slightly damp,' which is honestly more than I can say about my own life. It’s got a war memorial that looks like it’s trying to look busy so no one asks it any difficult questions. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Dalton Old Parish Church has a ghost that’s too lazy to haunt it and just prefers to nap in the shadows instead. It’s a medieval church with a burial ground that has seen centuries of comings and goings, but not many drama queens. The stone walls are thick enough to keep out the cold, if you can get past the gate. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Dalton is home to a polished axehead that looks sharper than my sense of humor after three pints. There’s a bird out there who absolutely refuses to leave, staring at you like it owes you money. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Dalton’s Old Schoolhouse is sitting there with its arms crossed, waiting for someone to finally admit they never learned their multiplication tables! It’s got that smug look of a teacher who knows exactly how much homework you’re hiding under your desk. I bet the first owner escaped through the window during a particularly boring lesson on history. Bring a camera and

Explorer Tom Dormont would tell its younger self to stop trying so hard to look impressive and just enjoy being a solid block of stone. It’s spent centuries perfecting the art of standing still while the world goes mad around it. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom East Raffles is protected by a local superstition that says if you whistle at it, your socks will go missing for a week. It’s a medieval tower house that takes itself very seriously, despite being in a place called 'Raffles.' If it rains, blame me.