CONTENT
1. UK Destinations: Worcester Cathedral
2. London Cruises
3. UK Online
4. UK Travel tips and news
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
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UK Destinations: Worcester Cathedral
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Worcester Cathedral is blessed with one of the most pleasing locations of any English cathedral, with the possible exception of Durham. The cathedral sits on level ground beside the River Severn, and seen from the river - the favoured viewpoint for guidebook photographers - the aspect is of timeless serenity.
Approach through the city on foot, however, and your first impression may be one of disappointment, for heavy restoration work in the Victorian period has left its mark. Almost all the outer stonework is Victorian, as are the west front and the eastern end of the building. The cathedral precincts are hemmed in by modern brick buildings, so that it can be hard to get a good view.
More about Worcester Cathedral
The city of Worcester contains a fine collection of medieval and Tudor buildings including The Commandery, a maze of half-timbered buildings that served as the Royalist headquarters for the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
The Commandery now houses exhibitions on the Civil War and the fateful battle. The Guidhall, which still houses the civic administration, is a later building by Thomas White, a protege of Christopher Wren. The Royal Worcester china works can be toured, and visitors can pick up a bargain at the works shop.
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London Discovery Cruises
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A new opportunity to explore London by water starts this summer. The purpose-built hotel boats Hind and Hart embark on a summer of exploring London's hidden waterways, and in the process visit parts of the capital that many visitors never see. The Thames is London's most familiar waterway, f course, but there are 10 more canals and navigable rivers in and around the city. Each London waterway has its own special character, the huge variety adds to the interest.
London Discovery Cruises visit The Tideway, Royal River Thames, River Brent, River Lea, Regents Canal, Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal, Hertford Union Canal, Limehouse Cut, and the Grand Union Canal Mainline. The various rivers and canals in London are often hidden away behind or under later buildings and navigating is always a surprise, as you apparently pop out of a deep cutting or tunnel, and suddenly arrive at a familiar landmark. Varied wildlife abounds from Grey Herons and Cormorants on the Thames at Kew, to the more exotic at the Zoo with Llamas gazing down at passing narrowboats from Camden Town.
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UK Online
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Countrylovers.co.uk http://www.countrylovers.co.uk/ is a site devoted to the delights of the UK countryside. From places to go and recreational opportunities to quick sketches of reader's favourite villages, there's a little something for everyone. Traditional crafts and gardening, environmental news, and countryside diaries are just some of the things that make this a fascinating site. Well worth the time to browse.
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Bed and Breakfast at Britain Express
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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.
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UK Travel Tips and News
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HAMPTON COURT SHOW
Hampton Court Palace Show takes place July 2-8 with images from the Far East being an inspiration for the show and water gardens. It is held in the grounds of Henry VIII's Tudor palace near London. Website: http://www.rhs.org.uk
BEER & SAUSAGE IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
The Fifth Annual Cumbrian Beer and Sausage Festival takes place August 10, 11, 12 at Tirril. Featuring a selection of Cumbria's finest real ales and sausages including house beers brewed on the premises in Tirrel's own brewery. Queen’s Head Inn, Tirril near Penrith, Cumbria Tel. 01768 868219 for details
WINE & ANTIQUES
Still with Cumbria events, Temple Sowerby House Hotel, in Temple Sowerby, near Penrith, is hosting some special events this summer: two day wine weekends and a 5-day antiques holiday. The antiques holiday will feature talks by a leading expert on English porcelain. A workshop with Jimmy Skerrit, one of Royal Worcester's best artists, now retired, will demonstrate the art of painting on porcelain. The participants will have the opportunity to try their hand at painting on porcelain and have their efforts fired in a kiln. Contact the Temple Sowerby House for full details at stay@temple-sowerby.com or go to their website: http://www.temple-sowerby.com/index.htm
CARDIFF CASTLE
Cardiff Castle’s underground tunnels, used as air-raid shelters during World War II, are opening to the public. A state of the art visitor centre is planned, to be set into the embankment behind the curtain wall of the castle. Restoration and repair of the castle and its décor is also underway.
SCOTTISH ABBEY TO BE 'MODERNISED'
Fort Augustus Abbey on the shores of Loch Ness is open again to the public after being closed since 1998. Purchased by the Abbey Millennium Scotland Company, it will not be kept in its present historical state. The company wants to turn it into a theatre, wedding and conference centre, tropical glasshouse, and restaurant. So, if you are travelling in the area, plan to see it this summer.
NORFOLK HOUSES & HERRING
Two 17th century houses in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, have been restored to show what life was like when people who worked in the herring industry lived in them. The properties were known as Row Houses. English Heritage has opened the Old Merchants House and Row 111 daily with hourly guided tours.
GALLERY & MUSEUM HIGHLIGHTS
Royal Academy of Arts June 30-Sept 23 features 50 19th and early 20th century works. Website: http://www.royalacademy.org.uk The National Gallery from June 20-Sept 16 highlights Vermeer and the Delft School with 75 works by 28 artists. The Victoria & Albert Museum features the work of a Seattle glass artist from June 21-Oct21 and a Japanese architect from May 17-July 22. Website: http://www.vam.ac.uk
That's all for now. Until next issue, let me remind you that laughter is contagious. Be a carrier.
David Ross, Publisher, Britain Express
