The event is often referred to as the Japanese equivalent of Pearl Harbour. Today, Chuuk Lagoon is among the top wreck diving spots of the world.

Chuuk Lagoon history

Previously Truk Atoll, the site of Chuuk Lagoon is located 1,800 km north of New Guinea and consists of a protective reef enclosing a natural harbour. The surrounding Chuuk islands had been settled since the 14th century AD but were claimed by the Spanish Empire, German Empire and eventually the Empire of Japan in 1914, who seized the lagoon from Germany during World War One.

During World War Two, Chuuk Lagoon was the Empire of Japan’s main and most formidable naval base in the South Pacific. The base was heavily fortified against the Allies who were operating in New Guinea and the nearby Soloman Islands. A large part of the Japanese fleet was based at Chuuk, including Imperial battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, minesweepers and submarines.

In 1944, the Japanese Imperial naval base at Chuuk was destroyed by a US naval attack. Having been warned, the Japanese removed their larger warships. However, Operation Hailstone as the attack was known, continued for 3 days as US planes sank 12 smaller warships and 32 merchant ships, as well as 275 aircraft.

The destruction of Chuuk Lagoon’s base prevented it from being a major threat to the Allies in the Central Pacific, especially after it was attacked again by British naval forces in June 1945.

In 1969, a French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau explored the lagoon and following his documentary about the haunting remains of the naval base, the lagoon became a popular site for scuba-diving enthusiasts.

Chuuk Lagoon today

Today, you can visit the Chuuk Lagoon and dive throughout the incredible preserved remains of the Japanese Imperial naval fleet. Divers can spend hours exploring the site’s wrecks, returning multiple times without seeing the same wreckage twice, testifying to the great destruction of Operation Hailstone.

With a local diving guide, you can even explore the engine rooms and cargo holds of some of the destroyed ships. The lagoon is also home to a large variety of beautiful soft and hard corals, all of brilliant colours and providing shelter to rich marine life.

Getting to Chuuk Lagoon

Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Chuuk Lagoon is hard to access. You can get a direct flight from Guam which takes 1 hour and 46 minutes, or fly from Papua New Guinea which is a 3 hour flight to Chuuk International Airport in Weno. From Weno you get a diving boat to the lagoon.

History of Abbaye aux Dames

Built between 1060-1080, the abbey was consecrated on 18 June 1066, and is a fine example of Norman architecture. Its interior contains a host of details, including an impressive crypt with barrel vaults supported by 16 close-ranked columns, and an 18th-century convent with French-style garden. Queen Matilda died in 1083, and was buried in the choir under a slab of black marble. 

The abbey’s original spires were destroyed in the Hundred Years’ War, and replaced by less striking balustrades in the early 18th century. The French Revolution later saw the nuns dispersed and the abbey suppressed.

In 1823, Caen’s town council decided to transfer the ancient Hôtel-Dieu to the former monastic premises for use as a hospital. The canonesses regular, who had assumed responsibility for the hospital from the two abbeys during the 14th century, established themselves there, operating until 1908 when the facility was given to the Hospice Saint-Louis for use as a nursing home.

Abbaye aux Dames today

Despite losing its original spires, the abbey remains hugely impressive, and its 18th century convent buildings are now home to the Lower Normandy Regional offices. Restoration last occurred in the late 20th century, and today the Abbaye aux Dames is a must-see attraction in Caen. 

The abbey hosts free (pre-booked) guided tours every day (at 2:30pm and 4pm) in both French and English, lasting 1 hour 15 minutes, and is wheelchair accessible.

Getting to Abbaye aux Dames

Abbaye aux Dames is located on Place Reine Mathilde in Caen, less than 1 mile east of Caen Castle. This part of Caen is easy and enjoyable to walk around. A public bike-sharing service station is just outside the abbey.

Berkeley Castle history

Built by William FitzOsbern in 1067, Berkeley Castle was one of many motte-and-bailey castles constructed by the Normans shortly after the Conquest of 1066. Before long it passed into the hands of the Berkeley family and was rebuilt by them in the 12th century.

Throughout its long history, the castle has witnessed a number of dramatic events. It was the centre of a controversy during a period of civil war in Britain known as The Anarchy, when Roger de Berkeley was dispossessed for failing to ally himself with the House of Plantagenet and their heir Empress Matilda.

It was because of this that the castle passed to Robert Fitzharding in 1152, a wealthy burgess of Bristol and supporter of the Plantagenets who founded a new Berkeley line. His descendants still hold the castle now, making it the oldest castle in Britain to be lived in continually by the same family.

Two centuries later, Berkeley Castle was once again a site of intrigue. Early in 1327, Edward II was deposed by his wife Isabella of France, and sent to the castle for imprisonment. On 21 September, he was reportedly murdered within its walls, and though no details are known, popular stories range from suffocation to the use of a red hot poker.

Like many major strongholds in England, Berkeley Castle was also caught up in the English Civil War – the Parliamentarians laid siege to the castle in 1645 and eventually captured it from the Royalist defenders.

Berkeley Castle today

Today, Berkeley Castle provides visitors the opportunity to walk through its thousand-year history, with each room telling part of its fascinating story. The cell where Edward II’s murder is thought to have occurred may be explored, with the echoes of his cries in the 11m-deep dungeon reportedly heard each year on the anniversary of the event.

Berkeley’s sombre past can also been seen in the grand Great Hall, where the last court jester in England, Dickie Pearce, died after falling from the Minstrels’ gallery. In the adjoining chapel, visitors can see some of the more pleasant aspects of the castle however, including painted wooden vaulted ceilings and an illustrated vellum book of Catholic chants.

A walk around the castle reveals a number of tapestries and paintings by English and Dutch Masters, while outside the castle has yet more to offer. Its beautiful Elizabethan gardens are home to Elizabeth I‘s bowling green and a pine that is thought to have originated from a tree at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. To hear the castle’s full history, visitors can embark on an hour-long tour around the site included in the admission price.

Getting to Berkeley Castle

Berkeley Castle is located in Gloucestershire just west of the A38 off the B4066 road, and there is free parking at the site. The nearest train station is Cam and Dursley, 6 miles away, while bus services stop almost directly outside the castle’s entrance.

History of Hatton Garden

Originally known as Ely Place, Hatton Garden was part of the estate of the Bishops of Ely. In 1581, Queen Elizabeth I gave Ely Place to her closest aide, politician and advisor Sir Christopher Hatton. The property featured a beautiful garden, and by the 19th century, the area became known as Hatton Garden.

In medieval London, certain crafts and industries clustered around specific neighbourhoods to ease production and trade. Hatton Garden was already a popular residential neighbourhood, but after the Hatton family began to sell parts of their Ely estate, wealthy merchants and businesses occupied the spaces, and by the 17th and 18th centuries, the district began to attract skilled artisans, particularly goldsmiths, clockmakers and jewellers.

At this time, London was confined to the square mile City of London, and Hatton Garden became the reputable destination for trusted experts and quality craftsmanship. Infrastructure improvements, the area’s proximity to London’s financial centre, and its connection to the aristocracy all contributed to Hatton Gardens’ allure as a destination for those seeking exquisite craftsmanship and luxury. By the mid-1880s, there were over 60 merchants in the Hatton Garden area, specialising only in precious stones.

As London expanded rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, the district became a hub of commercial activity, with shops, businesses, and workshops. The establishment of the nearby Leather Lane market also attracted a diverse range of merchants and customers.

By the 20th century, Hatton Garden had firmly established itself as the epicentre of London’s jewellery trade. Skilled jewellers, gemologists, and craftsmen flocked to the district, creating a close-knit community of artisans. The street-level shops showcased displays of precious stones, diamonds, and exquisite jewellery, drawing in customers from around the world.

Unsurprisingly, Hatton Garden has been the site of many heists, including the £7 million Graff Diamonds heist in 1993 – London’s biggest jewellery robbery. The district also gained infamy in 2015 when a group of ageing thieves executed an audacious heist, stealing millions of pounds worth of jewels from a vault located beneath the streets. This brazen act captured global attention and has been made into several films.

Hatton Garden today

Today, Hatton Garden continues to be known as London and indeed the UK’s jewellery and diamond centre, with nearly 300 jewellery-related businesses, and over 70 shops and workshops offering an array of precious stones and bespoke pieces. The area’s historic charm is also complemented by contemporary media and publishing businesses, as well as art galleries, cafes, and design studios.

Additionally, the district’s streets are adorned with architectural gems, ranging from elegant Georgian townhouses to modern developments. The area is also home to many narrow alleys, underground tunnels, office and vaults, as well as hidden courtyards that help provide a glimpse into London’s past.

Getting to Hatton Garden

Hatton Garden is fairly equidistant to Farringdon and Chancery Lane tube stations. From Chancery Lane, turn left onto Leather Lane and right onto Greville Street towards Hatton Garden. Alternatively, walk straight up Greville Street from Farringdon Station. Many buses serve the area, including the 63 from King’s Cross and the 172 from Clerkenwell Green, which stop at Farringdon Station.

History of Sa Capelleta

In the 4th to 2nd century BC, the site housed a Punic shrine, and was used as a place of worship, adorned with carvings, statues, and oil burners. The site later became a Roman burial ground from the 2nd to 3rd century AD, with 41 graves discovered, built in and around the Punic Shrine’s remains. Around 30 of these are still intact, along with skeleton remains and burial artefacts.

The third phase of the site’s history occurred during the 11th to 13th century when it served as an Islamic suburb. Excavations have uncovered a street, two doorways, and well pits, offering insight into the layout and daily life. A model of an Islamic home as it would have looked at the time – complete with furniture and crockery – helps visitors picture the scene. Additionally, two cesspits were also uncovered, which were able to offer information on the dietary habits of people from 800 years ago.

One of the most interesting aspects of Sa Capelleta is a section containing differing levels marked into the wall, which show 6 different levels of ground use, including a layer of dirt from the last 500 years, the abandoned Islamic village (marked by tiles from the roofs of the buildings), the floor and foundation level of the village, Roman graves, and finally the bedrock of the graves themselves.

Sa Capelleta today

Despite its strange entrance within a garage-like setting, surrounded by restaurants, shops and houses, visitors step onto a metal walkway that overlooks the excavated remains below. Information boards, display cases, and models provided insights into the site’s history and the artefacts discovered.

Descending from the walkway, visitors can explore the ruins up close, immersing themselves in the three distinct stages of the site’s occupation. They can walk along the Islamic street, pass through the doorways of ancient houses, observe the wells and Roman graves, and touch the stones of the Punic shrine. Sa Capelleta serves as a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of one particular plot, offering a captivating journey through time on one street at the heart of Ibiza town.

Getting to Sa Capelleta Interpretive Centre

Sa Capelleta is located in Ibiza’s Old Town, just a 2 minute walk from the Puig des Mollins Necropolis. Walk along Via Romana to the southern edge of the Necropolis grounds, turn right onto Joan Planells road and then left onto Sa Capelleta road. The site is free to enter.

The Castell d’Eivissa – Ibiza Castle – is an iconic landmark that stands atop the Dalt Vila, the historic Old Town of Ibiza. This imposing medieval fortress is an assortment of numerous buildings that span centuries (including the Moorish-era Tower of Homage, the 8th century Almudaina Moorish keep, the former governor’s home and the 18th century infantry barracks), reflecting the island’s strategic importance and the influence of various civilizations that have ruled over the region.

Castell d’Eivissa’s origins can be traced back to the 7th century BC when the Phoenicians settled in Ibiza. Recognising the strategic significance of the elevated site, they constructed a fortified settlement to protect themselves from potential threats. Over time, the Phoenicians were succeeded by the Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, and Byzantines, each leaving their marks on the fortress.

However, it was during the Arab occupation in the 9th century AD that the fortress took its present form. The Arabs fortified the castle and expanded its defences, making it a crucial stronghold in their Mediterranean territories. They constructed thick walls and imposing towers that still stand today.

In the early 13th century, the island was reconquered by the Christians to reclaim territories from Muslim rule. King James I of Aragon led the conquest of Ibiza, officially incorporating it into the Kingdom of Aragon. The Castell d’Eivissa played a pivotal role in this military campaign, and its capture was seen as a significant victory. The castle then underwent further enhancements, as the kingdom sought to strengthen its defences against pirate raids and potential invasions. The fortress was reinforced with more substantial walls and fortifications, including a moat, drawbridges, and a system of gates and towers.

Throughout the subsequent centuries, the Castell d’Eivissa continued to serve as a military stronghold, witnessing numerous conflicts and sieges. Its strategic location overlooking the harbour and the surrounding sea made it an essential defence post.

In the 18th century, the military importance of the fortress diminished, and it gradually fell into disrepair. However, in the 20th century, efforts were made to restore and preserve the castle. (During the Spanish Civil War, mainland anarchists massacred over 100 Ibizan Nationalist prisoners here before fleeing the island.)

Today, the Castell d’Eivissa stands as a symbol of Ibiza’s storied past, and visitors can explore its ancient walls, towers, and courtyards while enjoying stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Mediterranean Sea.

Reconstruction efforts have been primarily focused on the Sant Jaume Bastion and the Sant Pere Bastion, the two main defensive structures still standing. Each of these offer free exhibitions, and the castle grounds can also be explored, although visitors cannot enter the main castle.

The Sant Jaume Bastion is now a military museum, and houses an exhibition on the weapons that have been used to defend Ibiza, with a focus on military technology from the 16th-18th centuries. The exhibition highlights how the use of firearms affected the structure of the buildings, and visitors can handle some of the items on display, including cannons, mortar, muskets, helmets and swords. The Sant Pere Bastion houses an exhibition about the history of the castle and how the city wall was built, including a reproduction of Renaissance-era scaffolding.

History of Sa Caleta

This important archaeological site spans over 10 acres and contains the foundation remains of simple stone buildings – the last remnants of an ancient Phoenician settlement dating back to the 8th century BC.

The Phoenicians arrived from the Iberian coast, and whilst the site may initially have been used a seasonal or provisional base for economic and geographic expeditions surveying the Pityusic Islands (Ibiza and Formentera), they eventually settled there, utilising the area until around 600 BC, when they appear to have intentionally abandoned Sa Caleta, relocating to Ibiza bay.

The site’s location was probably chosen due to its proximity to the island’s natural salt marshes. The Phoenicians exploited this valuable natural commodity, as the harvesting of the natural salt crystals left behind after the shallow pools of seawater evaporated would have provided them with a currency for trade – the first commercial enterprise of the island.  They also would have engaged in other activities including fishing, baking, weaving, metalworking and smelting galena in order to obtain silver.

Excavations conducted in the 1980s and 1990s revealed the foundations of simple stone buildings, an urban area with narrow streets, and a communal square, providing insights into the original layout of the settlement. The buildings were constructed with stone and mud-brick, featuring flat clay roofs supported on timber rafters. Most structures consisted of one room, with some exceptions, including a building in the centre that likely played an important role.

Archaeologists also found evidence of metal and ironwork, along with stone mills, kitchen implements, and circular ovens for communal use. The site’s significance led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. While some areas are still visible, others to the south have been lost to coastal erosion or were destroyed during the Spanish Civil War.

Sa Caleta today

There are around 6 buildings in total, grouped around narrow streets and courtyards, and today visitors can explore the ruins and gain insights into the agricultural, livestock and fishing activities of the ancient Phoenician settlement.

The site is also visible to tourists exploring the coastline, although parts of the delicate remains are fenced off. The terrace area near the top of the headland is not accessible for public viewing.

Getting to Sa Caleta

Sa Caleta Phoenician Settlement is located on the southwest coast of Ibiza, within a small rocky peninsula near the Punta des Jondal between des Codolar beach and des Jondal hill, about 6 miles from Ibiza Town.

Perched on a hilltop known as Puig de Vila, Dalt Vila offers impressive views of the harbour and the neighbouring island of Formentera.

History of Dalt Vila

Dalt Vila, originally known as Ibosim, was first populated in the Phoenician era in 654 BC. Its elevated location led to its new name of Dalt Vila, meaning ‘High Town’, and over the centuries, the town was occupied by various civilizations, including the Romans.

Walls were first constructed around the town in the 5th century to defend it against pirate attacks. These underwent several modifications and were reinforced in the 16th century under King Philip II. The new heptagon-shaped Renaissance-era wall, equipped with cannons, took 40 years to build and played a crucial role in safeguarding the city from pirate and Ottoman invasions.

Restored in the 20th century, the walls of Dalt Vila now stand 25 metres high, and are up to 5 metres thick. The town’s historical significance and cultural heritage led to its designation as a UNESCO heritage site in 1999.

Dalt Vila today

Today Dalt Vila seamlessly blends old and new, with a mix of quaint spots scattered with pretty restaurants, cafes, boutiques and shops. Much of the architecture and layout of the area has remained untouched since the town’s construction, and blue information plaques provide historical insights at key sites.

Dalt Vila has 4 entrances, the most impressive (and dramatic) of which is the Portal de ses Taules, where visitors walk up a stone slope across a drawbridge and through a large arched gate flanked by two Roman statues, leading to the Plaza de Vila – the main square. Roads from all directions lead to the 13th century Cathedral, which also offers spectacular Mediterranean views. Adjacent is the Castell d’Eivissa, an imposing medieval hilltop castle with high ramparts. 

The cathedral is free to enter, and also houses the Museu Diocesa which is well worth a visit. Opposite is the Madina Yabisa Interpretive Centre charting the city’s Arab history and containing a section of the original defensive walls. The Archaeological Museum is also situated in the same square, and houses a small collection of prehistoric and Phoenician artefacts. For something more modern, visitors can head to the Museum of Contemporary Art, just past Portal Nou, the town’s second entrance.

Whilst the Dalt Vila is full of history, it’s also worth walking around simply for its stunning views out over the port, the sea and inland over Ibiza town. The Placa D’Espanya’s steep tunnel takes visitors through and outside the walls – an exhibition of which can be found at the Baluard de Sant Pere.

Walking the entire way around the city ramparts takes less than an hour, but it’s also worth wandering through the towns steep maze of white streets, narrow passageways and residential cobblestoned UNESCO-listed streets with their picture-postcard houses. In early May, a medieval festival adds to the town’s allure.

Dalt Vila also hosts significant events including the grand finale of the International Music Summit, which takes place on the battlements of Santa Lucía in early summer and features an open-air concert with some top names in techno, pop and electronic music. Additionally, the Bastion of Sant Pere ramparts serve as a scenic location for a fantastic open-air cinema, Cinema Paradiso.

Getting to Dalt Vila

Dalt Vila is easily accessed from Ibiza town and is free to enter. The best way to explore is on foot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes to tackle its steep maze of cobbled streets, alleyways and paths. There are 3 official sightseeing loops, and 2-hour guided tours run daily throughout the Old Town.

As a defence, a network of coastal watchtowers were constructed at strategic vantage points, serving as lookouts to warn the island’s inhabitants of any impending threats. 7 of these watchtowers still stand on the main island, providing visitors with spectacular views.

History of Ibiza’s Pirate Towers

After being under Arab rule for over 300 years, Ibiza and Formentera were recaptured by the Catalans in 1235 during the Reconquista. However, the island’s former rulers used their knowledge of the archipelago to carry out pirate attacks, raiding homes, stealing goods and animals, and capturing women and children for ransom. This prompted the Catalans to build a series of watchtowers around the island, strategically positioned to enable sentries to spot incoming pirate ships and raise an alarm.

Initially an acoustic warning was given, using a shell horn, though a more advanced system involving fire signals was later adopted. The nearest watchtower would be lit as a warning signal, and this signal would be relayed from one tower to another until the entire island was aware of the impending danger. The watchtowers were crucial for protecting the island’s inhabitants, who would then either seek refuge in the fortified towers or nearby churches (which were also fortified).

The watchtowers were constructed between the 16th-18th centuries by royal stonemasons. They were round, with 2.5 metre thick walls, and around 9 metres tall. The towers had 2 storeys, with a spiral staircase along the inner wall and an exterior platform with arrow slits. The doors were only accessible with a ladder, which could be retracted once defenders were inside, making the towers difficult to breach.

The towers proved so effective that local people were inspired to form their own group of vigilantes, known as ‘corsairs’ (effectively similar to pirates themselves). These armed corsair ships were granted royal permission to hunt down pirates and protect the island from seaborne threats. One notable corsair captain, Antonio Riquer Arabi, is claimed to have conquered over 100 pirate ships, preventing significant damage to the island. To honour him and these corsair defenders, a monument was erected on the harbour front in Ibiza – the only known pirate statue in the world.

Ibiza’s Pirate Towers today

7 of these pirate towers are still preserved today on the main island, including the: Torre Des Carregador, Torre d’en Rovira, Torre d’en Valls, Torre de Portinatx, Torre de Balansat and the Torre des Savinar (one of the best places to watch the sunset in Ibiza).

Most of the towers are still in good condition. As they were strategically built on raised ground (such as mountain ridges, headlands, and cliffs), they consequently provide fantastic views of the island’s beautiful countryside. Over the last century, several of the watch towers have been inhabited, yet still remain testament to Ibiza’s cultural heritage.

Getting to Ibiza’s Pirate Towers

The towers are easy to find and are clearly marked on every tourist map. Most are located along a stretch of the coast which can easily be accessed by car and are also easily accessible by foot. Popular routes start at the corsair monument in Ibiza’s harbour, then head south.

Boasting the world’s finest collection of Punic remains, the necropolis is one of the sites that led to Ibiza’s Old Town World Heritage status. Along with its accompanying museum, it’s a must see.

History of Puig des Molins

Ibiza, known as Ebysos in ancient Phoenician times, has a rich history as an important Mediterranean harbour. Over the centuries, it has been inhabited by various civilisations, attracting people from different nations and cultures.

Puig des Molins, located 500 metres west of Puig de Vila, has served as the city’s cemetery since its foundation. It was used for burials from the 7th century BC until around 700 AD and contains the remains of Phoenicians, Punics and Romans. The area was later utilised for agriculture, with olive, almond, carob and fig trees planted on the hillside. Windmills were also constructed there from the 15th century onwards, giving the site its name (‘Molins’). Today, only two of the windmills remain visible, and the hillside is part of the Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera.

Despite the seemingly unimpressive appearance of the rocky hillside, the Necropolis holds around 3,000 tombs at the site solely from the Punic era. However, only 340 are visible from the outside, carved out of rock. (The ‘Mule Hypogea’ tombs, unearthed by accident in 1946, are the only ones open to visitors).

The museum:

After King Alfonso XIII’s visit to Ibiza in 1929, the Puig des Molins necropolis was declared a Historic and Artistic Monument under the Republic on 3 June 1931. Plans were made to construct a new museum building (The Puig des Molins’ Monographic Museum) to house the important archaeological artefacts that were previously crammed in the Dalt Vila building, the archaeological museum headquarters since 1907. However, due to disruptions caused by the Spanish Civil War and World War Two, construction wasn’t completed until 1965.

It soon became evident that the new building didn’t have the necessary capacity. As a result, the Dalt Vila’s museum remained a general museum, while the new building became dedicated solely to the Puig des Molins necropolis, opening in 1966.

Over the years the museum building has been restored and expanded, with the aim of offering visitors an immersive experience into the mindsets of the people who inhabited ancient Ibiza, particularly in their understanding of death. The graves and artefacts excavated from the necropolis and displayed in the museum have provided valuable insights into how various civilisations prepared, buried and honoured their dead, leading the site to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Puig des Molins today

Visitors to the necropolis may find it hard to grasp the vast size of the cemetery, yet have the opportunity to view some excavated areas, burial pits, caverns and tombs. Descending into the underground caves, visitors can explore funeral chambers, stone coffins and sarcophagi.

Whilst only a few of the tombs are open to the public, the accompanying museum provides a comprehensive understanding of the site. The museum is divided into 5 rooms, arranged chronologically from the Phoenician era in 625 BC, through the Punics, to Roman burials (up to 700 AD). Information sheets describe the burial rites of each civilisation, and the rooms showcase a remarkable collection of artefacts discovered in the graves since the first excavations in 1903. These include amulets, jewellery, semi-precious stones, terracotta figures, coins, pottery, statues, glass vials and oil burning lamps.

The final room displays the personal collection of Rafael Sainz de la Cuesta, an archaeology enthusiast from Madrid, who collected historical pieces from various locations on the island during his visits to Ibiza. After his death, his family donated the collection to the state.

Getting to Puig des Molins

Puig des Molins is located just outside Ibiza’s Old Town, at Calle Vía Romana 31, 07800  Eivissa. Entry to the museum costs 2.40 Euros; it is open for several hours each day except on Monday’s and bank holidays, while the cemetery remains open all times.