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“I’ve got to get back
To the House at Pooh Corner by one
You’d be surprised
There’s so much to be done
Count all the bees in the hive
Chase all the clouds from the sky
Back to the days of Christopher Robin and Pooh…”
Those are some of the words of the song “Return to Pooh Corner” by Kenny Loggins. I still remember hearing this song for the first time way back and feeling wistful about my childhood – and Pooh stories, of course. From toddlers to adults, this character created by A.A. Milne is forever imprinted in many people’s hearts.
But did you know that there really is a Pooh Corner? Did you know that the forest where Christopher Robin, Pooh, Eeyore, and Piglet played in really exists? Yes, they do – in Hartfield, Sussex. If you grew up on Pooh, then a visit to where it all happened should be at the top of your list.
Hartfield can be found at the south of London, easily accessible on a day’s trip. Once you get there, you can visit the print room, where all original artwork by E.H. Shepard is available for viewing. If you want to see all of it, you would have to allot several hours.
If you prefer the great outdoors, then you should visit Poohsticks Bridge – where you can play Poohsticks – and then head on to the Pooh Corner, which used to be the candy store where Christopher Robin got his Bullseye candy.
Summer is the time to get out of the confines of the house and enjoy the weather. While it may not be sunny all the time, this is the best period in the year to enjoy what nature has to offer. You don’t even need to go far or out of the country. Just take a look around you and you will find a lot of options.
One of these is a floating picnic at the River Thames. The best online resource for this kind of outing is Visit Thames, which compiles most anything that you can do related to the river. There are lots of restaurants by the river, from the outskirts of London to the Cotswolds. The Guardian recently had a feature on these floating picnic outings and suggests these:
The Beetle & Wedge Boathouse in Moulsford near Goring (beetleandwedge.co.uk) makes up hampers of cheese, salads, gravadlax, baguettes, melon and strawberries, then puts you in a wooden launch that seats up to 10 people (one hour boat hire £50, hampers from £15pp).
Or cruise the Thames in style from Marlow on the Compleat Angler’s Edwardian-style electric launch, while tucking into poached salmon, sandwiches, salads, scones, cheese and biscuits and strawberries and cream (macdonaldhotels.co.uk/compleatangler, boat hire £75-£95 per hour, hampers £25-£36).
If you want to pack your own hamper the website also lists boat hire companies such as Cotswold Boat Hire (cotswoldboat.co.uk), based in Lechlade, which has open-top motor boats from £80 for four hours for up to five people, and rowing boats from £15 per hour.
Now that sounds pretty good to me. What about you?
The London Underground (locally known as the Tube) is the biggest and oldest metro system in the world. It’s also one of the most convenient, serving about 20 hours on a daily basis. Each of the Underground lines has a different name and colour. This helps you easily follow your route on the map.
Upon your arrival at a station, you should have a look at the colour-coded signs that will direct you to the line you’re looking for. The London Underground system is divided into 6 different fare zones. The London city centre is of course in Zone 1. Your ticket price depends on the number of zones through which you travel. You can easily buy your ticket from an automatic ticket machine or alternatively at the ticket office at any station. Both single and return tickets are available and they are valid only on the date shown.
If you know where you want to go, I recommend you should use the ticket machines because they can save a lot of your time. The instructions are easy to follow. The ticket machines usually give change, but I would suggest that you use the correct money if possible. By doing this, you will help keep change for other passengers who really need it.
Most London Underground stations have ticket gates. You need to pass through them quite a few times throughout your journey. Upon your arrival, just insert your ticket into the slot of the machine through which the ticket will pass. You can then take it from a slot at the top and the gates will open to let you through. When you have completed your last journey, the gates will open and let you through but your ticket will be retained by the machine.
As far as I’m concerned, London’s Tube is probably one of the most famous in the world. However, I feel that there is something about being underground I am not very keen on. For instance, the massive crowds swarm towards the train platforms, rushing up and down stairs, following the signs and the annoying ‘Mind the gap’ thing. Based on my experience, the trains are also absolutely packed. I have so many times been pushed up against someone really stinky. It’s never easy to find yourself a seat, and you can hardly see anything. Having said that, I still believe it is the cheapest and quickest way to get around London though.
To sum up, The London Underground is really easy to use so long as you are equipped with a map. To avoid wasting your time, simply validate your ticket and pass through the gates, stand on the right hand side of the steep escalators, or just walk down on the left if you are in a rush. The Tube normally arrives every few minutes so you don’t need to run. In summer the tube can be really hot and smelly, but again it is another part of travelling around the capital of England.
The Angel of the North is a relatively new landmark in Great Britain. Some say it is popular, some say it is controversial. If you have not heard of it, then it is about time that you did. This landmark is a modern sculpture made of steel and is located in Gateshead. As the name implies, the steel sculpture is of the figure of an angel. Wikipedia describes the Angel of the North as:
Standing 66 feet (20 metres) tall, with wings measuring 178 feet (54 metres) across — making it wider than the Statue of Liberty’s height. The wings themselves are not planar, but are angled 3.5 degrees forward, which Gormley has said aims to create “a sense of embrace”.[1] It stands on a hill, on the southern edge of Low Fell overlooking the A1 road and the A167 road into Tyneside and the East Coast Main Line rail route.
The angel is definitely something that you must see if you ever find yourself in this part of the world. As you can see from the description above, it is VERY big and can be quite overwhelming. You can just imagine the effect that the work of art can have on a person. While it was being built, there were some sectors who were saying that it would never work; that it would be a menace to motorists. Some even went as far as to call the work as an angel of death.
Well, we now know that Antony Gormley, the designer, has been right all along. The Angelf of the North is a sight to behold.
We all hear these terms a lot but which means which? Can we interchange the names or do they refer to something specific? The truth is, they each refer to something specific although even the British may not all be aware of that.
Great Britain refers to the largest island in the whole of Europe. When you say Great Britain you use it to mean three countries. That is, England, Scotland, and Wales. Other small adjacent islands are included except for the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. When did this term come into being? It was actually during the reign of King James VI of Scotland (also known as King James I of England), when England and Scotland became one kingdom. This union didn’t mean that only one government managed the two countries. It was basically having one crown recognized as the head of two separate states.
When you say United Kingdom, you are referring to Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In fact, British passports now say “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.” This term came into use in 1922.
The third term, the British Isles, is quite different from the other two in that is of a geographical nature and not political. When you hear someone talk about the British Isles, he probably means this group of islands:
Great Britain, the whole of Ireland, the Orkney and Shetland Islands, the Isle of Man, the Inner and Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Wight, the Scilly Islands, Lundy Island, the Channel Islands and many other smaller islands
Want to have children? Have you been trying for years to no avail? Then I suggest that you head on over to Dorset in southern England. Just outside the village of Cerne Abbas, you will find a legendary chalk figure – The Cerne Abbas Giant. It is also called the Rude Man or the Rude Giant due to its exposed phallus.
So why should you visit the Giant if you want to have children? Legend has it that if a childless couple made love (on a certain part of the giant), they would soon have children. Another legend says that if a woman walked around the figure three times, she would keep her lover faithful to her. Oh, just make sure you’re fit enough to do three rounds – this giant is not called a giant for nothing!
The Cerne Abbas Giant’s is thought to be created way back in Ancient times. However, its history has only been traced to the late 17th century. Wikipedia presents one version of its origins:
Some believe that the giant was carved during the English Civil War by servants of the Lord of the Manor, Denzil Holles, and was intended as a parody of Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell was sometimes mockingly referred to as “England’s Hercules” by his enemies. The Hercules connection is strengthened by the recent discovery of an obliterated line perhaps representing an animal skin (see below). The suggestion that the figure is Hercules was first made in 1764 by William Stukeley.
Whoever the Giant may really be, the fact remains that it is one of the more popular sights in that part of England.
Long rambling walks in the countryside, the unmistakable scent of fresh air, the peacefulness that one finds only outside of the city – these things and more are what you can expect from a visit to Cumbria. Cumbria is a shire county in Northwest England and is predominantly rural. It is actually considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the whole country.
Being predominantly rural, the Cumbria area is one of the best places – if not the best – to go walking in England. If going on leisurely walks is your idea of relaxation, then Cumbria should definitely be on your list of places to visit.
The two main footpaths in this area are the Cumbrian Way and the Dales Way. If you take the former route, you will start by the sea side and head on northward to experience some of the most spectacular sceneries. The latter route will take you west into Yorkshire. Either way, you will have a one of a kind walking experience.
Of course, there are other options for those who are not “heavy duty walkers.” There are countless other footpaths wherein you can take more leisurely and shorter walks. Cumbria Calling lists down some of them:
• Buttermere – a two hour walk takes you all the way round this lovely lake
• Derwent Water Ferry – take the Derwent ferry from Keswick to Hawes End. Walk to Lodore Falls and take the ferry back to Keswick
• Stiffer than a stroll, but possible without being a mountaineer is to climb Skiddaw from Keswick.
• Ullswater ferry and walk. Take ferry from Glenridding pier to Howtown. It is then a three hour walk back along the lake shore to Howtown
• Take the ferry from Bowness to Sawrey, walk along the lake shore to Bass Rock, return through the National Trust woods
• Grizedale forest. There are a number of waymarked walks. Details from Forestry Commission
• Round Grasmere. A pleasant walk all the way round the lake at Grasmere will take about two hours
So put on your walking shoes and head on over to Cumbria!
Photo courtesy of Pikaluk
Christmas Markets in Britain
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Posted on Nov 22, 2010 by Jodie in English Cuisine, English Culture, English Places, English Traditions
With a history and culture as rich as it can be, there is no doubt that one can experience a myriad of festivities all throughout the country during the period of Christmas. As diverse as the activities are, one of the most popular is going around visiting various Christmas markets.
Year in and year out, visitors and locals alike look forward to Christmas markets all over the country. Here are some of the popular ones this year.
Bath Christmas Market
This has been a tradition in Bath since 2001. The town itself has a lot of other things to offer, especially the historic Abbey where the market is located. The traditional wooden stalls used as shops in the market add to the ambiance. More so, one can expect a lot of unique items.
Frankfurt Christmas Market
This is being held in Birmingham and is considered the largest Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria – definitely a unique experience!
Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester is not to be outdone when it comes to markets this Christmas. It has more than one! There is a traditional German market, a European market, and an Arts and Crafts Market.
These are only a few of the on going Christmas markets in Britain today. More than the food, crafts, and other items on sale, visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere with the entertainment being offered everywhere. This is a good time to feel the English culture at its festive best – wherever in England you may want to go.
Are you yearning to get away from your tedious daily life? If you cannot find the time to go on a week-long break (or longer), or you do not have the cash to spare for an exotic vacation this spring, why not keep within the boundaries of the country and spend some time in the local scene? You may not know it but there are so many places within the UK that you can visit without breaking the bank, while at the same time discovering something new.
One such place is Bodwin Moor in Cornwall. With its awe inspiring landscapes and natural beauty, Bodwin Moor is the perfect place to go to get away from it all. And another plus? This area is largely undeveloped. This means that you would not have to compete with too many tourists if you visit.
But just because it is not that developed, it does not mean that you will not find a good place to stay. There are a number of comfortable bed and breakfasts and farmstay opportunities in the area. If you like roughing it, you can opt to go camping as well. Let me tell you, camping is not exactly roughing it, though, as you get proper beds and wooden floors inside the tents at Belle Tents.
Some areas of interest that you should NOT miss if you go to Bodwin Moors include the Cheesewring (a natural formation of rocks) and the numerous mines in the area. For more detailed information on tourism in Bodwin Moor, read The Guardian’s feature.
Harrods is the most famous shopping mall in England, and probably the world. I made quite a few trips to central London before I ever visited Harrods. To be honest with you, I must say that I have never really been a shopper. However, I reckon that a trip to Harrods is more than a shopping trip. It’s like a visit to the most spectacular museum of shopping.
The place is massive and you are provided with a map as soon as you step your foot into the door that is filled with amazing, luxurious and stylish items. It is simply amazing. There’s always something you would definitely want to buy though everything seems really pricey.
One of my mates used to work in one of the restaurants there and he kept telling me how fascinating it was to work in such an environment where you get to meet an awful lot of people, some of whom the so-called upper class when they come to do their shopping. And the average wage in Harrods is relatively higher than elsewhere too and that’s one of the reasons my mate was quite miserable when he had to leave the job and went home where the wages are peanuts.
It is true that much of the stuff in Harrods can be bought elsewhere, usually at lower prices, but as you may know many people come here simply to get something with the Harrods logo on it. A lot of trade is done in this way, whether the items bought are genuine souvenirs or merely ordinary products but in Harrods packaging.
Another friend of mine got really annoyed with me once when I said to her that the Xmas puddings were much better in Tesco for £1.99 rather than the outrageous 8 Pounds she was about to pay for a Harrods one. My mate then called me ignorant. Well, what was I supposed to say?
I also many times noticed that the owner of Harrods Mohammad Al Fayed had a shrine to his son Dodi and Princess Diana. I had a quick peep and thought it was really tacky. Pictures of the lovely couple and the engagement ring he was about to give her in Paris. I just think that they should be left in peace without any sort of reminders, well at least in a crowded department store like Harrods.
During my time in England I tended to stay clear of this fabulous department store though I was really impressed with it. As far as I’m concerned, most of the people who shop there are too filthy rich and I’d feel uncomfortable dealing with them.
I still remember one day when my good mate insisted that I buy her a nice souvenir from Harrods for her birthday. I had to force myself to take the London Tube all the way to Knightsbridge and upon my arrival, they just sent me to a small area where a lot of cheap souvenirs were sold – I didn’t realise that Chavs are not allowed there!
