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