CONTENT
1. Foot and Mouth update
2. UK Destinations
3. Bed and Breakfast bookings
4. New: Royals Guide
5. UK Travel news and notes
Welcome friends, its time to put the kettle on, settle into a comfortable armchair, and enjoy the best of Britain with Britain Update. But before you do, please take the time to forward this newsletter to someone who loves Britain as much as you do.
David Ross, Publisher
******************************
Foot and Mouth Update
******************************
Despite widespread travel restrictions in place as a result of the recent Foot and Mouth outbreak, the UK countryside is not closed; there are hundreds of attractions open to the public and many Hotels, B&B's, Guest Houses and other establishments are offering great hospitality at great prices. Britain Express has partnered with Sheridan's Guides to provide an up to date listing of what's on in the areas you want to travel to, and up-to-date advice of what you can and can't do in the countryside provided by locals. Find out more at www.sheridans-guides.com/whatson
On a positive note, March 28 saw the Government call on local authorities, in consultation with landowners and managers, to re-open footpaths in their area. According to official statements, "First priority should be given to opening the most popular paths for recreational use. These include paths to the coast, tourist areas, national and other well-used trails, circular paths and cycle routes."
In practice, this should mean that most countryside destinations are open or will shortly re-open, but some paths and attractions near infected agricultural areas will remain closed.
If you want up to the minute information on whether your preferred destination has been affected by closure, the English Tourism Council has set up a national Visitors Information Hotline for people who want to visit, or take a holiday, in the English countryside. The line will be open seven days a week from 10.00 am - 8.00 pm.
*************************
UK Destinations: Naseby
*************************
Naseby, Northamptonshire, is a small village of about 500 inhabitants situated high in the rolling hills of the Northamptonshire uplands about 7 miles from Market Harborough.
The village is most well-known for its associations with the English Civil War. It was here on June 14, 1645, that one of the most important battles of the war was fought. A Parliamentary army under the command of Thomas Fairfax confronted Royal troops led by King Charles but commanded in the field by the king's nephew, Prince Rupert.
Read more about Naseby ...
******************************
Bed and Breakfast at Britain Express
******************************
Here's a reminder that Britain Express has partnered with Bed and Breakfast UK to bring you information on hundreds of bed and breakfast properties across the UK and Ireland. Browse the attractive collection of B&B properties at http://www.bedandbreakfasts-uk.co.uk/britainexpress/index.htm . Each B&B listing has details of facilities, contact information, prices, and a location map.
******************************
New at Britain Express: British Royals Guide
******************************
Britain Express has teamed with The Royal Report http://www.royalreport.com to create a new Guide to British Royalty. In the guide, you will find extensive biographies of Royal Family members, including the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Prince William, the Queen Mum, and, oh yes, Queen Elizabeth. In addition, check out the listings on "Where the Royals Shop" for information on official suppliers of goods and services to royals. And very shortly the guide will feature a large 'royal travel' section (how to get tickets to Royal Ascot, Henley, polo finals, etc.)
--------------------
Also new at Britain Express:
In our Medieval History section
The Order of the Garter
Learn about the most prestigious and oldest order of chivalry.
****************************
UK Travel Tips and News
****************************
JEWELS OF INDIA
A special exhibit, The Jewelled Arts of Mughal India, runs at the British Museum May 4-9 in the West Wing Exhibition Gallery. The collection includes over 300 mid-16th to early 18th-century pieces: jewelled daggers, cups, boxes, gaming pieces, bracelets, earrings, rings and pendants from Kuwait.
BLAENAVON WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Blaenavon has been named a World Heritage Site - a tribute to the well preserved Blaenavon Ironworks - the Big Pit Mining Museum, Brecknock and Abergavenny canals, railways and workers' houses. The area is a prime example of the Industrial Revolution's effect on people and the landscape surrounding them.
TUDOR COSTUMES EXHIBIT
Costume lovers will enjoy an exhibition of Tudor costumes from films and TV dramas from April-end June at Penshurst Place and Gardens near Tonbridge, Kent. Website: http://www.penshurstplace.com
TUDOR FESTIVAL
Still with Tudor subjects - the Tudor Festival at Bedfordshire's market town of Dunstable is on for Nov. 24. Tours include the Priory Church, falconry demonstrations, and historical re-enactments, Tudor craft demonstrations and dancing, period fare in the pubs, a hog roast, and street entertainment round out the tradition-rich event.
DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT ACCOMMODATION
Fancy a stay in a railway station, a windmill a lighthouse, or a church? "Distinctly Different" offers 32 B&B accommodations in converted buildings. Website: http://www.distinctlydifferent.co.uk
HEIRS AND GRACES
Harewood House in Yorkshire hosts a new exhibition of portrait miniatures from the family collection of the Lascelles, aristocratic owners of the stately home for 3 centuries. Artefacts include an 18th-century portrait of Edwin Lascelles, builder of Harewood, and a portrait of Queen Victoria set in a bracelet given as a Christmas gift by the queen to Charlotte Countess Canning, one of her Ladies in Waiting. Heirs and Graces runs from 14 March - 4 November at Harewood House, near Leeds LS17 9LQ.Website http://www.harewood.org/
That's all for now. Until next issue, let me remind you that laughter is contagious. Be a carrier.
David Ross, Publisher, Britain Express
