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

Never before has it been possible to follow a trail that stretches the length of an entire country’s coastline but, come May, that will be possible. The best news is that the 870 mile path follows the stunning Welsh coastline, from Chepstow in the south with its views across the Bristol Channel and of the magnificent Severn Bridge, to the outskirts of Chester in the north. The Wales Coastal Path promises to offer walkers, horse riders, cyclists and runners the chance to experience the beauty of the Welsh coastline in its entirety. Presuming you haven’t a month to dedicate to it, the only problem will be which part of the path to choose from!

Comprising crashing waves, dramatic, craggy cliffs, sandy beaches, and offering plentiful rewarding views, the Welsh coast is truly stunning and the Wales Coastal path offers all of that plus quaint villages, seaside towns, tiny hamlets and even Britain’s smallest city. It is perhaps not surprising then that Lonely Planet named it the ‘World’s Greatest Region’ in its Best in Travel 2012 guide. “What a wonderful thing: to walk the entire length of a country’s coastline, to trace its every nook, cranny, cliff-face, indent and estuary. How better to truly appreciate the shape – and the soul – of a nation?” And really, what more could you want from a holiday than that?

It is possible to walk the entire length of the path, stopping at B&Bs or camping each night, and there are a number of companies which offer to book accommodation and transport your luggage so you’re not having to lug a huge backpack with you. However, if you haven’t a few weeks to spare, you’ll need to decide what part of the trail to explore. Our vote goes to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which wins for the incredible diversity of its landscape, ranging from ancient flooded glacial valleys, sheer limestone cliffs and pinky red sandstone bays. Add to that some of the country’s loveliest towns and villages, including Tenby, St Davids and Newport, and you have a recipe for a fantastic trip. National Geographic seemingly concur – in 2010 they voted Pembrokeshire the second best coastal destination in the world.

For serious walkers, or just those who like to feel the sea breeze on their face and drink in spectacular views, the opening of the Wales Coastal Path in May is an exciting prospect. If you’re there during its opening weekend, May 5th, there will be a number of fantastic events to be part of, including the Big Welsh Coastal Walk, a series of led walks over the length of the path. Pack your bags, book some international travel insurance, pull on your boots and get walking!

Guest Post: These boots were made for walking… the length of Wales is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Scotland’s National Museum of Costume’s exhibition for 2012 will be Off the Peg: Fashion from the ’40s and ’50s.

The exhibition will centre around designs produced by Horrockses Fashions Ltd, one of the most well-respected off-the-peg labels of the 1940s and 1950s. Horrockses gained a reputation for practicality and glamour combined with easy-care fabrics. They produced evening gowns, day dresses, beach clothes and housecoats in bold innovative prints.

Horrockses Fashions were sold in most of the cities and towns in Britain. They were backed by successful advertising campaigns and it is said that the young Queen Elizabeth was a fan of the designs. The garments in the exhibition are on loan from private lenders and the exhibition is organised by the Fashion and Textile Museum, London.

Scotland’s National Museum of Costume showcases fashion trends from the 1850s to the 1950s. The museum is in a Victorian country house 11km (7 miles) south of Dumfries on the A710, on route 7 of the National Cycle Network.
It is open daily 10am–5pm Apr–Oct (closed Nov–Mar), admission £4.50 adults, £3.50 concessions, £2 children (under-5s free), £11 family ticket. Off the Peg: Fashion from the ’40s and ‘50s runs from 1 April to 31 October.

National Museum of Costume. Shambellie House New Abbey, Dumfries DG2 8HQ Scotland
Tel: +44 300 123 6789
Website: www.nms.ac.uk
Facebook: National Museums Scotland
Twitter: @NtlMuseumsScot
Flickr: National Museum of Costume
Blog: The Feast Bowl

Forties and Fifties fashions on show at Scotland’s National Museum of Costume in April 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

The website Wales Online has an interesting article about the history and traditions behind Wales’ colored harbour houses.

Here’s an excerpt:

It is one of the best-known and best-loved traditions of West Wales’ coastline. Sion Morgan traces the history of painting harbourside houses in a spectrum of pastels

LEGEND has it that the pastel shades of West Wales’ harbours are a legacy of the fishermen forefathers of these small communities.

Once, as the story has it, fishermen would paint their terrace homes around the dock in varying colours so they could recognise their own as they returned from the sea.

Today those colours are the proud hallmark of towns around the coast, from popular Tenby to the tiny bay of Solva and up to beautiful Aberaeron, all of which boast rows of pretty Georgian and Victorian cottages and houses in a rainbow of peach, blue, green, violet and pink.

Click to read more here.

Wales: The history and traditions behind Wales’ multi-coloured harbour houses 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

One of the best things about snatching a quick city break is eating out. By surrounding yourself with a new selection of haute cuisine restaurants and cosy community cafés, not only will you get a taste of the latest culinary crazes but, if you pick your eateries wisely, you’ll also get a closer look at your chosen destination and some of its culture.

As one of the most popular city break destinations in northern Europe, Dublin has its fair share of fine dining opportunities, and to give you a head start on planning where to go, and when, here are a few well loved favourites to choose from…

The Winding Stair, found a short walk from O’Connell Street on Dublin’s northern Quays, is an excellent choice for traditional fare at affordable prices. Part restaurant, part second hand bookshop, The Winding Stair has proven a popular choice among writers, musicians and artists since the 70s and continues its reputation as a hub of bohemia, hosting regular book launches, readings and live performances. The food is wholesome and comforting with dishes like, Doran’s Hake with Celeriac Mash (€23.95) or Wild Irish Game Venison with Colcannon Bake (€23.95) earning the place a healthy troupe of regulars. There’s little that’s experimental about this down to earth diner but what it does, it does well with an impressive wine list to boot.

For more creative cuisine with great sea views, head out to Aqua. This is a local institution, famous for its seafood, situated a short way outside of Dublin proper in the north-bound town of Howth. From Roast Fillet of Monkfish (€27.95) through to Grilled Irish Lobster (small €40, large €60) fresh fish fanatics will be spoilt for choice. Aqua’s solid reputation has allowed it to push the prices somewhat higher than those of the Winding Stair but if you’re on a tight budget go during the day when you can take advantage of their lunchtime deals.

No trip to Dublin would be complete without a full Irish breakfast. Famous for its strong coffee, Tiesan Café is also the perfect choice for calorific breakfast fare. A full Irish (€10.90) arrives sizzling on a skillet and includes handmade sausages, cured bacon, black pudding, tomatoes, roast potatoes and eggs cooked to your specifications. Other somewhat lighter options – including the delectable Eggs Royale (€9.90) comprised of poached eggs, smoked salmon, lemon and dill – are also available. Find Tiesan café on Harrington Street in the hip Portobello area.

To end on a sweeter note and if you like to indulge in a sugary treat, you’ll find some of the finest continental comforts in the city at Il Valentino Bakery and Café (5 Gallery Quay, Grand Central Harbour). From croissants and cream puffs to French fruit tartlets and cinnamon Danishes, this is an excellent place to stop and refuel between culture shots. Be sure to wash down your sugar hit with a freshly brewed espresso.

Adriano Comegna writes on behalf of Thomson holidays, a leading travel operator specialising in Package holidays.

Eiretopia: A Guide to Fine Dining in Dublin 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

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

Film star Luke Evans shows off his native Wales with a stunning video of castles, culture and magnificent scenery.

Video: Luke Evans’ guide to Wales is a post from: Anglotopia.net

photo credit: leppre

If you’re new to driving in Ireland, chances are you’ve discovered that the roads aren’t exactly the same as they are in other parts of the world. Once you’re outside of the cities and suburbs, many of the roads are winding, narrow, and more often than not, unpaved. And don’t forget the livestock – in much of Ireland, a traffic jam involves sheep instead of vehicles.

The differences between the road types and traffic are not the only things you need to be aware of when driving in Ireland, though. You might encounter some unusual or treacherous weather conditions as well.

Winter Conditions

Yes, it does snow in Ireland. And when it does, driving can be slow-moving and downright dangerous at its worst. Many rural roads aren’t regularly plowed like the main roads, so if the snow accumulation is significant, there’s a pretty good chance you’re going to get stuck. If the snow starts to fly, stay put until the storm ends to avoid accidents or expensive rescue missions from the local tow truck.

Icy conditions are also a possibility in Ireland – especially black ice. If the temperatures drop, go slow, and leaves more space than usual between your car and the car in front of you. Check the road conditions before you head out, as it’s not unusual for roads to be closed for poor conditions or accidents. Take care on bridges, which usually freeze before other roads, and on less-traveled roads that may be icy.

If you do decide to head out, be sure to go out with a full tank of gas and a charged mobile phone (one that works on the Irish network!). When winter weather strikes, some roads are closed altogether and you’ll have to take detours, which are likely to take you well out of the way. If you run out of gas or into trouble along the way, unless you are near tow, chances are there won’t be a gas station or inhabited house anywhere close by, so you’ll need your phone to call for help.

Before you head out on the road in the Irish winter, check the level of the windshield wiper fluid. Many rental car companies top the tank off with water in the warmer months to save money – which is fine in the summer, but dangerous in the colder months. If you can’t smell fluid (you should be able to with a quick sniff of the tank) invest a few Euros and fill the tank.

Rainy Weather

Hurricanes and tropical storms are usually associated with the Caribbean, but Ireland has had its fair share of storms as well. In fact, in September of 2011 Tropical Storm Katia slammed into Ireland, bringing heavy rains and high winds that made travel treacherous.

While storms as strong as Katia are rare, Ireland still gets a significant numbers of strong rainstorms each year. While not quite as dangerous as driving in snow, driving in the rain also presents some challenges, especially when travelling on unpaved back roads. During heavy rain, it’s easy to get stuck on muddy roads – and be careful when encountering puddles, as they may be deeper than you expect.

During high winds, you might find that your small car is harder to control on the motorways – and the hazards on the rural roads increase as well. Take care and avoid fallen trees or flying debris; if the winds speeds are very high, avoid driving until the winds subside.

Fog

As an island nation, Ireland sees a lot of fog and mist. Sometimes it can feel like there’s more fog than sun! When driving in fog, always use your lights (low beams, not high) and drive cautiously. If you’re driving along back roads, it’s easy to get lost in the fog, or encounter unexpected hazards like hedges, livestock, or rock walls, so go slow and stick to areas where you’re comfortable driving. If the fog is especially thick, consider waiting until it lifts before heading out to avoid getting lost.

Driving during extreme weather in Ireland is not much different from driving elsewhere – go slow, avoid slamming the brakes, steer into any skids, etc. The main difference is the availability of help should you run into trouble, as it can take up to several hours for help to arrive in the more remote areas of the country. When renting your car, ask about any roadside assistance plans, especially if severe weather is predicted during your visit. Carry an up to date map, plan your route ahead and use common sense when determining whether to drive or not. Getting to visit an attraction or the local pub is not worth the possible danger and expense of an auto accident.

This post was written and provided by Tommy Riley.  Tommy has been in the car insurance business for several years.  He is also an avid traveler and freelance writer for Quoteme.ie

Guest Post: Driving through Ireland’s Extreme Weather 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

The folks over at the Travel Channel are running a sweepstakes giving away a trip to Scotland. The Travel Channel is giving away the trip of a lifetime inspired by Anthony Bourdain’s own travels. They’ll fly the winner and a guest to Scotland, where they’ll spend an amazing 7 days and 6 nights enjoying luxurious hotel accommodations. The winner will also receive a tour of a classic scotch distillery and dinner at The Kitchin, one of Scotland’s finest restaurants.

Here are the full prize details:

(A) Sweepstakes Prize: ONE (1) GRAND PRIZE: A trip for two (2) to Scotland consisting of the following: (i) round-trip, coach-class airfare from the major continental U.S. airport closest to winner’s home, as determined by Main Sponsor, to Edinburgh, Scotland; (ii) luxury hotel accommodations in one (1) double-occupancy room (room rate and tax only) for seven (7) days and six (6) nights (5 nights in Edinburgh, Scotland, and 1 night in Aviemore, Scotland); (iii) $1,000 in spending money (for Grand Prize winner only) ; (iv) dinner at The Kitchin restaurant in Edinburgh, Scotland; (v) a tour of The Glenlivet Distillery; (vi) and a GPS-equipped rental vehicle for use in Scotland for the duration of the trip. The trip must be completed by December 31, 2012, or Grand Prize Winner forfeits the Grand Prize in its entirety.

The contest is open only to legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia, except residents of California and Utah, who are at least twenty-one (21) years old at the time of entry.

You have until December 31, 2011 to enter – so enter quickly!

Anglotopia Contest Disclaimer – PLEASE READ – before you email us and complain about the contest please understand that we are NOT running this contest NOR are we affiliated with it in anyway. We are merely providing the information that this contest exists.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND TO ENTER

Anglophile Alert: Win a Trip to Scotland from the Travel Channel – Enter by Sunday! 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

The very first festival of golf will take place in Scotland in March.

The five-day St Andrews Golf Festival, from 28 March to 1 April, will celebrate over 600 years of golf in Scotland and around the world. Plans for the festival include talks, golfing events and exhibitions.

Mungo Park, the great-grandson of Willie Park Senior who won the first Open Championship in 1860, will talk about his family history which includes other Open Championship winners Willie Park Jnr and his namesake Mungo Park.

There will be a talk with rare BBC footage about Seve Ballesteros by the BBC producer who spent time with Seve in the last months of his life. A gala evening on 31 March will be dedicated to Seve.

Another talk will celebrate Old Tom Morris (1821–1908) who won the Open four times and still holds the record for oldest winner at 46. His record win of a major by a margin of 13 strokes stood for over a century until it was beaten by Tiger Woods in 2000. Old Tom also designed courses including Carnoustie (with Robertson), Muirfield and Lahinch. He introduced top dressing to greens and reduced the number of holes at St Andrews to 18, which then became the world standard.

Plans also include events for Ladies Golf. Mary Queen of Scots played golf in St Andrews. She allegedly played two days after the death of her husband Lord Darnley, a ‘fact’ used against her in her trial.

Golf has been played since the 1400s. It was so popular that in 1457 King James II persuaded the Scottish Parliament to ban the game. Children in St Andrews played a form of golf in the narrow streets with sticks and old corks.

St Andrews Links, Fife KY16 9JA
Tel: +44 7817 856706
Websites: www.standrewsgolffestival.com
www.standrews.org.uk

Caledoniatopia: St Andrews celebrates 600 years of golf 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: joncandy

Though today Christmas is celebrated in much the same way across Britain, in years gone by the traditions and customs of Wales were unique to the region. From the quaint to the curious, the Christmas traditions of Wales are as diverse as the landscape itself.

Plygain

Early on Christmas morning, or Y Nadolig, families would gather for the plygain service at the local parish church between the hours of 3 and 6am to listen to carols sung by male voice choirs in 2, 3 or 4 part harmony. The tradition of male voice choirs remains strong in Wales today and such carol services are believed to be a pre-Reformation tradition that was modified to suit new conditions in the 16^th century. Traditionally, these church services would be widely attend and being that they were the only service of the year held after nightfall, the attending parishioners would light the church with the glow of the candles they had used to light their way to the church. After two or more hours of singing the service would end and everyone would make there way home to continue their Christmas celebrations.

Toffee Making

A traditional part of the festive season, predominantly in North Wales, was toffee making, known as cyflaith, ffanni, or most commonly taffi in Welsh. Families and friends would gather together and after enjoying a meal, much the same as today’s Christmas dinner, games would be played and toffee mixed and cooked. Toffee making is very much a skill, with the cook having to be able to precisely judge the temperature of the boiling sugar and butter mixture, before pouring the volcanic liquid onto a flat surface to cool. Once the toffee began to cool, all those in attendance would take turns trying to properly ‘pull’ the toffee, a process that is needed to give the candy its light and chewy texture. Traditionally, it was believed that the curling strands of the toffee would reveal the initials of your true love! If you’d like to try making this traditional candy yourself there is a wonderful recipe on the website for National Museum Wales. Why not get your family and friends together this holiday season and recreate this Welsh tradition?

The Mari Lwyd

One of the more unusual Welsh Christmas customs is that of the Mari Lwyd, or the Grey Mare. With one member of a group dressed as an old grey mare, sometimes including the skull of a real horse, visits would be made to houses throughout the village where the group would sing and try to gain entrance to the house for food and drinks. In a strange combination of wassailing and trick or treating, one member of the group would challenge an occupant of the house to a debate, or pwnco, in which both entrants would throw insults and jokes at one another, in the hopes that the visitor would be victorious and be invited in for homemade cakes and a drink of ale. This tradition, unsurprisingly, is believed to be a pre-Christian custom and is still practiced today in parts of Wales.

The Christmas traditons of Wales are unique to the region and fascinating to discover. Much unlike those practiced in other parts of Britain they are very much worth learning more about and taking any opportunity to participate in them yourself. Why not take a trip and rent one of the many self catering cottages in Wales this holiday season and take part in some of the Welsh Christmas traditions yourself? There are activities and markets happening at local museums and villages from the north to the south of the country this season, and visiting is a great way to learn and experience something new this Christmas.

Nadolig Llawen to you and yours this holiday season!

Guest Post: Christmas Traditions in Wales – Welsh Christmas 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

Edinburgh attracts an estimated 13 million tourists every year. Why? Well, it’s simple really – there’s a wealth of things to see and do and an abundance of affordable accommodation to stay in, from traditional Edinburgh cottages to the usual hotels and hostels.

The following are 10 of the best places of interest in the city, some of which are a short drive away from the type of charismatic Scottish country cottages that the country is renowned for having so many of.

Arthur’s Seat

Ever visited the site of an extinct volcano within the boundaries of a major city? Thought not! That’s because Edinburgh is the only place in the world where you can visit such a location and the views from Arthur’s Seat are pretty special as well.

Edinburgh Castle

Looming large on the skyline at all times in the Scottish capital is Edinburgh Castle, which is arguably the city’s most iconic attraction. Tour the 12^th century castle and see the daily gun salute from the battlements. Discover the part the castle has played in Edinburgh’s rich history and heritage.

Gilmerton Cove

The mystical Gilmerton Cove is an underground labyrinth of passages and chambers in a suburb of the city. Gilmerton Cove opened to the public in 2003 after being fully restored and is another fantastic historic site to take in.

Holyrood Park

Roughly a mile or so from the centre of Edinburgh is Holyrood Park complete with its hills, cliffs and lochs to explore. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the often crowded streets and enjoy a nice leisurely walk in an area of the city that feels a world away.

Mary Kings Close

Like Gilmerton Cove, Mary Kings Close is an underground warren that is supposed to represent what life was really like in Edinburgh back in the 16^th and 17^th centuries. Find out about the ghost stories, myths and legends surrounding Mary Kings Close.

Museum of Scotland

Celebrating everything that’s good about the country, the Museum of Scotland is a relatively new addition to Edinburgh’s attractions given that it reopened after a £47million facelift back in July of this year. What’s more, it’s free to enter and the Royal Museum is right next door.

Nelson’s Monument

Climb up the shrine built in memory of Admiral Lord Nelson, who lost his life at the Battle of Trafalgar, and take in a view of the sublime Edinburgh as well as being able to see the sea away in the distance.

Princes Street Gardens

A common mistake when spending time in a city like Edinburgh can be to miss the most obvious places to chill out in altogether. Like Princes Street Gardens. If the weather is good then it’s the perfect spot to watch the world go by.

Old Town

The medieval area of the city offers a fascinating insight into Edinburgh and contains a cluster of buildings of architectural brilliance. The Royal Mile forms a central part of the Old Town and has a number of inviting pubs, shops and restaurants.

Royal Observatory

Learn all about the stars, planets and the solar system at the Royal Observatory or attend one of the many lecturers held here on a regular basis by some of the leading lights in the world of astronomy.

What’s your favorite attraction in Edinburgh? Let us know in the comments!

Caledoniatopia: The top 10 sites in Edinburgh – Best Things to See and do in Edinburgh Scotland is a post from: Anglotopia.net

photo credit: f_shields

Edinburgh is known as the UK’s Festival City, and for good reason. Nowhere in the United Kingdom can you find as many parties per annum as in Edinburgh. And if Edinburgh is the place to go for a party, the best time to go is obviously during the festive holiday season. So if you’re one of the intelligent fun-seekers who’s arranged — or is considering — a trip to Auld Reekie this Christmas, congratulations! You’ve made a great choice.

There’s so much to experience in Edinburgh during the holiday season. From the Princes Street Gardens to Usher hall; from the expansive Edinburgh Castle to the still pretty expansive Ghillie-Dhu, parties and occasions abound. Here’s a quick breakdown of five of the top places you should make sure to visit whilst in Edinburgh for the holidays:

The Princes Street Gardens: Edinburgh’s Christmas Festival

Every year on November 4th, the party starts and you won’t see the end of it until after the New Year. The Christmas Lights are lit in the Princes Street Gardens on the evening of the 4th, and thus commences the fun. For the rest of the year, the Gardens will be devoted to a massive holiday extravaganza that includes the Edinburgh Wheel, Winter Wonderland, the Great Scottish Santa Run, and dozens of other events and attractions.

Usher Hall: Carols by Candlelight

There’s a certain irreverence that is brought about by the flashing lights and glitz of the festival side of Christmas celebrations. If you’re looking for something a little more sacred and a little less commercial, head over to Usher Hall on December 20th for an awe-inspiring show. The show includes both symphonic classics from Bach and Mozart and a beautiful, solemnly joyful rendition of several Christmastime classics.

Edinburgh Castle: Christmas Lunch

From December 8th through the 23rd, you can come to Edinburgh Castle and, for the cost of lunch in a typical restaurant, enjoy some of the finest catered food the Festival City has to offer. From the oven-roasted winter vegetable tart to the Drambuie pannacotta with caramelised orange and toffee sauce, the food is a match for the beauty and grandeur of the castle itself. (Speaking of which, entrance to the castle is free with lunch, so plan to stick around and tour a while!)

The Ghillie-Dhu: Hogmanay Hoolie

The Ghillie-Dhu was once a pub with some live entertainment, but has exploded in popularity (and quality) in the past few years. This year, for Hogmanay (that’s New Year’s for you visitors), the Ghillie-Dhu is putting on a huge party. Whiskey cocktails hit the tables at 7:30, but the party doesn’t stop until the wee hours of 2012.

The Christmas Markets

Studding the landscape of Edinburgh, the Christmas Markets are enjoying an incredible resurgence. Once outlawed by Oliver Cromwell during the days of the English Commonwealth in the mid-1600s, they’ve since made a huge comeback and today they form a significant part of the Edinburgh Christmas scene. Traditionally stocked with goods from afar — such as Bavarian, French, and even Turkish — these little shops bring huge holiday spirit to the streets of the city.

Of course, this is just skimming the cream off of the huge vat of holiday season fun that Edinburgh offers its guests. There’s so much to see and do in Scotland’s capital during the holidays, the only way to really understand it is to come and see for yourself!

This is a guest post written by Hannah Smith, a travel writer for thetrainline.com - the UK’s leading independent train ticket retailer offering great deals on trains to Edinburgh and across the UK. 

Caledoniatopia: Guest Post – Top Places to Visit in Edinburgh for Christmas 2011 is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Sweetie and Sunshine, a pair of eight-year-old giant pandas, have arrived in Edinburgh from China after a five-thousand-mile journey. Report by Katie Lamborn.

Caledoniatopia: Giant Pandas Arrive at Edinburgh Zoo is a post from: Anglotopia.net