Thinking of holidaying in the UK this year, but unsure where to visit?  Or are you from overseas and looking for the ideal holiday destination?  Here are several reasons why you should choose to stay in the English county of Devon:

Outstanding Natural Beauty:

Devon boasts some of the finest scenery in England, and has designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  It really is the ideal destination for anyone wishing to take a holiday and ‘get away from it all’.

War Horse, the heart rendering drama about a boy’s special friendship with his stallion in the outbreak of World War One, directed by Steven Spielberg, was filmed on Dartmoor National Park in Devon.  Indeed, Spielberg was reported as saying “I hardly scratched the surface of the visual opportunities that were offered to me.”  This statement says it all really!   If you’ve seen the film it’s likely you noticed Devon’s specular landscapes, however, I can promise it’s better to experience the sheer drama of the area in person.

Where to stay in Devon:

Whether you’re going on holiday on your own or as a couple, or perhaps enjoying a break with all the family, there are many great places to stay.  Choose to stay inland or holiday on one of the county’s coasts. Devon promises some of the finest holiday spots in the country.

Not sure where to start looking?  The following are very popular holiday towns and villages:

• Woolacombe
• Barnstaple
• Exetor
• Exmouth
• Okehampton
• Tiverton

Devon’s landscape and wildlife:

Devon boasts unspoilt landscapes full of wildlife and cultural heritage just begging to be explored.  The official ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ do not fail to please: these range from steep sandstone cliffs overlooking the English Channel providing views of the sea (and on closer inspection miles of fossils where dinosaurs used to tread at the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site), ancient woodlands, rolling pastures, miles of sandy beaches, shingle coves and sand dunes.

Devon is truly a place of wonders with plenty of activities to choose from, even if you do not want a holiday filled with strenuous activities.  However, even adrenalin junkies can get their thrills from the fantastic surf, and surfers come from all over the world to sample the high-quality surfing delights that the North Devon coast has to offer!

Weather:

Devon’s temperate climate means this county is one of the UK’s most sunny and dry holidaying spots. Of course, there is no guarantee it will not to rain on your holiday  (this is Great Britain afterall!)

Whatever the weather, you’ll find there is plenty to see and do in the region.  You can visit the quaint fishing villages, enjoy the beaches and explore hidden coves on the sunnier days, or just relax in one of the many quintessentially English pubs if it starts to rain.

Eating out in Devon:

Eating out on holiday is a treat and Devon has many varied sumptuous eating establishments that cater for all palettes.  These range from beachside cafes to bistros, restaurants to gastro pubs, seafood restaurants to ethnic dining, fusion cuisine and more!  Devon has some of finest dining experiences to offer the most intrepid gastronomic fan, whether that applies to the reliable chip butty, authentic Devon cream tea or a select seafood restaurant serving freshly caught fish straight from the ocean that morning, you won’t be disappointed!

This is a guest post by Carly, who has spent most of her life holidaying in the south of England.  She’s written this post on behalf of Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks, a company who offer holiday lodges in Devon.

Getting away from it all: Why you should holiday in Devon is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Check out this stunning timelapse video of Bridport Dorset at night. Definitely going to add a visit to Bridport on our itinerary for May.

From the video description:

A labour of love, four months in the making. I moved to Bridport just over a year ago and immediately fell in love with the place. What better way to show my affection for such a place than to make a movie about it?

Shot on a Nikon D7000 camera, producing 16MP stills for a 25fps video. Some shots in this were 30 second exposures, meaning I had to stay with the camera for an hour and a half just to get six seconds of footage.

I see far too many touristy video features about the West Dorset coastline. Too many quaint holiday cottages and clichéd shots of people eating ice cream on the beach. This video was shot in the winter and, for a growing number of people interested in stargazing, shows that Bridport is a fantastic location for seeing the night sky. It is also beautiful at night.

Dorset: Bridport by Night is a post from: Anglotopia.net

In this video, the creator explores English Cathedrals and churches in London, Bath, Salisbury and Oxford. Beautiful!

England, Cathedrals and churches – London, Bath, Salisbury and Oxford from Samuel Magal on Vimeo.

Video: An HD Video Tour of English Cathedrals is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Britain’s biggest celebration of trains and railways takes place this June in York.

Railfest 2012 will bring together more than 30 record-breaking locomotives that have made their mark on rail history for being the fastest, largest, strongest, first, last or oldest.

Record-breakers include Mallard, the fastest steam locomotive at 126mph; the newly restored Flying Scotsman, the first locomotive to reach 100mph; Tornado, the newest mainline steam locomotive in operation; and Ffestiniog Railway’s George England 0-4-0STT Palmerston, the oldest steamable narrow gauge locomotive, which will be joined by FR carriage No.15, the oldest operational bogie coach in the world.

During the festival visitors will be able to climb inside drivers’ cabs, ride on trains large and small and examine rarely-seen vehicles like a sailing train, snow ploughs and leaf blowers. There will also be a wide variety of miniature locos and toy train displays.

The event takes place at the National Railway Museum, which covers over 200 years of railway history. Its collections include more than 100 locomotives, 250 items of rolling stock and thousands of other objects from posters and tickets to uniforms and silverware. The last Railfest was in 2004 and attracted more than 60,000 visitors.

The museum is open daily 10am–6pm, admission free. Railfest 2012 will run from 2 to 10 June, admission charge.

National Rail Museum York, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
Tel: +44 8448 153139
Website: nrm.org.uk/railfest2012
Facebook: National Railway Museum
Twitter: @railwaymuseum
YouTube: National Railway Museum
Flickr: National Railway Museum, York

Railway’s record-breakers – Railfest 2012 in York is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The city of Bath is celebrating its place in the fashion world with a year’s emphasis on fashion and a week of special events.

Bath is a World Heritage Site and has attracted fashionistas since its days as a spa town in 18th-century Georgian times. The author Jane Austen set two of her six published novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, in Bath and lived in the city from 1801 to 1806.

Bath in Fashion, from 25 to 31 March, will feature special events, talks and exhibitions. Milliner Stephen Jones, who has collaborated with major fashion designers including John Galliano, Dior and Comme des Garçons, has always admired the fashions of the Regency period. He will curate From Georgiana to Boy George, a six-week exhibition of his designs, at the newly refurbished Holburne museum, opening on 24 March, admission free. On 30 March Jones will talk with fashion critic Sarah Mower at a ticketed event (£15) at the Museum.

Manolo Blahnik, one of the world’s most influential shoe designers will appear in conversation with fashion writer Iain R. Webb at the Museum on 29 March (tickets £20). Blahnik was born in the Canary Islands in 1942 and has made Bath his home for 30 years.

The Fashion Museum in Bath’s Assembly Rooms has one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of contemporary and historic dress. Sport and Fashion is its special exhibition for 2012. It opens on 4 February and will trace how historic sportswear has influenced the creations of contemporary designers. Admission £7.50 adults, £5.50 children, £21 family ticket.

Bath in Fashion 25–31 March, various venues
Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB
Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath BA1 2QH
Tel: +44 844 847 5256 (tickets Holburne Museum talks)
Website: www.bathinfashion.co.uk
Facebook: Bath in Fashion
Twitter: @BathinFashion
Flickr: Bath in Fashion
Blog: Bath Fashion Girl

The fashionable city of Bath – Bath in Fashion is a post from: Anglotopia.net

If you’re looking for a great short getaway in the north of England, then Harrogate could be the place for you. Situated in North Yorkshire, this spa town offers a wide range of tourist attractions and things to see over the course of a break. Here are a few options for you to consider whilst staying in Harrogate.

Betty’s Tea Room

Originally opened in 1919, this quintessentially Yorkshire eatery has proven to be a very popular attraction for locals and tourists alike over the years. Offering a wide variety of rare and exclusive fine teas and coffees, homemade cakes and chocolates, Betty’s is a must visit for anyone visiting Harrogate. Queues do tend to get rather large during the more popular times however, so booking in advance is recommended to ensure a table.

Turkish Baths and Spa

After you’ve had something to eat and drink at Betty’s Tea Room then why not sit back, relax and wind down with a treatment at Harrogate’s Turkish Baths. After all, you are in one of the UK’s most popular spa towns, so you’d be mad to miss out on something like this. Treatments can range from therapeutic massages, to facials and other beauty treatments. Can’t decide what treatment to go for? No worries – they offer a wide range of packages to suit every need, all of which can be booked online.

Valley Gardens

A 17 acre piece of land with numerous attractions, these gardens are English Heritage Grade II listed and also claim to contain a larger number of mineral springs than “any other known place”. Alongside the gardens there are a number of historical buildings and beautiful woodlands; however this understandably won’t be to everyone’s taste. For those people who want to do something a bit more lively, there are many outdoor games and play areas where children can entertain themselves, as well as concerts on a Sunday afternoon.

Ripley Castle

Sticking with the theme of sightseeing, just a three mile drive from Harrogate you will find Ripley Castle. Open all year round, this historic attraction is surrounded by picturesque grounds and is the perfect setting for a family day out. Again if this is something that the younger members of the group may not enjoy, there are numerous children’s tours of the castle throughout the day. This means that the keen sightseers can get their fix, whilst the children will be entertained and educated at the same time.

The Great Yorkshire Show

For three days a year, Harrogate Showground is transformed into the venue for the UK’s premier agricultural event – the Great Yorkshire Show. There are a number of things to see and do over the course of these three days, and there is more than enough to keep the children entertained too. One thing to bear in mind is that it’s definitely worth planning this well in advance, as money can be saved on tickets, and hotels in Harrogate tend to be extremely busy over these few days.

So there you have it, a pocket guide to spending a few days in Harrogate, with enough to entertain yourself and any younger members of the party.

Guest Post: Great Ways To Spend Your Short Break In Harrogate is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The National Football Museum, due to open in Manchester in 2012, plans to show visitors the ‘greatest collection of football memorabilia ever assembled’.

They will be able to see more than 140,000 objects, works of art and photographs. These include a shirt from the world’s first international match, played in 1872, the ball used in the 1966 World Cup Final and the shirt worn by Maradona during the 1986 ‘Hand of God’ quarter-final match between England and Argentina.

There will also be a changing temporary exhibition programme to show the part played in English football by fashion, art and photography.

The museum will provide a permanent home for football’s Hall of Fame. There will be an awards ceremony every year for the new ‘legends’ added to the Hall of Fame.

The National Football Museum is a registered charity overseen by a board of trustees, all former international players. The museum’s President is Sir Bobby Charlton, Vice Presidents are Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Tom Finney, Sir Trevor Brooking and Sir Geoff Hurst, and Museum Special Ambassador is Mark Lawrenson.

The new museum, which replaces the former museum in Preston, Lancashire, is due to open in late spring/early summer in the Urbis exhibition centre in Manchester city centre. Entrance will be free with some paid-for interactive activities. The museum will also be available for corporate events.

National Football Museum, Urbis, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG
Tel: +44 161 605 8200
Website: www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Manchester’s new football museum due to open in 2012 is a post from: Anglotopia.net

1). Manchester United – Old Trafford is the home of the world famous Manchester United football team. Tickets for a game are always at a premium, but you can breathe in the atmosphere on a stadium tour, or indulge your passion in the stadium shop.
www.manutd.com/en/Visit-Old-Trafford.aspx

2). Manchester City – challenging The Reds in the Premier League, in this football-mad city, are The Blues, who moved into their new home in 2003, now renamed the Etihad Stadium. The club dates back to the 1880s, and again you can take a fascinating stadium tour, including the directors’ box, players’ tunnel and home dressing room.
www.mcfc.co.uk/The-Club/Stadium-tours

3). The National Football Museum – opening in 2012, the museum will house one of the best collections of football memorabilia ever assembled. Having relocated from Preston, it will show more than 140,000 objects, works of art and photographs with highlights including 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.www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/
Press contact details:
Brazen PR 00 44 (0)161 923 4994
footballmuseum@brazenpr.com

4). Manchester’s music scene – Oasis, Morrissey, Take That, Simply Red, John Mayall, the Chemical Brothers, Elbow – the list of great musicians who came from, or banded together while studying or living in Manchester, is endless. Not forgetting Stone Roses, who have just announced their reunion, with tickets going on sale for concerts on two June dates at Heaton Park in Manchester, as well as a world tour www.thestoneroses.org. Many of these acts could be found during their early careers playing in smaller live music venues in the Northern Quarter of the city such as Roadhouse, Night and Day Café and The Deaf Institute where new and unsigned acts can still be seen

5). Top shopping – the city is perfect for shopaholics. You’ve been to Old Trafford? Then time to head off to the Trafford Centrewww.traffordcentre.co.uk – nothing to do with football, this is the largest indoor shopping centre in Manchester and even provided the setting for its very own UK television programme “Shopping Centre’. There are also flagship stores for Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, and if you prefer the more individual stores, check out the Northern Quarter – this is Manchester’s bohemian area renowned for its independent bars, boutiques, cafes, music stores and clothes shops. Head to Afflecks Palacewww.afflecks.com , located in a beautiful historic building, for floors of independent stalls and boutiques.

6). 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
www.spinningfields-manchester.com/Homepage

7). The Imperial War Museum North – This is a museum of social history which concentrates on people’s experiences of war, the way they behave in war and the impact of war on society. Located in an architecturally striking building, by Daniel Libeskind, it includes The Big Picture, an award-winning 360° audio-visual experience and a unique way for visitors to access the Museum’s world-renowned collections of photography, art and sound. As the lights fade, giant screens and powerful surround sound immerse you in the heart of the action, creating a complete sensory experience which is totally involving, and often very moving.
www.north.iwm.org.uk/
Press contact details:
Alex Knight, Press & PR Manager 00 44 (0)161 836 4040
aknight@iwm.org.uk

8). Trams – Manchester is easy to get around, thanks to the fast and frequent tram system, the Metrolink which carries nearly 20 million passengers each year.
www.metrolink.co.uk/#

9). The National Cycling Centre – Britain’s first indoor Olympic cycling track when it opened in 1994, it has become one of the world’s finest and fastest board tracks. The track is in constant use seven days a week and, thanks to the 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. This year the National Cycling Centre has been significantly expanded with the launch of the new £19M indoor BMX track.
www.nationalcyclingcentre.com/

10). Nightlife – whether you are looking for real ale pubs, gay bars, comedy clubs or jazz sounds, Manchester has it all.
www.visitmanchester.com
www.visitmanchester.com/discover/nightlife/lgbt.aspx

11). Museum of Science and Industry – Based on the site of the oldest passenger railway station in the world, the huge, 7.5 acre site has five historic buildings packed with fascinating exhibitions, hands-on galleries, historic working machinery and special exhibitions. You can meet historical characters, watch demonstrations of original machinery,take a train ride behind a replica steam locomotive, take part in hands-on workshops and much more. And the museum is free
www.mosi.org.uk/

12). Manchester Art Gallery – housing a world-famous Pre-Raphaelite paintings, the collection also includes British and European art from the 17th century right up to the present day, while the Gallery of Costume holds a fascinating collection including 19th century examples of a riding habit, tennis dress and bathing costumes and an 18th century archery jacket.
www.manchestergalleries.org/

Top 12 Things to do in Manchester England is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The first day of May is Obby Oss day in the Cornish town of Padstow in south-west England.

Obby Oss is local dialect for Hobby Horse and on May Day Padstow locals who were born in the town traditionally wear white decorated with red if their family follows the ‘Old Oss’, or with blue if they follow the ‘Peace Oss’.

Up to 30,000 people, including Padstonians from around the world, visit the town to take part in the celebrations. Accompanied by drums and accordions, the Osses dance through the streets led by a taunting Teaser. Each Oss has a strange mask and a black frame-hung cape under which they try to catch young maidens. Their supporters in the parade are dressed in white and blue or red and their costumes are decorated with ribbons and fresh flowers. Everyone in the procession sings the local Padstow songs.

The origins of the day are not clear. The Oss may well have its roots in pagan times. It may also be a rain-making symbol, a fertility symbol, a welcome to summer or an historical deterrent to a possible landing by the French.

Obby Oss Day, 1 May, Padstow, Cornwall
Websites: www.visitcornwall.com 
www.padstow.com
YouTube: Padstow May Day 2011

Weird Britain: Following the Obby Oss in Cornwall is a post from: Anglotopia.net

There are few cities in the UK as steeped in history as Bath, and for a sophisticated weekend away it makes for the perfect destination.  Set in the county of Somerset, at the edge of the renowned picturesque Cotswolds and at the bottom of the Avon River, the city and its surroundings are known for their stunning beauty.

Much of the city was built in Georgian times and with what is now called “Bath stone” which gives Bath its original aesthetic character. The Royal Crescent, a row of residential houses, is possibly one of the most noted landmarks in Georgian architectural history and is a fantastic work of architecture.

Bath is an especially great city to visit for the ladies looking for a relaxing hen weekend away as it is home to the unique and historical bath spas.

Established by the Romans in AD 43, Bath was originally named “Aquae Sulis” translating as “the waters of Sulis”. Home to the only natural hot springs found in Britain, the Romans built baths around them, which later resulted in the city becoming popular as a spa town.

The Thermae Bath Spa is home to the main mineral-rich hot springs in the city, and after years of restoration it has retained much of its historical architecture whilst also combining it with the contemporary. With two natural thermal baths, an open-air rooftop pool and an indoor one, experienced therapists offering over 50 treatments and an 18th century Hot Bath treatment room, this venue is a must when visiting Bath in the warmer seasons.

With the city having been declared a UNESCO world heritage site there are few more charming destinations. If you’re visiting Bath on a hen weekend in the winter season though then you may have to save experiencing the bath spas for next summer, however there’s still plenty to do.

The Christmas market in Bath this year holds 130 pretty wooden chalets selling everything from jewellery to handmade gifts, food and clothes, and is a great way to spend the day picking up some Christmas presents before heading out for dinner and drinks.

Bath is ideal for shopaholics – from the centre of town you can browse through high street shops found down pretty alleyways whilst admiring the Bath Abbey. The Upper Town of Bath has yet more stunning Georgian architecture leading you to Margaret’s Buildings where you can stroll down a pedestrianised lane lined with small independent shops and galleries waiting to be explored. If you want to splash out or simply admire designer fashion then head to the fashionable Milsom Quarter where you’ll find labels such as Prada and Armani along with some top restaurants laid out in the beautiful open courtyards of Milsom Place.

If you are a lover of theatre then this is another reason to visit Bath. The city has five theatres, the main one being the Theatre Royal, each putting on an endless choice of dance, comedy, music and drama performances.

For a weekend away where you want to combine culture, nightlife and fine dining in sophisticated surroundings then a hen weekend in Bath is ideal. 

Guest Post: Hen Weekends in Bath is a post from: Anglotopia.net

A British artist has done a series of drawings imagining what Manchester England would look like after the apocalypse.

It’s a strange yet interested look at Britain’s ‘second city.’

Check out the gallery below:

Source.

Weird Britain: New Exhibition Imagines What Post-Apocalyptic Manchester England Would Look Like is a post from: Anglotopia.net

photo credit: Jake Keup

If you’re after somewhere in Britain to take in the wonders of Christmas, there’s no better place to enjoy a weekend away than in the beautiful city of York.

A wonderful city to visit at any time of year, at Christmas, York becomes a magical city. From the beautiful Christmas tree in St Helen’s Square to the exciting displays in the windows of the city’s shops, you can find sparkle and fun everywhere.

Stroll through the city centre at dusk to discover the wonderful decorations and lights covering just about every inch of the shops, pubs and restaurants, not to mention the magnificent historic buildings dressed in their festive finest. Call into your favourite restaurant for seasonal inspired menu, or enjoy a glass of mulled wine or warm, spiced cider.

No city can compare with the wonderful calendar events that December brings to York, from ice sculpting to skating; York has something for everyone this Christmas. Kick things off with the Festival of Angels; a traditional winter festival held annually here. Held in the Minster Quarter, the festival gives you a chance to view some of the magnificent ice sculptures on display that are scattered throughout the streets

There will be plenty of street entertainment such as live music to keep you amused, as well as a variety of stalls selling gifts and treats. There are wooden stalls around the streets selling food & drink, and artificial snow falls to add to the effect.

If you enjoy looking at the stalls and choosing some great gifts for friends and family, or even a treat or two for yourself, you will love one of York’s many Christmas Markets. Beginning with the ever popular St. Nicholas Fayre, this market brings history to life with Victorian costumed traders selling their wares and carol singers singing all your favourite festive tunes.

Around the market you’ll find a wide range of gifts and crafts as well as local produce, including venison and suckling pig.

Other Christmas markets include the Parliament Street Fayre, with festive chalets selling unique gifts and tasty treats such as yummy winter Pimms. The Made in Yorkshire craft market offers you the very best in local arts and crafts, including ceramics, jewellery, woodwork and pottery.

Or head to the Festive Farmers’ market to stock up your larder for the big day. Enjoy the very best of local produce from home reared meats, cheeses and organic vegetables. While you’re here, you may want to stop for some very special Yorkshire Punch.

Don’t miss out on the fun at the Ice Factor, York’s very own outdoor 900sqm ice rink. Situated at the York Designer Outlet shopping centre, skate hire costs £9.50 for the hour, where you can get close up to the 30ft Christmas tree in the centre of the ice rink. If you don’t fancy getting cold or falling over on the ice, you can watch everyone else from the heated Ice Bar and Café.

Surrounding the rink you’ll find a winter wonderland of Christmas stalls selling food from around the world, and small Christmas stocking fillers.

Don’t forget the wonderful festive services at York Minster, carol concerts throughout the city and a number of local attractions all dressed for Christmas. A great example is Stockfield Park stately home, which comes alive at December with its Christmas Adventure. Enjoy the outdoor ice rink, explore the interactive enchanted forest or lose yourself in the snowflake maze.

Again, you can enjoy traditional Christmas fun with a selection of market stalls selling decorations and presents ideas for all ages and fun fair ground rides. Warm up with a mug of tea in one of the cafes or buy your Christmas tree from the selection of home grown pines.

Don’t forget the big man himself; Santa will be making appearances around the city throughout the festive period and will be more than happy to hear your Christmas wishes.

There are also Christmas River cruises available, with a traditional Christmas dinner provided, along with Santa giving gifts to all those on board the boat down the river Ouse.

The National Rail Museum is home to Santa’s Christmas workshop, where you can also take a train ride with Santa himself.

Written by travelsupermarket, who offer great deals on hotels in York.

Guest Post: Christmas in York England is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express and the world-famous Flying Scotsman are to be star exhibits at the National Railway Museum in York in 2012.

Olton Hall, the steam locomotive that features in the Harry Potter movies, will feature in the Museum’s Wizard Week, 11–19 February. The engine was built in 1937 for the Great Western Railway and was seen in the Potter films pulling the Hogwarts Express that takes Harry and his school chums from Platform 9¾ Kings Cross station London to Hogwarts school. (Visitors to Kings Cross station can see the entrance to Platform 9¾). During Wizard Week in February the museum will stage magic performances, owl displays and science shows. Children and adults are encouraged to dress up as their favourite witch or wizard.

In late spring the Flying Scotsman will return to the museum after a major restoration project. The National Railway Museum has been restoring the famous locomotive to full mainline running condition, so that it can once again pull trains around the UK. The exact date of its return to the museum and mainline operations is yet to be confirmed. The locomotive will take part in the 2012 Olympic torch journey round the UK.

The Flying Scotsman was built in Doncaster for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), and started service in 1923. In 1924 it appeared at the British Empire Exhibition in London and by 1928 it was pulling the first ever non-stop London to Edinburgh service, reducing the journey time to eight hours. In 1934, it was the first locomotive to reach 161kph (100mph).

The Flying Scotsman was retired by British Rail in 1963, and has since toured the USA and Australia, where it recorded the longest ever non-stop run by a steam locomotive, travelling 680km (422 miles) in 1989.

The National Railway Museum in York covers more than 200 years of railway history and its collections include over 100 locomotives, 250 items of rolling stock and thousands of exhibits from posters and tickets to uniforms and silverware. The Museum is next to York rail stationand is open daily 10am–6pm, admission free (there may be a small charge for some activities during Wizard Week)

National Rail Museum York, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
Tel: +44 8448 153139
Website: www.nrm.org.uk
Facebook: National Railway Museum
Twitter: @railwaymuseum
YouTube: National Railway Museum
Flickr: National Railway Museum, York

Harry Potter: The Hogwart’s Express Goes to National Railway Museum in 2012 is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The British TV Podcast with Chrissy & Ryan presents: Chrissy’s UK Trip Special. We’re back! Chrissy just returned from a lovely trip to Britain and regales us with her visits to the many live stage shows she witnessed including “Reasons To Be Pretty” with Billie Piper, “Cool Hand Luke” with Marc Warren, “One Man Two Guvnors” with James Cordon, a new musical version of “Matilda” and more. Ryan does a quick recap of some of the shows he’s been watching since we last put out a show.

We’ll be back again after Christmas to review all the specials that have been shown around the holiday period.

Listen to the Special

British TV Podcast – Chrissy’s UK Trip Special is a post from: Anglotopia.net

For those seeking somewhere that can offer something different as well as being steeped in history drawn from more than 2,000 years of fascinating events, York would be an excellent choice. It is not surprising that the city has become one of the most popular weekend destinations in Britain. The hotels in York offer a wealth of different styles of accommodation from ancient, comfortable traditional inns, some more than 500 years old, to modern and bright hotels offering sophisticated luxury. York has an appealing mix of attractions and activities that is sure to please visitors whatever their age or interest.

One of its most famous sights is the spectacular York Minster, the current form of which was constructed between the 1200s and 1400s and is a landmark throughout the city. Its history goes back much further, however, with Emperor Constantine being firmly linked to the spot the Minster stands and the remains of Roman buildings that are still visible in the Undercroft. The Quire and Chapter House are lovely and with free tours offered by Minster guides and the best view of the city for those able to climb the Central Tower, the Minster is sure to continue to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The historic theme also runs along the city’s impressive defensive walls that date back to Roman times. More than a million visitors each year walk the full length of the walls enjoying exhibitions and performances that are put on at various points in the towers along its length. The views are impressive and those taking in the sights can get a real sense of the dramatic history of the region. Invaders of a different kind famously overran the city and surrounding area a thousand years ago and the Jorvik Viking Centre is the place to come face to face with the marauders as well as to experience how a typical street in the city would have looked in this unique heritage centre. For those who like to mix their history with the modern, the world famous Shambles area of York is the place to see. This historic medieval street still looks as it did hundreds of years ago and visitors who enjoy the many unique shops on the street marvel at the overhanging buildings and narrow pavements. Many hotels in York are conveniently situated near to the Shambles and other attractions.

York has its own brewery and alongside many other fine bars and restaurants, it runs three pubs in the city, serving its own ale. Visitors who have enjoyed a brewery tour and seen how the ale is brewed can then go and enjoy a meal cooked from excellent, locally sourced produce washed down by ale. York is famously haunted and one of the most different and competitive pastimes is one of the hundreds of organized ghost walks that run from many different locations in the city. Energetic and enthralling guides, usually in historic garb, will walk groups through different parts of the city stopping off at famously haunted buildings, or places significant to some of the more famous ghosts. Some hotels even offer special ghostly weekends to make your weekend in York even more spellbinding!

Guest Post: Spend a Historic Weekend in York is a post from: Anglotopia.net

This year’s Michelin Guide is bigger and better than ever.  This trusted guide has been around for over a hundred years, with the first guide having been published in 1900 by Andre Michelin himself. The Michelin Guide has been used by millions in many countries around the world as a invaluable guide for traveling. This year’s guide is no exception, in being invaluable.

The Guide this year includes more than 3600 restaurant and hotel reviews. It also includes maps and awards for best hotels and eateries. The maps are very nicely laid out for easy use.  There is also two unique sections in this year’s guide, beer and whiskey.  Michelin has also included a guide on how to dial internationally. The guide also includes prices ranges for eateries and amenities for accommodations.

I particularly enjoyed the first sections of the 2012 Michelin Guide. These first few sections include; a beer and whiskey guide, a section entitled particularly pleasant Hotels & guesthouses and there is even a section on tires. This years guide is usual solid guide that we have all come to know and love. However this year’s Great Britain and Ireland guide has included many more eateries and lodgings.

The guide follows it’s normal standard layout which is comforting and makes things easy to find.The Guide starts with England and winds it way through Great Britain. They cover eateries and and lodging. The book also has fantastic maps. They’ve also included a dedicated section to London.

Overall, this trusty Guide is once again just as trustworthy. It has been spruced up a bit and added many more entries. This is a must have if you are traveling to the UK and Ireland. This Michelin Guide has come to be known as the gold standard for travel guides and this year’s volume does not disappoint.

Brit Book Review: Michelin’s Great Britain & Ireland 2012 Guide is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Manchester’s historic town hall has sat prominently on the edge of Albert’s Square. In all of the time this amazing building has been standing only a select few have been able to see the amazing views form the beautiful clock tower. However, now for a short period of time, and £7.50 you can see this amazing view too. That’s right for a limited time tours are being offered to take in the view from the clock tower, to see the inner workings of the clocks and to see the beautiful bell inside the tower.

The tower was originally built by Alfred Waterhouse and has stood there since the last stone was laid.  The clock tower soars 280 feet high over the square. The views from this height  are no doubt amazing. You can see some pretty historic landmarks; The Central Library (currently without a roof, due to restoration), The Old Trafford Football Stadium, and the Exchange Square Wheel of Manchester from the top of the clock tower. On a clear day it is said that you can even see the Pennines and the Plains of Cheshire.

While the view must be amazing you really get to see so much more on this tour. You can see the inner workings of the clock that has kept time since it was built by Gillet and Bland for the tower over 134 years ago. The clock is the largest in the UK outside of London. What is even cooler about this clock is set and checked regularly to be precisely in sync with Greenwich. You will also be able to see the Great Abel Bell which chimes the time for all of Manchester to hear. The Bell was named after the mayor of Manchester, Abel Haywood who opened the tower in 1877.

The tours run now through December 22, 2011. Tickets are £7.50 for a once and a lifetime experience.

Manchester’s Town Hall Clock Tower is Open To Visitors 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

Sleeperz Hotels is planning to open a hotel in Newcastle in December. This will be the company’s second UK hotel.

The 98-bedroom, six-storey hotel will be on the site of a former parcel works and is near Newcastle’s Central rail station. It will, it is claimed, be the city’s first design-led budget hotel.

David Myers, chief executive of Sleeperz Hotels, says: ‘Newcastle is not just the capital of north-east England; it’s a thriving visitor destination and a great city for business and conferences. We are bringing something new and different to Newcastle and the north-east. A stay at Sleeperz offers a stylish urban living experience in a city centre hotel environment at affordable prices.’

The company plans to open Sleeperz hotels in Liverpool, Manchester and London, all close to mainline railway stations. Sleeperz in the Welsh capital Cardiff opened in November 2008. Rooms in the Newcastle Sleeperz will cost from £60 a night.

Sleeperz Hotel, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne
Tel: +44 2920 478747
Website: www.sleeperz.com
YouTube: sleeperzhotels

New Budget Hotel for Newcastle is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Visiting a county like Yorkshire and being faced with so many places to go and see can leave tourists with some tough decisions, namely where to go and where to avoid. To help Anglotopia readers to make the most of their time in the region we’ve put together a list of five must-visit places, some of which are ideal for anyone interested in walking holidays in Yorkshire.

Aysgarth Falls

Yorkshire has many stunning areas of natural beauty, one of which is Aysgarth Falls. Set in the picture-perfect Yorkshire Dales, Aysgarth Falls is a series of waterfalls that graced the big screen back in 1991 as it provided the backdrop for some of the scenes in the smash-hit film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Enjoy a relaxing walk on the banks of the River Ure amid the forests and farmland and take in the splendour of thousands of gallons of water gushing past you. A place like this is ideal if you’re thinking of staying of one of the many nearby holiday cottages in Yorkshire.

Eureka

This is manna from heaven for any parents with a couple of little ones to keep entertained as Eureka is jam packed with over 400 interactive exhibits to help children aged between 0-11 to learn all about a variety of different topics in a fun way. Discover more about everything from the human body to the solar system in a friendly environment that means fun is guaranteed for all the family. As an added bonus, Eureka is handily located right next to Halifax station, which is ideal if you don’t have access to a car.

Leeds Royal Armouries

There’s not exactly an array of free museums in Yorkshire, but Leeds Royal Armouries costs nothing to enter and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the nearby city centre. What’s more, the Royal Armouries is fun for little kids and big kids alike, with a huge collection of weaponry spanning right through the ages. Time your visit to perfection and you may just be lucky enough to see special exhibitions featuring weapons from popular films such as the Lord of the Rings franchise. Real-life knights also joust outside.

Malham Cove

Anybody who is fan of the Harry Potter movies will probably instantly recognise Malham Cove. This massive natural limestone formation is a real site to behold and is quite unlike anything else in the UK. Potter fanatics caught a glimpse of Malham Cove in all its glory in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. If you feel energetic then it’s well worth climbing the steps at the left-hand side to the top for a view that’ll take your breath away.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

At the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, wind away the hours and enjoy a different experience every time you visit. Get out and explore over 500 acres of Yorkshire countryside and take in the vast collection of exhibits dotted all around the place created by some of the most prominent figures in the art world. Open all year round, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park contains everything from a collection of giant animals to the more bizarre pieces.

Guest Post: Five More must-visit places in Yorkshire is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The Sweet History of York (working title) will celebrate the heritage of the chocolates and sweets made in the city. The attraction will tell the story of York’s confectionery trading and manufacturing past and take a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of the men and women who made the chocolates and sweets from the 19th to the 21st century. Favourite sweets expected to feature in the attraction will include Kit Kat and Terry’s Chocolate Orange.

The attraction will open in a three-storey building at the end of York’s famous Shambles, the street that in 2010 won Google’s Most Picturesque Street in Britain award.

Juliana Delaney, chief executive of Continuum who are developing the attraction, says: ‘York has had chocolate and confectionery at its heart for over 150 years. This is a tale as important as any to that of York and the UK’s industrial and cultural heritage, yet it remains untold until now. We are very much looking forward to bringing the story to life and have already received fantastic support for the project from Nestlé, the owners of Rowntree Mackintosh, and Terry’s owners Kraft.’

Sweet History of York is due to open in spring or early summer 2012, and will include a shop and a cafe. Daytime and early-evening tours and activities will be available for groups seven days a week.

York House, King’s Square, York
Tel: +44 845 498 9411
Website: www.sweethistoryofyork.com
Blog: sweethistoryofyork.blogspot.com

York’s sweet attraction – Classic British Candy is a post from: Anglotopia.net

It’s around October time that many people start thinking about taking a long weekend, a few days off work and a break from the 9 ‘til 5 drudge. By October, your summer holiday seems but a distant memory, with the Christmas holidays still nothing but a speck on the horizon.

One idea for a weekend escape is to book yourself and your partner into a luxury hotel in Yorkshire for a couple of nights. Here’s why a few night’s stay in one of Yorkshire’s finest hotels is the perfect idea for you this winter.

God’s Own County

There’s a reason the locals have dubbed Yorkshire ‘God’s County’ and it’s on account of the reams and reams of stunning countryside. It’s lovely in the summer and even prettier when covered with a light dusting of snow or a glaze of frost.

Winter’s the perfect time for a retreat to a luxury hotel in Yorkshire. You may decide to wake up early and take in the cool, crisp country air with a morning stroll…or you may decide to squander the morning away in favour of a cosy lie-in in your king size bed.

Pampering

A weekend at a luxury hotel Yorkshire is also an opportunity for a little bit of pampering and self-indulgence. Most luxury hotels are most than equipped to help you treat yourself and your body to a bit of TLC; whether this is through first-class spa facilities, an Olympic-size swimming pool or a Michelin star restaurant.

Ultimately though, it’s all about relaxation. It’s hard not to relax when you’re surrounded by the lush, pretty Yorkshire countryside and are at the mercy of some of the best and most luxurious facilities the UK has to offer.

Guest Post: Winter Breaks at Luxury Hotels in Yorkshire is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The Wheat has been separated from the Chaff! The last sixteen have emerged to take their Quarter Final spots but who were the Wheat and who were the Chaff?

The last week of the pool round had some scintillating match ups with Scotland needing to get at least one victory from two very tough encounters against Argentina and England. New Zealand had to face their World Cup boogey team France to win their Pool and Ireland just had the thorny little task of beating Italy to advance.

The week got underway with Australia facing a weakened United States in Wellington. The US coach Eddie Sullivan chose a second string US side to face Australia due to the Eagles hectic schedule. Eagles had little chance of turning over one of the competitions early favourites, and with the Wallabies running in 11 tries to one, the chances of an upset lasted only until the two teams walked on to the field.

Aussies, Rob Horne and Rocky Elsom scored for the Wallabies, before they were surprised by a JJ Gagiano’s try for the US. The two times World Champions Australia, then put the Americans to the sword, as Kurtley Beale and Anthony Faingaa ensured Australia earned a bonus point by half-time. The Aussies stepped up a gear in the second half, running in seven unanswered tries, including a six-minute hat-trick from Adam Ashley-Cooper, to secure all five points from the match with a 67-5 victory.

England took a more assured step towards the Quarter Finals as they trounced Romania 67-3 with returning from injury winger Mark Cueto scoring a hat-trick along with Chris Ashton. Jonny Wilkinson seemed to be returning to better form as he converted three tries with his trusty boot along with a penalty conversion before being replaced by Toby Flood who also had a superb outing with his boot. The Six Nations champions seemed to be on better form after a couple of error strewn games earlier in the tournament but they would need to in much better form to face Scotland in a crunch final match in the Pool stage for both sides.

Hosts New Zealand went head to head with France to see who would be the winners of Pool A. Les Bleus had famously knocked out the All Blacks from the 1999 and 2007 World Cups, but with rumors of France possibly throwing the game, so they would have an easier run in, in the knock out stages the tie was highly charged. The Hosts weathered the early pressure from Les Bleus but were never truly troubled by their old nemesis, as they ended up clear winners 37-17 at full time.

Ireland kept their chance of winning Pool C with a emphatic victory over Russia as they easily earned their bonus point to go with the four for winning the tie 62-12. The Irish scored nine tries with Ronan O’Gara scoring an impressive six conversions and a penalty kick. The victory left them in control of the Pool and an important test against Italy to see who would be the winner of the group between them and Australia.

Minutes after Ireland had all but secured their place in the Quarter Finals their Celtic cousins Scotland had a tough task of their own to secure a place in the last sixteen of the tournament. The Scots had to face an ever improving Argentina side. The Southern Hemisphere nation have steadily improved over the years and will finally get its inclusion in the Tri-Nations in 2012, as they become the Four Nations, with a possible Pacific Islands team to make a fifth nation in the future.

Argentina had run England very close in their opening game and would look to make Scotland’s road to the Quarter Finals as difficult as possible, as they did with a dour 13-12 victory over the Scots. Both teams made life difficult for themselves with a number of errors that gifted their opponent’s chances to put themselves on the board but points seemed hard to find for the two nations, as Scotland’s Chris Patterson and Felipe Contepomi of Argentina, who had given the Pumas the lead despite Scotland’s early pressure missed a number of penalty opportunities.

Scotland survived an early scare as Martin Rodriguez sliced wide a simple drop-goal attempt in front of the posts during the first spell of Argentine pressure. Rodriguez missed another stellar chance from a drop goal attempt just after Contepomi put the Pumas on the score board. Scotland did pull level with the Pumas before the half as the Argentine forwards collapsed the scrum to give Patterson another chance in front of the posts, and this time he did not fail to hit the target.

After the restart Ruaridh Jackson then gave the Scots the lead with a Penalty conversion of his own after another collapsed scrum. The Argentinians pulled level as Contepomi made amends for a failed penalty conversion as the Scots collapsed a scrum of their own. Scotland applied the pressure and went close as scrum half Rory Lawson was held up on the line by some stalwart Argentine defending. A minute later, a beautifully controlled drop-goal from Jackson restored the Scots’ three-point lead.

Dan Parks replaced Jackson with 10 minutes remaining and, after a monster kick deep into Argentine territory, slotted over a drop-goal that appeared to put Scotland in the driving seat. However, Argentina swept up the field and Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino jagged inside Paterson on the touchline and squirmed inside two more tackles before getting over the try line for an superb try that was converted by Contepomi.

In the dying minutes of the tie, Parks came close to steeling it for the Scots as he sliced wide with a drop goal attempt after being forced on to his weaker left foot by an offside-looking Contepomi, but there was to be no whistle other than the final one from the referee.

Wales not to be out done by Ashton, Cueto and Ashley-Cooper got a hat-trick scorer of their own in Scott Williams in their easy 81-7 victory over Namibia. The Welsh running up an impressive 12 tries to give them the full five points form the match and leave them needing a victory over Fiji to claim their Quarter Final spot.

In other matches Japan and Canada had the first tie of the tournament as they drew 23-23 in Napier. Italy kept on target for a place in the Quarter Finals as they beat the USA 27-10. Georgia beat Romania 25-9 to give the Romanians the ignominy of the Pool B wooden Spoon. The South Africans took a lazy ride through the Samoans as they ran out 13-5 winners to claim top spot in Pool D.

With only two days of Pool action left there were two crunch mates still to play out of the six remaining games on the last Pool weekend. Scotland had a myriad of permutations if they were to win a place in the quarter finals but ultimately they had to hope that they could beat England and prevent England from getting a bonus point to stand any chance. Whilst Ireland had to beat Italy to claim their place in the Quarter Finals as well, but after their historic victory over Australia earlier in the tournament is was Ireland’s to lose.

Despite the hype of an Italy upset before the kick off the Irish easily saw off the Italian threat with a stunning 36-6 victory to win all their pool matches and head the Pool C table over heavily favoured Australia. Scotland on the other hand were not so lucky.

Needing to beat England and prevent their old rivals from claiming a bonus point they failed dismally as the English stumbled to yet another World Cup victory 16-12. The game was over shadowed by the wet and blustery conditions that made handling a major issue for both sides in Auckland. Scotland will count themselves unlucky that they couldn’t put the game to bed as the English gave way numerous penalties in scoring positions for the Scots and failed to put away scoring opportunities of their own.

The Scots had the advantage at the half with a 9-3 lead but whatever England coach Martin Johnson put in his player’s tea certainly did the trick as England came out a new team. Despite some ranging runs from the English backs, the Scottish defence held out and after another error from the English the Scots extended their lead from the boot of Patterson. The tie was in Scotland’s hand but the every present drop goal threat of Wilkinson bore fruit as on 63 minutes the English pulled three points closer. The Scottish line out failed near the Scottish touchline as Wilkinson again gave the English a lifeline from his boot to put the English within three points. However, with England trailing 9-12 and the game entering its painful finale for Scotland, English replacement Toby Flood threw a devious miss-pass to Ashton on the right wing who dived over to end Scotland’s hopes, with Flood adding the extras from the touchline.

The rest of the weekends fixtures were games to make up the number as the Pools had all but ended as expected, Australia routed the Russians 68-22, Argentina rested a few first team players as they ran out 25-7 winners over Georgia. The Welsh continued their fine form as they demolished Fiji 66-0 in Hamilton and New Zealand took a leisurely stroll to beat Canada comfortably 79-15.

In contrast to the majority of tier one nation’s relatively easy passage to the Quarter Finals, the French failed to qualify in style, as they suffered an ignominious 19-14 loss to Tonga. The loss meant that Les Bleus limped into the Quarter Finals, with Marc Lievremont’s side in disarray after a fine start to the Pool stage of the completion.

So the cream of world rugby has risen to the top and the only shock is the omission of Scotland from the Quarter Finals but for Argentina it is a well-deserved spot in the last 16 after some combative and spirited rugby. The Quarter Finals have separated the Northern Hemisphere sides from the Southern, meaning that it will be a North versus South World Cup Final.

The 2003 winners England have looked less then sterling in their Pool play and can count themselves lucky to have squeaked through, after some awful displays. France has also looked like a disjointed team bereft of originality and clearly not at the races in their last two outings. Ireland and Wales both look like they can beat anyone on their day, unfortunately one of them will miss out on a Semi Final spot.

Reigning champions South Africa have a formidable test against Australia but New Zealand will be quite happy that they be playing Argentina in the Quarter Final and hoping that their possible Semi Final opponents have a very tough match. However, the teams got to the Quarter Finals it is now that the real World Cup starts in earnest.

Pool A
1. New Zealand
2. France
Pool B
1. England
2. Argentina
Pool C
1. Ireland
2. Australia
Pool D
1. South Africa
2. Wales

Quarter Finals

Ireland Vs Wales
England Vs France
South Africa Vs Australia
New Zealand Vs Argentina

IRB Rugby World Cup – New Zealand 2011 – Final Pool Week Round Up. is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Australia collapse another scrum to nullify a dominant Ireland

The 2011 Rugby World Cup got its first upset of the tournament as the Irish turned over Australia in a thriller at Eden Park, Auckland. The United States recorded their first win as they beat Russia, and reigning champions South Africa and host’s New Zealand sustain their dominance in their pools.

The United States had come off the back of a fine performance in their defeat to Ireland to face a Russia side that has one eye on improving their performance as Rugby Sevens is to be included in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. The USSR had regularly beaten the likes of Italy in the 1970’s but with the decline of the Soviet Union their players had spread to the four corners of the broken up Soviet Union.

The Eagles outperformed the Bears on their World Cup debut, under horrendous conditions with the wind and rain lashing the Stadium Taranaki in New Plymouth. Russia got off to a fantastic start, as Yury Kushnarev kicked Russia’s first World Cup points from a penalty after only three minutes. Ultimately though, despite the early lead the debutants ended up losing 13-6 to the stronger American side. Russia’s coach, ex-Sale head coach Kingsley Jones would have been pleased with the stalwart defensive play of his charges who despite an overwhelming size difference in the pack managed to hold the Americans to one try in the first half, and prevented them scoring any in the second half.

For Russia their second match of the week was against a slightly stronger side than the US, in the shape of Italy. The Italians needed to rack up some points if they wanted to challenge Ireland and Australia for one of the two quarter final berths from Pool C. Unfortunately for Russia that is exactly what they did. As the ran out clear winners with a 53-17 victory to claim all five points up for grabs and claim their first victory of the tournament and leave Russia squarely at the foot of Pool C.

The Pool was thrown wide open for Italy as Ireland pulled off a fantastic mauling of the Tri-Nations Champions Australia at Eden Park, Auckland. The Aussies had gone into the match up as clear favourites but the Irish who have stuttered in the last couple of years produced some of the form that gave them the Six Nations, Grand Slam in 2009 to record an historic victory by 15-6. The Wallabies were without their playmaking flanker David Peacock and influential hooker Steven Moore, but the front five of Ireland would have made it difficult for any team out there, with their total dominance.

The other home nations came through relatively unscathed from their ties but England coach Martin Johnson will not be pleased with the manner of his team’s victory over Georgia. England stuttered through their match, winning 41-10, scoring six tries to gain the extra point but it was only the fitness levels of the English that told at the end to allow them the dominant victory, as they only led 17-10 at the half. Johnson will be hoping that his charges concentrate more on their team performance then their late night partying after a number of them were caught drinking late into the night at a local night club.

The Welsh are sitting in third place in Pool D, after a narrow 17-10 victory over second placed Samoa. In previous World Cup’s the Welsh have struggled to defeat the Samoans but with only Fiji and Namibia to play the Welsh will be feeling confident of moving onto the quarter final stages for the first time since 2003. However, they will be mindful that it was a 38-34 loss to Fiji that stopped them qualifying for the quarter finals in the last World Cup.

Scotland did not play this week but there has been some grumbling in the Scottish camp that their most difficult games come in the span of five days against Argentina and England. However, with nine points in the bag and joint top of Pool B with England, a berth in the quarter finals is theirs to lose.

In other matches the hosts New Zealand gave Japan a 83-7 thumping as they continued their dominancy in Pool A. New Zealand’s main rivals for winners of Pool A, are the French who gave Canada a thumping of their own as they ran out 46-19 winners. The two giants of pool face off next week as the All Blacks and Le Bleus attempt to top the pool, but speculation is rife that the French who have knocked out the All Blacks in recent World Cups are going to play a second string starting XV, in an attempt not win, with the hope of an easier route to the final.

Reigning champions South Africa trounced poor neighbours Namibia 87-0 in Pool D, to all but guarantee their place in the last eight of the tournament but with only second placed Samoa to play it is their berth in the quarters to lose.

In the battle for the wooden spoon in Pool A, Japan were on the end of another loss as Tonga beat the Cherry Blossoms 31-18 and in Pool B, Argentina beat the pool’s whipping boys Romania 43-8 to leave themselves still in the hunt for a quarter final spot at the expense of either England or Scotland.

The second week of ties has shown that the established nations will beat the tier 2, nations, in the Rugby World 99 times out of a 100. This has led to a call in some quarters for the exclusion of the emerging nations from the actual finals. However, this would be wrong. For many players from the lesser rugby playing nations it is a chance to play in some of the finest rugby stadia in the world, in front of thousands of fans. It is a chance to pit their wits, energy and skills against the world’s finest rugby playing athletes. It is a chance at glory, a chance to cause an upset and maybe a chance to be seen by a scout from one of the world’s professional clubs and turn professional.

For the established nations these games are vital, they give the teams a chance to come together as a squad for over two months, a chance to iron out kinks in their games, a chance hone their skills so that when they (barring a humiliating defeat) reach the quarter finals they should be firing on all cylinders. The coaches should know who their ideal first XV is. They should know what tactics they should be employing as they take on their top flight opponents and whether they actually have a cat in hells chance of winning the tournament.

Rugby World Cup – New Zealand 2011 – Week Two Round Up is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The refurbishment gives the 3-star hotel 204 new-look bedrooms with air conditioning units, two new lifts and a refurbished front hall. The Portland Street Restaurant and Bar has been updated.

Facilities for meetings and events at the hotel include the Riley Suites which are named collectively in honour of popular local artist Harold Riley. The suites are known individually as the Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Matt Busby, Dennis Law and Mercer, honouring local football heroes. The largest suite can seat 300 people theatre-style and is one of Manchester’s most popular city-centre wedding venues.

The building was originally a warehouse built in 1851. It first became a hotel in 1973. The Portland is in the centre of Manchester, a five-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly station and the Arndale shopping centre which is one of the largest city-centre shopping malls in the UK and EU.

The Portland by Thistle hotel, 3-5 Portland Street, Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester M1 6DP
Tel: +44 845 305 8326
Website: www.thistle.com

A new look for Manchester’s Portland Hotel is a post from: Anglotopia.net