We’ve got another big announcement for today, we’ve written a guidebook!

We know that Britain can be an expensive place to travel. After nearly 10 trips to Britain in the past decade, we’ve seen it all. That said, we’ve gathered quite a bit of knowledge over the past few years on how to travel on a Budget.

We’ve taken than knowledge and packaged it into a new guidebook called 101 Budget Britain Travel Tips.

It’s an instant download that you can take with you anywhere. It features some knowledge that we haven’t seen in the guidebooks to help you plan and enjoy a trip to Britain on a budget.

For a limited time you can get it for just $10 but act fast – the price will be going to to $20 in the near future!

Interested?

Find out more here!

We’ve Written a Guidebook! 101 Budget Britain Travel Tips – Download Now! is a post from: Anglotopia.net

From the beginning, the unexpected has pervaded the 60-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

As a child, “Lilibet” and her younger sister Margaret were groomed for a life considered ordinary by royal standards. However, at the age of 10, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor’s future as Defender of the Faith was sealed when her father took the throne in an unforeseen turn of events.

It would be the first of many detours along the royal road ahead.

In honor of her Diamond Jubilee, which this year celebrates six decades of her rule, here are Queen Elizabeth’s Top 10 Royal Moments:

1. The Abdication of King Edward VIII

When Elizabeth’s grandfather King George V died in 1936, the crown passed to her uncle King Edward VIII.

However, Edward refused to forsake plans to marry the twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson, opting instead to abdicate the throne less than a year after his father’s death.

The switch propelled her father, George VI, to the throne and altered Elizabeth’s life forever. Suddenly the 10-year-old girl was reading the latest political news and absorbing lessons on British government.

Here’s a video of his historic speech:

2. Accession to the Throne

On Feb. 6, 1952, while on a trip to Kenya with her husband, Prince Philip, Elizabeth learned her father had died and she had inherited the crown at the age of 25. She immediately returned to Britain as quickly as possible.

Thrust into the global spotlight, Elizabeth was named Time Magazine’s Woman of the Year – 1952.

Here’s a historical video all bout her Accession Day:

3. Coronation

Elizabeth’s coronation as Queen at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953 was the first coronation broadcast on television.

The more than 8,000 guests, including prime ministers and other heads of state from throughout the Commonwealth, witnessed the Archbishop of Canterbury place the crown on her head.

In a radio broadcast marking the occasion, the Queen said, “throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.”

4. Silver Jubilee – 1977

More than one million people gathered along the streets of London to watch the Royal Family, led by the Queen and Prince Philip in the golden state coach, on its way to St. Paul’s at the launch of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations.

“I want to thank all those in Britain and the Commonwealth who, through their loyalty and friendship, have given me strength and encouragement during these last 25 years,” said the Queen at the time.

5. “Annus Horribilis”

In a speech given Nov. 24, 1992 to mark the 40th anniversary of her accession, the Queen referred to 1992 as her “annus horribilis,” or horrible year.

It was, after all, the year her sons Prince Charles and Andrew, the Duke of York separated from their wives, Diana and Sarah, respectively; daughter Princess Anne divorced; and a fire destroyed a portion of Windsor Castle.

During that speech, Elizabeth said, “1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure. … I sometimes wonder how future generations will judge the events of this tumultuous year. I dare say that history will take a slightly more moderate view than that of some contemporary commentators.”

6. Death of Diana, Princess of Wales

When Diana, former wife of Prince Charles, died following a car crash on Aug. 31, 1997, members of the Royal Family were depicted as unemotional and lacking in compassion for not displaying grief publicly.

The Queen subsequently broke convention by bowing to Diana’s coffin as it passed Buckingham Palace during the funeral procession and paid tribute to Diana during a live television broadcast on Sept. 9, 1997, thereby ending criticism from the tabloids.

During her speech, Elizabeth said, “Since last Sunday’s dreadful news, we have seen, throughout Britain and around the world, an overwhelming expression of sadness at Diana’s death. We have all been trying in our different ways to cope. It is not easy to express a sense of loss, since the initial shock is often succeeded by a mixture of other feelings: disbelief, incomprehension, anger and concern for those who remain. We have all felt those emotions in the last few days. So what I say to you now, as your queen and as a grandmother, I say from my heart. First I want to pay tribute to Diana myself. She was an exceptional and gifted human being. In good times and bad, she never lost her capacity to smile and laugh, nor to inspire others with her warmth and kindness. I admired and respected her for her energy and commitment to others, and especially for her devotion to her two boys.”

7. The Deaths of Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother

In 2002, the Queen lost her sister and only sibling, Princess Margaret, and her mother, the Queen Mother.

Margaret died Feb. 9. In a statement from the Palace, the Queen announced her death “with great sadness.”

The Queen Mother died the following month on March 30 at the age of 101 with Elizabeth at her bedside.

8. Reception for Charles and Camilla

Despite her well-known disapproval of their relationship, the Queen held a reception at Windsor Castle in honor of the April 9, 2005 marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. She and Philip did not attend the civil wedding ceremony.

The marriage was said to have been the culmination of the long and controversial relationship of Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

9. Advising Prince William on his Wedding

The Queen assisted her grandson in planning his April 29, 2011 wedding to Kate Middleton.

Not only did Elizabeth advise William regarding what to wear (his Irish Guards uniform), she helped shape the guest list for the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. “I rang her up and said ‘Do we need to be doing this?’ ” he said in an article printed in The Daily Mail. “And she said, ‘No. Start with your friends first and then go from there.’ And she told me to bin the list.”

10. Farewell Tour, Visit to Ireland

Last year, at the age of 85, the Queen embarked on what many referred to as her “Farewell Tour” of the Australia, her 16th visit to the continent.

She also became the first monarch to visit the Republic of Ireland since it gained independence in the 1920s. The historic four-day visit was conducted in May.

Editor’s Note: This post was written by Leeann Neal. LeeAnn is an Oregon coast freelance writer and journalist. Her grandmother, whose own grandparents moved to the United States from London in the 1800s, was a staunch Anglophile who insisted on passing on the ritual of afternoon tea, and who made Yorkshire pudding from scratch each Christmas.

What’s your favorite moment of the Queen’s 60 year reign? Let us know in the comments!

Diamond Jubilee: The Queen’s Top 10 Royal Moments of Her 60 Year Reign is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Belfast is a great place to head for a short weekend if you’re looking for somewhere that won’t break the bank to get to, especially with the number of budget airlines making it cheaper than a train journey to get there. You can now get a flight to Belfast from most major UK airports from as little as £10 if you buy your flight at the right time.

If you’re looking for inspiration for ideas of what to do when you’re there, look no further than our guide to 5 of the best sights to see in Belfast:

Old Bushmills Distillery

Belfast’s Bushmills distillery is the oldest working whiskey distillery in the whole of Ireland, granted its licence over four hundred years ago by King James I of England. It makes its whiskey using the same processes as back then and even resisted changing its recipe in the Victorian era despite incurring greater levies upon it.

Today, you can visit the distillery year round without booking except if your intend bringing large groups. Children are not permitted on the guided tours and some areas of the site are not fully accessible to those with impaired mobility.

Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast, a museum devoted to the Titanic which was built by the city’s ship builders will open its doors to the public for the first time in April 2012. Its architecture, a modernist aluminium clad take on that most famous of ship’s hull is set to become iconic.

There are nine galleries full of exhibits many of which are fully interactive. Not only is this the story of the ship from conception, building, maiden voyage, tragedy until today where she lies decaying on the ocean floor it is a snapshot, albeit a very detailed one of the lives of the people and the city where this ship was born.

Opening times:
• April to September 9am to 7pm daily
• October to March 10am to 5pm closed every Monday

For more information, a taster of what will be on offer and a count down to opening day visit: http://www.titanicbelfast.com/Home.aspx

Botanic Gardens

If after all that heavy industry your eyes yearn to rest upon some greenery then head to Belfast’s Botanic Gardens in the south of the city. These wonderfully maintained, yet typically Victorian styled and manicured gardens are a riot of colour all year around. Within you will find the palm house and the tropical ravine where exotic tree, flower and other plant species from all corners of the Earth are hot housed. In addition there is a well appointed and well equipped children’s play area and for those a little longer in the tooth with more sedate activities in mind and a bowling green. Throughout the summer you have the opportunity to catch open air theatre and opera performances.

During the winter months the park is open week days only from 11am to 4pm and during the summer, 11am to 9pm Monday to Saturday.

Divis and Black Mountain

Want to see the whole of Belfast all at once and for free? Hop in the car and drive the 478 metres up Divis Mountain or 390 meters up Black Mountain. At the top of each you will find safe parking areas and views that you won’t need a camera to remember. On a clear day you can see the coast of England, the Isle of Man and Scotland.

The National Trust now cares for the Belfast hills and should you wish to explore them further tours and excursions can be organised through them. It’s a worthwhile activity as the area is habitat and wild life rich as well as archaeologically significant with the finding of bronze age burial cairns.

For more information visit: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-global/w-localtoyou/w-northernireland.htm

Cockle Row Cottages

Situated in Groomsport, Greater Belfast, stepping into the beautifully restored heritage cottage is like stepping directly into 1910. You feel as though you are a goldilocks like character peeking in while the family are out. See how these tiny buildings could contain a whole family baby and all as well as the tools of the fisherman’s trade – his nets and baskets.

Guest post by Charlene from The British Traveller.

Guest Post: Top 5 Sights to see in Belfast – Best Belfast Tourist Attractions is a post from: Anglotopia.net

British airways has launched a Winter/Spring 2012 airfare sale that presents some great deals on Airfares to Britain for the first half of 2012.

One interesting thing they’re doing with this sale is how they’re presenting their prices – their prices now INCLUDE taxes and fees. No misleading teaser airfares – what you see it what you pay. This is an excellent development for the travel industry and I hope more airlines take note.

Click here to browse airfares.

Here are some sample airfares:

• JFK-London: $699 R/T (including taxes and fees)
• Chicago-London: $741 R/T (including taxes and fees)
• Atlanta-London: $843 R/T (including taxes and fees)
• Houston-London: $824 R/T (including taxes and fees)
• Seattle-London: $876 R/T(including taxes and fees)
• Los Angeles-London: $782 R/T (including taxes and fees)

This is just a sample from the major US gateways – click here to check your nearest city.

Now for the fine print:

1. Offer can be booked online at ba.com or through a travel agent. If you book through a British Airways call center, you will be charged an additional $25 per ticket for processing.
2. World Traveller (economy) fares are round–trip, 7–day advance purchase, non–refundable, select economy class midweek (Monday–Wednesday) fares for outbound travel January 18, 2012 – March 31, 2012 and April 9, 2012 to May 17, 2012 from select US cities to London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Barcelona, Madrid, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Vienna, Frankfurt, Zurich, Athens, Prague, Budapest, Istanbul and Moscow on British Airways services and in economy on British Airways codeshare services operated by American Airlines and on British Airways codeshare services operated by Iberia only.

You have until January 24th to book.

They also have some great deals to other major cities in the UK as well as European destinations. Premium Economy is also on sale (this is the class we try to travel in). They also have even better deals on booking packages that include airfare, hotel and car. British Airways will be unlikely to have another sale until the spring or summer.

Sounds good?

Click here to browse airfares.

Anglophile Alert: British Airways Winter and Spring Sale! Airfares Starting at $699! is a post from: Anglotopia.net

This is a guest post by Karola Woods of London thru Cafes City Guide iPhone App.

Guest Post: How to Spend A Day In Greenwich London is a post from: Anglotopia.net

As London prepares to pull out all of the stops as hosts of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the rest of Britain has followed suit for what is set to be a blockbuster year of experiences only to be had in 2012. Whether you are a sports lover, a history buff, a Royal watcher or music lover, it’s Britain, it’s 2012 and you’re invited.

1. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, 2 – 5 June

In honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, celebrating 60 years on the throne, many exciting events will be taking place across Britain. A program which will include a flotilla with 1000 boats along the River Thames, a concert at Buckingham Palace, the lighting of 2012 beacons and a Big Jubilee Lunch, have already been confirmed with the majority of events taking place over the extended weekend from 2 – 5 June. Exhibitions including The Queen: Sixty Photographs for Sixty Years at Windsor Castle and Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomy at the Queens Gallery will also be taking place during 2012. Queen Elizabeth II is only the second monarch, after Queen Victoria in 1897, to reach this 60 year milestone. More celebration information will be available online throughout 2012.

www.direct.gov.uk/diamondjubilee

www.thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org

2. Charles Dickens 200th Birthday, 7 February

Kent will be celebrating the bicentenary of his birth in 2012. Organisations in England and worldwide are planning festivals, exhibitions and other events in honour of one of literatures best loved authors. On 7 February, Dickens’ birthday will be celebrated with a range of activities and celebrations including street performers, musicians, food, craft activities and readings. There will also be free admission to the Birthplace for timed slots during the day. In addition, the year of the bicentenary will see new commemorative initiatives, including exciting legacy projects and heritage trails. For more information and to keep updated with the bicentenary events visit:

www.dickens2012.org

www.visitkent.co.uk/explore/charles-dickens.asp

3. The Wales Coast Path, May

Coastal Wales is the greatest region on Earth to visit in 2012, according to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel. Wales is set to become the only country in the world where its entire coastline can be walked. The Wales Coast Path, due for completion in May, 2012, includes 70 sweeping beaches, 15 picturesque ports and innumerable secret coves. Whether an avid walker or up for a new adventure, visitors of all walking abilities will want to explore the Wales Coast Path, 85% of which is within the National Parks.

www.walking.visitwales.com

4. Cotswolds Olympicks, 400th Anniversary, 1 June

At the time of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, England will also be celebrating the 400th anniversary of its Olympic roots – Robert Dover’s Cotswolds Olympicks. Started by a local barrister, Captain Robert Dover, the world’s inaugural Olympick Games were staged on a Cotswold hillside in 1612. Today the annual event, held at the start of June, attracts thousands of spectators as ‘athletes’ partake in country-side games such as obstacle courses and tug-of-war, in addition to unique sporting competitions such as shin-kicking. The day is brought to a close with fireworks and a torch lit procession into Campden followed by dancing in the square.

www.olimpickgames.co.uk

5. The Sailing of the Titanic, 100th Anniversary, April

April 2012, marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic disaster, and to commemorate this moment in history, the city of Belfast will be unveiling the ‘Titanic Signature Project’ set to make the city’s Titanic Quarter the largest waterfront development project in Europe. The new ‘Titanic Belfast,’ a state-of-the-art building in the heart of the Titanic Quarter, will include a ‘Titanic Experience’ exhibition, an ‘immersive theatre’ diving underwater to explore the wreck, and a Titanic-themed banqueting suite. The project will also include the restoration of the Titanic and Olympic slipways, the Thompson Dock and Harland & Wolff’s former Headquarters building. Belfast will also host the Titanic 100 Festival from 31 March – 31 May..

www.titanic-quarter.com

6. The World Shakespeare Festival, 23 April – November

The World Shakespeare Festival is a celebration of Shakespeare as the world’s playwright, produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company, in an unprecedented collaboration with leading UK and international arts organisations, and with Globe to Globe, a major international program produced by Shakespeare’s Globe. Thousands of artists from around the world will take part in almost 70 productions, plus supporting events and exhibitions, right across the UK including London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Newcastle-Gateshead, Birmingham, Wales and Scotland as well as online. The festival forms part of London 2012 Festival, which is the culmination of the Cultural Olympiad, bringing leading artists from all over the world together in a UK-wide festival in the summer of 2012.

www.worldshakespearefestival.org

7. The Olympic Torch Relay, May – July

18 May is the date the Olympic Torch is set to arrive in Britain, when it will travel across every nation and region on a 70 day, 8,000 mile journey. The Olympic flame will travel within one hour of 95% of the UK population and only in 2012 is there chance to join more than 1,000 communities in welcoming a historic Olympic tradition to Britain. The exciting Torch Relay will include some breath-taking spectacles and rather unusual modes of transport: horseback, steam train and even a zip wire are all in the plans, with more to be announced between now and 18 May. Celebrations and events across Britain will mark the flame’s arrival, creating unique local experiences across the UK. The Olympic Torch relay is a must for any 2012 Britain itinerary.

www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay

8. The Beatles’ 50th Anniversary

Liverpool is the birthplace of the Beatles and the city that shaped their lives and early music. With 2012 marking the 50th anniversary of their first smash hit “Love Me Do,” there has never been a better time to visit the award-winning Beatles Story, an experience that gives an atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture and music of the Beatles. Visitors will see how four young men from Liverpool were propelled into the dizzying heights of worldwide fame and fortune to become one of the greatest bands of all time. With the world famous Cavern Club and the home of John Lennon available to visit, make 2012 the year to bring the story of the Beatles to life!

www.beatlesstory.com

9. London 2012 Festival, 21 June – 9 September

The London 2012 Festival, taking place 21 June –9 September is the finale of the four-year Cultural Olympiad. Complementing the sporting events at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the festival will be the biggest party the UK has ever seen with over 1,000 events taking place all over the UK – many of them free. Famous headliners include Cate Blanchett and Jude Law, while some of the highlight events include the World Shakespeare Festival; Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend – the national radio station’s biggest free concert ever; and West End Live where you can experience the best of London theatre for free in Trafalgar Square. More high profile events will be announced in January 2012 and over 70 productions will take place all around Britain.

http://festival.london2012.com

10. WorldPride, 23 June –8 July

The eyes, ears and rainbows of the world will be on London in 2012 as it hosts WorldPride. What promises to be an event on a truly mammoth scale, WorldPride is expected to attract over one million visitors. The two week festivities known as ‘Festival fortnight’ will take place from 23 June – 8 July with the main parade held on 7 July. Organised by InterPride, WorldPride promotes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues on an international level through parades, festivals and other cultural activities.

www.pridelondon.org/worldpride

11. National Football Museum, May

Britain is the home of football and the English Premier League, which is now the most watched football season in the world, broadcasted live in 212 territories globally. The National Football Museum, opening in Manchester in May 2012 is set to become one of the city’s ‘must see’ attractions. Highlights include a shirt from the world’s first international match, played in 1872; the 1966 World Cup Final ball; and the shirt worn by Maradona during the 1986 ‘Hand of God’ quarter final match between England and Argentina. In 2012, the Olympics will see football matches in some of Britain’s world class sporting venues including Old Trafford, Wembley and the Millennium Stadium. The National Museum of Football is a must for anyone with an interest in the game.

www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

12. London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games,27 July – 12 August and 29 August – 9 September 

While tickets to the Olympic Games may be few and far between at this point in the year, there are still plenty of ways to be a part of the excitement in London and Britain during Games time. Host cities will be buzzing with excitement creating an unbeatable atmosphere of celebration. Soak up the excitement at one of the 22 Live sites across the UK or get yourself to one of the many non-ticketed events and cheer on your home-town hero. Non-ticketed events include Road Cycling, Marathon, Marathon Swimming, Race Walk, Triathlon and Sailing.

http://www.london2012.com/

12 reasons to Visit Britain in 2012 is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Britain wouldn’t be the same without it’s wealth of quirky events, we’ve rounded up as many as we can think of, so if you fancy a spot of swamp football or perhaps think you could become the World Marble Champion then now’s your chance.

JANUARY

THE LOONY DOOK
When: 1 January 2012
Where: Grand Parade starts at the Hawes Pier in South Queensferry, Scotland
Time: 11am
Web: www.theloonydook.co.uk

Celebrate the arrival of 2012 by taking part in the incredible Loony Dook, the annual splash in the River Forth in the shadow of the world-famous Forth Rail Bridge. Join in the Grand Parade and cheer-on the brave Loony Dookers as they make their way along Queensferry’s High Street to dook in the freezing Forth under the gaze of the iconic Forth Bridges. Over the past 25 years, thousands of people have taken the plunge at the Loony Dook.

HAXEY HOOD GAME
When: 6 January 2012 (the twelfth day of Christmas)
Where: Haxey, near Epworth, North Lincolnshire
Time: Fool’s speech outside St Nicholas Church at 14.30 and Main Hood thrown at 15.30 on Hood Field, Cross Hill, Haxey, near Epworth.

Every January, the parish of Haxey goes a little crazy for the day. They play a mad game called the Haxey Hood and have been practicing this ancient tradition since the 14th Century. It’s the oldest local tradition in England.

To the spectator, this event is like a rugby scuffle, this is called the sway, in which a leather tube (that represents the hood) is pushed to 1 of 4 pubs where it remains until the following year’s game. It is a tradition that dates back to the 14th century when Lady de Mowbray, wife of landowner John De Mowbray, was out riding one day and her silk riding hood was blown away. Thirteen farm workers in the field rushed to help and chased the hood all over the field. It was finally caught by one of the farm workers, but being too shy to hand it back to the lady he gave it to one of the others to hand back to her. She thanked the farm worker who had returned the hood and said that he had acted like a Lord, whereas the worker who had actually caught the hood was a Fool. She was so impressed by this act of chivalry and the resulting chase that she donated 13 acres of land on condition that the chase for the hood would be re-enacted each year. This re-enactment over the centuries has become known as “The Haxey Hood”.

WHITTLESEY STRAW BEAR FESTIVAL
When: 13 – 15 Jan 2012
Where: Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire
Time: 10.30 – 15.15
Web: www.strawbear.org.uk

Teddy bears have a place in most children’s bedrooms. However straw bears are a little more unusual. Once a year, at the Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival, visitors can see a real-life straw bear. He will be part of an elaborate parade around the town centre attended by a host of dancers and musicians including Morris Dance teams and sword dancers. The bear is actually a man covered from head to toe in a straw costume. During the 19th century, straw bears – men or boys clothed in a layer of straw – were a familiar sight on Plough Monday (The first Monday after 6 January). The straw bear is said to be a throwback to Pagan times. The bear dances to encourage crops to grow in the spring. It was an uncomfortable costume, with lengths of tightly twisted straw bands prepared and wound up the arms, legs and body of the man or boy who was chosen. Two sticks were fastened to the shoulders and met at a point over his head. Straw was then wound round them to form a cone above the ‘bear’s’ head. A tail was provided and a strong chain fastened around the armpits. The bear danced in front of houses and gifts of money or food or beer were given in return.

LERWICK UP HELLY AA

When: 13 – 15 Jan 2012
Where: Lewick, Shetland, Scotland
Time: Press times: 14:00 Walk the procession Route. Meet at the Galley Shed, St Sunniva Street, 15:00 Press Meeting in the Galley shed, 19:30 on the Hillhead information@uphellyaa.org
Web: www.uphellyaa.org

Up Helly Aa is a tradition that originated in the 1880s. This annual event in Shetland is Europe’s largest fire festival and involves a torchlit procession, the burning of a Viking longship and a ceilidh which lasts late into the night. The festival heralds the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The burning of the Viking galley also commemorates the way a Viking warrior was cremated: by being pushed out into the sea in his trusty longship. In addition to this main Up Helly AA, there are also smaller ones throughout Scotland, details of which can be found on the website.

FEBRUARY

ST IVES FEAST AND HURLING OF THE SILVER BALL
When: 6 February 2012 (held on the first Monday after 3 February)
Where: Throughout the town of St Ives
Time: 10.00 – 17.00 at The Guildhall
Web: http://www.visitcornwall.com/things-to-do/whats-on/st-ives-feast-hurling-the-silver-ball-p505483

Hurling is one of the oldest forms of ball game and still takes place at St Ives in Cornwall on the first Monday after 3 February. The game is rather like rugby and the ball is made from apple-wood encased in sterling silver and weighs about 15 ounces (425g).

Taking place in one of Cornwall’s most popular seaside towns, watching the hurling is an intriguing insight into one of Cornwall’s most ancient traditions. Take a ring side seat near the beach and cheer for your favourite participant, some of whom dive into the chilly sea to escape with the ball.

Hurling the Silver Ball is one of Cornwall’s oldest customs dating back at least a thousand years. Of unknown origin, the game involves much physical rough and tumble as each side (traditionally the ‘countrymen’ and ‘townsmen’ of a particular parish) tries to keep possession of a cricket ball-sized ball made of apple wood coated in silver. These days, Cornish Hurling has all but disappeared, although it is still played once a year in St Ives and St Columb Major, near Newquay.

HUSKY RACING
When: 18-19 February 2012
Where: Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire
Time: 10.00 – 14.00
Web: www.grimsthorpe.co.uk

The park land surrounding the house, built for a visit by Henry VIII in 1541, will host 400 dogs competing along a timed route, pulling sleds and their owners. The imposing country house sits amongst rolling Lincolnshire countryside surrounded by formal gardens, extensive woodland and a 50-acre lake, providing a stunning setting for the race. Takes place between 10am and 2pm over the weekend.

OLNEY PANCAKE RACE
When: 21 February 2012 (shrove Tuesday)
Where: Market Place, Olney, Buckinghamshire MK46 4EF
Time: 11.55am race starts (family entertainment from 10am)
Email: olneypark@hotmail.co.uk
Web: www.visitbuckinghamshire.org/events/olney-pancake-race-p692671

The unique Olney Pancake Race literally stops traffic as energetic local ladies in traditional housewife attire (including skirt, apron and scarf), run through the streets of Olney. The 415- yard dash is run from The Bull Hotel in the Market Place to the Parish Church of St. Peter & St Paul in Church Lane. The race is started by the church warden at 11.55am using a large bronze ‘Pancake Bell.’ Pancakes are tossed at the start of the race and the winner is required to toss her pancake again at the finish. At the end of the race, the runners and townsfolk go into the Parish Church for the great Shriving Service. The race has been run since around 1445 and since 1950, the contest has been an international event between Olney and the town of Liberal, Kansas in America. The race is run on a timed basis and the winner is declared after times are compared through a transatlantic telephone call from Liberal to Olney.

ROYAL SHROVETIDE FOOTBALL
When: 21-22 February 2012 (Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday)
Where: Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Time: 14.00
PR Contact: Mr M Betteridge 0044 (0)1335 342 083
Web: http://www.shrovetide.net/

Thought to date back to the 12^th century, this is a ’free for all’ football game like no other, featuring the “Up’ards” (those born north of the Henmore river in Ashbourne) against the “Down’ards” (those born south of the river). The town closes for two days while the match is played. Each day the ball is ‘turned up’ at Shawcroft car park at 2pm, and the game and celebrations carry on all day, usually until 10pm. Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales took part in the tradition in 2003.

MARCH

BRAE UP-HELLY-AA
When: March 2012
Where: Brae, Shetland Islands
Email: deborah.kerr@visitscotland.com 

Brae’s Up Helly Aa Viking Festival is the last one of the season, and is the last opportunity to enjoy the torch-lit procession and all night ceilidh.

WORLD POOH STICKS CHAMPIONSHIPS
When: 25 March 2012
Where: Days Lock, Little Wittenham, Nr Abingdon, OX14 4RB
Web: www.pooh-sticks.com

When Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin first dropped a handful of sticks from a bridge into a stream and rushed to the other side to see which came under first, who would have imagined this would start an annual tradition? The 27th Annual World Pooh Sticks Championships organised by the Rotary Club of Oxford Spires is set to attract around 1000 – 2000 people. Individuals and teams of 6 compete in a knock-out style competition, with teams of six dropping different coloured sticks from each of the two bridges at the lock. The event is held in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and also Rotary charities.

APRIL

WORLD MARBLES CHAMPIONSHIPS
When: 6 April 2012 (held every Good Friday)
Where: Greyhound Pub, Tinsley Green, Crawley, West Sussex
Time: 10.30 – 17.30

Marbles have been played in and around Tinsley Green for many hundreds of years. The tradition is said to date back to the time of Good Queen Bess when two men from Surrey and Sussex competed for the hand of a maiden from Tinsley, which is just on the border of the two counties. After being judged equal in all the major sports of the time such as archery and wrestling, one of them came up with the game of marbles and the tradition has continued ever since. The World Marble Championships date back to the 1930s. Some 20 teams from around world take part, and over the years, teams from Canada, the USA and Germany have taken part. The action is watched by hundreds of spectators. The game is played in a six-foot-diameter ring which is dusted with fine sand and set up in the Greyhound Pub car park. Some 49 marbles are then placed in the ring. There are six players in a team and each member has four marbles. The winner is the first team to knock 25 marbles out of the ring.

WORLD COAL CARRYING CHAMPIONSHIPS
When: 9 April 2012 (held annually on Easter Monday)
Where: Royal Oak, Owl Lane, Gawthorpe, Ossett, West Yorkshire
Time: 12.00 noon
Web: www.gawthorpe.ndo.co.uk/coal.htm

The World Coal Carrying Contest is a test of stamina and muscle. It is held every Easter Monday and lifts the village of Gawthorpe out of obscurity and into the headlines. The race involves men carrying 50kg (one hundred weight) of coal over an uphill course close to a mile long starting at the Royal Oak, Owl Lane and finishing at the Maypole on the village green. The ladies race follows the same route as the men’s – ladies carry 20 kg of coal. The current world record holder is said to be David Jones of Meltham with a time of 4 mins 6 secs. The World Coal Carrying Contest dates back to 1963 when a local coal merchant and the president of the Maypole Committee were enjoying a pint together. A friend burst into the pub and bet that he could race them with a bag of coal on their backs. Not to let a good idea go to waste, the secretary of the Maypole Committee who was listening to the challenge, decided to set the race for Easter Monday.

BOTTLE KICKING AND HARE PIE SCRAMBLE
When: 9 April 2012 (Easter Monday)
Where: Hallaton, Leicestershire
 Web: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adBjeZRTsGE /

On Easter Monday every year, villagers from Hallaton and Medbourne battle against each other to get possession of a small wooden keg referred to as the ‘bottle’ and carry it over their finish line, two steams a mile apart. There are various obstacles in to cross before reaching the streams including ditches, hedges and even barbed wire. The game is best of three with a new bottle being introduced after the previous one is won.

In 1770, the Rector of Hallaton was allotted a piece of land on condition that he provided two hare pies, two dozen loaves of bread and a quantity of ale, which had to be scrambled for in public. The custom still survives today. On Easter Monday, a hare pie is baked using a 20-inch square tin and is paraded in a procession through Hallaton village from the Fox Inn to St Michael’s Church. Slices are cut up, blessed and distributed at St Michael’s Church gates by the rector. Immediately behind the pie in the procession are the bottles that are used for the Bottle Kicking match. The ‘bottles’ are actually three small wooden kegs. Two contain beer and the remaining one is coloured red and white. The Bottle Kicking Parade moves through the village to the top of Hare Pie bank where the Bottle Kicking match takes place. The competitors are teams from Hallaton and nearby Medbourne who kick and man-handle the three barrels in an attempt to get them across respective boundaries. The goals are two streams a mile (1.6km) apart, and the aim is to kick two of the three bottles across the team’s respective stream. It is a tough contest with the teams having to get the barrels across numerous hedges, lanes, ditches and even barbed wire to reach their touchlines.

THE MALDON MUD RACE
When: 29 April 2012
Where: Maldon, Essex
PR contact: info@maldonmudrace.com
Web: http://www.maldonmudrace.com/main.htm

Join 250 competitors in this mad scramble through the stinking, ink-black mud of the Blackwater Estuary in Essex. Entrants are advised to get a tetanus jab and tape their shoes to their feet. Not for the faint-hearted, then, but lots of fun for anyone watching.

MAY

WELL DRESSING
When: May through to end of September 2012
Where: All over Derbyshire – Tissington, Buxton, Buxworth
 Web: http://www.welldressing.com/

During the Well Dressing season in Derbyshire Springs or wells are intricately decorated. Using local plants and flowers clay-filled wooden trays are decorated before being mounted onto frames and placed by the well. Once known as ‘well flowering’, the tradition is thought to have originated in Pagan times and was banned for a time by the early Christians – but this is a Derbyshire custom that is here to stay.

Derbyshire hosts this ancient ceremony that has undergone a revival recently with many towns and villages enthusiastically re-establishing the craft. Well dressings are mosaic pictures, built up from natural materials such as flower petals, seeds, leaves and berries pressed into clay which is held in a wooden frame. The shape of the frames varies depending on the choice of theme – most are usually of a religious nature although recently, more modern themes have been adopted. When the well dressing is at the site of the well it is blessed by the local clergy. Dressings last about a week depending on the weather. Well dressing is thought to have originated from Pagan times, a ritual performed to give thanks for the supply of fresh water. Another school of thought claims that the Romans introduced the custom into Britain and another connects the celebration with various outbreaks of plague.

ELY‘S EEL DAY
When: 5 May 2012
Where: Jubilee Gardens, Ely, Cambs
Time: 11.00 – 16.00
Web: www.visitely.org.uk

This slithery celebration brings to life the city’s eel traditions with eel tasting, folklore and historical entertainment and displays. The city of Ely is famous for its eels – once part of the local staple diet. These watery creatures are commemorated in May with a day of activities. Look out for the procession with ‘Ellie the Eel’. It’s the annual festival where the good folk of Ely celebrate the humble eel – that slipperiest of fish that gave the city its name!

The festival starts with a procession through the city headed up by Ellie the Eel – a giant version of the snake-like fish created by local school children.
Activities include eel tasting, folk music, pottery making workshops, music and dancing, Viking re-enactments, historical displays, games, craft and food stalls. And, of course – there will be the highly contested eel throwing competition.

STILTON CHEESE ROLLING CHAMPIONSHIP
When: 7 May 2012 (tbc)
Where: Stilton, near Peterborough
Web: www.stilton.org/about_rolling.html

For something a bit different cheer on the teams as they roll the wooden cheeses down the High Street in Stilton, nr. Peterborough. It celebrates the strong connection with the village and the creamy cheese. Cheese Rolling has become an annual event in Stilton and every May Day hundreds of villagers and visitors make their way to the main street to watch the teams battling for the honour of being called the ‘Stilton Cheese Rolling Champions’.

CHEESE ROLLING
When: 28 May 2012, Bank Holiday Monday (always held on the second Bank Holiday Monday in May)
Where: Coopers Hill, Brockworth, Gloucestershire
Time: From 12.00
Web: www.cheese-rolling.co.uk

A passion for cheese is a must for this annual event, which involves daredevils hurling themselves down the steep, grassy slopes of Coopers Hill, near Gloucester, in pursuit of Double Gloucester cheeses. There are downhill races throughout the afternoon including ones for men and for women. The race starts with the master of ceremonies rolling a 7- 8 lb (4kg) Double Gloucester cheese down the hill. Dozens of competitors run, roll and somersault down the hill after it. It’s impossible not to fall over due to the rough uneven slope with a 1:2 gradient. The winners take home the cheeses as well as a few cuts and bruises.

The event is very popular with international competitors, and nothing deters them – hot, cold, wind, wet or any other combination of British weather – in fact it all adds to the sense of spectacle. Hundreds of people gather to watch this unique event, which dates back to medieval times. Common theories about the origin of cheese rolling include the idea that it began as a pan festival celebrating the onset of summer, while others maintain the festival is related to ancient fertility rights and hopes for a successful harvest.

NURDLING
When: 28 May 2012
Where: The Jackson Stops Inn, Stretton
Contact: 0044 1780 410 237 pressoffice@cumbriatourism.org

Every late May bank holiday The Jackson Stops Inn at Stretton plays host to the World Nurdling Championships, where contestants hurl 13 old pennies into a hole drilled into the seat of an oaken settle. The traditional game of Nurdling dates back to the Middle Ages. The current ‘Best Tosser’ is Don Bentley.

JUNE

ROBERT DOVER’S COTSWOLD OLIMPICKS (SHIN KICKING)
When: 1 June 2012
Where: Dover’s Hill, near Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
Time: 14.00 – 00.00
Web: www.olimpickgames.co.uk

The Cotswold Olimpicks (Olympics) were started by a local barrister Captain Robert Dover in 1612 at Dover’s Hill, above Chipping Campden. The annual event attracts thousands of spectators and features some well-known countryside games such as tug-of-war, obstacle races and wrestling as well as a few bizarre ones – the highlight being shin-kicking. The shin-kicking competition involves two contestants who first fill their trouser legs with straw to help reduce the pain. The players then hold arms and kick each other using steel toe- capped boots until one of the contestants is so bruised that he cannot stand the pain and gives in. The festivities close with a huge bonfire and firework display followed by a torchlight procession to the town square of Chipping Campden where Morris dancing and other entertainment takes place.
The Olimpicks will be 400 years old when London hosts the 2012 Olympics .

THE HUNTING OF THE EARL OF RONE
When: 1-4 June 2012
Where: Coombe Martin, North Devon
Web: http://earl-of-rone.org.uk/

If you’re in Devon over the Spring Bank Holiday in May head to the village of Combe Martin and one of the region’s oldest and oddest customs. Over 4 days, allegorical characters search for the Earl of Rone, finally finding him on the Monday night. He is then paraded through the streets sitting backwards on a donkey, ‘shot’, knocked off his mount and finally thrown into the sea.

TETBURY WOOL SACK RACE
When: 4 June 2012,
Where: Tetbury, (On Gumstool Hill between The Crown Inn and Royal Oak pub)
Time: 10.00 – 14.00
Web: www.tetburywoolsack.co.uk

The Tetbury Wool Sack Race is a gruelling competition run between two pubs in Tetbury – The Crown Inn and the Royal Oak. The race has been given world record status and involves competitors running in pairs and fours up steep Gumstool Hill through the village of Tetbury carrying a large sack of wool. Men carry a 60lb sack on their backs and women carry a 35lb sack. The gradient in parts is 1:4, so it’s heavy going for even the fittest competitor.
The event attracts puzzled spectators from across the world and raises money for local charities. The race reflects the history of the area, when many of the Cotswold towns, including Tetbury, were noted wool towns. It’s thought the race originally started when local drovers – egged on by drink and wanting to impress the ladies – raced each other uphill with heavy woolsacks.

MAN v HORSE RACE
When: June 2012 (exact date tbc)
Where: The race starts from the square in Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys (the smallest town in Britain) at 11.00 a.m. and finishes at approximately 1.00 p.m. at the Victoria Wells Forest Log cabins.
Web: www.green-events.co.uk

The race is run over 22 miles of mixed and very hilly terrain, including farm tracks, bridle paths, forestry roads and open moorland. Up to 500 entrants compete each year. The Man v Horse Race was the brainchild of local man, Gordon Green, at the time when he was landlord of Neuadd Arms, after a discussion over a pint about the relative merits of man and horse.

The race has been run each year since, continually attaining new levels of entry and challenges. It took 25 years before a man finally beat a horse, when in 2004 Huw Lobb won in two hours and five minutes, finishing two minutes before the fastest horse

SWAMP SOCCER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
When: 23-24 June 2012
Where: Inverness, Scotland
Email: info@swampsoccer.co.uk
Web: www.swampsoccer.co.uk 

The rules of swamp soccer are similar to regular football, with a number of exceptions. Each team has just six players (a goalkeeper & five outfield players) with unlimited substitutions. Games last for 24 minutes in total (12 minutes each way)…and fancy dress is allowed!

THE WORLD EGG THROWING COMPETITION
When: 24 June 2012
Where: Takes place between Helpringham and Swaton on the B1394 which joins the A52 and A17 Roads, Halfway between Boston and Grantham in Lincolnshire, NG34 0RF
Website: www.eggthrowing.com and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl3pN3lRZa0

Contestants have to construct a gravity-powered egg-hurling device to launch an egg to a waiting team member. To achieve points the team member must either catch the egg unbroken or get struck by the egg. As the egg can be traveling at speeds of up to 120 mph this is particularly tricky and relies upon a lob technique to reduce velocity. Distances to be achieved start at 30 meters but can be extended up to 150 in the knock out competition.

Another activity that takes place on the day is the Russian Egg Roulette where two participants select from five hard boiled eggs and one raw egg – and they have to smash them on to their own foreheads. Event competitions range from basic throwing and catching to relays, egg roulette and building your own egg-hurling device to propel your egg, unbroken to a team member in order to gain points.

JULY

BRITISH LAWNMOWER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
When: July 2012 (exact date tbc)
Where: Heddington & Stockley Steam Rally,Calne, Wiltshire
Web: http://www.blmra.co.uk/

Ready, steady, Mow! Lawn mower racing was started back in 1973 by an Irishman called Jim Gavin. Like many other motor sports there are several categories that you can compete in and events take place up and down the country throughout the year.

WORLD MOUNTAIN BIKE BOG SNORKELLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
When: July 2012 (exact date tbc)
Where: Waen Rhydd peat bog, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, mid Wales
Email: llanwrtydtouristinformation@yahoo.co.uk
Web: www.green-events.co.uk

The World Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling Championships are held in Waen Rhydd peat bog and attract about 40 riders. Started up by local man Gordon Green in 1998, competitors must cycle two lengths of a six-foot deep trench which is 45 yards long on a special lead-weighted bike. They must also wear a weighted backpack. The winner takes home a glass engraved goblet.

WORLD PEA SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIPS
When: 14 July 2012
Where: Village Green, Witcham, Cambridgeshire
Time: 12.00 – 17.00
Web: www.eastcambs.gov.uk/tourism

This international event brings challengers from as far as New Zealand and the USA to compete for the World Pea Shooting trophy. Accuracy, not distance, is the aim of this competition, with contestants shooting a pea through a 12-inch tube, 12 feet towards a 12-inch target. Competition is fierce and laser-guided shooters for specialists are not uncommon, taking pea shooting into the 21st Century. Pea shooters and peas can be bought at the event.

WORLD SNAIL RACING CHAMPIONSHIPS
When: 21July 2012
Where: The Cricket Field, Lynn Road, Congham, Norfolk
Time: From 14.00
Email: info@snailracing.net
Web: www.snailracing.net

Ready, Steady, Slow! For more than 25 years, the World Snail Racing Championships have been held at Congham, near King’s Lynn, in Norfolk. More than 300 snails slug it out for the title of ‘Fastest Snail in the World’ at the World Snail Racing Championships. Anyone with a snail can enter and a number of heats are held before the grand final. The winner receives a silver tankard stuffed with lettuce. The world record is held by a snail called Archie who completed the 13-inch course (set up on top of a table) in two minutes.

AUGUST

THE WORLD HEN RACING CHAMPIONSHIPS

When: 5 August 2012
Where: Barley Mow Inn, Bonsall, Derbyshire
Web: http://www.world-championship-hen-racing.com/

The World Hen Racing Championships have brought an entire new meaning to “Chicken Run” – not to mention some egg-stra egg-citement to the Peak District. Visitors to the Barley Mow pub in the village of Bonsall each August are able to catch sight of chickens racing along a 30-foot track, under strict world championship regulations.

WORLD PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIP
When: 11 August 2012
Where: Glasgow Green, Greendyke Street, Glasgow
Time: 10 am onwards – throughout the day

The World Pipe Band Championships have been associated with Glasgow since 1948 and are a celebration of the very best of Scottish music, culture and dance. The event will see over 8,000 pipers and drummers from across the globe competing at Glasgow Green for the coveted title of World Champions 2012.

KETTLEWELL SCARECROW FESTIVAL
When: 11-19 August 2012
Where: Kettlewell, Yorkshire Dales
 Web: http://www.kettlewellscarecrowfestival.co.uk/

What started of as a one off fund raising event in 1998 is now an annual event which see the village of Kettlewell come to life with scarecrows. Well over a hundred scarescrows are made and exhibited by the village residents throughout the festival with prizes awarded for the best. There are both traditional looking models and those based on popular TV characters with some trails and treasure hunts thrown in for fun part.

INTERNATIONAL WORTHING BIRDMAN
When: 18-19 August 2012
Where: Worthing Pier
Time: Early afternoon onwards
Web: www.worthingbirdman.co.uk

The Birdman is a flight competition for human-powered flying machines held each summer in the picturesque seaside resort of Worthing on England’s south coast. Many flyers take part to raise money for charities; others design complex machines to aim for the distance prizes. A substantial prize of £30,000 is offered for the furthest flight in excess of the challenge distance of 100 metres. The event attracts contestants from all over the world. The Birdman competition started in 1971 along the coast in Selsey and then spent 29 years in Bognor Regis before relocating to Worthing in 2008.

RACE THE TRAIN
When: 18 August 2012
Where: Talyllyn Railway, Tywyn
Email: info@racethetrain.com
Web: www.racethetrain.co.uk 

Race the Train event is a popular contest between man and machine. The race takes place alongside, as far as practicable, the route taken by the Talyllyn Railway on its journey to Abergynolwyn and back. In order to do this, all courses use a mixture of public roads, lanes, unmetalled roads, tracks, agricultural land, and rough grazing pastures. In the case of the Main Races (approximately 14.75 miles long) and 10km races, the route is much tougher as it crosses the faces of the hillsides, ascends and descends quite steep terrain and runs on narrow footpaths with little chance of overtaking. The terrain varies all the time and can be very wet and muddy in places, the routes also involve some steep hills. Often the train, or for many runners the track, is just over the fence and in many places if you coincide with the train any family or friends on the train will be able to shout encouragement.

ISLE OF WIGHT GARLIC FESTIVAL
When: 18-19 August 2012
Where: Newchurch, Isle of Wight
 Web: www.garlic-festival.co.uk/

Garlic ice cream, jelly beans, fudge and beer are just some of the unusual garlic-based produce that can be sampled at the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival in Newchurch. The Garlic Marquee features the Isle of Wight’s ‘Golden Clove’ including the popular oak-smoked variety. There are over 250 stalls and many tempting garlic-flavoured products for visitors to try including banana and garlic, and rhubarb and garlic pickles and chutneys, garlic mussels and other seafood, sausages and bread. The festival attracts 25,000 people and is a two-day event organised by the Newchurch Parish Sports and Community Association. The idea for the festival came about after a visit to the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California and as garlic is grown locally in Newchurch, it was felt a festival to celebrate the garlic harvest was an innovative idea.

VICTORIAN FESTIVAL
When: August 2012 (exact date tbc)
Where: Llandrindod Wells
Email: info@victorianfestival.co.uk
Web: www.victorianfestival.co.uk 

This popular festival is going from strength to strength. As Llandrindod was a thriving spa resort in the Victorian era it seemed natural to base the festival on the Victorian theme. Horses and carriages, Victorian window displays, townspeople and some visitors sporting a whole range of appropriate costumes help to create an atmosphere, the effect of which is nothing short of miraculous. At the end of the nine days, the proceedings are closed in the grandest of manners with the moving torchlight procession and fireworks display over the lake – a spectacle not to be missed.

WORLD TOE WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP
When: 25 August 2012
Where: Bentley Brook Inn, Fenny Bentley, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1LF
Time: Wrestling begins at 13.00. £2.50 to enter; free to watch
Web: www.bentleybrookinn.co.uk/page14.html

Going way back to 1976, the World Toe Wrestling Championship started at a pub in Wetton, Derbyshire UK. The locals of ‘Ye Olde Royal Oak Inn’ thought it would be a great idea to hold a toe wrestling competition, where the contestants lock their big toes together, and attempt to force their opponent’s foot to the ground. The organisers have big intentions for the sport, and applied in 1997 for its inclusion in the Olympic Games. Unfortunately for crazy sports fans it was not accepted.

The Bentley Brook Inn in Derbyshire hosts the Ben & Jerry’s World Toe Wrestling Championship – a feast of foot foolery, bad wrestling outfits and toeriffically treacherous puns. All proceeds from the event go to the Derbyshire charity When You Wish Upon a Star.

CUMBERLAND WRESTLING (GRASMERE LAKELAND SPORTS AND SHOW)
When: 26 August 2012
Where: Show Field, Grasmere, Cumbria
Web: www.grasmere.com/events.htm and www.grasmeresportsandshow.co.uk/

Grasmere hosts the largest of the traditional Lakeland sport meetings, featuring Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, hound trails (where trained hounds race after the scent of aniseed over the fells), mountain-bike races and fell races, including the English Hill Championship. There are also events, trade, crafts and antiques stands, refreshments and stalls.

WORLD BOG SNORKELLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
When: 27 August 2012
Start time: 11am (the event finishes at nightfall)
Where: Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys
Web: www.green-events.co.uk

The World Bog Snorkelling Championships is an international sporting event which takes place annually on August Bank Holiday Monday in Waen Rhydd peat bog on the outskirts of the smallest town in Britain – Llanwrtyd Wells in Powys, Mid Wales. The aim of the championships is to swim two lengths (about 115 metres) of a peaty, murky trench, which has been dug out of the Waen Rhydd peat bog, in the quickest time possible. Competitors wear snorkels and flippers. Wet suits are optional but strongly recommended. Snorkelling across the smelly and dirty bog is popular with hardy individuals from all over the world. Competitors come from as far afield as Australia, America and Europe as well as from Britain for the pleasure of taking part. The snorkeller with the fastest time wins a small cash prize. Organised by ‘Green Events’, the novel event was originally thought up by a local pub landlord Gordon Green in 1986 in a bid to boost tourism to the area.

THE WORLD GRAVY WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
When: 27 August 2012
Where: The Rose & Bowl Inn, Bacup, Rossendale.
Time: 11:30 – 15.00
 Web: www.worldgravywrestling.com

This saucy event takes places as part of the Pennine Lancashire Festival of Food & Culture and celebrates its 5^th anniversary in 2012. The Gravy Wrestling takes place on the second Bank Holiday Monday in August. The teams competing for the title slip and slide about in luke-warm gravy. Team members win points for pinning the opposition down in the gravy.

This event was started in 2007 and brings out the crowds in force to laugh at the proceedings, while TV cameras and the press often record the event for audiences all over the world from Australia to America and Europe to the Far East. The winners will receive the glittering trophy and wallow in fame – if not fortune.

FOOTBALL IN THE RIVER
When: 27 August 2012
Where: The River Windrush, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds
Time: Fete from 11.00. Kick-Off at 16.00
Web: www.cotswolds.com

This event sees two teams of six from Bourton Rovers Football Club play a 30 minute football match in the usually calm waters of the River Windrush. Goalposts are set up in the river and players attempt to score as many goals as possible, whilst getting all spectators as wet as possible in the process. This event has been taking place for over 100 years and attracts hundreds of spectators.

SEPTEMBER

THE BRAEMAR GATHERING 2012 (HIGHLAND GAMES)

When: 1 September 2012
Where: The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, Royal Deeside, Aberdeen
PR Contact: Craig Nisbet , Braemar gathering Press Secretary, 0044 (0) 1334 473903
braemarpress@btinternet.com
Web: www.braemargathering.org 

Enjoy the skills of the pipers and Highland dancers and the stamina of the hill runners as well as the International athletes taking part in the heavy events. Sample contemporary Scotland with live music, top-quality arts and crafts, and the best local food and drink.

DOGGETT’S COAT AND BADGE RACE
When: 4 September – Special Diamond Jubilee Race (usually held in July)
Where: River Thames, London Dock to London Bridge
Web: http://www.pla.co.uk/display_fixedpage.cfm/id/163

Doggett’s Coat and Badge Race started in 1715 by Irish actor and comedian Thomas Doggett in honour of King George I’s accession to the throne. It is the oldest single sculling race in the world and is the oldest organised race in English history. In order that the race be continued, Doggett bequeathed money to the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers who still organise it. In his legacy, Doggett provided for prizes, including a splendid red coat and silver badge, which is awarded to the champion oarsman. The winner is especially fitted for the Doggett livery. The coat is a reddish orange colour and is tight-waisted, full-skirted and buttoned down the front. When the coat and silver badge have been made for the winner, he attends a colourful ceremony dating back many years at Fishmongers’ Hall at London Bridge. He enters the banqueting room to a fanfare of trumpets and passes a guard of honour of previous winners who are also wearing their Doggett’s livery. The course covers just over four and three quarter miles (7.24 km) and is only open to young watermen or women under the age of 26 on the day of the race. The race is watched by crowds of people on London’s bridges as well as from boats moored along the route. Some 15-20 boats also follow the race down the Thames.

WORLD BLACK PUDDING THROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS
When: 9 September 2012 (tbc)
Where: Royal Oak, Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, Lancashire

Black Pudding is a type of sausage made from congealed pigs’ blood with spices and lumps of fat, wrapped in a length of intestine – the dish is more appealing than the description suggests! The town of Bury in Lancashire is famous for the production of this regional delicacy along with tripe (cow’s stomach) and elder (steamed cows’ udder). The aim of the Black Pudding Throwing Championships is to throw a black pudding that has been ‘swaddled’ or wrapped in a pair of ladies tights at a collection of Yorkshire puddings on a plinth 20 feet up a tower built in the middle of the main street in Ramsbottom. Whoever knocks down the most wins!

EGREMONT CRAB FAIR AND SPORTS (WORLD GURNING CHAMPIONSHIPS)
When: 15 September 2012 (always held on the 3rd Saturday in September)
Where: Baybarrow Sports Field, Orgill, Egremont, Cumbria
Time: The World Gurning Championships start at 18.00
steve@egremontcrabfair.com
Web: www.egremontcrabfair.com/

The town of Egremont in Cumbria celebrates crab apple time with a unique day of quirky events that are topped off with the World Gurning Championships. Contestants put their heads through a horse collar and have a set time in which to contort their faces in the scariest, most grotesque, silliest expression possible. False teeth may be left in, taken out or turned upside down if desired. The person who gets the most applause for their ugly face wins! The event attracts camera crews from all over the world. The Egremont Crab Fair dates back to 1267 to celebrate the time when the local Lord of the Manor wheeled a cart of crab apples through the village of Egremont as a goodwill gesture to the poor. Crab apples have a sharp taste and it is said the gurning competition originates from the faces the locals made when they bit into the sharp apples.

WORLD STONE SKIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS 
When: 23 September 2012
Where: Easdale Island, near Isle of Mull, Scotland
Email: kirsty.innes@visitscotland.com
Web: www.stoneskimming.com 

The championships are held every year on the last Sunday in September. Anyone of any age and any level of skill can enter. Each competitor is allowed 3 skims using specially selected Easdale slate skimming stones.

For a skim to qualify the stone must bounce at least three times – it is then judged on the distance achieved before it sinks.

The World Stone Skimming Championships were launched in 1983 by Albert Baker, and then lay fallow until they were resurrected in 1997 by the Eilean Eisdeal (Easdale Island Trust) as a fundraising event. Contestants hail from around the world and the championships now attract over 200 participants and many spectators. Anyone of any age and any level of skill can enter the championships.

HARVEST FESTIVAL OF THE PEARLY KINGS AND QUEENS
When: 30 September 2012
Where: Parade starts at Guildhall Yard, London
Time: 13.00
Web: www.pearlysociety.co.uk

Every year in October, the Cockney Pearly Kings and Queens gather in London for a harvest thanksgiving festival, dressed in their traditional costumes of suits, dresses and hats. The elaborate outfits can have as many as 30,000 buttons sewn onto them and can weigh as much as 30 kg or more. The festival begins with a procession of the Pearly princesses who take fruit and vegetable produce to the church as thanks offerings. The tradition of the Pearly Kings and Queens can be traced to London’s street traders who used to elect representatives, known as ‘Kings’ in order to defend themselves against competitors and the police. The tradition of sewing pearls onto their clothes can be traced to 1875 when an orphan boy called Henry Croft wanted to help the poor of London. To attract attention to his charitable work, he made himself an entire suit covered in pearl buttons. He died in 1930 but his relations carry on the tradition of dressing in pearl embroidered outfits with stars, moons, suns, flowers and mystic symbols on them.

OCTOBER

SPALDING PUMPKIN PARADE
When: October 2012 (exact date tbc)
Where: Spalding, Lincolnshire
Web: www.pumpkinparade.co.uk

The Spalding Pumpkin Parade celebrates the regions pride in being the home of Europe’s biggest pumpkin grower.The parade is very much a family affair with attractions that cater for all ages. This year will be bigger than ever with live music, children’s fancy dress, a fun fair, various market stalls and the pumpkin parade led by the infamous pumpkin coach.

GOLDEN SPURTLE WORLD PORRIDGE MAKING CHAMPIONSHIPS
When: 7 October 2012
Where: Carrbridge, Inverness, Scottish Highlands
Web: http://www.goldenspurtle.com/

The annual World Porridge Making Championship is followed with interest by connoisseurs of Scotland’s national dish across the world. Each competitor is required to produce at least 1 pint (200ml) of porridge which is to be divided into three portions for the judges to taste. The championship title is awarded to the competitor producing the best traditional porridge, made from oatmeal (pinhead, coarse, medium or fine). The event includes a pipe band, cookery demonstrations and product tastings.

WORLD CONKER CHAMPIONSHIPS
When: 14 October 2012
Where: Village Green, Ashton, near Oundle, Peterborough
Time: 10.30 – 15.00
Web: www.worldconkerchampionships.com

The game of conkers has been a popular pastime of British schoolchildren for decades. The rules are simple. Each player is given a conker attached to a piece of string and takes turns in trying to break their opponent’s nut using a swinging motion. The World Conker Championships are held on the village green in Ashton, Peterborough and attract over 300 competitors attempting to become the King or Queen of conkers. There are various categories for the knockout competition – ladies, men, teenagers and children. People can enter as part of a team of four or as individuals. The world tournament came about after a group of local friends had to cancel their annual fishing trip one year. While in the bar, they saw conkers falling onto the village green and went out and had a game. Since 1965, the championships have raised over £300,000 to help various charities for the blind.

THE APPLE FESTIVAL
When: October 2012 (exact date tbc)
Where: The Parish Green, Ely Cathedral
Time: 10.00- 16.00
PR Contact: Aileen Sharp, Tourist Information Centre, 0044 (0) 1353 662062
aileen.sharp@eastcambs.gov.uk
Web: www.elycathedral.org; http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/whats-on

A celebration of the great English apple with a variety of apple related food, drink and wares on sale. The event also features a wide range of apple games, competitions and activities.

NOVEMBER

CARRYING THE TAR BARRELS

When: 5 November 2012
Where: Town centre, Ottery St Mary, Devon
Time: Starts 16.00
info@otterytourism.org.uk
Web: www.otterytarbarrels.co.uk

On Guy Fawkes Night, there is the ritual of carrying the blazing tar barrels, which dates back to 1688. Men carry the flaming barrels on their shoulders until the weight or heat becomes too much for them and another person takes over. This carries on until the barrels start to break up and then they are allowed to burn out. Preparation of the barrels and coating them with tar starts early in the year and some can weigh over 50 pounds (22.68 kg).

A gigantic bonfire over 30 feet (10 metres) high and crowned with Guy Fawkes himself forms an impressive background to the occasion together with a fairground and many other attractions.

BRIDGWATER GUY FAWKES CARNIVAL
When: 5 November 2012
Where: Bridgwater, Somerset
Time: 19.00
Web: www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk

The procession takes place after dark and consists of over 80 brilliantly lit floats, with some containing 30,000 light bulbs. There are two different types of float – the ‘Tableaux’, in which the actors must stand completely still and silent until the procession is over and the ‘Features’ which involves non-stop music and dancing. When the procession ends at around 10pm there is a Squibbing Display. A long wooden pole is shouldered by various participants to which a ‘Bridgewater Squib’ is attached. These are fireworks that are especially-made for the town and which burn with very high fountains of fire. The carnival is first held in Bridgwater and then the floats travel to the neighbouring towns and villages during the week.

BIGGEST LIAR IN THE WORLD COMPETITION
When: November 2012 (exact date tbc)
Where: Bridge Inn, Stanton Bridge, Holmrook, Cumbria
Time: 19.00 (ticket only)
Web: www.santonbridgeinn.com/liar/index.html

The World’s Biggest Liar Competition is a very popular contest to find the best ‘tall-storyteller’ and to award the title of ‘The Biggest Liar in the World.’ The ever-popular contest began in 1974 and continues to attract media attention from around the globe. Contestants travel great distances to pit their oral skills against an elite field of fibbers. There aren’t many rules to the competition, however politicians and lawyers aren’t welcome! Contestants must tell their 5-10 minute tall tales in front of the judges and the audience. Subjects vary from those based in reality, to being very silly and downright daft! In recent years the audience has learned facts about how the Lake District was formed – not from the ice age or volcanic action – but by large moles and eels. There are also tales of mermaids and kings and of the Pope water-skiing on the back of the QEII! The event is held in memory of Will Ritson, a Cumbrian publican in the 19th century with a gift for telling tall stories.

DECEMBER

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS PUDDING RACE
When: December 2012 (exact date tbc)
Where: West Piazza, Covent Garden, London
Web: www.xmaspuddingrace.org.uk/

London’s zany, wet and wild Great Christmas Pudding Race attracts around 150 contestants each year. The race has taken place in Covent Garden every December since 1980. Teams from schools or companies– aged from 14 to 70 – race around a 150-metre course balancing a Christmas pudding on a flimsy paper plate. They have to navigate two slippery inflatables, balloons filled with flour, jets of foam and limbo poles. To complicate things even further, they do it all in fancy dress. Past entrants have included a team of nuns, a caterpillar, a Womble and a Smurf! The race has become part of London’s Christmas events calendar and raises money for Cancer Research UK.

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS PUDDING RACE – Brighton
When: December, 2012 (exact date tbc)
Where: Bartholomew Square, Brighton

One of the wackiest races you’ll ever see; the Pudding Race will raise money for the Martlets Hospice and Cancer Research UK.
The race is a challenge of dexterity, balance, speed and general silliness. You’ll be balancing your pudding on a tray whilst negotiating a perilous obstacle course. You’ll need to get together a team of seven people. The challenge will be staying on your feet, with your pudding. Fitness is not a requirement!

MALDON MUD RACE
When: December 2012 (exact date tbc) over the Christmas and New Year holidays. The date and time will depend on the tides.
Where: Promenade Park, Maldon, Essex
Web: www.maldonmudrace.com/main.htm

Competitors get down and dirty at the Maldon Mud Race – where competitors race across the sticky River Blackwater all in aid of charity. The Mud Race is a sponsored event organised by the Rotary Club of Maldon. Competitors can choose their own charity for half the money they raise, the other half goes to the local community charities picked by the Rotary club. Competitors from all over the world are welcomed.

UPPIES AND DOONIES – THE BA’
When: 25 December 2012, Christmas Day
Where: Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
Time: 13.00 Mercat Cross on the Kirk Green opposite the Cathedral
Email: charles.tait@zetnet.co.uk
Web: www.bagame.com

On Christmas Eve, shopkeepers along Kirkwall’s winding streets barricade doors and windows in preparation for the next day’s traditional Ba’ game. It is a game of mass football played with a ba’ – which is a hand-made cork-filled leather ball. The boys and men of the town are designated ‘Uppies’ and ‘Doonies’ – an affiliation that originally depended upon the place of birth. The aim of the game is to carry the ba’ to their own territories at the opposite ends of Kirkwall. The Ba’ is awarded after the game to a player in the winning side who has been a notable participant over a number of years.

BOXING DAY FLOUR AND SOOT MASSACRE
When: 26 December 2012
Where: Waltham Cross Playing Fields, London
Web: www.freewebs.com/bakersandsweeps/boxingday.htm

The Bakers and Sweeps football match is actually run by a charity rather than the council (although the mayor is required/requested to play)
The highlight of the Bakers and Sweeps calender is without doubt the Boxing Day Charity football match, although they use the term “football” in its loosest sense.

The match is played on a football pitch with a 9ft inflatable ball but it’s safe to say that’s where the similarity ends! The rules of the game are simple…..there are none!

If you’re holding the ball, then you become the ball, and are treated as such. In which case you’d better run!! Even the crowd isn’t safe!
Sometimes it’s necessary for the teams to engage in medieval duels to settle century long arguments and the game ends when the referee feels like it or when he’s tired of being covered in flour and soot. The winners are…well…who cares who wins most of the time they lose count anyway!!

FLAMING BARRELS
When: 31 December 2012, New Year’s Eve
Where: Allendale, Northumberland
Time: 23.30 to Midnight
Web: www.northern-pennines.co.uk/allendale.htm and www.hadrianswallcountry.org

1819 The custom of men welcoming in the New Year by carrying pans of blazing tar on their heads is still kept alive in Allendale, Northumberland on New Year’s Eve. The unique Pagan ceremony is held at midnight with a colourful procession through the town to the Baal fire. A team of local barrel carriers dressed in fancy costumes, balance flaming whiskey barrels filled with hot tar on their heads through the streets to the town centre. The barrels can weigh as much as 30lbs (15kg). The procession is timed to reach an unlit bonfire shortly before midnight, then each man in turn tosses his flaming ‘headgear’ on to the bonfire, setting it ablaze. On the stroke of midnight, all join hands and dance around the fire, singing Auld Lang Syne.

STONEHAVEN FIREBALLING FESTIVAL
When: 31 December 2012, New Year’s Eve
Where: Old Market Cross, Stonehaven, Kincardineshire, Scotland
Time: Midnight
Email: martinsim@talk21.com
Web: www.stonehavenfireballs.co.uk

Thousands gather at the Old Market Cross in the fishing port of Stonehaven for this fiery festival to welcome in the New Year. A traditional pipe band signals the start of the proceedings and at the stroke of midnight, fireballs are lit and participants whirl the baskets of fire around their heads as they march to the old cannon in the High Street and back to the harbour. This New Year festival has been celebrated for hundreds of years to literally burn the bad spirits of the past year and welcome in the new. The fireballs are baskets made of wire netting, stuffed with driftwood, pine cones and twigs and attached to a length of wire with a handle at the end. Before they are lit they are doused in paraffin.

Weird Britain: Complete Guide to Britain’s Quirky Events in 2012 is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Like many of us, the Royal Family will gather together around a trimmed tree this Christmas and pause to reflect upon the passing year. The royals also celebrate the season, like many families, with traditions that have been passed down through the years.

Let’s take a look at some of the Royal traditions at Christmas:

Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, also known as Queen Victoria’s husband, was the first to really get things rolling in the Royal Family. The Prince Consort introduced the Christmas tree, a German tradition, a custom that soon spread throughout England.

Today, the Royal Family spend Christmas at Sandringham, the Norfolk estate acquired in 1866 by the Queen’s great-grandfather, Edward VII. Sandringham quickly became a part of the family’s holiday traditions.

The Queen arrives at Sandringham for Christmas and works there until February (when she’s not in residence, the house is open to the public). It is at Sandringham that the Royal Family partake of their favorite outdoor pursuit – grouse shooting.

The Queen’s great-grandfather, as Prince of Wales, absolutely loved the outdoors and shooting was a passion. It’s because of Edward that Sandringham developed its own timeframe, aptly named “Sandringham Time”. Edward set the all the clocks a half an hour later in order to obtain the most time from the waning winter light so that he could shoot.

Edward’s son, George V, maintained Sandringham Time even during his own reign. This unique tradition ended during the brief reign of his controversial grandson and namesake, Edward VIII.

The Queen and Prince Philip, along with their children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren, all attend the annual Christmas Day church service at a small chapel within the estate. Afterwards, they partake of Christmas lunch and break open crackers filled with paper hats and jokes.

Later in the afternoon, the royals sit down to watch Her Majesty’s televised Christmas message to the nation. This particular tradition began in 1932 with her grandfather, George V. The king broadcast his Christmas address via radio from a room in Sandringham, and the tradition lives on today. The Queen made history of her own when she delivered her first televised Christmas message in 1957 from the library at Sandringham.

This year, the Royal Family celebrate Christmas with new members of the team – the new Duchess of Cambridge and her sister, Pippa.

The former Kate Middleton, who married Prince William last April, is spending her first Christmas at Sandringham. Reports say that her younger sister Pippa (Philippa) is joining her.

For more about the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, visit SandringhamEstate.co.uk

Happy Christmas (and Frohe Weihnachten)!

Your Guide to Royal Family Christmas Traditions – What’s Christmas like In The British Royal Family? is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The following is a guest post from Lucy Ryder as Visit Bath Tourism! Thanks Lucy!

Famous for its Roman history, Georgian architecture and spa culture, Bath is often described as one of England’s most beautiful cities.  Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Bath offers a striking cityscape of sweeping crescents, grand parades and Georgian buildings and is home to some of the best-preserved Roman remains in Europe.  It is also the only place in the UK with natural thermal springs making it an ideal spa retreat.  Here are our top tips for a visit to Bath including things you shouldn’t miss, what to see and do and where to stay…

Don’t miss

If you’re only in Bath for a short time, here are the three things you can’t leave without seeing:

Roman Baths – No visitor can come to Bath without paying a visit to one of the UK’s top attractions; the Roman Baths.  Around Britain’s only hot spring, the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex that still flows with natural hot water.  See the water’s source and walk where Romans walked on the ancient stone pavements around the steaming pool.  The extensive ruins and treasures from the spring are beautifully preserved and presented using the best of modern interpretation.

Thermae Bath Spa – If you fancy experiencing Bath’s hot waters as the Celts and Romans did thousands of years ago, take a spa session at the Thermae Bath Spa.  Modern architecture blends with historic buildings to create a remarkable spa with a roof-top pool as its piece de resistance – a fantastic way to soak up Bath’s beautiful vistas.

Architecture – one of Bath’s most appealing attractions is its Georgian architecture.  All buildings in Bath are constructed from Bath stone – a stone quarried nearby that gives Bath its uniform, honey-coloured, cityscape.  Top sights include the Royal Crescent – a semi-circular terrace of 30 houses –

The Circus – a circular row of houses including one that used to belong to Nicolas Cage! – and Pulteney Bridge – one of the only bridges in the world with shops built into it.  All are a fantastic example of Bath’s unique architecture; however, if you stroll around Bath’s streets you’ll discover many hidden gems with cobbled streets, Georgian townhouses and grand 18th Century buildings aplenty.

Introducing Bath

Although a compact city that is easy to explore, join one of the city’s many tours to discover Bath’s history.  As well as the City Sightseeing bus tour – that allows you to get on and off at your pleasure – there are also boat trips, walking tours with knowledgeable guides (including a free walking tour that leaves from the entrance of the Pump Room), and even comedy and ghost walks that take a slightly different look at Bath and its history.

Things to do

With 17 museums in the city-centre alone, you won’t be short on things to do when in Bath.  Whatever your interest, there is a huge choice of museums, with some linked to Bath’s history, such as No. 1 Royal Crescent and the Jane Austen Centre, and others, like the Fashion Museum, that just happen to be here.

City of Festivals

Bath is known as a city of festivals because of its year-round calendar of events.  Even in the winter months, you’ll still find plenty going on.  Highlights to look out for include the Bath International Music Festival in May, the Jane Austen Festival in September and the picturesque and festive Christmas Market in winter.  In addition, you’ll find frequent events celebrating everything from literature to Mozart!

The Jane Austen Connection

Bath has long been attracting Jane Austen fans because of its connection to the famous author.  Two of her novels were based in the city and she lived here for several years.  The Jane Austen Centre celebrates the life and writing of Austen, while the annual Festival attracts people from around the globe who come to take part in talks, shows, music performances, films and popular Regency Promenade.

Tasty Bath

You won’t be short of places to eat out in Bath with restaurants, cafes and pubs lining the streets.  Bath is a cosmopolitan city so the choice of cuisine on offer extends from Europe to Asia and everywhere in between.  For a quintessentially British dining experience, try an afternoon tea at the elegant Pump Room.  Part of the Roman Baths complex, the Pump Room is where Bath’s hot spa water is drawn for drinking.  Here, you can enjoy delicious scones, finger sandwiches, cakes and tea (or perhaps Champagne as an alternative!) while being serenaded by the Pump Room Trio.  Another popular place for afternoon tea is Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House.  Located in one of the oldest houses in Bath, Sally Lunn’s serves the most famous local delicacy; the Original ‘Sally Lunn’ Bun.  According to legend, Sally Lunn, a French refugee, arrived in 1680 and established her bakery in Bath.

Family fun

If you’re visiting Bath with your family, there are some fantastic things to see and do.  The Roman Baths has a special audioguide dedicated to children, while the open top bus tour provides a great way to see the city for both young and old.  The area surrounding Bath also has some interesting attractions that are certain to keep your kids amused.  In the nearby countryside, you’ll discover accommodation ideal for families, where your kids can let off steam without the worry of disturbing other guests, with stylish self-catering properties and family-run B&Bs.

Where to stay

The city of Bath welcomes over 4 million visitors every year, and so, as you would imagine, there is a vast range of accommodation to suit different travellers, budgets and tastes.  Whether you prefer the personal touch of a bed and breakfast – and we have lots in Bath! – the luxury of a spa hotel, or the self-sufficiency of a fully equipped apartment, you can find it all in Bath.  To search and book accommodation online, use the official tourism website: www.visitbath.co.uk.

Reaching Bath

Reaching Bath is easy.  The city is compact and walk-able, and with a central train and coach station, you won’t need a car.  There’s a frequent, daily train service from London that only takes 1.5 hours.  If you decide to drive, Bath is just a short distance from the M4 motorway.

Discover more

To find out more about Bath, its attractions, events, accommodation and more, see the official tourism website for the city of Bath and surrounding area: www.visitbath.co.uk.

Guest Post: Top 10 Bath Travel Tips – Best Things to See and Do in Bath is a post from: Anglotopia.net

1). Visit The Queen’s official home 

Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle, is an official residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Highlights include the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, the burial place of ten monarchs, and Queen Mary’s Dolls House. The Changing of the Guard, usually accompanied by a band, takes place at 11:00 daily from April until the end of July and on alternate days for the rest of the year (weather permitting and except Sundays). The best viewing point is the Corn Exchange at the famous Windsor Guildhall. Once inside the Castle, you can watch the actual changing ceremony outside the Guardroom in the Lower Ward at 11.00am.

www.royalcollection.org.uk

2). Learn to play polo – the sport of Kings 

The Royal Borough hosts polo at a number of venues featuring the world’s top professionals and plenty of opportunities to take part in half time „divot stamping‟ – Pretty Woman style. National and International teams compete, with their entourage of ponies (never horses!) Lessons are also available where you can learn the rules and tactics and perfect your polo swing. No experience necessary.

www.windsor.gov.uk

3) Dine out celebrity chef style 

Looking for top notch dining? The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead offers Michelin stars, celebrity chefs and world-class cuisine. The latest addition is Antony Worrall Thompson’s Windsor Grill www.AWTRestaurants.com. A stone’s throw from The Long Walk, the Windsor Grill menu boasts an unrivalled range of prime Aberdeenshire steaks, handmade burgers, exquisite fish and seafood dishes and daily changing specials. In the nearby village of Bray you can choose from two, three-starred Michelin restaurants – The Waterside Inn www.waterside-inn.co.uk run by Michel Roux and The Fat Duck www.thefatduck.co.uk run by Heston Blumenthal – voted best restaurant in the world in 2005. These are two of only four triple-starred Michelin restaurants in the UK.

4). Celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 

To mark 60 years of The Queen’s reign the Diamond Jubilee will take place in 2012. Celebrations will centre around an extended weekend in 2012 on 2-5 June with details to be announced. A Diamond Jubilee Pageant is planned for 13 – 15 May. A portrait of The Queen’s reign will be captured in 60 photographs on display at Windsor Castle, highlighting fleeting moments from both official occasions and relaxed family gatherings (from 4 February 2012 – January 2013).

www.windsor.gov.uk

5). Tour Eton College

World famous Eton College opens its doors to visitors from April to October. Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, the School Dress still consists of a black tailcoat, waistcoat and pin-striped trousers introduced in the 1850s. Eton has educated 18 British Prime Ministers, Princes William and Harry and four times Olympic Gold Medal rower Sir Matthew Pinsent. Short guided tours of approximately one hour in length are available. Pre-booking is essential.

www.etoncollege.com

6). Discover Windsor’s Olympic heritage 

Book a private walking tour for your group with an expert Blue Badge tourist guide and discover Windsor’s Olympic heritage. Hear the amazing story of the 1908 Olympic marathon and why the official marathon route is 26 miles and 385 yards. Legend has it that the start of the marathon was moved to the Castle’s East Terrace because the then Princess of Wales wanted her children to see the race. See the only 1908 marathon route marker on Eton High Street and walk along part of the actual route. Also visit The Long Walk to see where the 1948 Olympic road cycle race took place.

www.windsortouristguides.co.uk

7). Visit Savill Garden 

The Savill Garden is part of The Royal Landscape, which also includes the Valley Gardens and Virginia Water. It is one of England’s finest woodland and ornamental gardens with 35 acres of trees, shrubbery, ponds and streams, lawns, meadows and formal beds which are home to some of the world’s most decorative plants. The new rose garden was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in June 2011. This exciting and contemporary garden is best visited from mid- June to September.

8). Horse-drawn carriage ride through the Royal Landscape 

Explore Windsor Great Park in style with a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride. Ascot Carriages www.ascotcarriages.co.ukoffers scenic drives in a beautiful Victorian carriage previously used by the Queen’s Equerry and Horsemaster. Orchard Poylewww.orchardpoyle.co.uk runs tours from outside Windsor Castle and down The Long Walk to Home Park.

9). Walk the Riverside 

Escorted by the Royal Boatmen, the Royal Family once used the Thames to travel between royal palaces. It’s less common these days to see royals on the river, but walks along the Thames Path are not to be missed. Start from Old Windsor, and once past the weir at Old Windsor Lock, cross Albert Bridge for a detour into the village of Datchet – you’ll soon return over Victoria Bridge into Home Park, with picture postcard views of both Windsor Castle and Eton.

www.windsor.gov.uk 

10). Dress up for Royal Ascot 

For almost 250 years, Royal Ascot has established itself as a national institution and the centrepiece of the British social calendar as well as being the ultimate stage for the best racehorses in the world. Tradition, pageantry, fashion and style all meet in a glorious setting where stewards wear bowler hats, ladies show off elaborate outfits and the after racing “singing round the bandstand” is a feast of fun and flag waving. Royal Ascot is the South of England’s most popular picnic spot and the most popular sporting occasion at which to picnic in the country and under-18s go free when accompanied by an adult.

www.ascot.co.uk/?page=royal_ascot 

11). Count swans with HM Swan Marker 

Follow The Queen’s Swan Marker, the Royal Swan Uppers and the Swan Uppers of the Vintners’ and Dyers’ livery companies. The party use six traditional Thames rowing skiffs and The Queen’s Swan Uppers wear scarlet uniforms. When a brood of cygnets is sighted, a cry of “All up!” is given to signal that the boats should get into position. On passing Windsor Castle, the rowers stand to attention in their boats with oars raised and salute “Her Majesty The Queen, Seigneur of the Swans”. After weighing, measuring and a quick health check the swans are released back to the river Thames.

www.royalswan.co.uk/

12). Attend evensong at St George’s Chapel

The Choir of St George’s Chapel is one of the leading Church Choirs in the country. It comprises 24 boy choristers and twelve Lay Clerks singing alto, tenor and bass. They perform Evensong at 5.15 pm (sung every day except Wednesdays) in a service which lasts approx. 45 minutes. Founded in 1348, the choir sings regularly in the presence of the Queen and other members of the Royal family and has a large repertoire of music drawn from all ages and traditions.

www.stgeorges-windsor.org

Top 12 things to do in Windsor – Top Tourist Sites in Windsor England is a post from: Anglotopia.net

1). Tate Modern – The national gallery of international modern art and is one of London’s top free attractions. It’s packed with challenging modern art and is housed within a disused power station on the south bank of the River Thames. The imposing brick building, opposite St Paul’s Cathedral, has a superb permanent collection of modern art including masterpieces by Matisse, Picasso, Dalí, Magritte, Mirò, Pollock, Rothko and Warhol as well as regularly changing exhibitions by international artists.

www.tate.org.uk/modern

2). National Gallery - Gallery displaying Western European paintings from about 1250-1900. Includes work by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Renoir, Cezanne and Van Gogh.

www.nationalgallery.org.uk

3). Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon - In Stratford, enjoy a performance by the world’s leading classical theatre company, the Royal Shakespeare Company. Experience the RSC’s spectacular 1030 seat Courtyard Theatre, specifically designed as a prototype for the thrust-stage auditorium which the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre will house.

www.rsc.org.uk

4). Sculpture Park (Bretton County Park), North Yorkshire - Set in the beautiful grounds and gardens of a 500-acre, 18th century country estate, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is one of the world’s leading open-air galleries, presenting a changing programme of international sculpture exhibitions.

www.ysp.co.uk

5). National Space Centre, Leicestershire - Launch yourself into the future at the National Space Centre, the UK’s largest attraction dedicated to Space Science and astronomy. From the minute you catch sight of the Space Centre’s futuristic Rocket Tower, you ‘ll be treated to hours of breath-taking discovery where the stories, personalities and technology of the past and present are used to explain our current understanding of space and how it will affect our future.

www.spacecentre.co.uk

6). Sainsbury Centre for Visual Art, Norfolk - An inspirational public art museum at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. It houses the Robert and Lisa Sainsbury collection in a breathtaking Norman Foster building. Works by Picasso, Bacon and Henry Moore are displayed alongside African masks, Indian miniatures, Japanese scrolls, pre-Columbian pottery and ritual objects from ancient European art.

www.scva.org.uk

7). Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Buckinghamshire – Located in Great Missenden where Roald Dahl (1916-1990) lived and wrote many of his well-loved books. There are 2 galleries telling the fascinating story of his life and displays featuring copies from his unique archive, showing how he worked. In the Story Centre there is a dazzling display to show how other contemporary authors work, with some fun and challenging interactive games.

www.www.roalddahlmuseum.org

8). BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Tyne & Wear - Housed in a landmark industrial building on the south bank of the River Tyne in Gateshead, BALTIC is the biggest gallery of its kind in the world – presenting a dynamic, diverse and international programme of contemporary visual art. BALTIC provides an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions and activities. BALTIC is the first non-Tate venue outside London to host The Turner Prize, widely recognised as one of the most important and prestigious awards for the visual arts in Europe.

www.balticmill.com

9). The World of Beatrix Potter, Cumbria - The World of Beatrix Potter is a unique experience. All 23 Peter Rabbit tales are brought to life in three-dimensions, in a magical indoor recreation of the Lake District countryside, complete with sights, sounds and even smells!

www.hop-skip-jump.com

10). Jane Austens House Museum, Chawton, Hampshire - The novelist Jane Austen is known worldwide for her popular novels describing the society of preindustrial England. She spent the last eight years of her life here at Chawton in the 17th century house which is now preserved in her memory.

www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk

11). Nottingham Contemporary - Housed in a brand new landmark building, Nottingham Contemporary opens it doors this November to offer a diverse programme of exhibitions and other art projects.

www.nottinghamcontemporary.org

12). Angel of the North, Gateshead, Tyne And Wear - This 20 metre high sculpture by Antony Gormley is one of the most viewed pieces of public art in the world.

www.angelofthenorth.org.uk

Top 12 England Tourist Attractions for Arts and Culture in England is a post from: Anglotopia.net

1). Cardiff Castle - Cardiff may only have been a city for 100 years, but there has been a castle here for nearly 2000 years. The original Roman walls and Norman keep can still be explored, but the highlight of a visit is the tour of the refurbished Victorian interiors – transformed into a mock-Medieval palace by the 3rd Marquess of Bute.

www.cardiffcastle.com

2). Millennium Stadium - When the stadium isn’t hosting major sports matches or concerts you can take a tour of the 74,000 seater stadium. Walk down the player’s tunnel, try out the Queen’s seat in the Royal box and discover how they removed the curse from the away-team changing rooms.

www.millenniumstadium.com

3). Wales Millennium Centre - Dominating the skyline in Cardiff Bay, the Wales Millennium Centre is home to seven major arts organizations, including Welsh National Opera and Diversions Dance Company. The centre presents international opera, ballet, modern dance and musicals. ‘Arts Sherpas’ run backstage tours of the centre, and if you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of a rehearsal.

www.wmc.org.uk

4). Techniquest, Cardiff Bay - Enter a world of science and technology at Cardiff Bay’s Techniquest, which is sure to delight children of all ages. Fancy firing a rocket, launching a hot air balloon or racing an electric car? There are over 160 hands-on exhibits with puzzles and activities to entertain the whole family. There are also shows in the Science Theatre and tours of the Universe in the Planetarium. Visitors can also conduct their own experiments in the science Laboratory.

www.techniquest.org

5). National Museum of Wales - Two wealthy Welsh sisters bequeathed their large art collection to the museum and gallery in the mid 20th century, resulting in Cardiff owning one of the largest collections of Impressionist paintings outside of Paris, with works by Renoir, Monet and Cezanne on display. A couple of hours can easily be spent exploring the extensive museum exhibits too. (free entry, closed Mondays)

www.museumwales.ac.uk

6) National History Museum St Fagans - The national History Museum at St. Fagans is home to a variety of historic buildings from across Wales – all of which were taken apart brick by brick and carefully reconstructed in the museum to present a view of life in Wales over the last 500 years. Re-erected buildings include an elegant mansion house, a humble quarryman’s cottage, farmhouses, a terrace of six cottages and a Victorian shop complex from the South Wales valleys with a working bakery, blacksmiths, saddler, tea shop and store. The museum is open every day and also runs regular seasonal events.

www.nmgw.ac.uk

7). Chapter Arts Centre - Chapter has earned a reputation as one most diverse arts centres in Europe, and combines theatre, art, film, music and literature into one venue. The gallery hosts exhibitions by artists from across the globe, and is the venue for the annual Experimentica Festival, boasting some of Britain’s most dynamic art. The Chapter has recently undergone a £3.5 million facelift and is celebrating its 40th birthday with a year of special events.

www.chapter.org

8). Cardiff International White Water – The most popular and sociable of all our water sports, White Water Rafting ranges from the thrills and spills to the gentler float trip. Descend raging rapids in the heart of our capital city on this adrenalin fuelled activity. Whatever your experience you are in for an enjoyable ride!

9). The Senedd (Welsh Parliament Building) – The Welsh Assembly Government’s new debating chamber, The Senedd, was opened by the Queen in March 2006. Visitors can explore the building, have coffee and Welsh cakes in the café or watch Assembly debates from the public viewing gallery.

www.wales.gov.uk

10). Spillers Records - Officially the oldest record store in the world, Spillers Records has been a fixture in Cardiff since 1894. As well as a diverse selection of CDs and vinyl from the latest up and coming indie and dance acts, the store has a section dedicated to Welsh bands and singers.

www.spillersrecords.co.uk 

11). The Cardiff Story Museum - Discover how Cardiff was transformed from the small market town of the 1300s to one of the world’s biggest ports in the 1900s, to the cosmopolitan capital we know today.

www.cardiffstory.com 

12). Cardiff’s’ Arcades - Cardiff’s arcades still retain many of their Victorian and Edwardian features and are now home to dozens of unique stores and cafés. All manner of Welsh gifts can be found in these arcades, from handmade Welsh textiles to Welsh love spoons and rugby shirts. Visit Morgan and Castle Arcades for the latest designer fashions in independent stores such as Woodenwood or rest your feet and enjoy a meal in cafes such as vegetarian café Crumbs, or The Plan, which specialise in organic and FairTrade food.

Top 12 Things to See and Do In Cardiff – Top Tourist Sites in Cardiff Wales is a post from: Anglotopia.net

This ia guest article by Kelly Kelemen for TV.com

Occasionally, you feel like it’s time for a little tea and crumpets by the telly. But unless you can drop close to four figures and hop on a plane to the land of the Queen, you won’t be seeing the best that Great Britain’s writers and directors have to offer. You can buy just about any TV show or film these days, but finding quality programming these days without having to type in a 16-digit number is a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, for the anglophiles of the world, there are a handful of rock solid hits available online that won’t cause your checking account to take a hit. Cheers!

Skins

It’s one of the most controversial shows to come out of Britain, and currently still airing on E4. Created by a father and son duo, the show involves such controversial content as underage sex and drug/alcohol abuse, as well as subject matter involving troublesome families and psychological disorders. It has been nominated for and won several awards (from GLAAD to BAFTA) and also spawned a US version on MTV – a failed effort as it was canceled after 10 episodes.

Click to watch Skins now

Coupling

If you watched an episode of Friends followed by an episode of Coupling, it would be pretty obvious where the former BBC2 hit got its roots. A 2003 British Comedy Award winner, Coupling follows 3 men and 3 women (all of whom are friends) in their sexual adventures and inadequacies. Though the show draws clear comparisons to Friends and even Seinfeld, it was generally a bit edgier and much more sexual than its American counterparts, at least as far as American standards go.

Click to watch Coupling now

The Office

Ricky Gervais has seen immense success abroad in the States, but he wouldn’t be anybody if it weren’t for The Office. The mockumentary style comedy lasted just 14 episodes (with two Christmas specials), stunning considering it has sparked over 150 episodes in the US version. The Brits didn’t like following the day-to-day office antics of its characters, as it were, as low ratings led to the show’s demise. Any fan of the NBC mainstay should definitely see how it all began – it’s not that big of a time commitment!

Click to watch The Office now

Misfits

Part sci-fi, part drama, and with a little comedy mixed in as well, Misfits is still airing on E4 overseas (in its third season, or series, as they say). It follows early 20s up-to-no-gooders who are sentenced to community service but acquire some pretty nifty super powers (from immortality to spontaneous sexual energy creation). With overwhelming positive reviews, the show appears to have a long future ahead. Check it out on Hulu – everyone else is!

Click to watch Misfits now

Merlin

Inspired by the US hit Smallville, this BBC series that has seen increasing popularity over its first three seasons has aired on NBC and SyFy as well. The medieval fantasy has such legendary characters as Merlin and Prince Arthur but while taking a less traditional approach than other versions. Those finding a missing hole where some adventure and fantasy should exist might want to give this one a shot.

Click to watch Merlin now

Queer as Folk

Though “queer as folk” comes from an English expression “there’s nothing as strange as people,” the title does imply homosexuality and involves just that with its three central figures, Stuart, Vince and Nathan. The Channel 4 drama ran two series covering 10 episodes and has generally received positive reviews. The characters depict the range of gay life in the 90s, some successful in the dating scene, some not. The aforementioned Misfits is actually a spin-off of Queer, with US series Queer as Folk and The L Word developing from the British hit as well.

Click to watch Queer as Folk now

That Mitchell and Webb Look

No need to leave sketch comedy off the list – David Mitchell and Robert Webb would be none too pleased. Four series and 24 episodes have aired thus far, with many characters stemming from the tag team’s radio show. With British Comedy Award and BAFTA nominations under its belt, it’s definitely something to give a shot – unless you really just don’t “get” British humor, yet. Hey, it has to be better than Mad TV and Mind of Mencia, right?

Click to watch That Mitchell and Webb Look now

Guest Post: 7 Great British Shows You Can Watch Online Now is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Here’s another great article from our friends at Visit Britain that highlights the best sites to visit in Dorset – our favorite English county.

1). Explore the glorious Dorset countryside by following one of the many walking trails which criss-cross the county. The Wessex Ridgeway is one of the longest – along the way there are intriguing artistic sculptures with poetry by James Crowdon.
www.dorsetforyou.com/wessexridgeway

2). Go to a farmers market held in the key towns around the county to savour some of the area’s delicious local food; one of the best is Bridport’s every second Saturday of the month; the town is in the heart of Dorset’s farmlands. Dorset Vinny Cheese with Knob Biscuits or Dorset Apple Cake are just
two of the local specialities. If you visit during Dorset Food Week in October, you can join in activities at over 100 locations.
www.dorsetfoodweek.co.uk .

3). Take to the water on some of the country’s finest sailing and watersports spots – the National Sailing Academy is at Weymouth & Portland in recognition of the quality of the waters. There are plenty of locations to hire boats and kayaks or let someone else do the work and take a boat trip from one of the harbours such as Weymouth, Swanage or Lyme Regis.
www.wpnsa.org.uk .

4). Visit one of the county’s many gardens which flourish in one of the country’s mildest climates. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens has a extensive collection of plants from around the world www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk ; Athelhampton House is famous for its topiary www.athelhamptonhouse.co.uk and Knoll Gardens is seen as one of the best gardens for grasses in the country www.knollgardens.co.uk

5). Dorset hosts England’s only natural World Heritage Site, known fondly as The Jurassic Coast. The beaches of Lyme Regis or Charmouth www.charmouth.org abound with fossils – regular guided public fossil walks are held.www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk

6). Dorset’s coastal location ensures fresh fish is available at the local pubs and restaurants; watch the catch come into picturesque Weymouth Harbour and then eat at one of the restaurants around the harbour or pop down to the Crab House Café overlooking Chesil Beach www.crabhousecafe.co.uk . Along the coast there are other seafood restaurants such as the Hive Beach Café in Burton Bradstock www.hivebeachcafe.co.uk and Shell Bay in Studland www.shellbay.net .

7). Unwind by flying through the trees at Go Ape! in Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, one of the country’s best outdoor leisure parks (more sedately you can also hire bikes to cycle around!)
www.moors-valley.co.uk

8). Climb up to the top of Christchurch Priory for panoramic views across the area. The Priory is the longest church in England and one of the few to survive Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries www.christchurchpriory.org

9). Clamber up to the top of the prehistoric hillforts such as Hambledon Hill near Blandford Forum or Eggardon Hill near Bridport for some of the best views of Dorset – steep climes are involved but there’s always a pub nearby!

10). Explore Thomas Hardy country; key ‘musts’ are seeing Hardy’s rather stern statue in Dorchester, visiting the Dorset County Museum www.dorsetcountymuseum.org for the world’s largest collection of Hardy memorabilia and visiting the picturesque cottage where he was born www.nationaltrust.org. Around the Dorset countryside are countless places which appeared in his novels – much of the countryside looks the same as in his novels.

11). Admire the glorious fan- vaulted ceiling of the county’s ‘cathedral’ Sherborne Abbey www.sherborneabbey.com. Afterwards, explore the boutiques and antique shops of Sherborne, one of the county’s most historic and attractive towns.

12). Follow the Swanage Art Trail for a taste of county’s artistic richness; the trail takes you around a series of paintings by famous visiting artists such as Paul Nash and Walter Field http://www.swanageseen.co.uk/hello-world/. The biannual Dorset Arts Week is one of the largest in open studio events in the country www.dorsetartweeks.co.uk

For further information: www.visit-dorset.com

Top 12 things to do in Dorset – Best Tourist Sites in Our Favorite County – Dorset is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Here’s another great list of things to see and do in Glasgow Scotland from our friends at Visit Britain.

1). Riverside Museum - Glasgow’s iconic new Riverside Museum is a fitting home for the city’s world-class transport collection and is a place that will inspire, educate and entertain. The stunning building is located where the River Clyde meets the River Kelvin at the heart of Glasgow Harbour. The design reflects internationally-renowned architect Zaha Hadid’s dramatic interpretation of the collection.
One of the undoubted stars of the new attraction is the Tall Ship SV Glenlee, which has moved to a permanent berth at Riverside – a move that reinforces The Tall Ship‘s position as a major visitor draw and an icon of Glasgow’s shipbuilding heritage.

www.thetallship.com
www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums

2). Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - One of Scotland’s most popular free attractions. It is home to 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries displaying an astonishing 8000 objects. The collections are extensive, wide-ranging and internationally-significant. They include: natural history, arms and armour, art from many art movements and periods of history, and much more.

www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums

3). Glasgow School of Art - Charles Rennie Mackintosh was one of the most creative figures of the 20th century and a leading figure in the European Art Nouveau movement.

The Glasgow School of Art, completed in 1909, is thought to be his greatest architectural achievement. Still a working art school, the regular guided tours take visitors through the corridors of this fascinating building, into the Mackintosh Room and furniture gallery, and finishing in one of the most celebrated interiors, the Mackintosh Library.

4). Mackintosh House, University of Glasgow - The Mackintosh House is a reconstruction of the principal interiors from 78 Southpark Avenue (originally 6 Florentine Terrace), the Glasgow home of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife, the artist Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh from 1906-1914. The Mackintosh House opened as an integral part of the University’s Hunterian Art Gallery in 1981 and great care has been taken to ensure that the sequence of rooms mirrors that of the original.

www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian

5). The Burrell Collection, Pollok Country Park - More than 8,000 art objects amassed in a lifetime by the Glasgow shipping magnate Sir William Burrell are housed in the award winning Burrell Collection in the beautiful woodland setting of Pollok Country Park. The collection ranges from work by major artists including Degas and Cezanne, to important examples of late medieval art and Chinese and Islamic art.

www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums

6). Gallery of Modern Art - The Gallery of Modern Art, housed in an iconic building located in the heart of the city, is the most visited modern art gallery in Scotland and is home to a range of cutting-edge painting and sculpture and a wealth of innovative installations. For over 100 years the building was a centre for business and commercial exchange where information and goods were traded.

www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums

7). Scottish Football Museum, Hampden Park – The Scottish Football Museum celebrates the unique football heritage of Scotland and is home to some of the world’s most impressive national collection of football related objects, memorabilia and ephemera, including the oldest national trophy, the Scottish Cup. The fourteen galleries allow you to explore the development of the modern game in Scotland, from the 19th century to the present day.

www.scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk/ 

8). Glasgow City Chambers - The City Chambers, the headquarters of Glasgow City Council is over 100 years old and Glasgow’s finest example of 19th Century architecture. The City Chambers is an impressive symbol of Glasgow’s political strength and historical wealth.

www.glasgow.gov.uk 

9). Glasgow style mile - Glasgow’s style mile offers the best shopping in the UK outside of London’s West End. Sauchiehall, Buchanan and Argyll Street are packed full of well-known brands and are home to numerous malls and department stores including Buchanan Galleries, John Lewis, St Enoch Centre and House of Fraser. Princes Square houses a range of designer favourites and the Merchant City is home to exclusive brands and luxury boutiques.

www.glasgowstylemile.com

10). Music in Glasgow - Glasgow has been hailed by Lonely Planet as having one of the best live music scenes in the world and is also a UNESCO City of Music. The city hosts an average of 130 music events each week and it is estimated that music businesses generate some £75 million a year for Glasgow’s economy. Glasgow’s legendary music scene stretches across the whole spectrum from contemporary and classical to Celtic and Country. Its venues are equally varied and include King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut (consistently voted the top live music venue in the UK) www.kingtuts.co.uk, the Barrowlands www.glasgow-barrowland.com/ballroom.htm, O2 Academy www.o2academyglasgow.co.uk, the Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centrewww.secc.co.uk, Glasgow Royal Concert Halls www.glasgowconcerthalls.com and many pub and clubs throughout the city.

11). Contemporary Art in Glasgow - No fewer than five Turner Prize winners (Martin Creed, Douglas Gordon, Simon Starling, Richard Wright and Susan Philipsz); six Turner Prize nominees (Christine Borland, Phil Collins, Nathan Coley, Jim Lambie, Cathy Wilkes, Lucy Skaer) have hailed from, trained in, or worked out of the city in recent years. Innovative spaces such as Trongate 103 www.trongate103.com and The Briggait www.thebriggait.org.uk in the heart of the Merchant City); CCA on Sauchiehall Street www.cca-glasgow.com and Tramway on Glasgow’s South Side www.tramway.org are just some of the cutting-edge venues at the very epicentre of the city’s creativity with their year-round programmes of thought provoking events and exhibitions.

12). People’s Palace and Winter Gardens - The People’s Palace, set in historic Glasgow Green, tells the story of the people and city of Glasgow from 1750 to the end of the 20th century. The Palace is home to a wealth of historic artefacts and paintings and film and interactive displays all of which give an insight into Glasgow life.

www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums

Top 12 things to do in Glasgow Scotland – Best Tourist Sites in Glasgow is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Editor’s Note: The following is an excellent guest post by Nate and Sheri Wadman – a couple that has just returned from a trip to England. They kindly have written about their experience on the trip culminating in the 2011 NFL Game at Wembley. Thanks for sharing guys!

As soon as it was announced that the Chicago Bears would be playing at Wembley in 2011, we knew we had to go. For anyone who wants to go to an NFL UK game that means signing up for the registry of interest to make sure you can buy tickets. With that done, we just had to wait out this year’s NFL lockout. Fortunately for us, the lockout ended early enough that the game would go on. So after waking up VERY early in the morning on the prescribed day because of the difference in time zone, we purchased our tickets and made firm our plans. We were going to the Bears VS. Bucs in LONDON!

Disclaimer: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the hosting team, but may be under represented in this article because they were not our reason for traveling the world to watch American Football. Go BEARS!

We arrived in London almost a week before the game so that we could be tourists before the crowds for the game arrived. This was not our first trip to London and we had already seen many of the major sights, so this time we wanted to see some of the lesser visited things, which are no less amazing, and revisit some places we really wish we could visit more.

Although we were supposed to have arrived at Heathrow in early evening our flight was delayed, and even with taking the Heathrow Express we didn’t get into Paddington until after the Tube station window service attendant was gone for the day. The automated ticket machines wouldn’t take our credit cards because they are not chip and pin, so we had to get cash to buy our Oyster cards (not usually an issue if you arrive during the day because the attendant can accept swipe cards through the window). With Oyster cards in hand, we gratefully made it to our hotel after a long day of travelling. [If you plan on visiting a number of the traditional sights of London i.e. Tower of London, Churchill War Rooms and will be using the Underground/National Rail Service as your primary form of transportation may we suggest a rail pass over the Oyster card as you can receive two for one entrance to a number of sites throughout London. A full list of current offers can be found at http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/offers.]

Our list of places to go for this trip was very flexible as the only thing that was a MUST DO was the game. Playing it by ear most mornings, we saw:

The Monument

Three hundred and eleven steps to the top of the tower in the old part of the City. Built in 1671-1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London and celebrate the rebuilding of the City, the view from the top is a captivating panorama. Amazing in its own right and worth a visit, this would also be a good substitute for any who would not be able to climb the steps at St Paul’s, as it is currently closed for the Occupy London protests.

The Imperial War Museum

There is currently showing an exhibit on children during WWII and 1940s house and a display from MI5 & MI6 that are very good. The displays on World War I and II are also interesting and seeing just this portion of the museum will take up the better part of an afternoon.

St Pancras and Kings Cross stations

To find platform 9 ¾, because we are Harry Potter nerds. St Pancras is dressed very nicely for the 2012 games but Kings Cross is still under construction so the Hogwarts students have been moved outside the station to the street corner, which looks hastily constructed and is a bit disappointing.

Bank of England Museum

We have been to this one a few times as well but it is free and although a bit small, interesting enough to do more than once. The history and evolution of English currency is fun to learn (we know why it is called a pound note, do you?) and there is also information about employees and events through the years.

Borough Market

We come for the people watching, to see what sorts of delicious and disgusting things you can buy to eat when you live here, and for the best grilled/toasted cheese sandwiches ever. The Kappacasein Toasted Cheese Sandwiches & Raclette stand in the shadow of the Southwark Cathedral is a pleasure to behold in sight and smell and a great place to get lunch on weekends when the market is open. The gentleman that runs the stand makes his own cheese and a sandwich or raclette for a picnic in the churchyard is a great way to enjoy his hard work.

The Science Museum

Even though we had intended to visit the Natural History Museum we ended up learning science for a good couple of hours instead because the queue to get in was shorter. The history of aviation is very good and the Secret Life of the Home exhibit was very nostalgic. There is also an exhibit called the Listening Post that claims to be “what the internet sounds like” and samples posts live from unrestricted chatrooms, bulletin boards and public forums; it makes you wonder if anything you’ve written has been on there.

Hampstead, Hampstead Heath and La Creperie de Hampstead

This is a stop we make every trip and it’s wonderful every time. We take the tube or the overground to the village of Hampstead, walk around town for a bit before waiting for a crepe and then stroll over to Hampstead Heath to eat. The Creperie de Hampstead has been in the same little roadside stand for over 31 years serving both savory and sweet crepes that we crave when we are at home.  There is almost always a queue and you get a bit of “Soup-Nazi” service but they are absolutely worth the wait and hassle. Hampstead Heath is quite large with lots of different types of park land to enjoy but also has one of the most spectacular views of London, in an area called Parliament Hill where they fly kites on good days.

Soho and Chinatown

We always find a way to make a stop here to eat at the Pollo Bar and then have a walk around. La Porchetta Pollo Bar Pizzeria [20 Old Compton Street, London W1V 5PE] is a great Italian restaurant that is filled with locals every time we’ve been (on every trip), which we learned about from family that grew up just down the road. They are VERY reasonably priced and have never disappointed in deliciousness.

Oxford Street

We like to have breakfast at the cafeteria in the Marks & Spencer on Oxford Street then walk around and on this day the shoppers were in full form. There were lots of people in town to do their weekend shopping and also lots of shoppers in for the game, you could tell from all the team gear around.

With all of our touristing days over, it was finally time for why we made the trip -the GAME!

Getting to Wembley stadium was simple. There is a Wembley Park stop on the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines, Wembley Stadium stop on the Chiltern Railways line and a Wembley Central stop on the Bakerloo and Overground lines, not to mention the bus service that drops there as well. On our Oyster Cards we had a weekly travelcard for zones 1 and 2 but Wembley is in zone 4. We just asked a station attendant how much to top-up, with pay-as-you-go, to each of our Oyster Cards and we were covered for the round trip journey. Our hotel was just off the Jubilee line so we could go straight there with no line changes, and as you exit the tube station following the signs for Wembley Park you come out on Olympic Way that goes straight to the entrance of the stadium, no getting lost or turned around.

Tailgating at regular NFL games in the states is usually only for arriving early to get parking and maybe have a BBQ with other people you know that are going to the game, but at this game everyone came early to make it through the first layer of security and take a look at the pre-game exhibition. They had International Game team sponsor vehicles on display, as well as Team Zone tents with Hall of Fame relics to see, each team had a photo-op point (a giant inflatable bear and a buccaneer pirate ship) and there were very long queues to purchase official NFL merchandise.

It was quite evident that a lot of the spectators were not necessarily dedicated fans of either team but just happy to be able to go to any NFL game at all. Looking at the team jerseys worn that day, every team from the NFL was represented. One of the things displayed on the jumbotron was this little fact: 76,981 attendees (which undoubtedly were from all over the world)!

The pregame show included the Goo Goo Dolls performing while team flags were sent around the stadium passed along by the crowd.  When the teams came out onto the field the Buccaneers star player ran out with a Union Jack, which was very nice way to thank the fans for letting them come play there (and us to watch). The last thing before the start of the game was the singing of both national anthems while airmen from the US and UK stationed at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, and the London Olympians displayed the colors. We were in the lower bowl area so we even got to be part of the Union Jack design that was on one side (Stripes on the other).

Shortly after the start of the game there was what our seatmates called a “Squirrel on the play”. That little squirrel stayed on the field long enough the audience started rooting for it!

The only other interesting fact that maybe didn’t make it onto ESPN was the streaker (or pitch invader as we heard it called) in the third quarter and his apprehension. The squirrel received more cheers.

Final score Chicago 24, Tampa Bay 18 – THE BEARS WIN!!!

This trip was definitely worth it to see that happen.

Also, it is insanity when 75,000 people all try to take the tube back after the game. Fortunately the crowd was pretty friendly and the queue didn’t take too long, although the trains were PACKED!

Here’s a gallery of our pictures:

Da Bears at Wembley – On the Ground Report from the NFL London Game is a post from: Anglotopia.net

2). The Jurassic Coast was designated a World Heritage Site because of its importance as a “geological walk through time”, spanning 185 million years of the Earth’s history, the Jurassic Coast covers 95 miles from East Devon to Dorset, including the London2012 sailing venue of Weymouth/Portland and the town of Lyme Regis, famous for its fossils and The Cobb, which featured in the film “The French Lieutenant’s Woman”.

3). Brighton has all the attractions of a seaside resort – but for “townies” who miss the nightlife of a city, and find some coastal spots too quiet, there is plenty to do at night, to go with the beaches and the pier. Originally made popular by George IV, who built his Pavilion there, it now attracts day-trippers from London, as well as weekenders, for good food, art, shopping and more.

4). The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in south-west Wales is the only national park in the UK which is predominantly coastal. It includes spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife and internationally important nature reserves and geology. There are great walks (and views) along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a national trail set in the National Park. For the more adventurous, there is the chance to jump off the cliff, on a coasteering course, described as “a wild combination of scrambling, climbing, traversing, cliff jumping and swimming that was first developed in Pembrokeshire in the 80s and 90s and has now taken off all over the world”

5). St. Andrews/Fife coast: situated on the coast north-east of Edinburgh, St Andrews was famous for its golf, before it was placed firmly on the map by a certain Royal romance. It is a city packed with history with the castle, and cathedral, and world famous golf course, but it is well worth taking the longer, coastal route from Edinburgh, offering the chance to explore the picturesque fishing villages of the Fife coast, such as Crail, Anstruther, St Monans and Pittenweem.

6). Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast is infamous for one particular visitor – Dracula! Bram Stoker’s classic novel had the evil Count arriving by ship, during a frightful storm. Today’s visitors should be sure to check out the Abbey, towering above the town’s cobbled streets, and the beach and working harbour, while many experts rate the Magpie Café as one of the best places in the country for fish and chips. And if time allows explore along the coast to Robin Hood’s Bay and the beaches of the popular seaside resort of Scarborough.

7). Dunwich: visit before it disappears! Dunwich on the Suffolk coast was once a Roman fort, capital of a Saxon kingdom and in the 11^th century one of the greatest ports on the East coast of England. But most of it has now been lost to the sea – you can learn all about it in the town’s museum, and there is still a pub there!

8). Antony Gormley’s Another Place comprises 100 cast iron, life size figures, each weighing 650 kilos, and spread along three kilometres of the foreshore at Crosby Beach, just north of Liverpool, and stretching almost one kilometre out to sea. The figures are made from casts of the artist’s own body and are shown at different stages of rising out of the sand, all of them looking out to sea.

9). Northumberland’s coast is studded with castles. Heading north from Newcastle, take in Dunstanburgh, Bamburgh, and Lindisfarne – taking care not to be cut off by the sea as Holy Island on which Lindisfarne stands, is tidal. Inland you will find Alnwick, Warkworth and Chillingham…and if you are really in the mood for castles and fortresses, you can always start on Hadrian’s Wall….

10). If you enjoyed the White Cliffs of Dover, why not check out the impressive chalk cliffs of The Needles on the Isle of Wight.

11). When it comes to coastline, Cornwall has more than most, per square mile! A long, narrow county, surrounded on three sides by sea, the north coast is lined with sandy beaches, and great for surfing, the south and south-west has more sheltered inlets and estuaries. But with just a short drive between two coasts, why not visit both?

12). It’s an even harder choice to decide which Scottish island has the best coastline! The easy choice is how to get there – by ferry with Caledonian MacBrayne, who serve the best known islands such as Skye, and Mull, but also the smaller islands likeIona, with the Abbey there being one of Scotland’s most sacred and historic sites. With seven distilleries, on an island just 25 miles long, surely the Scottish island of Islay won’t fail to leave one smiling at the views of sandy beaches and towering cliffs…

Top 12 Coastal places – The Great British Coast is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The books are all published.  The movies have all been released.  But the magic of Harry Potter has not yet come to an end.  In June 2011, JK Rowling released a video announcing plans for a free-to-use, immersive website called Pottermore, where fans of the series can continue exploring the seven books and the world of Harry Potter.

Currently the site is in a beta testing phase.  Invites to this beta test were issued to one million users worldwide through the Magical Quill challenge, a trivia challenge that required users to complete a series of tasks in order to register with the site.  This Magical Quill challenge took place over seven days, beginning on July 31, Harry’s and Rowling’s birthdays, and beta-testers were given limited access to the site in early August.

Usernames are generated by the site upon registration and are derived from a combination of magical-sounding adjectives and items found throughout the Harry Potter universe.  Other than general country location, personal information is not included on user profiles.  These are examples of measures that have been taken to make Pottermore a safe site for children to explore as they read the book series.  Additional privacy information can be found in the site’s terms and conditions.

Features on the Pottermore site fall into three primary categories: chapter exploration, potion brewing, and participating in Wizard Duels.  It is necessary to thoroughly explore each book’s chapters to unlock the other features on the site.  Objects, gold galleons, and potion supplies can also be discovered and collected throughout each chapter.  Once an object is collected it is placed in the trunk on the user’s profile.  Some objects also reveal extra information about the books’ characters, locations, and events.  While most of this information can be learned from reading the books, a key feature of the Pottermore site is this additional information from Rowling’s journals, expanding the Harry Potter universe and revealing character background, her development process, and peripheral storylines that were not included in the published books.  Users will learn how Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia met, why Harry’s friends received their names, and other fascinating details that help make Harry’s world so realistic.

Chapter by chapter, Pottermore leads users through the locations and events of each book.  Only the first book has been available during the beta testing phase.  As users follow Harry’s introduction to the wizard world they can purchase school supplies in Diagon Alley using the gold in their Gringotts bank account and visit Ollivander’s shop to receive their wand by answering a series of questions.  Upon their arrival at Hogwarts, users are sorted into Houses.  Unlike other Sorting Hat and wand quizzes found online, the questions on Pottermore are not obviously tied to one choice over another.
Information such as height and simple decisions, such as heads vs. tails, are taken into consideration, making results difficult to manipulate.  Once sorted, users can access their House Common Room, where they can leave comments for other users, make friends, and track House Points.  House Points are earned through finding information and items across the site, successfully making potions, and winning Wizard Duels.

Brewing potions and participating in Wizard Duels are two mini-games featured on the site.  Both require a wand and spellbooks, and some patience and practice to master the mechanics.  To brew a potion, users select one from their potion textbook, purchase the ingredients in Diagon Alley, and follow instructions to add ingredients, stir, and heat their concoctions.  Users must follow the potion instructions very carefully, otherwise their potion will be ruined and they will have to start from the beginning.  Once successfully brewed, users receive House Points and can gift these potions to other users.

Wizard Duels are harder to describe than the potion mini-game, and unfortunately Hermione is not around to tutor users in proper wand technique – swish and flick!  Timing and spelling (no pun intended) are important skills, since this activity requires users to select letters from the spell’s name on their keyboards or using their mouse.  Users can compete against each other in duels or practice the spells on their own.

As part of beta testing, feedback is being collected to improve the site and user experience.  A survey is available to users, however the most effective way to provide feedback at this time is by leaving comments in the threads available on each page.  Common feedback from users includes requests for the inclusion of music or ambient sounds, interactive features for the items stored in users’ trunks, and shortened brewing times for the potion-making mini-game.

Additional plans for the site include the publication of e-books for the entire Harry Potter series and additional “behind-the-scenes” information expanding the Harry Potter universe and treating users to peripheral storylines and information that didn’t make it into the published books.  Open access to the site is expected later this month, in October 2011.  Official statements about the site can be followed on the Pottermore blog.

Here’s a gallery of screenshot for those interested in the interface of the site.

Katie Hicks is a doctoral student studying archaeology.  Her first visit to England was in 2002 for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.  Since then she has made several return trips, including six months studying in Leicester, during which she participated in Dark Age reenactment, camped across the country with a group of English friends, and developed an addiction to Ribena and prawn crisps.  She is planning a trip to London for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Harry Potter: The Magic Continues – Pottermore Opens for Beta Testing – Review is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Cringletie House won this year’s Caterer and Hotelkeeper award for best accessible hotel in Britain. It is 32km (20 miles) south of Scotland’s capital and Edinburgh International Airport.

Cringletie House Hotel, Edinburgh Road, Peebles EH45 8PL
Tel: +44 1721 725750
Website: www.cringletie.com
Twitter: @CringletieHouse
Facebook: Cringletie House Hotel, Peebles

The 4* Copthorne Tara Hotel in London’s Kensington has ten adapted rooms with wide doorways, open frame beds and automatic doors. The ten rooms are a mixture of singles, twins and doubles, some with level-floor showers, some with baths and two with hoists from the bed to the bathroom. The hotel’s conference and banqueting facilities are also accessible and assisted listening systems are available.

Copthorne Tara Hotel, Scarsdale Place, Kensington, London W8 5SR
Tel: +44 20 7937 7211
Website: www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/Tara 

Mortons House in Corfe Castle village in the west of England is a 16th-century manor house that has been converted into a 21-bedroom luxury hotel and restaurant. It has four new accessible rooms built in a walled garden next to the hotel. All have walk-in wet rooms. The hotel’s restaurant has a 2 AA Rosette award for its fine dining. The hotel is on the Isle of Purbeck. The Purbeck coastline is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Mortons House, East Street, Corfe Castle, Dorset BH20 5EE
Tel: +44 1929 480988
Website: www.mortonshouse.co.uk
Twitter: @MortonsHouse
Facebook: Mortons House Hotel

Hoe Grange has four fully-equipped and accessible self-catering 4* log cabins on a working farm in the Peak District countryside. Accessible specialist equipment including a mobile hoist and electric profile beds is included. Guests can treat themselves to on-site spa treatments and there is a log-fired, outdoor Swedish hot tub.

Hoe Grange won this year’s (2011) Enjoy England Excellence Access for All Gold Award.

Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 4HP
Website: www.hoegrangeholidays.co.uk
Tel: +44 1629 540262
Twitter: @HoeGrange
Facebook: Hoe Grange Holidays

The Hytte is a 5* luxury timber lodge in Northumberland. The Norwegian-inspired self-catering accommodation sleeps eight people and is rated Access Exceptional in the UK’s National Accessible Scheme. The Hytte has a grass roof and a large decked verandah with views over the open countryside. Two of the bedrooms have electric beds.

The Hytte, Bingfield, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 4HR
Tel: +44 1434 672321
Website: www.thehytte.com
Facebook: The Hytte

Park House Hotel is a Victorian country house in its own grounds in the parklands of the Sandringham Royal Estate in West Norfolk. It has been adapted for people with mobility difficulties and is fully wheelchair accessible. Care is on hand if required, and charged for accordingly. The hotel has eight single and eight twin-bedded rooms.

Park House Hotel, Sandringham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE35 6EH
Tel: +44 1485 543000
Website: www.parkhousehotel.org.uk
Twitter: @LCDParkHouse

Burleigh Court in Leicestershire is a residential conference hotel and winner of the 2010 Access for All Gold award. There are 13 rooms designed for accessibility needs. There is also a pool and therapy centre offering aromatherapy massages and Reiki. The hotel is in the grounds of Loughborough University, host of the UK Corporate Games in July 2011. Burleigh Court is 2km (1 mile) from the M1 and 13km (8 miles) from East Midlands Airport.

Website: www.welcometoimago.com
Tel: +44 845 036 4624
Twitter: @imagolboro

The Big Sleep Hotel in the Regency town of Cheltenham is simple, modern and central. The hotel has four adapted rooms for guests who use wheelchairs or have mobility difficulties. These standard suites are larger than usual, with roll-in wet rooms and grab rails in the bathrooms. There is lift access to all floors.

The Big Sleep Hotel, Wellington Street, Cheltenham GL50 1XZ 
Tel: +44 1242 696 999
Website: www.thebigsleephotel.com
Twitter: @BigSleepHotel
Facebook: The Big Sleep Hotel

Double-Gate Farm B & B in the west of England is a Georgian farmhouse on a working farm. There are four adaptable riverside suites on the ground floor of the farmhouse. The suites have large wet rooms. The farm is on the banks of the River Sheppey with views across open countryside to the Mendip Hills. Double-Gate Farm has a VisitBritain Breakfast award.

Double-Gate Farm, Godney, Nr. Wells, Somerset BA5 1RX
Tel: +44 1458 832217
Website: www.doublegatefarm.co.uk

St Michaels Hotel and Spa in Cornwall is a contemporary 4* hotel with sea views and tropical gardens. It has an adapted room on the ground floor with an en suite roll-in wet room with support rails. Guests who can’t manage the steps down to the spa can ask for in-room treatments. The hotel’s Flying Fish restaurant has views of the ocean, Falmouth Bay and the Cornish coastline.

St Michaels Hotel and Spa, Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth Cornwall TR11 4NB
Tel: +44 1326 312707
Website: www.stmichaelshotel.co.uk
Twitter: @StMichaelsHotel
Facebook: St Michael’s hotel & spa

The Guoman Tower Hotel at London’s St Katherine’s Dock has three rooms with wheel-in showers adapted for guests with disabilities. The hotel also offers accessible facilities in the bar, restaurant and meeting rooms, induction loops and menus in braille and large print. The hotel is next to two World Heritage Sites, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, and has panoramic views over the bridge, the River Thames and St Katharine’s Dock.

The Tower, St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1LD
Tel: +44 845 305 8335
Website: www.guoman.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/london/the_tower/index.html

West Shore in the popular seaside town of Llandudno in north Wales is a 3* hotel specially adapted for disabled customers. There are 18 accessible bedrooms with wheel-in showers, overhead and mobile hoists, facilities for hearing impaired people and electric adjustable beds. The hotel is on the west shore of Llandudno with views across the Conwy Estuary towards the Snowdonia National Park.

West Shore, Llandudno, Conway LL30 2BB
Tel: +44 1492 876833
Website: www.livability.org.uk/page.asp?id=84

12 of the most handicap accessible places to stay in Britain is a post from: Anglotopia.net

3). Windsor Castle - Just a quick train ride from London, Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, one of the Queen’s official residences, and where she spends most weekends. Open year-round, an adult ticket costs £16.50 which gives visitors access to the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and special exhibitions: throughout 2012 there will be an exhibition entitled “The Queen: Sixty Photographs for Sixty Years”.
New this summer (1 August to 30 September) is a tour allowing visitors to climb to the top of the world-famous Round Tower, to the height of 65.5 metres above the River Thames, where they can enjoy breathtaking views of the Castle and Windsor Great Park, the Thames Valley and the London skyline.

4). Isle of Anglesey - Now the place that Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, call home, the Isle of Anglesey is known for its natural beauty. Visitors to the Isle of Anglesey can enjoy a visit to one of its many beaches or stroll along one of the coastal footpaths for a wonderful view of the Welsh coastline. For a tasty lunch, travellers can track down The Flaming Grill, a food truck that Prince William frequented during his training at the Royal Air Force Academy. Prince William was so impressed by that he gave it a royal seal of approval.

5). The Royal Yacht Britannia - a wonderful attraction to visit straight out of a royal fairy tale – this is where the Prince of Wales and Princess Diana honeymooned in 1981. During the 44 years that this ship served its country, The Royal Yacht Britannia carried the Royal Family on 968 official voyages all over the world. Now the ship is permanently docked in Edinburgh, where visitors can tour five of the ship’s decks. An adult ticket costs £11.00 and includes an audio tour.

6). Tower of London - Visitors wishing to see the Crown Jewels can do so at the Tower of London, where the 23,578 gems that make up the Crown Jewels, including the glistening Imperial State Crown, are housed. The Tower is steeped in history, having been used as a royal residence, military fortress and prison. Today, visitors enjoy touring the grounds and seeing The White Tower, Medieval Palace, prisoners’ exhibition and more, as well as keeping an eye out for the ghost of Queen Anne Boleyn, who is buried in the chapel of St Peter ad Vincula.

7). Balmoral Estate - One of the Queen’s favourite summertime retreats is Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire set amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside. Here, visitors might spot the Queen – as travellers can take up residence by renting a lovely cottage on the estate. The grounds, gardens and exhibitions are open to the public from April 1 to July 30.

8.) Enjoy a boat ride on the River Thames. – ahead of the Queen. On the afternoon of Sunday 3 June 2012, up to a thousand boats will muster on the River Thames in preparation for Her Majesty The Queen to lead the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant. It will be one of the largest flotillas ever assembled on the river. Rowed boats and working boats and pleasure vessels of all shapes and sizes will be beautifully dressed with streamers and Union Jacks, their crews and passengers turned out in their finest rigs. The armed forces, fire, police, rescue and other services are all afloat and there are an exuberance of historic boats, wooden launches, steam vessels and other boats of note. However you don’t need to wait till next June – there are boat rides all year on the River Thames, from leisurely cruises, to quicker “commuter” trips and the high speed RIB journeys.

9.) The Palace of Holyroodhouse - The Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Situated at the end of the Royal Mile, in Edinburgh, the palace has many connections with Scotland’s turbulent past, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived there in the 16^th century. An adult ticket costs £10.50 including audio guide, or for £6.00 you can visit the Queen’s Gallery: in 2012 the exhibition “Royal Treasures: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration” will bring together some of the finest treasures from the Royal Collection, with a selection of 100 outstanding works.

10.) Sandringham Estate - near Kings Lynn in Norfolk is one of the Queen’s most beloved retreats. It has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862, and the Queen visits the estate every year on the anniversary of her father’s death. Today, visitors are welcome to Sandringham House and can walk through the beautiful gardens during the summer.

11.) Beaumaris Castle on the Isle of Anglesey is the last and largest of King Edward I’s Welsh fortifications, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although construction was never completed, it is regarded as Wales’ finest castle.

12.) Kensington Palace - A royal residence in central London, Kensington Palace is the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It was also the official residence of the Duke’s mother, Princess Diana. The palace is currently undergoing a major transformation, to help visitors to better understand both the tales of the people that lived in the palace and its architectural and decorative schemes visitors can see the palace’s magnificent state apartments. The first of four planned exhibitions, on Queen Victoria, is due to open in time for the Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Meanwhile, visitors can experience the “Enchanted Palace” a series of installations offering a fascinating interpretation of the palace’s hidden stories.

Guests can also drink tea at The Orangery Restaurant next door to the palace, which has some of the finest selections of tea in London.

Top 12 UK Royal Experiences – Best Places to Experience the Royal family is a post from: Anglotopia.net

3). Stonehenge Was it a temple for sun worship, a healing centre, a burial site or perhaps a huge calendar? How did our ancestors manage to carry the mighty stones from so far away and then, using only the most primitive of tools, build this amazing structure? Surrounded by mystery, Stonehenge, on the Wiltshire Plain near Salisbury, never fails to impress.

4). Edinburgh Castle, a fortress perched on an extinct volcano, dominates the Scottish capital. See the Honours of Scotland, the nation’s Crown Jewels; tour the rooms of the Royal Palace and see where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son James; watch the One O’Clock Gun being fired each day (except for Sundays) as it has been since 1861, when it was a signal for ships in the Firth of Forth and the port of Leith – and coinciding with the Time Ball, a large white ball which is raised above the Nelson Monument on Calton Hill, and drops at exactly 1300 hours. In August, the Esplanade comes alive with the Tattoo.

5). A Welsh castle – with 641 castles in Wales, the difficulty is choosing which one to visit! Among the most popular are Cardiff Castle with its medieval exteriors and stunning, colourful, 19^th century interiors; and Caernarfon, Conwy, and Harlech in the north of Wales.

6) The British Museum exhibits the works of man from prehistoric to modern times from around the world. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and the mummies in the Ancient Egypt collection. Entry is free except for special exhibitions. The museum is home to millions of objects and recently was the subject of an acclaimed 100-part BBC radio programme illustrating two million years of history through objects in its collection

7). Stratford-upon-Avon and the Shakespeare Houses: William Shakespeare was born in the Warwickshire town of Stratford, near Birmingham and every year visitors flock to see the houses associated with him, including the Shakespeare Birthplace Museum, and the picturesque thatched Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, where his wife grew up. Earlier this year the refurbished Royal Shakespeare Theatre opened to critical acclaim.

8). The Roman Baths: The Romans built the finest religious spa in northern Europe, round Britain’s only hot springs, and today you can visit the remains, and an important Roman museum located beneath the Pump Room and Abbey Yard, in the city of Bath. In the Pump Room you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal – or even a glass of the Bath water! – to the accompaniment of live music from a classical trio. Nearby is the Thermae Bath Spa, where you can swim or simply relax in the pools, including one on the rooftop with great views over the city and surrounding hills. Make sure to take the time to walk round the city with its fine Georgian crescents and buildings.

9). Oxford and Cambridge are two of the most famous universities in the world and both cities also offer a great day out with fascinating walking tours, visits to leading museums and art galleries and the famous colleges that make up the universities

10). The city of York has cobbled streets, the imposing York Minster church, the National Railway Museum – and lots of ghosts! In fact in 2002 the International Ghost Research Foundation declared York to be ‘Europe’s most haunted city’ and today there is a choice of several ghost walks for those who want to check this out for themselves.

11). Villages: you don’t have to go into a museum, or historic house to get a slice of heritage – some of the best old buildings can be seen in villages across the country. The East of England and particularly Suffolk is full of picturesque villages such as Lavenham, where the buildings lean over and almost touch each other, or Long Melford, with its very long high street full of antique shops, and the neighbouring villages of Cavendish and Clare. Of course you may also want to go inside some of the buildings – particularly the historic inns and pubs!

12). The Potteries: Stoke-on-Trent in the Heart of England is the home of the pottery industry with world renowned brands such as Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Portmeirion, Moorcroft, and Aynsley, with Emma Bridgewater bringing it right up to date. There are at least 30 pottery attractions based here in the City.

Top 12 UK Heritage Attractions – Best Places to Visit in Britain for the History Buff is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Peter Jackson’s film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings has generated a boom in Tolkien tourism in New Zealand, where the trilogy was shot on location. But the inspiration for many of the sites and characters of Middle Earth is thought to have come from Tolkien’s experiences growing up in the English Midlands, and the time he spent studying and teaching at Oxford University. With notable hot-spots in Oxford and Birmingham, today’s Tolkien fans are spoilt for choice with the number of Tolkien related sites to visit around the UK.

Here’s some of the favourites:

Perrott’s Folly and Sarehol Mill, Birmingham

Walking to school from his home on Wake Green Road, Tolkien would pass by the Edgbaston Waterworks and Perrott’s Folly – two opposing towers, which are suggested to have inspired Tolkien’s Two Towers.  The 96ft high Folly is part of Birmingham’s Tolkien Trail, which also include Sarehole Mill, now a museum featuring a Tolkien display.

For directions and opening times, click here.

Moseley Bog, Birmingham

Inspiration for the Old Forest, last of the primeval woods in The Lord of the Rings, Moseley Bog was the scene of Tolkien’s childhood adventures while living in Sarehole in the Hall Green area of Birmingham. The Bog is now a nature reserve and despite the well marked paths and easy access via Yardley Wood Road, there’s no mistaking the Old Forest.

“But the forest is queer… And the trees do not like strangers. They watch you. They are usually content merely to watch you, as long as daylight lasts,” – Merry, The Fellowship of the Ring

Exeter College, Oxford

In October 1911 Tolkien enrolled at Exeter College on a scholarship to read Classics. He stayed in College lodgings on the corner of Turl Street and Broad Street, and although the building has since been replaced, the site is still used by Exeter’s undergraduates today. In 1913 Tolkien was advised to change courses to English Language and Literature, and in 1915 he graduated with first-class honours. There is a bust of Tolkien created by his daughter in-law on display in the Exeter College Chapel. Exeter College is open daily from 14.00 to 17.00. Entry is free but large groups need to book in advance.

Click here for directions.

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

In 1916 Tolkien took his newly wedded wife to Cheddar Gorge in Somerset for their honeymoon. The spectacular landscape and caves are said to have inspired Helm’s Deep, setting of an epic battle in The Two Towers. To plan your visit or book tickets visit cheddargorge.co.uk

The Eagle and Child, Oxford

Also known as the Bird and Baby, the Eagle and Child public house was a regular meeting place for the Oxford Inklings, a group of writers which included CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien. Throughout the 1930s and 40s the Inklings met to discuss their work and read aloud from their latest compositions. Open daily from 11am.

Click here for directions.

The British Library, St Pancras, London The Old English epic poem, Beowulf, is thought to have had considerable influence on Tolkien’s writing – Tolkien lectured on Beowulf as a fellow of Pembroke College and is quoted as saying “Beowulf is among my most valued sources,”.  The original Beowulf manuscript is on public display in the Sir John Ritblat Gallery at the British Library.

Click here for directions and opening times.

Wolvercote Cemetery, Oxfordshire Tolkien’s final resting place is Wolvercote Cemetery, where he is buried alongside his wife who died two years before him. At Tolkien’s request, the gravestone includes the inscription Luthien under Edith’s name and Beren below his own – two characters from The Silmarillion, which was published posthumously in 1977. The Cemetery is open year-round from 8am weekdays and 9am at weekends and bank holidays.

Click here for directions.

This is a guest post written by Hannah Smith, a travel writer for thetrainline.com the UK’s leading independent retailer of cheap train tickets.

Top Places to Visit in the UK To Get Inspired by JRR Tolkien – British Tolkien Destinations is a post from: Anglotopia.net

2). Manchester’s Northern Quarter has an eclectic mix of clothing emporiums such as Afflecks Palace which sit alongside cafes and bars in the creative heart of the city centre.

The striking industrial architecture in the Northern Quarter was once part of the global cotton trade but many of the old
mills and warehouses were redeveloped towards the end of the 20^th century and now contain a large variety of clubs, galleries, exhibitions, restaurants, hotels and shops.

At night, The Northern Quarter comes alive with lots of live music venues such as the longstanding Night & Day Café, features many International acts.

3). Ouseburn - To the east of the Newcastle Quayside lies the Ouseburn Valley, an area that has been transformed into a thriving cultural quarter. With art galleries, workshops, pubs and eateries – this neighbourhood of Newcastle upon Tyne is alive with cultural and nightlife venues.

The river Ouseburn winds through the Valley, passing most of the sights so a wander along the riverside path is a good way to explore the area.

Described by the New York Times in 2010 as “a lively and offbeat destination”, attractions in the Ouseburn Valley include The Cluny, one of NewcastleGateshead’s coolest pub and live music venues and The Seven Stories centre for children’s books, the only archive and gallery in the UK dedicated to the art of children’s literature.

4). The Lanes - Brighton Lanes historic quarter is a maze of twisting alleyways offering a mix of antiques and jewellery shops alongside four hundred year-old fishermen’s cottages and cosy pubs.

Walking tours of the area take in the film and literary connections as well as some of the ghost stories associated with The Lanes.

The funky shops, restaurants and cafes make Brighton Lanes a great place to grab a coffee to the sounds of some live jazz provided by one of the many buskers.

5). Merchant Square - Merchant City is considered one of the most prestigious parts of Glasgow and is located close to some of the most exclusive shops in the city.

In the centre of Merchant City is Merchant Square, a beautiful covered courtyard with a wide variety of family-friendly restaurants and cafes with bistro-style seating. There are regular events and markets in the square throughout the year.

6). Camden in North London, is most famous for its markets which attract thousands of visitors every weekend and cater for all tastes. Funky clothes, original gifts from independent designers, handmade Jewellery and beautiful homewares sourced from around the globe can all be found in Camden. 
The Lock is the original Camden Market and it opened in 1973 as a collection of artisan workshops. It is now open 7 days a week although some stalls are only open at weekends.

The Regents Canal passes through Camden and it is possible to get on the Waterbus from the lock and travel directly toLondon Zoo.

Camden has a wide range of different old and new music venues, pubs, clubs and bars which make it a popular night-time destination with people of all tastes.

7). The Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham Dating back over 250 years and described by English Heritage as a ‘unique historic environment in England, which has few, if any, parallels in Europe’, the Jewellery Quarter is home to over 400 independent retailers and jewellery businesses. Shopping is one of the key attractions for this area as there are over 100 specialist jewellery retailers for classic pieces and beautiful handcrafted jewellery. The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is a real jewellery factory little changed since the early part of the last century where you can see demonstrations of jewellery making techniques at the jeweller’s bench.
Dining in the Jewellery Quarter is also popular as there are over 30 different restaurants alongside quirky bars like The Vaultswhich is the vaulted underpinnings of an imposing Victorian building.

8). Cardiff Bay is one of Wales’ oldest multi-ethnic communities as sailors and workers from over 50 countries settled here.
Just a mile from the city centre, The Bay is now a popular part of any visit to Cardiff. Visitors can enjoy a wide range ofrestaurants, bars and shops, experience sailing or watersports on Cardiff Bay, or explore attraction such as the Wales Millennium Centre a top performing arts venues in Europe, the Norwegian Church , where children’s author Roald Dahl was christened. More daring visitors can also try their hand at white water rafting at the Cardiff International Sports Village.
Regular free festivals and events, such as the International Food and Drink Festival and Cardiff Harbour Festival, take place throughout the year.

9). Albert Docks - The variety of events, attractions and eateries at the Albert Docks make it a great place for a day or night out in Liverpool.

Situated in the largest group of Grade I listed buildings in the UK, the Albert Dock houses two hotels as well as many award winning visitor attractions such as the Tate Liverpool, the award-winning Beatles Story, Merseyside Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum. 

You can join a number of Liverpool tours from The Docks, including a city and water tour on The Yellow Duckmarine or the Yellow Boat Cruise around our south docks.

There’s also a great selection of bars and restaurants.

10). Victoria Quarter - The Victoria Quarter is situated at the heart of the Leeds shopping area and is home to the first Harvey Nichols store outside London.
Housed in elegant Grade II listed buildings and home to some of the world’s leading fashion brands, the Victorian Quarter has a mix of breath-taking architecture and a continental atmosphere which continues to attract visitors.

11). Grassmarket is a small area which joins some of the most historical attractions in Edinburgh with some of the best shopping and eating.

The name Grassmarket takes its name from the old market square at its heart which until the early part of the 20^th Century was one of Edinburgh’s main markets for horse and cattle and was also a setting for public executions making it a popular area forghost tours.

Poets, storytellers, dancers, musicians of all kinds have always been attracted to Edinburgh’s Grassmarket and the area is full of Scottish designers, artisans and independent merchants selling everything from gourmet food and drink and luxurious knitwear to cutting edge fashions, antique books and unique gifts.

12.) Spinning Fields brings a new premium contemporary dining and entertaining experience to Manchester with an eclectic mix of flavours and styles available at around 25 different cafes, bars and restaurants.

Open Spaces: Top 12 vibrant City Centers and Piazzas in Britain is a post from: Anglotopia.net

2). Claridges won the Top LondonTea Place in the Tea Council Awards 2011. The judges were impressed by the hotel’s exceptional service, great quality tea and the extensive knowledge of the staff. The five-star Art Deco hotel, in London’s Mayfair, traces its history back to 1812, and has played host to royalty – including Queen Victoria – as well as stars, and statesmen.

3). The Langham in London lays claim to be ”the place where the tradition of afternoon tea was born over 140 years ago”. It was the 2010 winner of the Top London Tea Place, with tea served in the hotel’s Palm Court. A variation, served in the hotel’s Artesian Bar, is G and T Tiffin, a Beefeater 24 gin cocktail that is included along with the afternoon tea.

4). The Berkeley Hotel’s Pret a Portea gives a modern twist to the afternoon tea, drawing inspiration from leading fashion designers and trends of the season, a fashionista’s tea, with biscuits and cakes shaped and coloured appropriately…

5). Bettys has been serving up teas in Yorkshire since 1919 and now has branches in Harrogate, York, Northallerton and Ilkley, and serves more than one million customers a year in its cafes.

6). The Pump Room has been at the social heart of Bath for more than two centuries, and nowadays offers morning coffee, lunches and afternoon tea, to the accompaniment of classical music from a trio, all located next to and above the Roman Baths.

7). Enjoy “the world’s only truly English cup of tea” at Tregothnan’s Tea Bar in Cornwall. The Tea Bar is situated near the Tregothnan tea plantations which were the first in England to produce tea.

8). Primrose Cottage Tea Rooms in Lustleigh have a long standing reputation for serving the best Cream Tea in Devon. The Tea Room is in the picturesque village of Lustleigh.

9). The Willow Tea Rooms in Glasgow offer afternoon tea at its most stylish – the tea rooms were designed by architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

10). The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny in Wales won the award for the Top City and Country Hotel – a new award only introduced last year – in The Tea Council Awards 2011, and was praised for its “excellent range of teas with an extensive variety, served with perfection by dedicated staff who are happy to advise on the choice of teas available, all of which are described well in the informative and tempting menu. Flavoursome sandwiches, wonderful scones and truly delicious cakes and pastries, created and made in house by Tearoom Manager and superb Baker, Sally Lane, surpassed all expectations”.

11). Overlooking the River Great Ouse in the market town of Ely you will find Peacocks Tearoom. Offering all you would expect from an award winning, family-run English tearoom – a warm welcome, traditional cream teas, a homely atmosphere, a quirky menu and a selection of teas from every continent.

12). Can you tell a Darjeeling from a Ceylon? If not perhaps consider a Tea masterclass. Run by two of the country’s leading tea experts you can attend a one day seminar in Mayfair, London where you will be taught everything from why all teas are different to how to brew the perfect cup.

Top 12 Tea Places – Best Spots in Britain for a Cuppa is a post from: Anglotopia.net

1). The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum - if you thought the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club – to give Wimbledon its proper name – was only worth visiting in the fortnight of the championships, think again. The Museum is open all year round and lets visitors explore the game’s evolution from a garden party pastime to a multimillion dollar professional sport played world-wide. Highlights include the Championship Trophies; a ‘ghost’ of John McEnroe speaking about the game and his legendary opponents; a ‘200° Cinema with special effects capturing The Science of Tennis; and an extensive collection of tennis memorabilia dating back to 1555. Combine a visit to the museum with a behind-the-scenes tour of the grounds. Directed by Blue Badge tourist guides, the tour lasts around 1.5 hours, and takes you to the most recognisable and exclusive places in the Grounds.

2). The North Greenwich Arena - If you can’t wait until next summer to watch some tennis, check out the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, which take place for the third year at the O2 Arena in London, from 20-27 November and will include the best eight singles and doubles players in the world. In 2010 Federer beat Nadal in the finals.

3). Rugby Union - Britain is the home of rugby, specifically the Warwickshire town north of London where public schoolboy William Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran with it…There are guided tours of Rugby School, and you can visit the Rugby Football Museum. There are also stadium tours of the international grounds - Twickenham in London; the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff; and Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

4). St Andrews is “The Home of Golf”, and Scotland is where the sport took root. The ancient sport has flourished on Scottish soil for centuries and remains one of Scotland’s greatest attractions. Scotland has more than 550 golf courses, the most famous being the Old Course at St Andrews: the Royal and Ancient Golf Club first met here in the spiritual home of golf in 1754, though the game was first played in Scotland as early as the 15th century. You can actually play on the hallowed turf of the Old Course – however, you need to be rather good! Be inspired by golfing history at the British Golf Museum on the front near the clubhouse, or play a round on the Himalayas, a professionally good 18-hole putting course.

5). Wembley Stadium is not only home to the English national football team and location of the annual FA Cup Final – it also hosts concerts and other events. Take a behind-the-scenes “Legends” tour of the ground and hear about England’s fondly remembered World Cup victory in 1966, the Live Aid concert of 1985, and Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League triumph in 2011.

6). Football fans from around the world follow the English Premier League, watching their team’s ground on the television every week, so a visit to the stadium is a must. All the major stadiums offer tours, including the champions Manchester United,Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. Also check out the Premier League pages on www.visitbritain.com.

7). Lords - the cricket ground in North-West London is home to the Marylebone Cricket Club. First set up in 1787, the club moved to the current ground in 1814. The laws of the club were later adopted throughout the game – and the MCC today remains the custodian and arbiter of laws relating to cricket around the world. A behind-the-scenes tour includes a chance to view The Ashes – a small terracotta urn, whose story dates back to 1882 and an England defeat by Australia, when the Sporting Times carried a mock obituary to English cricket which concluded that: “The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia”. A few weeks later, an English team, captained by the Hon Ivo Bligh set off to tour Australia, with Bligh vowing to return with “the ashes”; his Australian counterpart, WL Murdoch, similarly vowed to defend them – and so the legendary Test series was born.

8). Ascot is one of the most famous racecourses in the world, and one of the oldest, celebrating its 300^th birthday in 2011. The most famous meeting is Royal Ascot, in June, but there are many other events through the year at the course in Berkshire, west of London.

9). Newmarket in Suffolk is the “historic Home of Horseracing” – and important as the racecourse is, there is much more to the town than the racecourse. It is home to the National Stud, and the National Horseracing Museum, Tattersalls, one of the biggest horse sales in Europe, and much more.

10). Bog snorkelling - it’s described as the dirtiest water sport of the year, certainly you will need a good clean-up after competing in the annual World Bog Snorkelling Championships in Llanwrtyd Wells in Mid Wales. The course? A 60 yard peat bog….

11) Henley - the annual Henley Royal Regatta is not just an event for rowers, but part of the summer social “Season”. First held in 1839, long before national or international rowing federations were established, it occupies a unique position in the world of rowing, with its own rules – for example the length of the Course is 1 mile 550 yards, which is 112 metres longer than the standard international distance of 2,000 metres. But it is still officially recognised by both the governing body of rowing in England (British Rowing) and the International Rowing Federation (F.I.S.A.). Henley is also home to the world-famous Leander Club,with 99 Olympic medals won by its members (who have included Sir Steve Redgrave) as well as The River and Rowing Museum

12). The National Cycling Centre at Manchester Velodrome was Britain’s first indoor Olympic cycling track when it opened in 1994. The track is in constant use seven days a week and with a comprehensive programme of activities for all levels of ability, it is one of the busiest in the world. From elite athletes to novices, the track offers sessions to anyone seeking to experience this exciting sport. Regular users of the track include members of the very successful GB track cycling team, such as Sir Chris Hoy and Vicky Pendleton MBE, as well as local schoolchildren and track enthusiasts. In July it was expanded with the launch of the new £20M indoor BMX track.

Top 12 UK Sporting Venues – Best Places for Sport Fans in Britain is a post from: Anglotopia.net