Londonist Out Loud a podcast for London news, views, and oddities from London, UK. Presented by N Quentin Woolf. (free on iTunes/www.londonist.com)

Welcome to the latest episode of Londonist Out Loud, a podcast about London.

News and Views
Londonist Out Loud is presented and produced by N Quentin Woolf. This week’s show comes from the unusual environment of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park near Mile End tube station.

His guests this week are:

Londonist Out Loud: A Podcast For London, 31 January 2012 is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Londonist Out Loud a podcast for London news, views, and oddities from London, UK. Presented by N Quentin Woolf. (free on iTunes/www.londonist.com)

Welcome to the latest episode of Londonist Out Loud, a podcast about London.

News and Views
Londonist Out Loud is presented and produced by N Quentin Woolf. This week’s show comes from The Star cafe in Soho.

His guests this week are:

• Peter Berthoud, Westminster tour guide and blogger at Discovering London
• Jo Moncrieff, Westminster tour guide
• Julia Forte, proprietor of The Star, and owner of the London Peculiar website

The guests discuss recent London news and features including Crossrail developments, the noses of Soho, London’s worst Tube stations, police spending on the Speaking Clock, the ‘Boris Island’ Thames airport proposals, new libraries for London, trouble with the English Defence League, as well as far more London trivia than is probably good for you.

What’s On In London
NQW rounds up the best new exhibitions and shows opening over the coming week.

Remember, you can subscribe to Londonist Out Loud via iTunes or RSS.

Sponsored by Open Pen. Interested in sponsoring this podcast? Contact us on hello@londonist.com for more details.

Londonist Out Loud: A Podcast For London, 23 January 2012 is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Free Events

1. Olympic and Paralympic Cycling Road Races
July 28 – August 1, 2012
There are lots of ways to enjoy the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games without a ticket. Some of the most iconic events will be able to be viewed from great vantage points at no cost. The men’s and women’s Road Races will begin on The Mall, a popular backdrop for formal ceremonies and major sporting events throughout the year. From The Mall, the riders will head southwest through London, cross the famous River Thames at Putney Bridge and continue out through Richmond Park past Hampton Court Palace. Before the riders make it back to The Mall for a dramatic finish, they will head to Surrey, travel north through Leatherhead, Esher and Kingston.
(www.london2012.com/cycling-road) And LOCOG have just announced that they are increasing the capacity for spectators at one of the best viewpoint – Box Hill – from 3,500 to up to 15,000 http://www.london2012.com/news/2012/01/more-spectators-will-enjoy-best-views-of-olympic-cycling-road-race.php

2. Olympic Marathons
July 5 and 12, 2012
The Olympic and Paralympic marathons will start and finish at The Mall, an iconic location in central London most recently famous as part of the wedding route for the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Each race will have around 80 athletes taking part, making it a heart-pumping spectacle worth watching.
(www.london2012.com/athletics)

3. Olympic Sailing
July 29 – August 11, 2012
The deep sapphire blue waters of Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour will play host to 10 sailing events over the course of 14 days during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These free events will offer fans excitement and drama as they watch teams race in the beautiful but testing waters on the southern coast of England.
(www.london2012.com/sailing)

4. Olympic Race Walks
August 4 and 11, 2012
Known for its regal beauty and nature, visitors can watch the Race Walks which begin and finish at The Mall in St James’s Park. Along the 2 kilometre race loop, visitors can take in the sites of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Queen, and the Commonwealth Memorial Gates.
(www.royalparks.org.uk/London2012.cfm)

5. Olympic Live Sites
With large screens carrying live broadcasts of the Olympic events, visitors in at least 20 locations around the UK will have the best seat in the house to watch their favourite event. Screens will feature a broad range of UK-wide and local content in partnership with community, arts and media organizations.
(www.london2012.com/get-involved/live-sites/index.php)

Affordable Attractions

6. Museum of London Docklands
Occupying a Georgian warehouse on the banks of the West India Quay in trendy East London, home to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Museum of London Docklands is a great place to take the kids and entry is free. Visitors can explore 12 galleries of artefacts, paintings, engravings and photographs that chart the history of the area from the Romans to present day.
(www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands)

7. Mudchute Farm and Park
Europe’s largest urban farm is overlooked by Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers in East London. With 34 acres of open parkland, in the heart of the Isle of Dogs, visitors can easily be in the British
countryside just miles away from central London. The farm and park offers visitors the experience to ride horses and pet sheep, pigs, ducks, geese and llamas. Picnics are welcomed and entry is free.
(http://mudchute.org)

8. The London Pass
The London Pass is a great way to experience London like never before. Travellers who purchase this pass at VisitBritain’s online shop prior to going overseas can save on the retail price. The pass allows visitors free entry into over 50 top attractions in London, which can save those on a budget up to £500 on entrance fees. Top attractions include Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, London Zoo, St Paul’s Cathedral, Wembley Stadium and Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum.
(www.visitbritainshop.com/usa)

Affordable Accommodation

9. 3 star accommodation is available during the Games at St Giles Hotel in the heart of the West End / Bloomsbury for only £199 per room per night including breakfast and VAT for up to two persons sharing, while studio accommodation is available atCitadines Barbican from just £150 per night on a self catering basis.
http://www.stgiles.com/
http://www.citadines.com/uk/london/barbican.html

10. citizenM, Glasgow, Scotland
Recently opened in 2010, citizenM offers travellers on a budget an affordable luxury hotel in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre. This high-technology accommodation allows guests self check-in on touch screen terminals and has a food and beverage outlet, canteenM, that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Guestrooms are outfitted with a light and sound system that can be controlled with the touch of a button.
(www.citizenmglasgow.com)

11. Cambridge Colleges – Bed and Breakfast, Cambridge, England
Cambridge, a city of all seasons, may be a small city but it still packs a punch and offers
affordable accommodations just 45 minutes from London via rail. Trace the footsteps of college
graduates such as Newton and Darwin and stay in a room at one of the Cambridge colleges.
Staying in an historic Cambridge college accommodation during the London 2012 Games is a
unique opportunity that offers bed and breakfast service.
(http://www.cambridgerooms.co.uk/

12. Camping
There are lots of camp sites being set up in and around London specially for the Olympic Games. For example Camp In London, set in a lovely, 19-hectare green field in Walthamstow, East London is being transformed into one of the largest campsites that London has seen. It is just 4 miles from the heart of the city of London and less than a 10 minute free shuttle bus ride from the Olympic Park. It has great facilities and its own international festival running throughout the duration of the Games. You can stay in a pre-erected tent for just £40 pppn or pitch your own tent for just £15 pppn.
(http://www.campinlondon.com/)

For other great ways to experience the magic of the Olympic Games on a budget go to www.visitbritain.com

12 winning ways to enjoy the Olympic Games on a budget is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Always a hotspot for the trendy kids, Shoreditch has come over all grown up. onefinestay, the unique company who allow guests to stay in Central London home rentals as an alternative to hotels, explores three of the hottest places to visit in the city’s trendiest neighbourhood – and not a sticky floor in sight.

Shoreditch House

A mecca for media types, this members-only club brings a touch of New York to the east end. There’s a reason celebrities are often papped tottering out of the side entrance of this club – it’s got five glorious levels on which you’ll find an eclectic mix of bars, relaxed upmarket dining, private party rooms and even a bowling alley. On the rooftop is where the magic really happens – if the rumours about Tracy Emin doing laps in the outdoor pool at cocktail hour don’t get you up there, the amazing views will. Not only does the deck offer some of the finest vistas over east London, the white cabanas where you can sit and people-watch while waiters bring you mouth-watering cocktails are an absolute treat.

The Boundary

Conran comes to the east in this fabulous combination of a mini hotel, three restaurants and bars, including the divine Albion where you can brunch like a king before picking up your organic groceries. Head through the lobby and hop in the lift to the top floor and you’ll find the real highlight though – the gorgeous Boundary Rooftop Bar, thoughtfully equipped with an outdoor open fire, chic triangular heaters for chilly evenings and glossy wicker seats with blankets. Whether for a date or a meet-up with friends, this little-known haven is sure to impress – the delicious nibbles and excellent wine list are just the icing on the cake.

Shoreditch Box Park

A totally new concept, it could only happen in Shoreditch. Boxpark is the world’s first pop-up mall, a five-year project set over two levels, overlooking Shoreditch High Street station on the London Overground. But of course, it’s not just any shops – these box-size mini-stores have been carefully curated to ensure only the coolest brands feature. There’s a definite inner-city urban flavour, with brands like Evisu, Levi’s and Abuze and Hop-namo, while on the top level, you’ll find an awesome decked area with outdoor tables where you can slurp authentic Vietnamese noodles, treat yourself to a frozen yoghurt or grab an all-American burger while you check out the outfits of people milling by on the streets below.

Fancy trying out Shoreditch’s hottest hangouts? Check out onefinestay’s range of short term vacation rentals and live in London like a local.

Guest Post: Some Cool New Things to Do in London is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Regent Street, London W1 will bring back its breathtaking display of union flags to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee from Monday 28 May – Friday 8 June.

The gigantic flags were hugely popular when first displayed to celebrate the Royal Wedding of William and Katherine in 2011.  Popular with Londoners, UK and international visitors alike, the flags are a fitting and patriotic tribute to one of London’s most iconic shopping streets – and to British Culture – in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

While London sleeps, the flags will be suspended from red, white and blue bunting and will hang from 22 crossings.   Commencing at the BBC building, north of Oxford Circus, a sky of flags will lead down to Piccadilly Circus in the south.   Each flag measures 4 x 2.5 metres in size and will create a striking backdrop to one of the world’s most famous historical shopping thoroughfares.

Annie Walker, Director of the Regent Street Association, says: “We are so delighted the flags are returning, especially when the world will focus on London during the Olympic year”.

Many of the shops and restaurants on Regent Street are preparing for a record number of visitors arriving into London’s West End in the lead up to the Olympics and for the Royal Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Harold Tillman, Chairman of Jaeger says:

“Following The Crown Estate’s great success in celebrating last summer’s Royal Wedding celebrations, we are delighted that the flags are returning to London’s Mile of Style to commemorate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The stunning display of flags will truly welcome visitors from around the world to the heart of London’s West End, and to one of the most historic and vibrant shopping destinations in the world.”

Diamond Jubilee: Union flags Return on Regent Street to Celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 2012 is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Artistic Director of the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, Danny Boyle, says the Isles of Wonder show will reflect British wit and weather. Report by Adam Sich.

2012 Olympics: Danny Boyle promises excitement at the Opening Ceremonies is a post from: Anglotopia.net

As the capital city of England, London is one of the most iconic and cosmopolitan cities on Earth. Visitors will have plenty to see and do thanks to a wide variety of historical landmarks, cultural icons, recreational attractions, incredible architecture, fine dining and even world class shopping opportunities. The accommodation on offer encompasses a wide range of prices, allowing everyone to find the right place to stay, and with plentiful London flights departing from around the world, there is always an opportunity to visit this wonderful city. Use this guide to plan your itinerary and find the very best attractions, museums and more.

Buckingham Palace: This is one of the most recognizable and significant buildings in all of London. It is located in Westminster, where many historical landmarks are concentrated. Although it may technically be an official residence of the Queen, she is rarely found there. However, it is worth a visit to see the amazing ceremony of changing of the guards, which occurs every few hours according to a seasonal schedule. In the summer, tours of the interior can also be arranged with advanced booking.

Tower of London: This is one of the oldest structures in the city, coming in at over 900 years of age. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was once a dungeon, among other uses. Today it houses many of the royal belongings, including the crown jewels. Guards and beefeaters stand watch over the tower, although there are many tours that allow access in the tower. Thanks to its past as a prison, it is considered to be one of the most haunted locations on Earth, so if that interests you consider going on one of the famed ghost tours. Just next door is the Tower Bridge, another iconic site.

Westminster: Many of the most important buildings in London are found in Westminster, most notably the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey. Also located in the same area is the famed Big Ben clock and tower, along with the Houses of Parliament. Visitors who only make one historical stop during their trip should absolutely come to Westminster in order to see as many cultural, historical and religious sites at once.

Museums and Art Galleries: As much be expected in such a city as London, there are well over 200 museums and art galleries in the city. Few people ever manage to see each one, but thankfully the largest and most important museums are actually free. With that in mind, it makes sense to include as many as possible in your itinerary. Stop by the British Museum, the Natural History Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, just to name a few.

West End: The London theater scene is recognized around the world, and those with an interested in seeing a show in town should look to the areas of Covent Garden and Leicester Square for tickets to upcoming performances. The district is also well known for fine dining restaurants and bars.

This article was written by Melissa Davis on behalf of Flight Centre and Cruise About which offering best cruise deals you can find online .

Guest Post: The Top Attractions in London is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Image Credit: Giorgio Badaini

We’ve written a rather cheeky post on our sister site Londontopia about the Top 10 Things You Should not do on a trip to London – a London travel Ettiquette guide.

Here’s an excerpt:

DO NOT RIDE THE TUBE DURING RUSH HOUR

The Tube is a tool used by Londoners to get to and from work. It’s sole reason to exist is to move commuters around – not for the entertainment of tourists. That means that during rush hour, the Tube means business. It’s crowded, it’s hot, it’s prone to problems. That said, Londoners are pretty annoyed when groups of tourists hog the commuting space on the Tube when it’s already hard enough to find a seat. As an aside, if you travel with Luggage on the Tube during Rush Hour, you will quite possibly be visually murdered by everyone in the Tube car. Rush hour runs from roughly from 6am-10am.

Click to Read the Rest!

Londontopia: Top 10 Things You Should Avoid Doing in London – Travel Etiquette is a post from: Anglotopia.net

London is an exciting city brimming with fabulous activities perfect for the entire family. Here your family will find an extraordinary variety of theatres, museums, parks, beautiful London hotels and events from which to choose.

The Regent’s Park is a popular destination for many families and numerous fun-filled activities await you in this beautiful and natural environment. From late spring through September take in one of the many shows at the Open Air Theatre, rent a rowing or pedal boat from April through September, or enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch in one of the many picturesque gardens. Families will enjoy the many playgrounds found at Marylebone Green, Gloucester Gate, Hanover Gate or Primrose Hill. Don’t forget to visit the fabulous London Zoo, which opened in 1828 and is home to over 750 species of animals. Cafes and restaurants are also found throughout the park for a delicious place to relax and eat.

For more animal adventures, visit the Sea Life London Aquarium, which is home to one of the largest collections of marine life. Fanciful clownfish, amiable penguins, and impressive sand tiger sharks are only a very few of the 500 species you will observe up close.
Spending the day at the Chessington World of Adventures is sure to delight each and every member of your family. This fun-filled theme park is home to nine themed lands which include: Toytown, Pirates Cove, Land of the Dragons, and Mexicana. Each land offers exciting theme park rides, shopping, and restaurants. Families will enjoy the Zoo and Sea Life Centre, as well.

Legoland is geared towards children ages 3-12 and has over 55 interactive rides, as well as numerous workshops and shows. Set on 150 beautiful acres, explore the many Lego models made with nearly 55 million Legos and enjoy your day strolling through such attractions as: LegoCity, DuploLand, Pirates Landing, Land of the Vikings, and many more.

If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, you need not leave the city. There are plenty of hotels in London which can cater for a relaxing stay, also set within London is Hackney City Farm, which offers a wonderful experience the entire family can enjoy. Get an up-close and personal look at country life with farm animals such as goats, pigs, rabbits, donkeys, chickens, and sheep. While visiting the farm, enjoy the award winning café Frizzante and shop for fresh, organic veggies and eggs at their charming store. Families will also enjoy a relaxing stroll through the beautiful gardens and orchards.

These are only a few of the many wonderful experiences you can enjoy as a family in London.

Guest Post: Family Activities in London – Tips is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Making new resolutions for this welcomed New Year of 2012 has finally arrived. It tempts us with bountiful options of betterment waiting to be selected as the one official effort to be made for the best New Year ever. Some of us tiptoe toward a distinctive plan of releasing worn out attitudes, creating weight loss goals or replacing the something old with the something new. Maybe this should be the year to incorporate only the positive experiences we know will evolve into an exciting time of fun and anticipation. An exquisite trip to London just might do the trick. With loads of hotels in London to choose from you have no excuse not to visit.

Visiting beautiful London is a definite must to add to the new resolution list of tripping the life fantastic. London, a world-renowned city filled with royalty, international flair, sophistication, amazing history, landmarks and fabulous entertainment resources lures the unsuspecting with incredible panache. A charming locale, London provides its visitors with an inviting sense of style, dialect and a plethora of sights to be seen.

Many travel the miles to this fabulous city for the land marks and historical flavors. On Bridge Street sits the Houses of Parliament. Inside the Houses of Parliament’s tower stands London’s largest clock – Big Ben. When the light is lit above Big Ben, visitors are informed the House of Commons are in session. If a permanent move to London is a consideration, the reward of being given permission to climb the tower can be arranged as well.

For a panoramic view of the entire city of London, visit the London Eye. Passengers are seated in one of 32 pods attached to this fourth tallest structure in the city. Enjoy breathtaking views for miles and miles, as far as the eye can see, luring the adventurous to endlessly explore such incredible terrain.

For the architectural buff, London will feel like home sweet home. Beginning with Westminster Abbey, a Gothic architectural masterwork, is the city’s most beloved royal venue. Most of England’s coronations have been celebrated within the walls of this magnificent structure, as well. Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, London Bridge and Queen’s Gallery are all stunning works of architectural examples and historical pathways into London’s intricate infrastructure.

Walk into London’s dynamic communities where traditional values still thrive. Feel the warmth from the welcomed sense of respect London has for its people and its visitors. Don’t wait another minute or another year. Explore the city’s fine foods, great entertainment, beautiful London hotels and historical venues for the best New Year’s resolution ever made.

Guest Post: Top Attractions in London for 2012 is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Over at our sister site Londontopia- we’ve published a guide to finding the cheapest airfares to London.

Here’s an excerpt:

Traveling to London from the USA is an expensive trek, not matter what class you travel. But there are things you can do to get a cheap ticket to London from the USA.

Depending on what major airline gateway city you’re in, expect to pay between $700-$1500 for a roundtrip ticket to London in economy class. There used to be days when you could fly to Britain for $4-500 – but those days are long gone mostly due to increased government taxes (UK taxes mostly) and fuel surcharges.

So, time to get out a pen and a legal pad and find your cheap ticket to London!

It’s a useful guide for those booking a trip to London.

Click here to read it in full over at Londontopia!

New at Londontopia: How to Find the Cheapest Airfares to London is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Londonist Out Loud a podcast for London news, views, and oddities from London, UK. Presented by N Quentin Woolf. (free on iTunes/www.londonist.com)

Welcome to the latest episode of Londonist Out Loud, a podcast about London.

In another Londonist Out Loud special, host and producer N Quentin Woolf speaks to the team at Cory Environmental. Cory’s barges tirelessly transport refuse along the Thames for incineration. NQW takes a trip along the river with the crew. Along the way, he learns about the barges’ remarkable history and important modern role.

Remember, you can subscribe to Londonist Out Loud via iTunes or RSS.

Interested in sponsoring this podcast? Contact us on hello@londonist.com for more details.

Londonist Out Loud: A Podcast For London, 10 January 2012 is a post from: Anglotopia.net

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

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

An exhibition at London’s Geffrye Museum will look at the cosmopolitan nature of London homes over the past 400 years.

At Home with the World will show how homes in England have been shaped by many diverse cultures, from Chinese porcelain and the great craze for ‘taking tea’ in the 18th century, to the use of Islamic and Indian patterns in the 19th century, the popularity of Scandinavian and American design in the 20th century and the globalism of the 21st century.

The Geffrye Museum’s permanent exhibition explores the home from 1600 to the present day, focusing on the living rooms of the urban middle classes in England, particularly London. A chronological series of furnished period rooms reflect changes in society and patterns of behaviour, as well as style fashion and taste. Outside, period gardens (open April–October) chart the key changes in town gardens over the past 400 years.

For At Home with the World, the Geffrye’s period rooms will be re-interpreted to highlight the many objects in English homes that have either come from overseas or been influenced by other cultures. The exhibition will be accompanied by study days, talks, live music, performances, storytelling and art, craft and design activities.

At Home with the World is one of a series of exhibitions across London exploring four aspects of life in this World City – Home, Identity, Journeys and Place. Stories of the World: London is part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad programme.

The Geffrye Museum is open Tue–Sat 10am–5pm, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays 12noon–5pm, admission free. At Home with the World will run from 20 March to 9 September.

Geffrye Museum, 136 Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA
Tel: +44 20 7739 9893
Website: www.geffrye-museum.org.uk

Bringing the world into the home at the Geffrye Museum in London is a post from: Anglotopia.net

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

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

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

www.direct.gov.uk/diamondjubilee

www.thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org

2. Charles Dickens 200th Birthday, 7 February

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

www.dickens2012.org

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

3. The Wales Coast Path, May

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

www.walking.visitwales.com

4. Cotswolds Olympicks, 400th Anniversary, 1 June

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

www.olimpickgames.co.uk

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

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

www.titanic-quarter.com

6. The World Shakespeare Festival, 23 April – November

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

www.worldshakespearefestival.org

7. The Olympic Torch Relay, May – July

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

www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay

8. The Beatles’ 50th Anniversary

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

www.beatlesstory.com

9. London 2012 Festival, 21 June – 9 September

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

http://festival.london2012.com

10. WorldPride, 23 June –8 July

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

www.pridelondon.org/worldpride

11. National Football Museum, May

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

www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

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

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

http://www.london2012.com/

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

London is one of the most exciting cities to visit, and The Muppets are some of the funniest characters in entertainment. Put them together and you get a whole lot of fun! This Muppets’ guide to London shows you where the puppets hung out in The Great Muppet Caper.

Trafalgar Square

In The Great Muppet Caper, Kermit, Fozzie Bear and Gonzo visit London to investigate Lady Holiday’s jewels theft. Their adventures take them all over the capital, with shots of famous landmarks such as Trafalgar Square.

This historic square is one of London’s most lively open spaces and is very popular with tourists. Here you’ll find Nelson’s Column and the four plinths. The impressive National Gallery overlooks the square.

The Happiness Hotel

After arriving in London, Kermit and co. settle in at ramshackle The Happiness Hotel. Kermit first comes across receptionist Miss Piggy at this hotel whilst searching for Lady Holiday. The pink madam instantly falls in love with our little green friend and pretends to be the Lady.

You can see The Happiness Hotel for yourself if you head to Walt Disney World. In London itself, you will probably prefer a trip to a fancy hotel rather than a dilapidated one! There are plenty of famous London hotels to see, including the Ritz and the Savoy.

The River Thames

Along with Trafalgar Square, the world famous River Thames is another real location used in the Muppet film. You can see the great river in all its glory with a Thames cruise. You could also take a stroll along the river banks and check out landmarks like Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.

The Dubonnet Club

The Dubonnet Club is a trendy London supper club, and is the scene of Miss Piggy and Kermit’s date. The club is the film’s equivalent of today’s upmarket London clubs.

There are plenty of stylish restaurants, clubs and bars in London like The Dubonnet Club that are ideal for a romantic evening. You should probably leave Gonzo and Fozzie Bear at the hotel though, unlike Kermit!

No. 17 Highbrow Street

Miss Piggy gets a recommendation to visit The Dubonnet Club for her evening out with Kermit while at the impressive No. 17 Highbrow Street. London is full of stunning townhouses like this one. When you’re strolling through the capital pay close attention to buildings adorned with blue plaques. These plaques mark homes and places of interest linked to famous people and events in history.

Mallory Gallery

In The Great Muppet Caper, the Mallory Gallery is the scene for the final showdown between Kermit, his friends and the jewel thieves led by Nicky Holiday. Art lovers adore London as it is home to so many great galleries. These include the Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery and Tate Britain.

So now you’ve got a good idea of what the Muppets got up to in London. When you visit the capital, you could enjoy your own great caper by dressing up in Muppet costumes. You could wear a Kermit mask, Gonzo nose or even a full Miss Piggy set.

Guest Post: The Muppets’ guide to London in the Great Muppet Caper is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The Wallace Collection in London’s West End is planning an exhibition that will tell the story of the skilled artistry of swords in the Renaissance period.

Centuries ago, warrior knights used their swords as weapons and symbols of their elite class. In the 16th-century Renaissance, civilian swords also became works of art.

The Noble Art of the Sword: Fashion and Fencing in Renaissance Europe will feature weapons and other works of art from the Wallace Collection, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Armouries and private UK collections. The displays will show how the weapons became also fashion items representing the rise of a new upwardly-mobile middle class.

The show will also look at 16th-century concepts of masculinity and the emergence of the duel of honour. A man of means in the 16th century never went anywhere without his sword, and was always prepared to use it. A beautiful sword was the Rolex of its day and a statement of its owner’s status and power.

Sword workshops in the Renaissance period also created buckles, buttons, and all the mounts and fittings needed to integrate the sword with the whole gentlemanly costume. The rapier of Elector Christian II of Saxony (1583-1611) will be displayed for the first time alongside its matching doublet and breeches, cut from the finest Italian silk.

The Wallace Collection is a national museum in a historic London town house just behind Selfridges department store. It contains one of the world’s finest collections of Old Master paintings, including the famous Laughing Cavalier by Franz Hals, as well as furniture, sculpture, galleries of princely arms and armour, and important displays of gold boxes and miniatures.

In March three newly-refurbished Dutch galleries will open in the East Wing, with new roof-lights offering a clear view of the sky and allowing natural light in the galleries. Each gallery will have a clearly defined theme. One will present works by Rembrandt and his workshop, and early contemporaries. The other galleries will show genre and landscape painting of the Dutch Golden Age and work by Dutch artists in Italy.

The Wallace Collection is open daily 10am–5pm, admission free. The Noble Art of the Sword: Fashion and Fencing in Renaissance Europe will be on display from 17 May to 16 September.

The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN

Tel: + 44 20 7563 9500

Website: www.wallacecollection.org

Facebook: The Wallace Collection

Twitter: @WallaceMuseum

YouTube: The Wallace Collection

Flickr: wallacephotographer’s photostream

The art of the sword at the Wallace Collection is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Hampton Court Palace is to host a new exhibition from April about the beauty, debauchery and decadent art of the late Stuart court.

From 5 April to 30 September The Wild, the Beautiful and the Damned looks at the meaning of beauty, and at the lives and loves of the courtesans and libertines in the Stuart court during the period 1660–1714, through the reigns of King Charles II, James II, William III & Mary II and Queen Anne.

The exhibition will show how kings, queens and courtesans swept away the Puritanical solemnity of the mid-17th century and tried to rewrite the moral code of social behaviour. In the Queen’s State apartments visitors will learn about the beauty secrets of the day, study the fashions and elegance of court life, and learn what happened when beauty faded, and how the virtuous ladies of the court were rewarded by obscurity and a life of vice led to syphilis and death.

Charles II, the ‘merry monarch’, ruled for 25 flamboyant, indulgent and decadent years and pursued beauty in all its forms. He ruled over a court famous for its elegance and its magnificence, and collected artworks and mistresses with equal enthusiasm. He fathered a dozen illegitimate children, but left no legitimate heirs. The exhibition will include portraits of his principal mistresses including Nell Gwyn and Barbara Villiers, as well as some of the resident ‘beautiful women’ of the royal court.

Brett Dolman, Historic Royal Palaces exhibition curator, says: ‘Visitors to the exhibition will discover that ‘beauty’ is not just an aesthetic experience: it is an instrument of ambition, a conduit to pleasure and a magnet for sleaze. This is a story about great art, but also about mistresses and adultery. Visitors will understand what beauty meant and how it was used in the late 17th and early 18th centuries…In the Restoration court, women used their beauty to command a new personal and political influence at the heart of government, but were themselves chased and abused, and pilloried as whores.’

Hampton Court Palace is a 35-minute rail journey from London’s Waterloo Station. In the summer river boats run on the Thames from Westminster, Richmond-upon-Thames and Kingston-upon-Thames. The Palace is open daily 10am–6pm, admission £15.40 adults, £7.70 children under 16. The price includes tours, audio guides and special presentations during the school holidays. The exhibition will close at 9.30pm on the first Monday of each month May to September

Hampton Court Palace, Surrey KT8 9AU
Tel: +44 844 482 7777 (tickets)
+44 20 3166 6000 (from outside the UK)
Website: www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace
Facebook: Historic Royal Palaces
Twitter: @HRP_palaces
YouTube: Historic Royal Palaces

Sleaze and beauty in the royal court at Hampton Court Palace is a post from: Anglotopia.net

photo credit: jasminejennyjen

London has been called the most haunted city in the world and with the abundance of spooky cemeteries, abandoned buildings and bloody tales of violence and nefarious characters, the city’s reputation makes sense. There are literally hundreds of haunted (or supposedly haunted) sites in London, many of them open to visitors who are up for a ghostly encounter.

The Tower of London

Said to be the most haunted site in all of England, the Tower of London is the site of some of London’s most notorious murders. Perhaps the best-known ghost is that of Anne Boleyn, who was famously beheaded by her husband Henry VIII in 1536. Other ghosts allegedly haunting the Towers include Lady Jane Grey, who was executed at the age of 16 after serving as queen for just nine days, and King Henry VI, who was imprisoned and killed in Wakefield Tower in 1471, reportedly by his successor, King Richard III. The Tower of London is a must for any visitor to the city.

Jack the Ripper

Perhaps the most notorious serial killer of all time, Jack the Ripper terrorized the streets of Whitechapel in London in 1888, brutally murdering at least five women, most of them prostitutes or extremely poor. The killer, himself, was never found or identified, but the mystery has fascinated and horrified people for more than 100 years. Many of the sites associated with the murders have since been torn down, but some buildings and streets remain – including the Ten Bells Pub, a former boarding house that several of the victims frequented. Reports of ghosts and other unusual happenings associated with Jack the Ripper abound.

Highgate Cemetery

There is no shortage of spooky happenings in London’s Highgate Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 167,000 people. Although it was once a well-maintained and desirable location to be laid to rest, by the middle of the 20th century the once immaculate burial ground was in a state of disrepair – and many of the tombs and catacombs had been cracked open, solidifying Highgate’s reputation of one of London’s most haunted sites. The cemetery is located off of Highgate’s High Street, on Swain’s lane.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital for Children

Abandoned hospitals are spooky in general, and this abandoned Victorian hospital is no exception. Built in the mid 1860’s to care for cholera patients, the hospital remained in service – though poorly maintained – until 1998. The dark building, with dirty windows and a crumbling façade, provides plenty of fodder for ghost stories and urban legends. The hospital is located across the road from the Hackney City Farm, on Hackney Road.
Bleeding Heart Yard

Want to visit the scene of a horrific crime? Head to the Farringdon square of Bleeding Heart Yard. The story of Bleeding Heart Yard is a gory one that would make even Stephen King squirm. In 1626, the mutilated body of the wealthy Lady Elizabeth Hatton was found in the courtyard – her limbs strewn about, and, allegedly, her heart still pumping blood. Whether the legend is true or not, the square has a decidedly eerie aura.

Haunted London Tours

While you can explore London’s macabre past on your own, a guided tour of the spookiest sites gives you an insider’s view of the sites and their stories. There are plenty of tours to choose from, ranging from cemetery walks to a tour devoted to the trail of notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper.

London Ghost Tours: Author Richard Jones is the recognized authority on London’s ghosts and haunted sites, and has written several books with sample walking tours and background on the haunted sites. You can also purchase audio tours narrated by Jones, who provides detailed information about each site and its history. Jones also leads walking tours himself on select nights; he is immensely popular, and advance booking is essential.

London Walks: The London Walks tour company offers a wide variety of London walking tours including ghost walks and a Jack the Ripper tour. Some of London Walks’ Jack the Ripper tours are led by Donald Rumbelow, the recognized authority on all things Jack the Ripper.
Blood & Tears Walk: Led by British actor Declan McHugh, this walk covers London’s dark history, visiting sites associated with witchcraft, grave robbers, prostitution and serial killers. This tour includes a lot of information about London’s long and bloody history.

Many of London’s haunted sites and walking tours are not for the faint of heart. If you’re easily spooked, you might not want to walk the dimly lit streets, alleyways and halls that have witnessed some of the most horrific crimes to ever occur. But if you’re up for a good scare – or even just a slight spook – then London has plenty to offer you.

This guest post article was written and provided by Erica Gustafson a freelance writer and digital media consultant for Expedia.  She often books flights to Brisbane, London, Auckland, and other locations around the world.

Guest Post: Haunted London Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine is a post from: Anglotopia.net

London is to host an Easter egg hunt which the organisers hope will become a Guinness World Record for the biggest ever, and raise £2 million for charity.

Two hundred fibreglass eggs will be placed in high profile locations around the capital. Each egg will be 0.76 metres (2ft 6ins) high and uniquely decorated by a leading artist, architect, jeweller or designer. People will be able to pay a small fee to join the hunt using a map or a downloadable app with clues.

The eggs will be on show from Shrove Tuesday (21 February) until Easter (8 April). Then they will be available to buy at three specially arranged auctions. The organisers hope to raise £1 million each for two charities: Action for Children, which supports and speaks out for the most vulnerable and neglected children and young people, and Elephant Family, the world’s leading Asian elephant conservation charity.

Artists taking part include the Chapman brothers, Giles Deacon, Zandra Rhodes, Nicky Haslam, Marc Quinn and Russian jewellers Fabergé.

The Big Egg Hunt was launched by food writer Tom Parker Bowles, the son of the Duchess of Cornwall, at the Goring Hotel, where head chef Derek Quelch created an exclusive breakfast for the occasion. Eggs Fabergé, named after the Egg Hunt’s main sponsors, is made from quails’ eggs, smoked salmon, lobster and caviar. The dish will be on the hotel’s menu throughout the Big Egg Hunt.

The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt, London, 21 February–8 April
Website: www.thebigegghunt.co.uk
Facebook: The Big Egg Hunt
Twitter: @TheBigEggHunt

Hunting giant Easter eggs for charity and the Guinness World Records Book is a post from: Anglotopia.net

1). Enjoy a stroll around Maritime Greenwich, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1997. Spend a day soaking up the romantic baroque architecture and rolling parks.
www.visitgreenwich.org.uk

2). The magnificent Cutty Sark dates back to 1869 and is the only surviving extreme clipper in the world. Take a tour of the historical ship, set to re-launch in 2012 following a major restoration project.
www.cuttysark.org.uk

3). Take a stroll around Greenwich Market, for bargains, bric-a-brac, antiques and vintage clothing.
w www.shopgreenwich.co.uk

4). Visit the National Maritime Museum which holds the largest collection of marine art in the world.
www.nmm.ac.uk

5). Enjoy a meal at the Old Brewery and learn about the history of the Meantime Brewing Company in Greenwich.
www.oldbrewerygreenwich.com

6) Visit the Old Royal Naval College to see the – perhaps the finest baroque dining hall in the country – designed by Christopher Wren and painted by James Thornhill.
www.oldroyalnavalcollege.org

7). Stand at the place where time begins on the Greenwich Meridian Line then gaze at the stars inside at the Royal Observatory and Planetarium.
www.nmm.ac.uk/places/royal-observatory

8). Have a picnic in Greenwich Park, the oldest enclosed Royal Park and home to a small herd of deer.
www.royalparks.org.uk

9). Visit the elegant Queens House, commissioned by King James I for his wife, Anne of Denmark,.
www.nmm.ac.uk

10). Visit the British Music Experience at The O2 and discover the history of popular music in Britain.
www.britishmusicexperience.com

11). See the Firepower – The Royal Artillery Museum’s impressive collection of tanks, cannons and armoury and hear the story of arms from before the creation of gunpowder to the modern day.
www.firepower.org.uk

12). Enjoy a pint in the historic Trafalgar Tavern, frequented by Charles Dickens.
www.trafalgartavern.co.uk

Top 12 Things to do in Greenwich – Top Sites to See in Greenwich is a post from: Anglotopia.net

There are few things so quintessentially English as a leisurely afternoon tea in the heart of London – The newly refurbished St. Ermin’s 4 star central London hotel offers just this.

Located in the very heart of London, only a short walk from major landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament and the iconic London Eye, St. Ermin’s Hotel offers two mouth-watering menu choices for afternoon tea, one classic and one contemporary – both served in the classic and characterful surroundings of the St Ermin’s hotel library between 1pm and 5pm.

Capturing the spirit and style of a bygone era while simultaneously appealing to a more contemporary palette is the St Ermin’s Classic Afternoon Tea menu.

The menu covers a selection of sweet treats served alongside freshly made mini-sandwiches all served on an classic three-tier stand both accompanied by a selection of definitive Jing teas.  For an extra touch of opulence and style exchange tea with Laurent Perrier Champagne for a luxurious afternoon tea experience.

In contrast to the classic English afternoon tea on offer, those with a penchant for chocolate can go for the St. Ermin’s Valrhona afternoon tea.

Crafted around the intense and rich flavours of the iconic world famous chocolate, an array of creations such as chocolate, pistachio and cranberry tiffin and mini éclairs are accompanied by freshly cut sandwiches including Scottish salmon and quail egg casino, again accompanied by either Valrhona drinking chocolate or a range of exquisite teas from Jing.

For an authentic English afternoon tea experience be sure to book in advance as reservations are often limited.

Guest Post: St Ermin’s Afternoon Tea – Classic English Tea Time is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Kensington Palace in London will re-open to visitors after a £12-million transformation with a new permanent exhibition that explores the life and reign of Queen Victoria through her own words.

Visitors will learn about Victoria’s first day as Queen at Kensington Palace, the romance of her early relationship with Prince Albert, their family life and Prince Albert’s involvement in the 1851 Great Exhibition. The Kensington Palace exhibition will be in the rooms where Victoria lived as a child and will include paintings by Franz Xaver Winterhalter and Sir Edwin Landseer, gifts that Queen Victoria exchanged with Prince Albert during their engagement in 1839 and her wedding dress.

Her jewellery, mourning clothes and other personal objects will also be on display alongside replicas of Victorian children’s toys. There will be dressing-up clothes and interactive displays for young visitors.

The Palace will also hold a temporary summer exhibition from May called Jubilee, telling the story of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 1897. There will be film, sound and interactive displays and a focus on the procession through London on 22 June 1897 when the Queen, members of the royal family and soldiers from around the world paraded to a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral.

The current Kensington Palace, which is owned by Queen Elizabeth II on behalf of the nation, was rebuilt for King George I in the early 18th century. Queen Victoria was born there on 24 May 1819, and lived there as a Princess until she became Queen on 20 June 1837. Diana, Princess of Wales lived in the apartments in the north-west part of the palace from 1981 to 1997.

The Palace will re-open to the public on 26 March after a 12-week refurbishment. New facilities will include public gardens, a gift shop, a café and a £1-million Clore Learning Centre. The Palace will be open daily 10am–5pm; 2012 admission prices to be confirmed.

Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX
Tel: +44 20 3166 6000 (from outside the UK)
0844 482 7777 (from the UK)
Website: www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace
Facebook: Historic Royal Palaces
Twitter: @HRP_palaces
YouTube: Historic Royal Palaces

Memories of a Queen’s childhood – Queen Victoria’s Childhood at Kensington Palace is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The Camping and Caravanning Club will be offering several temporary event campsites during the summer of 2012. Some are just 10‐15 minutes from the Olympic village. Pitches ‐ costing from £30 per night – will accommodate up to four people.

1. Ideally located near to Ebbsfleet International Station and just ten minutes away from the Olympic Park and Stadium, the Club’s Gravesend/Old Gravendians event campsites are in the perfect location to catch all of the sporting action. The event campsite will operate from Friday, July 20, 2012 to Thursday, August 16 inclusive and will accommodate all units. Full camping facilities are also available onsite. Pitches cost just £30 per night, based on a minimum three-night stay.www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/2012camping.

2. Once again located near to Ebbsfleet International Station and just ten minutes away from the Olympic Stadium, the Club’sCulverstone event campsite will operate from Friday, July 20, 2012 to Thursday, August 16 inclusive and will accommodate all units. Full camping facilities are also available onsite. Pitches cost from just £30 per night, based on a minimum three-night stay.www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/2012camping.

3. Located in one of the largest boroughs in Greater London, the Club’s Havering event campsite is only approximately 15 minutes away from Stratford Station and the Olympic Park and Stadium. The event campsite, which will run from Tuesday, July 24 to Monday, August 20, boasts 430 pitches and state-of-the-art facilities and will provide onsite entertainment. Pitches cost from just £30 per night, based on a minimum three-night stay. www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/2012camping.

4. Within a 10-minute walk to the Olympic Park, and believed to be closest campsite to venue, there really is no better location to soak up the Olympic atmosphere. The Club’s WaterWorks event campsite, which will run from Friday, July 20, 2012 to Thursday, August 16, 2012, hosts 320 pitches, offers full camping facilities and will provide onsite catering. Camping will start from £45 a night, based on a minimum three-night stay. www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/2012camping.

5. Close to the action but yet far enough away to relax in idyllic countryside, the Club’s Chertsey Club site is the perfect place to pitch up over the Olympic period. The site is just a 30 minute train ride away from London and the Olympic Park and Stadium. The site is also close to the Olympic Cycling Road Race course. Full camping facilities are available. Camping costs £11.30 per adult (per pitch per night). www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/chertsey.

6. Inside London’s orbital M25 motorway and only 15 miles from the capital, the Club’s Walton on Thames Site is a great place to enjoy the Olympics. Hersham station is approximately one mile away from the site and provides easy access to all of the Olympic venues. Those who are inspired by the Games and would like to try their hand at new sports and activities will have the opportunity to take part in outdoor pursuits at several local centres close to the 115 pitch site. Camping costs £4.45 per adult (per pitch per night). visit: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/waltononthames.

7. Set in 14 acres of woodland but just half an hour train ride away from the capital and the Olympic Park and Stadium,Theobalds is a fantastic site for sports fans. For those wishing to get away from the Olympic action but yet enjoy a variety of leisure activities, Lee Valley Country Park is located nearby and is great for walking, cycling, fishing and bird watching. Full camping facilities are available. Camping costs £6.90 per adult (per pitch per night).www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/theobaldspark.

8. Located on the edge of the North Downs the Horsley Club Site is a haven for wildlife –surprising considering it’s only 30 miles from Stratford and the Olympic Park and Stadium. Campers will have additional opportunities to get involved with the sporting action as the site is also close to the Olympic Cycling Road Race course. Full camping facilities are available onsite. Camping costs just £10.15 per adult (per night per pitch). www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/horsley.

9. Despite just being outside the M25 motorway, you’ll heard birdsong not traffic. The Oldbury Hill site is the perfect spot for campers looking to dip in and out of the Olympic action but still enjoy a relaxing, peaceful break. The Olympic Park and Stadium is less than 30 minutes’ drive away from the 60 pitch site providing easy access to the sporting action. Full camping facilities are available. Camping costs £8.25 per adult (per pitch per night). www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/oldburyhill.

10. Only 40 minutes away from London and the Olympic Park, the Club’s Kelvedon Hatch Site is in a great location to catch all of the sporting action. For those wishing to get away from it all there’s also the lure of Essex’s beaches which are also within striking distance of the site. Full camping facilities are available. Camping costs from £8.25 per adult (per pitch per night).www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/kelvedonhatch

11. For those campers that didn’t receive Olympic tickets or just want to get away from it all, the Club’s Keswick Club Site is the perfect option. Idyllically situated on the shore of Derwentwater and only a couple of minutes away from the centre of the popular market town, the site is a walker’s paradise. Full camping facilities are available. Camping costs from £9.15 per adult (per pitch per night). www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/keswick

12. Steeped in history and just a short drive from the sandy family-friendly beaches of Skegness, the Club’s picturesqueWoodhall Spa site is great for adults and children alike, who want to get ‘far from the madding sports crowd’. The Edwardian resort of Woodhall Spa – a 19^th century spa town – has many places to eat out and provides a great base for a relaxing holiday. Full camping facilities are available. Camping costs from £9.15 per adult (per pitch per night).www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/woodhallspa

London 2012: Need a Place to Stay for the Games? How about Camping in London? is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Plans are taking shape to create the world’s first heritage amusement park to feature historic rides. Dreamland in Margate will have classic sideshows, vintage cafes, special events, festivals, creative interpretation and gardens.

For many years Dreamland Margate on the Kent coast was the top amusement park in south-east England. It dates from the 1860s when the London, Chatham and Dover Railway Company terminal building was turned into an entertainment venue. Circus showman ‘Lord’ George Sanger later took it over and in 1919 John Henry Iles bought the site with plans to turn it into an American-style amusement park.

He installed a Scenic Railway wooden roller coaster in 1920. In 1935 a 2,200-seat cinema opened with ballroom, restaurants, cafes and bars – the forerunner for the UK’s Odeon chain.

A plan in 2003 to close Dreamland and redevelop the site for housing and shops started a six-year campaign to save the site and its heritage assets – the Scenic Railway, Sanger’s menagerie cages and the cinema building. The Scenic Railway is the only listed ride in the country, and the menagerie cages are the last remaining of their kind.

The heritage park will also include working rides rescued from some of the British seaside amusement parks that have closed over the last few years. Some of these are the last remaining examples of their type in the world. Others have direct historical links with Dreamland.

The new amusement park will be a unique and quintessentially British visitor attraction, reinstating Dreamland as one of the UK’s best-loved amusement parks. It is anticipated that some restoration work will begin in 2012 alongside Dreamland’s programme of events and activities happening both off and on site providing Margate’s visitors with an interactive viewing platform to the evolving amusement park.

The Dreamland Trust, Marine Studios, 17 Albert Terrace, Margate CT9 1UJ
Tel: + 44 1843 294468
Website: www.dreamlandmargate.com
Facebook: Dreamland Margate
Twitter: @Dreamlandtrust

Return of a classic British Amusement Park – Dreamland Margate is a post from: Anglotopia.net