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Portsmouth

A place in history

For centuries this great city has helped shape this nation's history. Home of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth is a city with spirit and pride. Come and find out why the people of Portsmouth are so passionate about their city and story.

Visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and take an exciting journey through 500 years of history, find out why the Dockyard was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution that changed the world and the crucial role it has played in times of war and peace. It  is one of the top ten heritage attractions in the UK, home to Admiral Lord Nelson's world famous ship HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 and Henry VIII's Mary Rose. Visit the spot where Nelson fell at the Battle of  Trafalgar, see over 1000 Tudor artefacts perfectly preserved from the Mary Rose or try your hand at some modern navy skills at the interactive Action Stations!

The city has no less than twelve museums where you can find out more about Portsmouth's story and the people that have helped to write it, including its famous sons Charles Dickens, Brunel and Conan Doyle. Visit Dickens' Birthplace now preserved as a museum, or why not try a tate of the world's greatest Sherlock Holmes collection - on view at Portsmouth's City Museum (free entry). Click on the 'Famous faces' link to discover more about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

If you just want to soak up the atmosphere then discover history for yourself in the narrow lanes and cobbled streets along the waterfont. See where convicts and heros left England for the last time. Explore the Square and the Round Tower and discover fortifications ordered by Henry V to ward off invaders, you may hear the echoes of sad farewells and heroic returns. This is after all the most haunted city on the South coast and was recently featured on TV's 'Most Haunted'!

Why not take a guided walk, hop on board a guided bus tour or follow the Renaissance Trail. Don't miss Portsmouth's Anglican Cathedral dating back to 1185, St John's RC Cathedral in the heart of the city and the Royal Garrison Church. Silent witnesses to centuries of war and peace, all have unique and dramatic histories and are well worth a visit.

for a taste of history enjoy the pubs of Spice Island where once press gangs lined up new recruits. Enjoy lunch right on the waterside and watch the world float by, pick up dinner at the fish market on the Camber or head indoors to a cosy tea room.

Bath Christmas Market, Bath

Bath Christmas Market, Bath

29 Nov 2007 - 9 Dec 2007 Bath Christmas Market Bath Christmas Market, the internationally renowned festive gift market is set to go ahead in its seventh year from 29th November – 9th December 2007, and with the event growing in popularity year on year, now is the perfect time to start planning your visit. 117 traditional wooden chalets full of everything you’ll need to prepare for the perfect Christmas will occupy the Abbey Churchyard area, a magical setting in the shadow of Bath Abbey and next to the Roman Baths right in the centre of the stunning Georgian city’s shopping district. Visitors to the market will love the festive atmosphere, created by the hustle and bustle of the market and added to by aromas of festive, warming food, served at the event to give weary shoppers a boost. Whether a mulled wine and minced pie as a warming snack, or something more substantial, there will be something to suit all tastes. Bath Abbey, next to the market, is a stunning building, which hosts a full programme of Christmas services throughout the festive season. The sound of carols echoing around the Abbey and drifting through the market creates an extra special atmosphere. This is complimented by a full programme of entertainment at the event – carol singers, children’s entertainers and musicians that add to the festive ambience.

www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

Ellen McNulty is President at www.lynotttours.com>

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Architecture in South East England

Ancient castles, medieval streets, brave new buildings and iconic structures: the architecture in the South East is a genuine smorgasbord of styles.

In Brighton, a wander around the exotic domes and minarets of King George VI's famous Pavilion can makes a great contrast with the peeling dereliction of Embassy Court - a once-glamorous 1930s modernist block of flats on the seafront. Just outside Brighton in the village of Stanmer, you can see eco-architecture at its best with a tour of the new Earthship Brighton. Its organic-shaped buildings have been created using recycled tyres and other waste (1st and 3rd Sunday of every month).

Fans of Modernist architecture will love the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. This classic 1930s concrete and steel building was renovated in 2005 - bringing it back to life as a cultural icon, complete with art galleries, restaurants, sea-view terraces and an auditorium.

Just outside Hastings in the village of Brightling are a series of Follies which are collectively referred to as Fullers Follies. A testament to the eccentric life of Jack Fuller, they range from the Sugar Loaf - a spire like structure that was the result of a drunken bet, to the 25 foot high pyramid mausoleum and make for an altogether unique landscape.

Savill Gardens, in Windsor, have an eye-catching Visitor Centre as an entrance to their Royal landscape. Visitors are confronted by the modernistic Savill Building, as they enter into the grounds. Inspired by the strength and beauty of a shell, it is 98 meters in length and is the largest timber gridshell in the UK

In Kent, a strange black rubber beach house overlooks the shingle beach in Dungeness, while nearby is the brand-new straw-built Romney Marsh Visitor Centre. A great place from which to observe wildlife, the centre has foundations made of cobbles and a roof covered with a plant called sedum. Or take an architectural-history tour of Ightham Mote near Sevenoaks, Kent. Since it was built as a manor house in the 13th century, generations of owners have been adapting the building according to the style of each era. It's even got cleverly incorporated 21st century additions...

Portsmouth, famed for its docks and ships both ancient and modern, might seem an unlikely place to admire architecture. But the slick new development of Gunwharf Quays is home to the Aspex Gallery - a super-modern conversion of the 19th century Vulcan Building. The sail-shaped Spinnaker Tower nearby is an eye-catching monument to the town's shipping history.

The South East is littered with intriguing architecture - discover some of the region's dramatic defences. Historic towns such as Guildford in Surrey or Hastings in Sussex and Winchester in Hampshire are all home to an eclectic mix of architecture from Tudor times to present day.

1066 country

1066, the date that changed the course of England’s history forever, will be brought to life on 'Hastings Day' Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 October when Saxon King Harold and William, Duke of Normandy, cross swords for the crown of England.

Experience the thunder of hooves and the roar of the battle cry as over 2,000 re-enactors clash on the original battlefield. Pulses will race as the two great adversaries, accompanied by their loyal troops and 100 mounted knights recapture the tension and thrill of the fight that is the most famous battle fought on English soil.

From 10am each day, visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Norman and Saxon life by wandering through a superb living history encampment showing what everyday life was like for both soldiers and ordinary people during the time. A bustling marketplace, period music, archery and falconry displays and themed activities for children will add to the atmosphere in the build up to the main battle at 3pm each afternoon.

Portsmouth

Waterfront City

Portsmouth is a bold city that effortlessly combines the old and the new. The striking Spinnaker Tower provides an iconic 21st century landmark and a vantage point rivalled by none along the coast. Explore the surrounding streets, however, and you get a great feel for the city's impressive history.

Cultural quarter

One of Portsmouth's shining lights is the award winning Aspex Gallery. Newly re-housed in the Vulcan Building in Gunwharf Quays, it has, for 25 years, been a home to contemporary art in the city. Enthusiasts should also pay a visit to the art collections in the City Museum and Royal Naval Museum, here you can find fine art that takes on a naval and marine theme. Whilst at the Dockyard it is worth dropping in on No. 6 Cinema, which shows a range of new releases in World Cinema and older cult classics. No. 6 is housed in a Victorian Boathouse, creating a fantastic ambience and offering an altogether unique experience.

A place of harmony

Portsmouth is impressively a two Catherdral City, being home to St John's and St Thomas's. Throughout the year they both welcome some great concerts with the impressive chambers providing a perfect base for acoustics.

For an alternative source of musical entertainment, book in to see a performance at one of the two theatres in the Portsmouth. Designed by the architect Frank Matcham, they are magnificent to behold and offer a diverse programme for your perusal.

If a little cash strapped then you need not miss out on all the action. Throughout the summer months you can enjoy free events at The Bandstand, an amphitheatre that overlooks the sea. Take a picnic along and enjoy a precious lazy day.

Food for thought

Portsmouth holds a wealth of eateries that are sure to tantalise the tastebuds. When dining in Portsmouth try The Lodge Arts Centre's café - The Real Good Coffee Shop - who grow their own salad, vegetables, herbs and strawberries on site. Also supporting the use of local producers is the new 8 Kings Road, a destination restaurant with a Michelin trained chef at the realm. You don't have to eat out, however to support local growers. If staying in self-catered accommodation then you can source fresh ingredients for your main meal from Hampshire Fare, who have up to date information on local farmers markets. You can even order a Hampshire Fare Hamper - great for gifts or yourself!

For a spot of indulgence head to Coco, a new concept shop with café and patisserie. Here you can find 'Sex in the City' inspired cup cakes, luxurious hot chocolates and a range of lite bites ideal for lunch.

West Sussex

Coast to Countryside

West Sussex is truly a diverse county and is rich in heritage, places of natural beauty, and attractions. Find the hidden hotspots in its miles of unspoilt coastline and immerse yourself in the current of culture that is currently sweeping the county. 

Countryside

The South Downs offer a unique blend of unspoilt coast and tranquil countryside, which can be enjoyed in many different ways, from walking and picnicking, to mountain biking or hang-gliding. Interspersed throughout this captivating countryside are a number of enticing attractions. The Amberley Working Museum is one such example. Dedicated to the industrial heritage of the South East, here you can watch craftsmen at work, and ride around the site on an open top vintage bus. There is also the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Chichester, a fascinating collection of over 45 historic buildings, some dating back to medieval times. All the buildings have been rescued from their original sites and painstakingly re-built this parkland setting

Top Destinations

The historic county town of Chichester is dominated by its cathedral, widely recognised as a cultural hotspot, it is also home to the world famous Chichester Festival Theatre. Another of Chichester's claims to fame is its city walls originally constructed by the Romans, an era re-lived at the nearby Fishbourne Roman Palace.

Setting a slightly slower pace the historic town of Arundel is dominated by its magnificent castle, parts of which date back to the Norman invasion. A must for many visitors is a climb to the top of the Norman Keep to overlook the beautiful downland scenery. For something a little different, Arundel's Ghost experience, set in the old prison cells, offers an altogether more spooky interpretation of the famous town.

Sport and Leisure

For sport enthusiasts, West Sussex is a must. If equestrian events are to your liking, there is horse racing at Fontwell, near Arundel, show jumping at Hickstead, and polo at Cowdray Park near Midhurst. There is also the famous horse racing festival 'Glorious Goodwood' held at the country estate during the last week of July. In recent years, Goodwood has also become synonymous with a very different type of horsepower. Its annual 'Festival of Speed' is one of the biggest motorsport events in the world, attracting big name motor-racing stars. Meanwhile the Goodwood 'Revival Meeting' celebrates the golden era of motorsport and features cars from the 1950's and 1960's. Spectators are encouraged to dress in period outfits. A far more quieter addition to the impressive Goodwood estate is the Cass Sculpture Foundation which displays over 70 monumental sculptures in its 20 acres of grounds.

Rich Heritage

West Sussex boasts a wealth of historic houses. Parham House near Pulborough is a restored Elizabethan manor house awarded five stars in 'England's Thousand Best Houses'. The National Trust also run properties in the county which include Uppark House at South Harting with its fine Georgian interiors and regency garden and Petworth House which features superb state rooms together with fascinating servant's quarters.

Stonehenge

Superbly situated in Southern England's rural heartland, few destinations can match the amazing diversity of Salisbury and Stonehenge - with over 5,000 years of history there is no shortage of places to visit, all conveniently located within an hour or so's drive of each other.

Stonehenge

Situated high on Salisbury Plain, the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument of unique importance. Its orientation on the rising and setting sun has always been one of its most remarkable features, yet its origins remain shrouded in mystery. During the day you can view Stonehenge from the paths around the perimeter; but for a really special experience, pre-bookable Stone Circle Access tours are available early in the morning or in the evening. With these you can walk within and around the stones.

Historic Sailsbury

Ten miles south of Stonehenge lies medieval Salisbury. The city's five rivers are the source of its glorious water-meadows and the awe-inspiring sight of the Cathedral, rising from these lush, green fields, has been described as 'Britain's best view'.

Salisbury Cathedral is Britain's finest 13th century cathedral. Completed in AD1258, it offers one superlative after another, from the tallest spire in Britain and the oldest working clock in Europe, to the world's best preserved original Magna Carta and the largest cathedral cloisters in Britain. The Tower Tour offers a fascinating chance to explore the roof spaces, while choral evensong is a concert in itself - open to all, free of charge!

Shopping

One of the great things about shopping in Salisbury is the compact nature of the city centre. Yet with speciality shops, major chains, shopping malls and markets there is all the range and variety you could wish for. Just down the road you'll find the factory outlets of Wilton Shopping Village, while many of the skirting towns and villages have interesting and quirky retailers well worth seeking out.

Country pursuits

Outside the city lies a natural landscape of exquisite beauty, where rolling hills, chalk downlands and tree-lined river valleys combine with charming country towns and villages, to epitomise rural England at its very best. This is great walking, cycling and horse riding country, where a fantastic range of stately homes, and award-winning museums are waiting to be discovered.

The city also takes enormous pride in its gardens and is fortunate to have many acres of parkland and riverside settings, where you can take time out to relax and recharge.

The arts

Salisbury embraces the arts in the broadest sense of the word, with first-class venues such as Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury Arts Centre and the Studio Theatre offering quality, year-round entertainment.

Dining out

When you need a break, South Wiltshire offers plenty of choice, from town pubs to country pubs, pubs with gardens to pubs with ghosts! Salisbury itself boasts a superb selection of restaurants and is renowned for its cosmopolitan pavement cafés and cosy tea shops.

All of which combined makes South Wiltshire an unbeatable destination for day trips and short breaks alike!

Salisbury and Stonehenge
Nice church... great rocks

FRIENDS OF TED SEEK HELP WITH ROUND IRELAND MILK FLOAT PUSH!

FRIENDS OF TED SEEK HELP WITH ROUND IRELAND MILK FLOAT PUSH! madcap charity adventure scheduled to take place over 40 days and 40 nights commencing in January www.friendsofted.org Planned to take place over forty days, from Sunday 20 January to Friday 28 February 2008, forty different corporate teams (8 members each) will take on one daily route to push the Father Ted Milk Float all the way around Ireland. Starting and finishing in Galway, the Milk Float will travel north to Derry, east to Belfast, south to Dublin, through Carlow and Kilkenny to Cork, and home through Munster. Each leg will be represented by a person with Down Syndrome and they will “share the journey” with each team. Bank of Scotland (Ireland), have committed a team to compete in this unique corporate challenge while Boston Scientific Ireland Limited has signed as the opening team for first leg from Galway to Tuam. The Milk Float is scheduled to end its mammoth journey on Friday 28 February back in Galway City, just in time to catch a ferry to Inis Mór Island for the 2008 Father Ted Festival, ‘TedFest ’08’. Peter Phillips, from Friends of Ted said ‘The amount of people who want to go to Tedfest would sink Inis Mor. Therefore the idea is to take Tedfest to the people. Our friends at Paddy Powers offered to make this Road Trip happen and if it benefits Down Syndrome we will all go to Heaven.’ Bookies Paddy Power discovered the Father Ted Milk Float deep in the bowels of Ardmore Studios and have faithfully restored the vehicle to its original glory. They will be offering a variety of bets around the Milk Float push including the fastest and slowest section times, best individual performances, King of the Mountains and lots more. All profits from will also be donated to Down Syndrome Ireland. Only forty teams will be chosen for the challenge but every offer of support will be welcomed with open arms, volunteers, logistics, serving food, promoting the event. Padraig Delaney from Down Syndrome said “The Father Ted Milk Float challenge represents the challenges and the push that people with Down Syndrome face every day for access to health care, access to speech therapy, access to quality education, access to employments, and access to an independent life. We are delighted that Paddy Power and Friends of Ted have included us in this innovative and fun initiative”

Hastings

Hastings & 1066 Country - Away From the Everyday

There's a spiritual, cultural and geographic symmetry between the timeless narrow twittens of Hastings Old Town and the cobbled maritime mysteries of its close neighbour Rye. Both are steeped in centuries of story and myth, both have inspired some of the world's finest cultural figures, from JMW Turner to Henry James and both boast some of the UK's finest restaurants, independent shops and events programmes.

A Class Apart

A short-break stay in Hastings & 1066 Country rewards the soul and refreshes the senses without robbing the pocket. Few towns can boast accommodation as luxurious as Rye's The George which has been recently renovated to become a four star boutique in the very heart of the town. Equally there can be few guest houses on the South Coast as enchanting as Hastings Old Town's Swan House or as unique as its Piece of Cheese. A self-catering cottage, The Piece of Cheese defies convention and definition, much like the eccentric follies that litter the surrounding countryside.

A Cut Above

Hastings Old Town's Seafood and Wine Festival brings together the area's best local producers. It promotes only the highest quality Marine Stewardship Council-certified fish and the wine on display rivals anything the South of France can offer for flavour, character and aroma. A Taste of Rye serves a similar purpose in Hastings' neighbouring town with locally sourced foods (including the unrivalled Rye Bay Scallops) prepared in creative ways and married to some of the region's most scintillating wines. For a different type of culinary treat, the Sussex Breakfast is guarantee of quality, served at several of the area's accommodation provides the ingredients are sourced directly from local producers and farm shops. There is also Judge's Bakery in Hastings Old Town which has been providing organically produced bread since 1826. If ever you needed an assurance of quality, the fact that the bakery is now owned by the founders of Green & Blacks Chocolate must be a good hint!

The Rye Arts Festival is a fortnight of rich and varied delights. It includes everything from readings, film screenings and musical performances to walks through Winchelsea's Medieval Cellars and tours of the little-known Romney Marsh Churches. Meanwhile, Hastings Old Town Festival and Carnival offers up a frenzy of bizarre events and idiosyncratic celebrations with everything from a farcical but fun seaboot race to a thrilling fishing boat race.

A Step Beyond

The countryside beyond the two towns offers hundreds of miles of historic rural splendour. Whether you are looking for a casual country wander or more serious lose-yourselves-ramble it isn't hard to locate a route.

Stepping outside of the two towns also reveals a wealth of hidden delights. Etchingham's King John's Lodge is a listed Jacobean wonder where the Black Prince is said to have held King John II of France hostage. Bexhill's De La Warr Pavilion is a bold architectural statement of pure modernity and now one of the South Coast's most vital cultural centres. Then there are the wildly expressive gardens of Northiam's Great Dixter. A living testament to their creator Christopher Lloyd, acclaimed gardening writer and celebrated local personality.

Farmers Markets in Wales

Farmers Markets
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Farmers’ markets are often best place to buy food locally, usually with a good range of free-range and organic produce as well. Markets are mainly held monthly, so stock up for the freezer when you visit.

Aberaeron
1st Monday of the month
Inner Harbour, Aberaeron
Contact: Jan Fenner, Tel: 01970 828194

Abergavenny
4th Thursday of the month, 9.00-14.30
Market Hall, Abergavenny
Contact: Margaret Wilding, Tel: 01873 860271

Aberystwyth
3rd Saturday of the month, 10.00-15.00
North Parade, Aberystwyth
Contact: Jan Fenner, Tel: 01970 828194

Bangor
Alternate Sundays, 10.00-16.00
Safeway car park, Bangor
Contact: Joanna Robertson, Tel: 01248 421661

Brecon
2nd Saturday of the month, 10.00-14.00
Market Hall, Brecon
4th Saturday of the month, June to November
Bishop Bevan Hall, Brecon
Contact: Fiona Jones, Tel: 01874 610008

Caerphilly
2nd Saturday of the month, 9.30-13.00
Twyn Community Centre, Caerphilly
Contact: Stacy Hardwick, Tel: 029 2088 0011

Cardiff
Every Sunday, 10.00-14.00
Fitzhammon Embankment, Riverside, Cardiff
Contact: Ken Moon, Tel: 029 2019 0036
www.riversidemarket.org.uk

Cardigan
1st Thursday of the month, 9.00-13.00
Guildhall, Cardigan
Contact: Jan Fenner, Tel: 01970 828194

Carmarthen
1st Friday of the month, 9.00-15.00
Town Centre, Carmarthen
Contact: Nic Thomas, Tel: 01267 244450/ 01269 590218

Celyn
3rd Sunday of the month
North Wales College of Horticulture
Contact: Ericka Mackie, Tel: 01352 703217

Chepstow
2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, 9.30-13.30
Senior Citizens Centre, Chepstow
Contact: Sarah Smith, Tel: 01291 627416

Colwyn Bay
Every Thursday
Bayview Shopping Centre, Colwyn Bay
Contact: Tudor Jones, Tel: 01492 680209

Cowbridge
1st Saturday of the month
A. John’s car park, Cowbridge
Contact: Norman Jenkins, Tel: 01446 774036

Fishguard
Alternate Saturdays, 9.00-14.00
Fishguard Town Hall
Contact: Kate Morgan, Tel: 01437 776168 or Andy Crook, Tel: 01239 841827

Haverfordwest
Alternate Fridays, 9.00-15.00
Riverside Quay, Haverfordwest
Contact: Kate Morgan, Tel: 01437 776168

Knighton
4th Saturday of the month, 10.00-13.00
Knighton Community Centre
Contact: Tom Taylor, Tel: 01547 520096

Lampeter
4th Friday of the month, 10.00-15.00
High Street, Lampeter
Contact: Jan Fenner, Tel: 01970 828194

Llandovery
Last Saturday of the month, 9.00-15.00
Castle Hotel, Market Square, Llandovery
Contact: Dawn Hoare-Ward, Tel: 01550 720369

Llandrindod Wells
Last Thursday of the month
Middleton Street, Llandrindod Wells
Contact: Michel Blaese, Tel: 01597 824102

Merthyr Tydfil
3rd Friday of the month, 10.00-14.00
High Street, Merthyr Tydfil
Contact: Town Centre Manager, Tel: 01685 725106

Monmouth
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 9.00-13.00
The Shire Hall Arches, Agincourt Square, Monmouth
Contact: Susan White, Tel: 01600 712611 or Sarah Smith, Tel: 01291 627416

Mumbles
2nd Saturday of the month, 9.30-13.30
British Legion Car Park, Newton Road, Mumbles
Contact: Robin Bonham, Tel: 01792 405169

Penarth
3rd Saturday of the month
Conservative Club, Penarth
Contact: Norman Jenkins, Tel: 01446 774036

Porthcawl
4th Saturday of the month, 10.00-13.00
Awel y Mor Centre, Porthcawl,
Contact: Gillian Rees, Tel: 01656 659441

Usk
1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, 10.00-13.00
The Memorial Hall, Maryport Street, Usk
Contact: Steve Shearman, Tel: 01600 860730/01600 869037
www.uskfm.co.uk

Welshpool
1st Friday of the month, 9.00-14.00
Town Hall, Welshpool
Contact: Mark Jarvis 01686 670722

Wrexham
3rd Friday of the month, 9.00-15.30
Queen’s Square, Wrexham
Contact: Ken Barney, Tel: 01978 292448