When It Comes To Castles, Nunney Is Small But Beautiful

Nunney Castle - small but beautifully formed

Whenever you visit a new place on holiday, there's always the same problem as to how you are going to fit everything thing that you want to do into such a short period of time. A holiday should be a time for relaxation, and if you have already driven some distance to reach the holiday destination, do you really want to be spending more time behind the wheel, ticking off places that will be on you “must see” list.

Perhaps what  you are looking for is a place to visit for a short day trip, somewhere that will provide you with something to interest you, yet encourage you to slow down and take time to pick up the flavour and atmosphere of the locality.

An increasing number of you are spending time in the beautiful county of Somerset. So often have we dashed through the county, probably ticking off the junctions on the M5 motorway as we head to the higher profile holiday destinations of Devon and Cornwall.

Junction 21  showing Weston-Super-Mare - not long now to the signs for Highbridge and Burnham -   look there goes Bridgewater - not too far to Taunton and a break at the services and the first “Welcome to Devon” sign coming up shortly - when to you think we'll hit our first queue ?– phew, you get worn out just reading it.

This is why Somerset has an increasing popularity. From the rugged beauty of Lorna Doone's Exmoor to the wonderful Blue Flag beaches of the north coast, it has everything to match its more famous South Western partners. Beautiful little cities such as Wells with its magnificent cathedral and the wonderful west front with over three hundred statues, and a host of family orientated attractions will provide a holiday to remember.

Want to go back with one particular memory ? Why not go back home and say that you visited the smallest castle in England. That's certainly what the residents of the pretty little village of Nunney will tell you.  We all know that Windsor is the biggest, but the smallest? - what's this all about?

Dating from the fourteenth century, the castle, for that is indeed what it is, was built by Sir John Delamere, from money that he quite likely earned fighting in the Hundred Years War.  Complete with the almost compulsory moat,  it was dramatically  altered in the late sixteenth century,.

Ownership had past down to the Catholic Prater, family, who like many of the Catholic faith sided with the Crown. Regrettably this proved an unfortunate move, and in a battle fought in September 1645, the north wall was breached, and surrender ultimately followed.

After much neglect, culminating in the 1910 collapse of more of the north wall, the property is now in the care of English Heritage, and is well worth a holiday visit. It doesn't take up too much time out of your day, and will encourage you to slow down and “take the air”.

The younger members of your family group will also like the chance to see the ducks that wander the streets near to the river. If you are holidaying at the right time of year, you may be lucky enough to be in Nunney, when the flower show and Street Fayre are on. In this modern world, Nunney, like so many other small villages has an excellent web site listing what's what in this vibrant little Somerset community.

After all of this, you should bow to the inevitable, and enjoy a relaxing lunch at the local pub, the George, a seventeenth coaching inn with splendid lunch and dinner menus and excellent local ales.

Wales Has Some Really Spooky Ghost Tours

Plenty of strange goings on at Llancaiach

Now that the evenings have drawn in, and there are autumn mists aplenty, the time is right to get the very best out of the many ghost walks that are on offer.
VisitWales has six great recommendations that could really give you the shivers.

Llancaiach Fawr. Near Caerphilly

One of the most haunted houses in Wales,  Llancaiach Fawr  dates  its history from about 1530. Having been restored to how it was in 1645, there are reports of strange goings on in nearly every room of the house. As you walk the dark rooms by candlelight you may just see the ghost of nineteenth century housekeeper “Mattie” or you could be lucky enough to glimpse Edward Prichard, master of Llancaiach Fawr during the Civil War.

Creepy Cardiff

There is no shortage of haunted buildings in the historic capital city, and this walk takes in some of Cardiff’s most creepy. The best tour begins in the heart of the city centre by the National Museum of Wales,  and you will be told stories of ghost hauntings, reincarnation, dragons and burials. This ghost tour is widely regarded as one of the most informative and entertaining in Britain.

The Llandaff Ghost Walk

Taking place in one of the most historic parts of the city, this is a highly recommended  walk that takes in the ancient village setting of Llandaff .  Behind today’s quiet setting lies a turbulent past of war, plunder and tragedy. You will learn about ghostly tales of ancient Celtic spirits, modern hauntings, mysterious lights and misty forms that appear in the cathedral cemetery and along the River Taff.

Ghostly Tenby

Get an introduction to the ghostly goings on in what is now a top coastal resort.  Your informative guide will arrange to meet you outside the Lifeboat Tavern where you will start your ghost tour. You go to various haunted locations and hear tales of ghosts, pirate spirits, murders and demons. This tour is packed with local history and as well as hauntings, you will be told about local superstitions at sea, death rituals, fairy magic and witches. With a place called Dead House Steps included, the scene is already set!

Plas Mawr, Conwy,  North Wales

Take advantage of the Plas Mawr evening tours at certain times of the year where you will be taken around the centuries old Elizabethan town house.  It is ornately decorated with fireplaces and colourful plasterwork and is reportedly haunted. Your guide will tell you about the history of the house and relay stories of spooky goings on. As you walk the old passageways you will come to rooms decorated with pentagrams to ward off evil spirits – there’s plenty to make your hair stand on end!

Bodelwyddan Castle, North Wales

Take a ghost walk in the company of their in-house paranormal investigations team. As you wander around the castle you will learn about the history of the house, its inhabitants and listen to ghost stories and personal accounts of paranormal experiences. If you are feeling really brave, the paranormal investigations team also run over night investigations.

                                                             http://www.visitwales.com/

Visit Batman’s Nottinghamshire “Home”

Well, it’s probably stretching the truth slightly, but if you are a fan of blockbuster movies, then you might recognise Wollaton Hall in Nottinghamshire, as it gallantly played the part of Wayne Manor in the “Dark Knight Rises”.

Dating back to Elizabethan times, this historic Elizabethan mansion is one of the areas most popular attractions in, and a number of important scenes were filmed in the grounds and Hall, including a garden party scene at night which features in the film’s trailer. A graveyard was also constructed in the grounds for the filming, and a number of internal refurbishments were made to the Hall to create the perfect Wayne Manor.

Quite a contrast to the Bat Cave

There were household names aplenty from Hollywood, including cast and crew such as Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine.

Wollaton Park is also home to a herd of red deer, which roam freely around the magnificent gardens and parkland.  As the leaves turn golden and fall from the trees, take a stroll around the park where you can see the deer at their finest. With the magnificent Wollaton Hall as your backdrop, make sure you take plenty of photographs of these impressive animals.

The Hall was designed by Robert Smythson and built by Sir Francis Willoughby between 1580 and 1588 for his family. Now a prominent Grade One listed building, the stunning Hall houses the city's Natural History Museum along with reconstructed room settings.

It stands on a natural hill three miles west of Nottingham City Centre, and is also home to Nottingham's Industrial Museum (open the last Sunday of each month for Sunday Steamings) and the Yard Gallery.

For visiting times, check out the site below:

When to visit Wollaton Hall

Welcome To Yorkshire For Some Great Christmas Markets

We have only just broken into November, and the autumn half term has just come and gone, but the tourism boards are already breathlessly promoting the many Christmas markets that are being set up to tempt us into buying seasonal food and gifts.

Yorkshire is no different to many parts of Britain, but does have the advantage of beautiful scenery and atmospheric old market towns to provide a backdrop to these festive gatherings.
The information set out here is taken from the Yorkshire Tourist Board site, and gives you all the gen on where you can find the best markets in this most popular of English Counties:

Christkindlmarkt, Leeds, 14 November - 20 December

This is one of the most established German Christmas Markets in the UK, with traditional wooden stalls, festive greenery, Christmas carousel rides and twinkling colourful lights all creating a unique continental style festive atmosphere in the heart of Leeds city centre. Set in the stylish civic setting of the award winning Millennium Square, Christkindelmarkt attracts many hundred thousands of visitors to Leeds each year and forms an integral part of the city's annual events programme.

Sheffield Christmas Market, 14 November - 24 December

A truly magical experience awaits you on Fargate with the arrival of the Sheffield Christmas Market. Traditional wooden cabins offering a huge choice of seasonal goodies makes this the perfect place to stock up on gifts, foods and treats! This year also sees the introduction of a brand new Moroccan market which, sitting alongside the traditional Christmas cabins, will add a little bit of spice to the festivities. Nestled in the middle of the two markets Santa will be meeting the children of Sheffield in his very own Lapland cabin. The market will be open daily from 10am to 6pm (8pm on Wednesdays) until Christmas Eve.

The Moors National Park Centre Christmas Fair, 15-16 November

The Moors National Park Centre's popular annual Christmas Fair presents over 30 stalls celebrating the very best of local arts, crafts and seasonal gifts, from jewellery, ceramics and stained glass to willow tree decorations, scented soaps and handmade chocolates. There's also a visit from Santa, traditional organ music and children's craft-making activities.

Bridlington Dickensian Festival, 23 November

The High Street will be a hive of activity with the main celebrations commencing at 12:00 on Sunday, 23rd November as Town Crier, David Hinde, heralds in the days events. There will be in excess of 40 stallholders lining the streets alongside shopkeepers and residents dressed in period costume and offering a wonderfully diverse selection of festive produce, food, mulled wine, crafts, gifts and games. Indoor venues and many of the Old Town shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs will be open for the day and evening bringing their own charm and uniqueness to the proceedings. Come and enjoy the Victorian atmosphere, revel in delight at the musicians, singers and street entertainers of all types including a Victorian Street Organ, Brass Band, Buskers, Morris Dancing, Skiffle Group, Punch and Judy Show, Birds of Prey and Children's Rides all adding to the festive fun!

Country Living Fair, Harrogate, 27-30 November

Soak up the magic of the festive season at the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair, enjoy a great day's shopping and leave with a hoard of heavenly gifts. The Fairs bring together hundreds of exhibitors from all over the UK in a festive extravaganza of quality and craftsmanship.

Harrogate Christmas Market, 27-30 November

Organised by Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce, this four-day festive market will be filled with high quality Yorkshire and Harrogate products. There will be more than 140 chalets, mini-marquees, traditional market stalls and outdoor gazebos selling everything from Yorkshire cheeses and chutneys to handmade gifts and Christmas decorations.

St Nicholas Fayre, York, 27 November - 21 December

St Nicholas Fayre, one of the UK's favourite Christmas markets, is extending in 2014 from four days to over three weeks for the first time in its 23-year and highly successful history. This year, enjoy St Nicholas Fair/ market for fabulous pre-Christmas shopping for 25 days from Thursday 27 November to Sunday 21 December. There'll be lots to celebrate, including a rolling programme of different market stalls throughout the Fair, and themed weeks of specialty stalls featuring Food, Sparkles and Toys.

Grassington Dickensian Christmas Festival, 29 November, 6 and 13 December

For three saturdays, Grassington travels back in time for the annual Dickensian festival. Step back in time to an era when Dickens was alive. Street entertainment, buskers, shoe-shine boys, chestnut sellers, santa's grotto, pickpockets, living statues, traditional Christmas outdoor market, indoor craft fair plus lots more. A family fun day out.

Festive Family Fun at Lightwater Shopping Village, 5-7 December

Christmas for the family starts here…. this year bring your little ones to experience the magic of Christmas at Lightwater Valley. Meet Santa and his helpers in his Grotto, watch our talking reindeer show, be amazed by our Christmas magic show and browse an array of stalls selling beautiful hand-crafted gifts – perfect to purchase those unique Christmas presents from.

10th Annual Christmas Craft and Food Fair, Sledmere House, 5-7 December

The tenth annual Christmas Craft and Food Fair features over 100 stalls selling crafts, gifts, decorations and food for the festive period. Visitors are welcome to walk in the gardens (not normally open to the public during winter.) The Terrace Cafe and Fair Cafe will be open and younger visitors can meet Father Christmas in his magical Grotto at the House and recieve a gift.

Helmsley Makes Christmas Magical, 6th December

Whether it's high quality designer fashion & accessories, making your home ready for Christmas, enjoying art in the many galleries, or feasting on festive food & drink, Helmsley has something for everyone. And whatever the weather, you're guaranteed a warm welcome!

A Dickensian Christmas in Rotherham, 6 December

Rotherham travels back in time this Christmas. Rotherham travels back in time for a fantastic Dickens Christmas celebration this year. With music, entertainment, Dickensian craft workshops and much more!

Leyburn Christmas Festival, 6 December

The annual Christmas event is organised by Leyburn and Mid Wensleydale Business Association with the support of Round Table. Father Christmas usually arrives in great style and delivers presents to local children. Stalls and festive music add to the occasion to provide a lovely festive festival for all the family to enjoy. Market stalls for those Christmas gift ideas, refreshments and entertainment.

Knaresborough Christmas Market, 6-7 December

A wonderful festive weekend in the picturesque North Yorkshire market town of Knaresborough with quality stalls, shops and entertainment. This Christmas market always offers a full range of regional specialities, with locally produced fare from independent stallholders being very popular with visitors.

Victorian Christmas Weekend at Main Street, Haworth, 6-7 December

Every year at Christmas time, Haworth is lit by twinkling fairy lights and festive shop windows. Each weekend in December the village hosts bands, choirs, carol singers and Father Christmas for visitors to enjoy with traders dressing in Victorian costume. The cobbled street is home to wonderful independant shops, tea rooms and public houses. If you are travelling to Haworth by car, parking is available in the Bronte Parsonage and Bronte Village car parks which are council owned

Sheffield Antiques Quarter Vintage Christmas Market, 7 December

There will be a fabulous line up for our Christmas Market with over 40 stalls to include Heeley Bank Antiques Centre, Galabeer and the Dog, Granny's Wardrobe, Fox and Gingerbread Vintage, Lily Ponds French Brocante, And proud design, The vaults Arts and Crafts - Bottom Draw, Victoria-May Vintage, Grey Day Vintage, Reclaimed interiors, Fresh n Chic Boutique, Dear Prudence, H.E.R. Vintage, Dawson's Yard, Back in the Day, The Bindi People, Swifities, and much much more.

Skipton Yuletide Festival & Christmas Market, 7 & 14 December

The 'Gateway to the Dales' brings you Skipton's famous Yuletide Festival and market, which is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year. Together with the market and great food stalls, there will be a full range of entertainment in the Town Centre throughout the day, both in the main High Street Arena and at locations across the Town. The whole of Skipton truly has a real Christmassy feel!

Yorkshire's Magical Winterland, Harrogate, 10-23 December

Yorkshire's Magical Winterland is a 14 day indoor christmas event and is a fully immersive event including a winter market, winter walk through experience, live performance stage (featuring local artists), circus, write to Santa cabin, Santa's grotto, feed Santa's reindeer, Alpine Peak theatre (A Christmas Carol puppet show), make a 'Christmas wish' cabin, family ride attractions, bouncy castle, avalanche escape slide, face painting and much more.

Beverley Festival of Christmas, 14 December

This is arguably the largest Festival of its kind in Yorkshire which includes a Christmas Market with over 100 festive stalls, a fairground, various musical groups and individuals performing a varied programme of music and dance, a display by Bernese Mountain Dogs, a display of falconry, a re-enactment of a street battle by the Sealed Knot, marching and military bands, stilt walkers and Victorian street entertainers, a classic car rally and last but by no means least - Santa on his sleigh drawn through the town

Castle Howard's Stable Courtyard Christmas Market, 18 December

For the perfect place to escape the crowds and pick up great gifts for the festive season, visit Castle Howard's Stable Courtyard and Market. Get great stocking fillers and books for all the family at the Bookshop, gifts for the home and children's toys in the Carriage House and a range of seasonal treats from the Farm Shop.

Could This Be The First Signs Of A Change In The “School or Holiday” Debate ?

Council leaders are suggesting that the recently introduced ban on term-time holidays should be removed in order that head teachers can be allowed to take a “common-sense” approach. The ban dates from September last year, from which time local authorities have been obliged to fine parents who take children out of school for unauthorised absences.

It is the view of the Local Government Association however that the inflexible rules do not fully take into account the dynamics of modern family life. A Department for Education spokeswoman pointed out that heads still had flexibility, but the rules are still perceived as draconian.

The "School/Holiday Debate" continues

Until last September, heads could grant up to 10 days' leave a year for family holidays in "special circumstances".  But now head teachers can grant absence outside school holidays only in "exceptional circumstances". Local authorities are obliged to instigate fines and enforce legal proceedings on behalf of schools.

This means parents who take children out of school during term-time, often to avoid very high holiday costs, can receive automatic penalty notices of £60 per child. This rises to £120 if not paid within 21 days.  Parents who fail to pay could face prosecution and a maximum fine of £2,500 or a jail sentence of up to three months.

The LGA said that the councils are willing to give their support to the Department for Education's stance that every child should be in school every day,  but made the point that there were occasions when circumstances should be given individual consideration.  These might include religious festivals, weddings, funerals or even once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

David Simmonds, chairman of the LGA's children and young people board, said: "Ensuring every child has a good school attendance is of paramount concern for everyone working with children.
"However, common sense must prevail in cases when mums and dads ask to take their child out of school during term-time if there is a legitimate reason.  An outright ban is too simplistic and doesn't recognise that family life and circumstances aren't always so black and white. “

Some parents take the view that the savings on cheaper holidays during the school terms are worth the cost of being fined.  One parent, Donna-Marie Hollingdale said that if she had taken her children out of school during term she could have saved at least £1,200 and paid the fine as well. "I'd happily pay the fine and take my child out of school when the holidays are a lot cheaper because I'd still be quids in and still save money."

Last year one primary, Bishop Bronescombe C of E school in St Austell, Cornwall, created an extra week's holiday at the end of the May half-term holiday so that low-paid parents could take advantage of lower prices.

But a spokeswoman for the Department for Education said that heads had the option of allowing time off if necessary.

Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "The problem lies with the holiday companies and airlines and if this issue is to be addressed sensibly then there should be pressure put on them, not schools.

"Many teachers are parents and we entirely sympathise with the dilemma caused by price hikes for breaks during the school holidays.  In particular, at this time of pressure on pay, our sympathies are with those on low pay who have little option but to take the cheapest holiday they can find. It remains the case that pupils can be granted time off in exceptional circumstances."

Tunnel Proposal Under Stonehenge Has Been Resurrected

Stonehenge - tunnel proposal being dusted down

Having been ditched by a previous government in 2007, it looks as though plans to build a road tunnel to relieve congestion on the notorious A303 in Wiltshire are now back in the spotlight. Chancellor George Osborne is expected to commit hundreds of millions of pounds to give the long delayed project the go-ahead. It would end years of debate over the infamous bottleneck on the A303, which runs right past the World Heritage Site in Wiltshire.

So having recently survived a high profile “private visit” by US President Barack Obama, Stonehenge is once again centre stage. The opening of the state of the art visitor centre last year has ensured that it has never been far from our thoughts in the last few years.

General consensus for the work is favourable, although it is likely to provoke furious opposition from campaigners, who fear a tunnel could lead to damage the hugely important 5,000-year-old site. The Labour government of 2007 became twitchy about the project when the cost of the proposed 1.3-mile tunnel reached £540 million.

Traffic jams on the A303, one of the main routes into the South West, have plagued motorists for decades – prompting a local MP to brand it the ‘devil’s highway’.

Improving the road to make a real alternative to using the M4 and M5 would be hugely popular with motorists heading to and from the South West – a key battleground for the Conservatives at next year’s General Election. It is likely that the project may be mentioned in Mr. Osborne’s autumn statement. Other high profile road improvement schemes may also be included.

A source said, ‘Because we’ve got a grip on the public finances, we can make investments in important infrastructure all over the country as part of our long-term economic plan,’ he said.

The expected go-ahead comes after reports yesterday that the National Trust was now ready to support the idea of a tunnel up to 1.8 miles long under Stonehenge. It also follows Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin’s decision earlier this year to order a feasibility study into improving the A303, including tunnelling under Stonehenge or moving a section of the road to the north.

But sources indicated that the tunnel option was the likeliest to proceed.

Stonehenge

Let’s Help Essex’s Beacon Hill Lose It’s Unwanted Award

The Tower of London stands at one end of the spectrum as the most visited attraction on VisitEngland’s list, with nearly 3 million paying customers last year.

Even Papplewick Hall only has 187 visitors !

However, lying at the other end, in a state of unwanted tranquility is Beacon Hill in Essex, with just six visitors.  It may have been an important part of Britain's defence against Nazi invasion, but as a historical icon the Beacon Hill Fort hasn't exactly captured hearts and minds of history tourists.

The six visitors works out as one every sixty one days, resulting in an inglorious last place in a list of 1,279 destinations in VisitEngland’s survey

Beacon Hill is a long way from the Tower of London, number one on VisitEngland's list for top paid destinations, despite having being restored by the The Harwich Society after being decommissioned in 1956.

There are some other perhaps more surprising contestants for the far from coveted last place, including Old Buckenham Mill, Breckland, Norfolk with 128 visitors,   Long Crendon Courthouse,  Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire with 153 visitors, and Papplewick Hall and Gardens,  Gedling,Nottinghamshire with just 187 visitors.

So come on British tourists, if another six people visit Beacon Hill, its attendance figures will have increased by 100%  ..... and even the Tower of London won’t be able to achieve that!

Ballot Opens To View The Four Copies Of The Magna Carta Together

With just 1,215 spaces available, this is a ballot result that will be keenly awaited. It is being held to nominate the 1,215 members of the public who will attend the gathering together of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta on 3 February next year at London's British Library. This is to mark the document's 800th anniversary, and it will be the first time that they will appear together.

King John signs on the dotted line in 1215

The document of basic rights is seen as the cornerstone of constitutional law, and the library's two copies will be joined by those normally housed at Lincoln and Salisbury cathedrals.

Magna Carta, meaning Great Charter, was agreed at Runnymede, Surrey, in 1215. The charter was issued by King John as a way of solving the political crisis he faced when powerful barons rebelled against him and captured London.

Unsurprisingly, allowing for the passage of time,  almost all of the clauses have been repealed in modern times. However, the document established a number of important principles that remain in place and have been copied around the world.

Julian Harrison, curator of early modern manuscripts at the British Library, said: "It established for the first time that nobody - not even the king - was above the law and it contains certain principles relating to individual liberties which still remain relevant today. Nobody can be imprisoned or detained indefinitely without being put on trial."

The document inspired the US Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The ballot, which is free, runs until the end of the month. Those selected will be able to view the four Magna Carta manuscripts side by side, following an introductory speech about the legacy of the document from historian and TV presenter Dan Jones.

Some of the world's leading experts on the document are in the process of undertaking a major research project and the British Library confirmed that the unification of the documents would allow them to be studied much more closely in its conservation centre.  It said particularly faded or obscured parts of the text will be examined for new clues about the identities of the still-unknown writers of the texts.

This event will kick-start a year of commemorations across the UK and the world to mark the 800th anniversary. The four original Magna Carta manuscripts will then go on display in their home institutions as part of major anniversary exhibitions.

About the 800 year celebrations

A Couple Of Days Well Spent In Hereford

Medieval Hereford has enough to occupy you for more than a couple of days, but with careful planning you can get the best out of your short break.

So much to do in Hereford

If you haven’t made any great plans, a visit to the Tourist Information Centre on King Street will set you right. Start with a walk down Gwynne Street, crossing the River Wye on the Wye Bridge. From there you can follow the riverside path, crossing the Victoria Bridge to do a walk around Castle Green.

At Cathedral Close you will find a statue of Edward Elgar, testament to the seven years that he lived in the city between 1904 and 1911.

No visit to Hereford is complete without a visit to the Cathedral, home to the Mappa Mundi, which is the largest surviving medieval map of the world, as well as the amazing Chained Library. Sometimes you will be able to climb the small staircase up the tower for a wonderful view of the city.

Not far from there is the museum together with the art gallery. The Old House in High Street is a seventeenth century merchant’s house, the only surviving house in Butcher’s Row. Spend some time browsing the shops in Church Street.

If that isn’t enough for you, then the countryside around the city is full of interesting places to visit, including Queenswood Country Park with its wonderful views, the Italianate church at Hoarworthy, and the chance to paddle a canoe to Ross-on-Wye.

                                                                 About Herefordshire

Hereford Cathedral

Edinburgh Will Be A Top Destination This Christmas

Scotland’s capital city will be putting heart and soul into celebrating Christmas this year, with the promise that their plans will be bigger and more affordable than ever. The opening “Light Night” is an example with some sixty schools and community groups gathering to perform at the inaugural event on George Street on 23 November.

Looking forward to Christmas

A new ice rink is planned for St Andrew Square around the Melville Monument and low-cost attractions will be available in East Princes Street Gardens. People with an EH postcode will received a 20% discount on all shows, rides and events.

Favourites from last year will be back, including the Christmas Tree Maze, Starflyer, Big Wheel and Paradiso Spiegeltent. The ice rink, overlooked by the Scott Monument, will again be back in East Princes Street, while Santa Land - including the train and grotto - has been expanded.  The Big Wheel, enjoyed by 120,000 people last year, will be festooned with 20,000 lights.

The Spiegeltent performances include the Scotch and Soda circus, comedian Al Murray and Stickman, a show based on the children's book by Julia Donaldson.

Edinburgh's Festivals and Events Champion Steve Cardownie said organisers Unique Events and Underbelly had worked hard to include a range of free and low-cost attractions.

He said: "Edinburgh is always a special city during winter and this year, the capital is certainly the place to be to celebrate Christmas. Our festive programmes are the envy of the world. The line up this winter with Underbelly will be bring back some of the city's classic attractions such as Santa Land - which will be bigger than ever before - and the spectacular Light Night on George Street which returns for its second year.

"Not only will the East Princes Street Gardens ice rink make a return after receiving well over 30,000 visitors last Christmas, but a new bespoke ice rink in St Andrew Square will be opened for the very first time."

The opening ceremony, Light Night, will be free from 14:00 to 17:00 on Sunday 23 November. 600 local performers will take part in this event with a theme of Christmas Songs and Carols

The Christmas Tree on the Mound, a gift to the City of Edinburgh Council from the Hordaland County Council in Norway, will be lit up as part of the Light Night switch-on.

Pupils from 24 Edinburgh primary schools have been invited to design a stained glass window and will show off their creations in Princes Street Gardens. The European Christmas Market will be back in Princes Street Gardens and the Mound, with 106 stalls offering a selection of foods, drinks and crafts.

Edinburgh's Christmas

Get Your Votes In For The English Heritage Angel Awards

Oldland Windmill - on the short list

Voting is now under way for the 2014 English Heritage Angel Awards. The awards were founded in 2011 by Andrew Lloyd Webber to celebrate the efforts of individuals and local groups all over the country who put hours of hard work, passion and perseverance into saving vulnerable, damaged and derelict historic landmarks from being lost forever.

Voting opened on the 15th August and goes through to the 12th October.  The 16 community groups and individuals behind the nominated  projects will then be  looking forward to attending a star-studded, red carpet awards ceremony at the Palace Theatre in London on the evening of Monday 3rd November, hosted by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The four categories are the Best Craftsmanship By A Trainee Or Apprentice Employed On A Heritage Rescue, The Best Rescue Of A Historic Industrial Building Or Site, Best Rescue Of Any Other Type Of Historic Building Or Site and Best Rescue Or Repair Of A Historic Place Of Worship.

The lucky winners last year were Hadlow Tower at Tonbridge in Kent, Low Slit Mine Bishop Auckland, Durham, The Ivy House at Southwark in London, and finally the church of St. James the Greater,  Ab Kettleby, Leicestershire.

For full details of this year’s Angel Awards, follow the link below.

Everything you need to know about the Angel Awards

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo On The Road

Having been sold out for the past sixteen years whilst performing on its home ground, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has taken to the road. The "taste of the Tattoo" display at the Thistles Shopping Centre follows on from a performance in Glasgow last week, with another free event planned in Dundee.

About 600 performers are taking part in the touring shows, with thousands of spectators expected to turn out. The tour is all part of the much anticipated Year of Homecoming celebrations that are forming an integral part of Scotland’s glorious 2014.

A chance for the Tattoo to reach a wider audience

Brigadier David Allfrey, chief executive and producer of the Tattoo, said the events were a way to "share the riches" of the "stunning" show.

VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay said the Tattoo was "one of the must-see events of the summer". He said: "These taster performances are terrific news for people around the country who may not have experienced the sights and sounds of this spectacular event."

More than 1,000 performers, including 35 Zulu warriors, 40 fiddlers and 45 steel drummers are taking part in this year's Edinburgh displays. All three Royal Marine bands are on show, along with more than 100 highland dancers.

A total of 215,800 tickets for the show's 24 performances have been sold, generating about £9.6m in box office receipts. The next touring performance will be in Dundee on Tuesday 19 August, in the City Square from 12:30.

All the gen on the Tattoo

Hull’s “City of Culture” Budget Is In A Healthy State

Newly appointed as the chief executive of the company being set to up deliver Hull 2017, Martin Green says that the budget earmarked for 2017 is "on the right scale". Hull’s reign as the UK City of Culture 2017 may be some three years away, but the city is not resting on its laurels.

Martin Green - funding avenues will be investigated

Mr. Green said that the current estimated cost of delivering the 365-day programme is about £18m. He has an impressive track record, having been the head of ceremonies at the London 2012 Olympics. Whilst in that post, he led a management team that tripled the original budget for the opening and closing ceremonies by working with public bodies and corporate sponsors.

He not only hand-picked many of the artists, production and back-of-house teams, and is quoted as saying that similar opportunities were likely in the build-up to Hull's year in the spotlight as UK City of Culture.

"I think the current budget is on the right scale and is in a pretty healthy state," said Mr Green. "I also think it's something we can work on by making sure everyone knows what a great cultural destination Hull will be in 2017.

"One of my jobs will be to go out and sell Hull and what is going to be happening here. Attracting corporate sponsorship is one thing I will be looking at but support comes in all shapes and sizes, including people and organisations giving in-kind support, which doesn't cost anything but can also be invaluable."

Between them, Hull City Council and the Arts Council have pledged almost £8m towards 2017. Also, twenty local firms have also agreed to give £17,000 each as part of the Business Angels initiative to help fund initial start-up costs.

Mr Green said: "The good thing is that we have got time and space on our side. It's just over two years before the first event in 2017 and just over three years before the last one. That gives us a lot of room to work hard on the budget and exploring every avenue to attract more funding."

Monmouthshire And Brecon Canal Reopens After Six Months

After six months and the comforting application of about £1 million of money, work to repair a section of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal has been completed after it had been  damaged by storms during the winter.

£1 million well spent on the Mon and Brec

As part of the works, The Canal & River Trust installed more than 500 pins measuring 32ft (10m) long into two areas of the embankment in the area around Llanfoist in the Brecon Beacons. The pins helped to stabilise the canal edge after torrential rain caused it to slip down the hillside. The repairs were part-funded by public donations and the Welsh government.

The slippage was first noticed in late December but the wettest winter on record made the damage worse. Repairs started in February and the 200-year-old waterway reopened to boats in April, but the scale of the damage meant further work was needed to reinforce the surrounding areas.

As well as the pins, a mesh wall has been put in place to try and prevent any future movement.  The towpath, which was closed while work was carried out, has now been reopened.

Vince Moran, operations director at Canal & River Trust which looks after the canal, said the job was "massive" and specialised. "The canal is hugely important to the local community and its economy, so we're delighted the project has gone so well," he said. "We worked quickly to deal with the problem when the wet weather, which disrupted so much of the country, hit us."

Tourism minister Edwina Hart said she was pleased the canal was back in working order and ready to welcome visitors over the summer holidays.

The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is 35 miles (56km) long and supports 390 jobs and it estimated to contribute £17m to the Welsh economy each year.

More about the canal

Hull Will Be Part Of Regional Funding Jackpot

Already cock a hoop having been awarded the UK City of Culture for 2017, there was more good news for Hull a couple of days ago, as it was announced that it will benefit from the approximate £107 million regional funding being awarded to the East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire area.

The icing on the cake is the fact that the government says the total investment will grow to £358m, with additional money coming from the public and private sectors. Money will be spent on flood defences, improving transport links and training projects, all of which will undoubtedly provide a knock on benefit for the expanding tourism industry.  The two years' worth of funding starts in 2015.

Hull is certainly on an economic roll at the moment

The money is the first instalment of £12bn the coalition is investing nationally in a series of local "Growth Deals", with the government saying that the investment could create 6,000 local jobs and safeguard 3,000 others.

Top priority for Hull will be the £4 million set aside towards building a footbridge over the A63 Castle Street in Hull to connect the city centre with Hull Marina. More than £7.5m will be invested in electrifying the Hull to Selby rail line, if the Department for Transport approves the scheme

With regard to Lincolnshire, funding will be put towards protecting a planned 6,000-home development near Scunthorpe. In December, parts of the region were flooded following a tidal surge along the Humber Estuary.

Lord Haskins, chair of the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership, said the region had done better than the rest of the country in the amount of funding it had received. "We asked for rather more, "he said. 

"We got half of what we asked for, whereas the rest of the country got only a third of what it asked for.  So there is a recognition that there is greater need, if you like, for public expenditure in this area."

Twelve New Projects In England Will Benefit From £34.5m Lottery Funding

They have often had to go through a rigorous application procedure to make it to the finishing line, but another twelve prominent historic parks and cemeteries throughout England will be making restoration plans based on the latest news from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Beckenham Place Park, Lewisham

A substantial £34.5 million has been made available as a result of a report that focused on the decline of public green spaces. These 12 projects include Beckenham Place Park in Lewisham, south-east London, which gets nearly £5m. Gunnersbury Park, Ealing and Cassiobury Park, Watford, each get more than £4m.

In Kent, Dover District Council will get more than £3m to restore Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens to boost tourism and community use. One park in Scotland - Levengrove in Dumbarton - is among those receiving funding.

All of this is as a result of a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) report last month which said the nation's public parks would be at serious risk of decline without new methods of providing finance and maintenance. The HLF said there would be restoration of historic features, such as bandstands and gatehouses, as well as provision of new entertainment such as skateboard parks and children's play areas. For example, the restoration being done in Dover will showcase the work of Edwardian landscape architect Thomas Mawson in Russell Gardens.

His canal pond, Palladian-style pergola bridges and boathouse pavilion form central architectural features of the park. At Kearsney Abbey opposite the gardens, the Festival of Britain open air theatre will be restored and the cafe extended.

Leader of Dover council, Paul Watkins, said he was delighted the lottery funds were supporting the park restoration. "These parks are highly valued by local people and its great to know that we can progress our plans to maintain, enhance and interpret this unique heritage," he said.

The twelve successful English sites and the one in Scotland are:
           
Beckenham Place Park, Lewisham - £4,908,400           
Gunnersbury Park, Ealing - £4,671,000
Cassiobury Park, Watford - £4,534,900
Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens, Dover - £3,389,400
Beddington Park and Grange, Sutton - £3,203,900
Levengrove Park, Dumbarton - £2,660,800
Hemel Water Gardens, Hemel Hempstead - £2,467,700
Pearson Park, Hull - £2,343,600
Avenue House, Finchley -£2,154,700
Moor Park, Preston - £1,725,000
Northwood Cemetery, Isle of Wight - £1,064,000
Victoria Park, Ilkeston - £740,800
Ampthill Park, Bedfordshire - £606,800

“Traffic Lights” Trial For Island With No Residents

The island in question is Sully Island, situated just off the Vale of Glamorgan coast, and because it can be accessed by foot at low tide by way of a rocky causeway, it is a favourite walk for local ramblers.

This coastline has treacherous tidal runs

However, over many years hundreds of people have been left stranded on the island when the tide comes in, meaning busy times for the local lifeboat at Penarth. Now the RNLI is trialling a set of traffic lights to warn visitors when they are likely to be cut off.

The lights have recently been installed, just two days after a couple of people had to be rescued. Nine others had to be saved over the last bank holiday from the island which is 400m from the mainland shore. People can get to and from the island during a three-hour window either side of the low tide.  It is a popular attraction for people visiting a Danish Iron Age fort and the remains of a Victorian-era ship which ran aground there.

In a bid to reduce the volume of calls for help, the RNLI has set up the traffic lights to warn visitors about the incoming tide. These traffic lights will let people know when it is safe to cross, when time is running out and when it is unsafe to walk along the causeway.

The amber light provides a countdown on how much time is left on the island as a return trip takes about 40 minutes on foot. An RNLI spokeswoman said: "By observing the sign, visitors don't have to second guess how much time they have."

RNLI community incident reduction manager Nicola Davies said the charity will now closely monitor the effect the lights have on cutting the number of rescue call-outs.

She said "hundreds of visitors have been caught out over the years" by people misjudging the returning tide over the rocky causeway.  The sign is a pilot and has not been tested anywhere else in the UK," she said. Sully Island is the perfect place for it to be tested as we are seeing regular incidents involving people cut-off by the tide resulting in call-outs for Penarth RNLI."

A former haven for smugglers in the Middle Ages, Sully Island is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural Resources Wales.  

More about Sully Island

There Is Potential To Be Maximised At Edinburgh’s Waverley Station

Waverley Station - the retail potential is enormous

Seeking inspiration from what has been achieved at a number of major rail terminals in London, rail bosses have been advised to travel down the same route to transform Edinburgh’s Waverley Station.
Retail experts, such as Leigh Sparks, a professor of retail studies at Stirling University, have urged rail bosses to mimic successful models like King’s Cross and St Pancras in London if they are to “maximise potential” at Waverley.

A catalyst to this change of thinking has been a controversial taxi ban coming into force, freeing up prime retail plots in the heart of the building. Waverley is one of the busiest rail stations in Scotland with around 25 million commuters passing through its doors each year.

Experts take the view that the new private vehicle ban offers a chance to expand the retail offer to include boutique stores and franchises in what they have called an “untapped gold mine”. Prof Sparks said Network Rail bosses should emulate London and Japan to exploit Waverley’s potential.

“When you think about the footfall that goes through Waverley, you have got a very interesting market and the retail offer should match that,” he said.  “I think a model like London should be their ambition in terms of a gateway to Edinburgh. They could look at more international examples like in Japan where railway stations are commercial hubs. This should also showcase Edinburgh.”

Waverley already has a popular Marks and Spencer mini-supermarket, fast food restaurant, bar and several eateries among its commercial lettings, but it is thought that there are more restaurants and franchises interested in leasing space. As an example,  St Pancras International boasts a blend of recognisable retail brands and independent stores with extended operating hours to cater to the early-rising and late-finishing commuter.

Andy Neal, chief executive of Essential Edinburgh which represents hundreds of city centre outlets, said Waverley station had “fallen behind” stations at other major European cities. “At the moment it’s below standard and needs to be upgraded,” he said. “The station is the first thing people see when they got off the train.

“Although there has been significant improvement to the environment, in terms of retail and restaurants it has fallen short of other capital cities, certainly some of the ones in London. This is not the consumer place it could be. At the moment you have a very basic retail offer and it should be brought up to the standard you would expect of a city. I think this is a great opportunity for Network Rail.”

Transport expert Simon Johnston, editor of the magazine Tramways & Urban Transit, said a retail hub in Waverley makes “absolute sense”. “The space is absolutely ripe for retail development as long as it is sympathetic to the architecture of the station. This is an untapped gold mine,” he said.

“Transport for London is already getting rid of some of their ticket offices and using some of those spaces for supermarkets. Something like that or “click and collect” for commuters is an idea that Waverley could perhaps be looking at.”

Similar retail expansions in London stations have generated revenue worth hundreds of millions, he said. Network Rail said there were currently no plans for the former taxi rank but conducted “regular reviews” to ensure its facilities met passengers’ needs.

Four Pronged Campaign For Tidal Lagoon Grant Funding

Severn Estuary - second highest tidal range in the world

Four local authorities covering South West England and South East Wales are mounting a united campaign seeking funding for grant aid relating to a tidal lagoon project in the Severn Estuary.
Bristol City is leading the scheme and, along with Sedgemoor, West Somerset and Cardiff councils, will table a bid to the European Union this summer. This approach follows the shelving of the £25 billion tidal barrage proposal last year.

The councils hope building a tidal lagoon will have the advantage of creating valuable local expertise of the technology involved. A tidal lagoon works by isolating a large area of water with a concrete wall which houses a series of turbines. Electricity is produced as tidal water flows through the turbines four times a day.

Bristol City Council has not provided an estimate of the final cost of the project but has said it would be paid for through a combination of private and public money. The £3m grant would be used to carry out feasibility studies and gain a clearer estimate of the cost of the project and the size of the lagoon required.

Bill Edrich, from Bristol City Council said: "We've got this great geographic anomaly which is the second highest tidal range in the world and the highest tidal range with over a million people on both sides of the estuary.

The tidal lagoon project differs from the previous Severn barrage proposal which involved building an 11-mile (18km) wall between Lavernock Point near Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, and Brean near Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.

Last September the UK government refused to commit to the Severn barrage proposal due to serious concerns about the environmental impact. There are also efforts being made by a Cheltenham-based Tidal Lagoon Power to build a tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay with the aim of it generating power by 2018.

TripAdvisor Award For Beverley Minster

Beverley Minster has received a 2014 Certificate of Excellence from the travel firm TripAdvisor for consistently earning outstanding feedback from visitors who comment on its website. The church is the most visited tourist attraction in the town.

TripAdvisors Reviewers Fall For The Charms Of The Minster

Of the 251 TripAdvisor reviewers who posted feedback, 97 per cent said their visit had been very good or excellent, with praise being given to the building, the roof tours, the shop and the general welcome.

One person noted that "The minster has a lovely shop and café. The tour of the rafters and the view from the opening in the ceiling was quite remarkable. The staff and volunteers clearly love their minster and are always excited to have visitors see this remarkable feat of building.

The Vicar, the Reverend Jeremy Fletcher, said: "The Minster is staffed by dozens and dozens of volunteers, all giving their time because they love what they do. They are inspired to work in this beautiful building and this award shows that the warmth they bring to their work is very much appreciated by the thousands of people they greet every year.

"Beverley Minster is a truly outstanding building and it is a privilege for all of us to be able to show it off to visitors from near and far. This award means a lot, because it means that those visitors are saying 'thank you' to them all – as do I."

About 55,000 people visit the landmark building each year. Minster verger Neil Pickford, who conducts tours at the church, said: "We are the biggest free attraction in the East Riding.
"We get visitors from across the world, as well as from around the UK. We have 16 different language leaflets, including Japanese, Chinese and Russian, so we are catering for a truly international audience. It is truly astonishing that this 800-year-old building can hold comparison with almost every other part of the world."

Mr Pickford said daily visitors were impressed by the sheer scale and beauty of Beverley Minster. He said: "People's mouths drop open when they see the size of the church. They are incredibly impressed by the way it has been put together, as it looks so majestic. It's not just a huge space – the design moves people. It's the scale and beauty of it."

The minster is a major tourist attraction for the town. Mr Pickford said: "There are a lot of people who come to the town because they have seen or heard about the minster. They come to Beverley on the strength of what they have heard about the minster. It's the first thing about Beverley most people will have heard of, but they don't just come to see us, they come for the whole town."

The minster offers tours inside the church roof spaces twice a day, normally at 11.15am and 2.15pm, involving a steep climb up several hundred spiral steps.

Mr Pickford said: "It's a unique glimpse inside the structure of a major Gothic building. It's really nice that people single out the roof tours as a highlight."

Metal “Greg Rutherford” About To Become A Milton Keynes Attraction

A giant metal statue that has been created in honour in of Olympic long jumper Greg Rutherford has been completed in Milton Keynes, and now proudly stands on the A421 Fen Street Roundabout near junction 13 of the M1. It stands 26ft (8m) high and cost in the region of £100,000.

Eye catching artwork in Milton Keynes

David Hopkins, the councillor behind the statue  said it was "fantastic" and "truly iconic", while Rutherford himself  who lives in Woburn Sands and leapt to gold medal glory at London 2012, tweeted that the statue was “blooming amazing”!      

The artwork, by artist Clare Bigger was financed by developers Gazeley after being stipulated as part of the planning process by Milton Keynes Council for the building of the adjacent Magna Park. The final touches of landscaping are due to be finished in the next few days.

The company's UK director Alex Verbeek said the artwork was something the town could be proud of. Mr Hopkins added that : "The statue is fantastic, truly iconic, and will set the perfect tone and image for people coming to MK for the first time. "We are all delighted and proud to see it finally in
place".
 
Greg Rutherford recently had his British long jump record which he set in April ratified.