The Website for People Who Love Britain - Anglophiles
Last year on my blog an item entitled Scotland - No more parks? was published which in the year that Scotland's first National Park Loch Lomond and the Trossachs celebrated its tenth anniversary I raised concern that despite Scotland having landscapes that rank amongst the best in the world, including wild mountains, pristine rivers and lochs, … [Read more...]
Back in 2010 I made my first visit to the Isle of Mull and unfortunately since then I have not had the opportunity to return. Reviewing images in my archives I came across a number captured during that visit which I had not yet processed and released which gave me the idea of sharing some of those images and parts of that journey with you. The … [Read more...]
Its a couple of months now since we took our last look at these so here's the final few images on this subject, at least for the time being. To start with I am recalling some images from my trip to the "Queen of the Hebrides", the Isle of Islay in the Spring of 2010. Although well known for its distilleries of which I believe there are eight or … [Read more...]
I recently visited Edinburgh for the first time in my life. Here are the highlights of my visit, counting down in reverse order: 5. Arthur’s Seat Arthur’s Seat gives you towering views over Edinburgh. It’s a fair walk out of the town centre and took about an hour and fifteen minutes to walk there from the Haymarket area where we … [Read more...]
For those of you who have seen my earlier posts you will already know I am a big fan of the landscape of Scotland, particularly the Highlands and Islands. The aim of Year of Natural Scotland 2013 is to promote Scotland’s stunning natural beauty and biodiversity, and promote ways in which visitors can enjoy the beautiful landscapes, wildlife … [Read more...]
A mysterious death and the discovery of human remains shock a small village in the Shetland Islands. Former resident, Detective Jimmy Perez, returns from the mainland to lead and intense investigation in the new BBC drama Shetland. Filmed in Shetland and Glasgow the drama is based on the Red Bones book written by Ann Cleaves and has been … [Read more...]
Last year was the second wettest on record in the United Kingdom, only being beaten by 2000. While England suffered the wettest year on record, 2012 was the third wettest for Wales, the 17th wettest for Scotland and the 40th wettest for Northern Ireland. Against this background I thought it maybe opportune to share with you some of our … [Read more...]
With its charming traditional fishing villages, striking coastline and vertiginous peaks, Scotland is almost as well known for its beautiful countryside as it is for its rich past and colourful history, dating back to the time of the ancient Celts. There are numerous testaments to this past to be found in the Scottish countryside, from landmark … [Read more...]
The earlier post on Churches, Chapels and Crosses seemed to be quite popular so I thought we should return and take a look at some more predominantly from Scotland but we also visit East Anglia and the North York Moors. We'll start off in East Anglia and St Peter's Church on the Wall, reputed to be one of the oldest places of worship in England … [Read more...]
Scotland has over 790 offshore islands, most of which are to be found in four main groups: Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides sub-divided into the Inner and Outer Hebrides. There are also clusters of islands in the Firth of Clyde and the Firth of Forth, and Solway Firth, and numerous small islands within the many bodies of fresh water in Scotland … [Read more...]
Now that we've explored a bit of the history behind the wool trade in the UK, it's time to take a look at the fashions that came to define it. Guernseys/Jerseys A derivation of the name Jersey, the island in which they were developed, Guernsey jumpers are primarily fishermen's garments made from durable navy blue yarn that is spun … [Read more...]
The folks over at AT&T have partnered with Pixar's Brave to sponsor a chance to win a free trip to Scotland for a Brave-inspired holiday in the great north of Britain. Here are the prize details: The grand prize consists of an eight (8) night/nine (9) day trip for grand prize winner and one (1) travel guest to Scotland currently scheduled … [Read more...]
Whilst the cultural differences between the Scots and the English are always there (with the possible exception of sporting clashes between the two countries) they’re rarely as apparent as at New Year’s, or Hogmanay as it’s known north of Hadrian’s wall. Whilst for the rest of the UK Christmas is the biggest holiday of the year, with the … [Read more...]
This week I thought we would have something totally different. Churches, Chapels and Crosses but still set within the landscape. Some of these are located in stunning locations and having thought of this theme it was only when I was going through cialis without prescriptionmy portfolio that I realised just how many images there are and certainly … [Read more...]
The Scotland set Pixar movie Brave is out on DVD now and many companies are running sweepstakes offering up chances to win trips to Scotland. This week we've got details on a contest that Kohl's is running offering up a chance for one lucky family to win a trip to Scotland. Here are the prize details: Winner will receive an Adventures by Disney … [Read more...]
The birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and King James V will see fashion’s finest descend on its doorstep next month as editors, buyers, and models set up shop in Linlithgow Palace for Chanel’s Métiers d'Arts show on December 4. Previously held in London, Tokyo, and New York, the catwalk will showcase Chanel’s pre fall 2013 collection, … [Read more...]
Fleming's Steakhouse is running a new sweepstakes offering up a chance to win a dream trip to Edinburgh Scotland. Here are the prize details: The Grand Prize package includes: (a) roundtrip coach-class air transportation for the Grand Prize Winner and one (1) guest (the "Travel Companion") from a major airport in the continental U.S. near Grand … [Read more...]
After our whistle stop tours of the National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coasts I thought we should just slow down a while so this time I am going to share with you some images of the inland waters we have in the British Isles. We will still travel round but hopefully the views of the tranquil waters will help you relax … [Read more...]
When it comes to majestic buildings, it’s fair to say that Edinburgh has plenty to set your sights on. From Edwardian churches to more modern constructions, there’s a variety of historic and unusual buildings making up the city’s stunning skyline. We’ve rounded up some of the city’s most impressive architecture well worth checking out on … [Read more...]
Having now taken brief visits to the majority of the National Parks and a few Heritage Coasts this time I am taking you to some of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty(England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and National Scenic Areas(Scotland). There are 46 AONB's and 40 NSA's so plenty to consider but only so much space and certainly … [Read more...]
We may never hear words like Yokker or Roodadoo ever again. Bobby Hogg, age 86, was the last native speaker fluent in the Cromarty Fisherfolk dialect, after his brother Gordon died last year. The dialect has a lilting sing song quality and is full of descriptive language: "Am fair sconfished wi hayreen; gie’s fur brakwast lashins o am and … [Read more...]
The folks over at Visit Scotland are offering up a chance to win a trip to Scotland to celebrate New Year's and the Hogmany celebrations in Edinburgh. Here are the prize details: Return flights for two people from North America to Scotland Five star accommodation in The Glasshouse, Edinburgh for 3 nights Launch the Edinburgh’s … [Read more...]
Following my recent introductory post I thought it best to start by providing you with an overview of the key scenic areas of the British Isles and where better to start than with the national parks of England, Scotland and Wales of which there are currently fifteen. Ten are in England, three in Wales and two in Scotland. There are currently no … [Read more...]
It's safe to say that most of us probably read or had read to us the Tale of Peter Rabbit at some point growing up. Just this past month I dug my well-worn copy of A Beatrix Potter Sampler out of my childhood treasure box so that I may begin reading it to my own daughter. As such, I, for one, am delighted to know that Peter Rabbit has come … [Read more...]
In my teen years, as now, I loved to read Arthurian fantasy and Tolkien… along with my fair share of bodice-rippers. Yes, even then, I was an Anglophile. By contrast, the literature we were assigned to read in school was awfully grim. We read William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men and The Grapes of Wrath, and … [Read more...]
Perry Golf is offering up the chance to win a golfing themed trip to Scotland. If you're not interested in Golf, skip it and enjoy a free trip to Scotland! Here are the prize details: There will be (1) grand prize, (3) runner up prizes, and (4) share prizes awarded. The grand prize to be awarded is a Trip to Scotland for (4) golfers. The trip … [Read more...]
Hi and welcome to British Landscapes Photography. I'm Derek Fogg, landscape photographer and I am delighted to have been given the opportunity of sharing with you my images of the landscapes of the British Isles. Although not an anglophile, being born and raised in the North of England, we do have something in common as I also have a passion … [Read more...]
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the most diverse and exciting events on the UK cultural calendar and has been running for around 65 years. With its eclectic mix of comedy, dance, music and much more, the festival attracts thousands of visitors to the city during the summer. This, along with the sheer amount of shows on the schedule, and it … [Read more...]
The folks over at Visit Scotland are running a sweepstakes to coincide with the blockbuster release of Disney's Brave, which has rekindled a new interest in Scotland's history and culture. They're offering up a chance to win a free trip to Scotland and explore the land of Brave. Here are the prize details: Five-night break for a family of four … [Read more...]
BRAVE Director: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, Steve Purcell Duration: 100 mins With the voices of: Kelly MacDonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly Score: 3 out of 5 Review by JAMES BARTLETT Firstly, BE WARNED – there’s a big spoiler in my review (something unexpected that happens in Brave) – so if you don’t want to know … [Read more...]
Latest from our London Blog
Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas in 2007 in a closet in Chicago. Anglotopia is for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Anglotopia is now our full time jobs and we spend our time working on the site and planning our yearly trips to Britain. Join us as we explore Britain and everything it has to offer!
British Pound Exchange Rate
