Cambridge Professor’s Mysterious Disappearance Inspires New Novel
The story of a missing Cambridge professor from the year 1843 comes to life in Circles – The Secrets of the Stones, the debut novel by David Horsup set to be released on 27 October 2026. Generations after the professor’s disappearance, three teenagers make a thrilling discovery: a coded notebook and a luminous crystal in the depths of England’s New Forest, leading them to ancient stone circles.
This novel not only takes readers on a captivating adventure through real locations but also supports a worthy cause: the author’s proceeds benefit a literacy charity that provides books to children in Mindanao.
The following guide delves into the essence of Circles – The Secrets of the Stones and highlights five real-world locations featured in the story: the New Forest, Stonehenge, Framlingham Castle, Brú na Bóinne in Ireland, and the Ring of Brodgar in Orkney. It includes essential information for visitors, such as travel tips and visa requirements for Philippine passport holders.
Overview of Circles – The Secrets of the Stones
- Genre: Young adult fantasy adventure with broad appeal for adult readers.
- Plot Summary: Three teens—16-year-old William, his sister Anna, and their friend Arthur—discover a coded notebook left behind by a missing Cambridge professor. These clues lead them to ancient stone circles and the magical realm of Ciara, where they learn five important lessons about humanity’s relationship with the planet.
- About the Author: David Horsup, originally from Ipswich, Suffolk, transitioned from a 30-year career in the energy sector to become a novelist and now resides near Houston.
- Release Date: Available in ebook and paperback formats starting 27 October 2026, followed by a hardback on 13 November 2026 and an audiobook in early 2027.
- Purchase Information: Circles on Amazon (pre-order now for the ebook, with paperback available on launch day).
- Charitable Contributions: Proceeds will support Chapters of Change, an organization providing mobile libraries and resources in Mindanao.
Early feedback from readers has been overwhelmingly positive. Vron Earp praised its captivating narrative as reminiscent of C.S. Lewis, while Alistair Madle noted its lasting impact on readers. This novel promises to fill the void for young adventurers seeking their next literary journey.
Travel Essentials: UK and Ireland Visa Requirements for Filipinos
All the locations mentioned herein are situated within the UK, with the exception of Brú na Bóinne in Ireland, which has its own visa regulations.
UK Visa: Philippine passport holders require a UK Standard Visitor visa, priced at £135 for a stay of up to 6 months as of October 2026 (approximately PHP 11,400). Applications can be submitted up to three months before travel, with decisions typically made within three weeks. Biometrics must be processed at VFS Global centres in Manila and Cebu.
Ireland Visa: A UK visa does not permit entry to Ireland. An Irish short-stay visa costs €60 for single journey or €100 for multiple (approximately PHP 4,250 to PHP 7,100). However, the Philippines participates in Ireland’s Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme, allowing entry to Ireland with a valid UK short-stay “C” visa, provided the UK is the first point of entry.
It is advisable to secure travel insurance for long-haul trips. For those interested, check out SafetyWing for coverage options for a two-week trip to the UK and Ireland.
Note: Visa information is subject to change. Verify details on gov.uk and irishimmigration.ie before applying.
Traveling to the UK from Manila
Currently, there are no direct flights from Manila to London. Although Philippine Airlines previously operated this route, it has since ceased. Passengers should expect at least one layover, with common stopover cities including Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. The total travel time ranges from 17 to 18 hours based on connections.
It’s wise to check prices during peak holiday periods to find the best fares. You can compare Manila to London fares on Trip.com before finalizing your plans.
Upon arrival, visitors can access the featured locations via train from London, coupled with local bus services. Our budget guide for London advises on cost-efficient lodging and transportation for day trips.
The New Forest: Discovery of the Coded Notebook
In the narrative, the protagonist finds the professor’s satchel, along with the crystal and coded notebook, in the New Forest—which is a designated national park in southern England, officially established as such in 2005. Known for its distinct ponies, cattle, and pigs that freely roam, these animals are owned by local commoners responsible for their care.
Reaching the New Forest is easily accomplished without a vehicle. Fast trains from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The forest is accessible immediately upon arrival in the village, where visitors can appreciate the wildlife without intruding.
A visit to the New Forest is one of the more economical options, as exploring the area comes at no expense.
Stonehenge: The World’s Most Iconic Stone Circle
Stonehenge stands as the most recognizable location in the book. According to English Heritage, the site’s origins trace back to roughly 5,000 years ago, with the stone circle itself established around 2500 BC. Together with Avebury, Stonehenge constitutes a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors often find transportation logistics surprising. Salisbury is the nearest train station, located approximately 19 km away. The Salisbury Reds operates a hop-on-hop-off tour bus from the station to the site. Upon arrival, visitors first encounter the visitor center, where shuttle buses frequently transport guests to the stones. Timed tickets are recommended, with early booking enabling savings of up to 15%. In contrast, tickets purchased on the day of the visit incur full charges.
For those wishing to avoid transfers via public transport, various guided day trips are available, allowing a stress-free visit. You can compare Stonehenge day trips from London on GetYourGuide.
For those keen on an overnight stay, Salisbury is an ideal base for further exploration.
Check places to stay in Salisbury
Framlingham Castle: A Nod to the Author’s Roots
Located in Suffolk—the author’s place of origin—Framlingham Castle features prominently in Horsup’s novel. This late 12th-century structure, known for its imposing curtain walls built by Roger Bigod II, is also noted for a historical event in July 1553 when Mary Tudor sought refuge there to rally support.
The highlight of the visit is the wall-top walk offering a unique vantage point over the extensive grounds, with English Heritage declaring it as an experience showcasing “800 years of history from above.” Visitors should note that some sections might be closed for maintenance, so checking the castle’s webpage beforehand is advised.
Travelers can reach Framlingham by first taking a train to Ipswich and then onward to Wickham Market, which is approximately a 26-minute journey further. Wickham Market station is located 6.5 miles from the castle, with a convenient electric minibus service called Katch available to complete the trip.
Brú na Bóinne: An Ancient Irish Treasure
Brú na Bóinne, located in County Meath, serves as the Irish counterpart in the narrative. Home to the passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, these monuments date back to around 3200 BC, making them older than the Great Pyramids of Giza by approximately 400 years and predating the trilithon phase of Stonehenge by 500 to 700 years.
On winter solstice mornings, sunlight illuminates the Newgrange chamber through a specially designed opening above the doorway. Visitors are encouraged to book tickets in advance, as access to the tombs can only be gained through the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, with shuttle buses providing transport to the sites.
Situated about 40 to 50 km north of Dublin, this location is essential for any fan of history. For visitors planning a journey that includes Belfast, do remember that it lies in the UK while the Boyne Valley is not. For those interested in a guided visit, see Newgrange tours on GetYourGuide.
Ring of Brodgar: A Quiet Gem in Scotland
Described by the author as one of the quieter sites, the Ring of Brodgar is located in Orkney, off the northern coast of Scotland. According to Historic Environment Scotland, 36 of the original 60 stones remain, forming a circular structure with a diameter of 104 meters, making it part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site.
The entrance to this location remains free and accessible throughout the year. Getting to Orkney can be achieved via direct flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness, or by ferry from Scrabster, which takes approximately 90 minutes. Alternatively, an overnight ferry from Aberdeen reaches Kirkwall.
Edinburgh serves as a convenient gateway for travelers keen to explore Scotland. For recommendations on how to navigate the city, our local guide can serve as a helpful resource.
Cambridge: The University of the Missing Professor
In the story, Cambridge is where the titular missing professor pursued his academic career, making it a fitting addition to any travel itinerary centered around London. The fastest trains from London King’s Cross to Cambridge offer a journey time of around 49 minutes, lending themselves to easy day trips.
Supporting Literacy: The Chapters of Change Initiative in Misamis Oriental
Chapters of Change plays a crucial role in supporting the theme of accessibility in the book. Established by the author’s daughter Arianna at the age of 14, this nonprofit initiative launched its first mobile library in Misamis Oriental in 2024, facilitating regular school visits that began in January 2025. Currently, it sees about 2,000 student visits weekly, utilizing a mobile library and several static library facilities, with plans for expansion.
For many children in remote areas, access to a mobile library represents a chance to select a book for themselves. Therefore, purchasing Circles on its launch day not only supports the author but simultaneously aids this important cause. If you are from Northern Mindanao or have connections there, consider following the project or donating through ChaptersOfChange.org.
Planning Your Adventure: Linking the Five Locations
There is no necessity to visit all five locations at once. With a UK visa, access to the English sites is manageable. Here is a suggested itinerary for a trip from Manila:
- London Base (4-5 Days): Explore Stonehenge via Salisbury and the New Forest from Brockenhurst, including a day trip to Cambridge.
- Suffolk (1-2 Days): Access Ipswich and Framlingham Castle via train and minibus.
- Ireland (2-3 Days): Travel by plane or ferry from the UK, utilizing the visa waiver for visits to Brú na Bóinne.
- Orkney (2-3 Days): Allocate time for this trip via Edinburgh and a Loganair flight if available.
For tips on pacing your long-haul adventure, refer to our 2-week Europe itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the release date for Circles – The Secrets of the Stones?
The ebook and paperback versions will be released on 27 October 2026, followed by a hardback on 13 November 2026 and an audiobook in early 2027.
Is it suitable for children or adults?
This young adult novel centers on a 16-year-old protagonist but appeals to adult readers as well, according to early reviews.
Are the locations in the book real?
Yes, all sites mentioned—New Forest, Stonehenge, Framlingham Castle, Brú na Bóinne, and the Ring of Brodgar—can be visited. Cambridge also features prominently in the story.
Do Filipinos need a visa for these UK sites?
Yes, a UK Standard Visitor visa is required, currently priced at £135 for a stay of up to 6 months as of October 2026.
Can a UK visa be used to visit Newgrange in Ireland?
Only if you enter the UK first, as part of Ireland’s Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme; otherwise, a separate Irish visa is needed.
How does purchasing the book aid the Philippines?
Proceeds from the book support Chapters of Change, which implements mobile and static libraries for children in Mindanao.
One Book, Five Travels
While most novels offer a platform for imagination, Circles provides five real locations for exploration. From the serene landscapes of the New Forest to the stunning stone circle in the Scottish highlands, this book encourages readers to engage with its settings and contributes to a meaningful cause. Reading it on the launch day, 27 October, supports an emerging author while benefiting the children’s literacy efforts in Mindanao.
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About the Author
Bianca Rei is a Filipino traveler, entrepreneur, and problem-solver currently residing in Serbia. She has been engaged with Two Monkeys Travel Group since 2014, transitioning from reader to contributor. Bianca operates Rodi Solutions, a venture focused on helping individuals and businesses navigate challenges in Serbia while also providing website design and development services. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, boxing, and adventuring with her family.
Discover more of her work at rodi.consulting and learn more about her outside of work at biancarei.net.
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