Countdown’s Susie Dent reveals the oddest-named place she’s ever visited

Checking in… Countdown’s lexicographer Susie Dent reveals the oddest-named place she’s ever visited and why New York is her favourite foreign city

Countdown’s lexicographer Susie Dent checks into our travel Q&A

This week Countdown’s lexicographer Susie Dent checks into our travel Q&A.

She talks about her earliest travel memory, the oddest-named place she’s visited, her favourite UK destination – and more.  

WHAT’S YOUR EARLIEST TRAVEL MEMORY?

Sitting in the back of the car, heading for the South Coast — my parents loved the sea even in winter. I just wanted to stay warm and dry in the car and read.

EVER VISITED A PLACE JUST FOR ITS NAME?

Little Snoring in Norfolk. It’s said to have been named after a leader called Snare, just as Nottingham (once Snotingham) was led by a man called Snot.

ODDEST-NAMED PLACE YOU’VE EVER VISITED?

Probably the tiny hamlet of Come-to-Good in Cornwall. It’s huddled in a valley and is home to an old Quaker meeting house.

FAVOURITE UK DESTINATION?

Oxford, because that’s where I studied and later returned to live. I love its secret histories and beauty.

FAVOURITE FOREIGN CITY?

Susie says that her favourite foreign city is New York as she loves its edginess

Susie says that her favourite foreign city is New York as she loves its edginess 

I lived in New York for a couple of years while studying: I love its edginess as well as its cafes, skylines and sunsets.

FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE U.S.?

The Henry Clay Frick House, for its amazing art collection. It was an oasis for me in the stifling NYC summers when I had no air conditioning at home. I would sit for hours in its cool garden court.

YOU SPEAK GERMAN – WHAT’S YOUR TOP SPOT IN GERMANY?

Berlin. It wears its history with courage and resilience, and is mesmerising in so many ways. And, wow, the food (even for a vegetarian like me).

  • Word Perfect, by Susie Dent, is published on October 1 and available to pre-order now.

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