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UK_01-02_95-96FCBNM67500_Travel COVER Ideas SECTION FP Ad.indd 3.5mm.indd 1 1 3/12/2015 9:25 am 4/12/2015 1:52 pm contents Avoid sky high UK ISSUE airport fees and Travelideas AT THE FRONT Old and new Map 58Celebrating Scottish design. of UK 04Where we’ve been and what On the take off with we’ve seen. menu 64Tuck into ale pie, haggis, or a Travel heart-stopping brekkie. desk 06The latest news from the UK. Culinary stars more money. FEATURES 66Yorkshire's top eateries. Time The great travel outdoors 10Ten must-see historical sites. 70Beautiful parks and gardens. . Buy or sell 60+ currencies in store helloWithout question, London is one of the most A story Kidding popular destinations for Australian travellers. to tell around As one of the world’s great cities, London has 22Britain celebrates some of its 76London: a big picture book. . something for everyone and the city is abuzz with greatest authors in 2016. No fees or commissions amazing shopping, ancient landmarks, quaint Games, Castle set, match streetscapes, trendy markets and royal in uences. hotspots 78See great sporting arenas, . is edition of Travel ideas magazine is dedicated to the 26Walk the halls of royalty. from Wimbledon to Lord’s. Open late and on weekends places that make the UK so special. Favourite regions of mine include the Lake District, historic Edinburgh and South Wales, which you can read Star AT THE BACK more about in this magazine, but a traditional English pub is also hard to attraction 30On the set of TV and fi lm’s The challenge . Order foreign cash online 24 x 7 beat. hottest locations. One week or two? If a trip to the UK is on the cards this year, this edition is for you as 82Expert holiday advice. you’ll nd practical tips and tricks for your trip and inspiration on the Action stations City scoop . Multi-currency regions you will be visiting, plus you might pick up some new ideas of 34Twelve ways to celebrate Insider tips. places to add to your list. If you’ve always dreamed of a trip to England, Wales’ year of adventure. 84 ™ Wales or Scotland, then this edition is also for you, as you’ll nd rst-hand Calendar Cash Passports accounts on some of the UK’s great tourist spots to inspire your travel plans. Out of Save the date: the town 86most exciting events in 2016. Happy reading. 40Inspired by the Lake District. Tom Walley, Executive general manager Get social London Photo sharing. uncovered 90 This special UK edition of Travel ideas is also 44A guide to the city’s Travel clinic available online. Download the Travel ideas ‘alternative’ attractions. All your family Travelideas app from the App Store or Google play today. 92holiday questions answered. Choose your own region Choose your fl ightcentreAU @fl ightcentreAU @fl ightcentreAU 52Unique journeys in Wales, holiday England and Scotland. 94Tailor your ideal UK trip.
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Fast facts From Vikings to kings ... step into the UK’s 409 34 bloody and The number of The distance, ENGLAND/ escalators in the in kilometres, mesmerising SCOTLAND ENGLAND ENGLAND/ London subway between England history. ENGLAND system. and France. SCOTLAND On a plate NORTHERN Top 10 IRELAND Best sellers ENGLAND/ Innovation SCOTLAND Screen grabs Pub grub meets Open a door A sporting Follow 100 775 Ingenuity the Michelin star. into the homes life in royal If you reach this The number underpins ABERDEEN Britain is the and villages of footsteps grand old age, of rooms in Scotland’s past, backdrop for famous writers, Kick or tee inside you will receive Buckingham present ... and a countless films from Charlotte a personalised Palace, including off at iconic imposing bright future. NORTH SEA and shows. ENGLAND/ Bronte to card from the 52 royal and venues. castles and SCOTLAND Roald Dahl and Queen, followed guest bedrooms, palaces. William by another card 188 staff Castle watch 78 Shakespeare. for a 105th bedrooms 58 birthday and and 78 CELTIC SEA every year after. bathrooms. GLASGOW EDINBURGH
SCOTLAND UK EDITION/ ISSUE #11 25,000 ENGLAND The number of iconic black London taxis that are still on the road. Drivers NORTHERN of these cabs must know 320 basic IRELAND routes, all 25,000 streets on the basic BELFAST Carry on routes and 20,000 landmarks. 66 DISCOVER THE BEST OF ENGLAND. SCOTLAND YORK AND WALES BY FLICKING 30 TO THESE HIGHLIGHTS ENGLAND IRISH SEA 10 56 IN THE MAGAZINE. London calling WALES LIVERPOOL DUBLIN MANCHESTER P Call to action Sample the city’s music, Celebrating REPUBLIC OF art and a year of IRELAND 22 culture. out-of-the- BIRMINGHAM ordinary adventure. 34 There is WALES something 44 26 delicious about CARDIFF LONDON CELTIC SEA writing the first
BRIGHTON words of a story. SOUTHAMPTON The Queen’s Guards are famed You never quite CORNWALL for seriousness. know where ENGLISH CHANNEL See if you can get they’ll take one to crack a smile you.” when you visit. Beatrix Potter, author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit
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Record breakers NEWS & EVENTS TRAVEL DESK SIT BACK AND READ ABOUT THE LATEST AND HOTTEST
NEWS ABOUT THE UK. GREAT TRAIN JOURNEYS
American Martina All aboard Navratilova’s nine Travelling in the famous Art Deco carriages is a bucket-list experience for many, Wales is famous for and in 2016 the Venice Simplon-Orient Express will make history with a new Wimbledon titles are the most by bog snorkelling, with journey from London to Berlin. any female player competitors wearing The inaugural departure leaves from London to Berlin via Paris on the 2nd of in the Open era. flippers and mask Get to know June, 2016. The two-day, one-night, rail journey will take travellers through the to twice get through countryside in luxurious vintage carriages, with fine dining and personal stewards a 55-metre slimy peat bog as fast on hand in the sleeper cabins to take care of their every need. MATT PRESTON as possible, without MATT PRESTON IS AN ENGLISH-AUSTRALIAN Meanwhile, Ireland will get its first luxury train in August when the Belmond using swimming Grand Hibernian takes to the rails. From the same company as the Orient AWARD-WINNING FOOD JOURNALIST, strokes. The world Express, the Grand Hibernian can carry up to 40 guests in private ensuite cabins. record of 1 min RESTAURANT CRITIC AND TV PERSONALITY Passengers can choose between two-, four-, and six-night journeys that take in 22.56 sec is held by FAMOUS FOR HIS JUDGING ROLE ON TEN’S highlights of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Kirsty Johnson. MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA. THE FLAMBOYANT FATHER-OF-THREE IS ALSO THE AUTHOR OF THREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS. The 309-metre Shard in London is the tallest building The first thing I eat when I step off the plane in the in the UK. There is a UK is English cheddar, a glass of milk and a chocolate viewing platform on Hobnob. Then a cup of Builders tea.A special meal that the top floor. won’t let you down in London is The Ledbury in Notting Hill for dinner and Hibiscus in Mayfair for lunch. I’ll have beers with the boys at some of the old Fulham haunts but, sadly, so many of them have disappeared or been gentrified. My favourite thing to do on a sunny Sunday in London is to go and see Chelsea play. I grew up 400 metres from their home ground, Stamford Bridge. If those tickets are too hard to snare, go to watch Fulham and take a lovely MUSICALS walk through Bishop’s Park from Putney Bridge tube to get to the ground. If you hate football, take a picnic to Richmond Park. I was an altar boy so a climb to the Hitting a high note top of the dome of St Paul’s to enjoy the view and Wren’s Marty McFly loved playing guitar in the Back to the Future movie, and soon architecture is a fine escape! I spent a lot of time in Sussex he’ll be in his very own musical in London’s West End. as a kid. I recommend taking a day trip for beer at the Back to the Future The Musical comes from the producers of Ghost The Musical The record for The Mousetrap Old Neptune in Whitstable and lunch at The Sportsman in and is being written by Bob Gale, who wrote the original ’80’s cult film. Hit songs tossing the most is the longest‑ Seasalter. Visit National Trust properties like Bodiam Castle, from the movie, including The Power of Love and Johnny B Goode, will appear cabers at the running show same time was Petworth House, Sissinghurst Castle and Hever Castle. alongside original songs. in the world, set in Inverness, opening at My tip for long-haul travel is to set your watch to TheHunger Games will also get the musical treatment. Singing and dancing Scotland, in 2014, London’s destination time when you board and sleep as much as you as teenagers fight to the death may seem like an odd choice, but producer when 160 throwers West End on can. I love to travel both as a food writer and for pleasure. Robin de Levita has a Tony Award for Titanic The Musical, so she knows what successfully tossed November 25, Lisbon, London, Lima, Mexico City and Chengdu are all she’s doing. The Hunger Games musical will take place on a 360-degree rotating 66 cabers. 1952. on the agenda next year. stage in a purpose-built venue near Wembley Stadium.
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Celebrating Shakespeare GhostLocal Festival fun To commemorate the 400th THE UK IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD FOR FESTIVALS, flavoursstories anniversary of Shakespeare’s CELEBRATING EVERYTHING FROM MUSIC AND FOOD TO ART AND CULTURE. death, Stratford-upon-Avon will host a series of exhibitions in 2016 celebrating the life and work of England’s greatest playwright. Shakespeare’s schoolroom will open to the public for the first time, there will be a new look at his final home, New Place, and in April the Royal Shakespeare Company will start a tour ‘Page to Stage’ taking visitors from the The historic Viaduct first days of rehearsals through to Tavern in London a first performance, with a chance was once a jail to look inside the RSC’s store of and drinkers now 30,000 costumes for the first time. claim they hear The 23rd and 24th of April will wailing from the see the biggest celebration with cellars. There have a parade, street entertainers and been ‘incidents’ music to celebrate Shakespeare’s in the cellars, with birthday weekend. a manager once being locked inside.
Fantastic Mr Dahl ENGLAND SCOTLAND WALES There are also big plans to mark the 100th anniversary of Roald Isle of Wight, Edinburgh Abergavenny Dahl’s birth in 2016. The man Bestival Festival Fringe Fine Food Festival who brought us Charlie and the SEPTEMBER 8–11, 2016 AUGUST 5–29, 2016 SEPTEMBER 17–18, 2016 Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox and The BFG will be This four-day music festival is The ‘festival city’, Edinburgh One of the biggest events celebrated with a series of events famous for its eclectic music is home to 12 major festivals on Britain’s food calendar, in his hometown of Cardiff. and unique scenery. Held during the year, including the the Abergavenny Fine Food The weekend of the 16 to > Going with the flow: canal cruising at the Robin Hill Country largest arts festival in the world, Festival is the place to see 17 September will see Cardiff Glamis Castle is the is a popular way to see the UK. Park on the picturesque Isle The Fringe Festival. In 2015 some of the greats in action transformed into a ‘City of the most-haunted castle of Wight, Bestival has seen there were 50,459 performances and meet the up-and-coming Unexpected’, with city-wide in Scotland. The performances from Stevie of 3,314 shows in 313 venues culinary stars. Mixing celebrity performances of all things Dahl. ghost of a servant boy is said to lurk Wonder, Amy Winehouse, across the city, and the 2016 chef demonstrations with In the village of ON THE WATER Buckinghamshire, where Dahl lived 01. Le Boat 02. Magna Carta 03. Seven Seas near a bedroom, Bjork, the Chemical Brothers Fringe Festival looks set to keep top-of-the-line exhibitors, and wrote for 36 years, fans can Hire a self-drive boat European Waterways’ While most cruise one of several ghost and many more. The brainchild up the pace. There’s theatre, the festival is spread over five visit the award-winning Roald and set off through the Magna Carta offers ships head to Europe sightings. of Radio 1 DJ Rob Da Bank, dance, comedy, cabaret, circus, venues and after all of that Dahl Museum and Story Centre. canals and waterways. modern luxury in a from Britain, Regent this award-winning festival musicals, opera, spoken word good food, you can spend the A new Steven Spielberg Float Travel down the traditional 1936-built Seven Seas offers a attracts more than 50,000 and more, plus a great vibe night dancing at Abergavenny’s adaptation of The BFG is also Thames, taking in barge. Guests on 10-night all-inclusive people from around the world. around a beautiful city. historic castle. due to be released in 2016. Your Boat Oxford, Windsor this eight-passenger cruise around the Between Britain’s Castle, Hampton barge cruise the coast of Great Britain, scenic rivers, dramatic Court Palace and UK’s waterways Ireland and Scotland. Hotel corner lochs and more than 12,000 other historic spots with a captain, two The 700-passenger kilometres of coastline, as you float through housekeepers and a all-suite, all-balcony InterContinental Nobu, Shoreditch Scotland Yard there’s a lot to be said for the lush countryside. master chef. As well Voyager has unlimited London – The 02 Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s to become Hotel seeing the UK from the This winter will see first European hotel London’s original Or start your journey as classic cruises they shore excursions and water. Whether you like to in Scotland and also offer themed trips, four restaurants, a two- the opening of the is eagerly awaited. Scotland Yard is being be the captain of your own Screeching and Intercontinental Guests will have access transformed into a cruise the lochs of the including Cycling deck theatre, a Canyon vessel, prefer to let someone shadowy figures London – The 02 on the to a landscaped luxury 5-star hotel. Caledonian canal, Cruises, Walking Ranch spa and more have been reported Greenwich Peninsula. garden, and food and Guests will pay up else do all the work, or feel keeping an eye out for Cruises, Golf Cruises, to entertain you when in the 800-year- The luxury hotel has an drink developed by to £10,000 a night more at home on a large Nessie in Loch Ness. Flower Show Cruises you’re on board. old mansion Sker 18th-floor Sky Bar with Matsuhisa uniquely to stay in the historic ship there’s something for and many more. House, one of the panoramic views. for the hotel. building. everyone. most haunted places in Wales.
8 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 9 TOP 10 HISTORIC BRITAIN
TOP 10 HISTORIC BRITAIN FROM STONEHENGE VIA VIKINGS TO A MODERN EMPIRE, BRITAIN‘S BLOODY AND MESMERISING HISTORY LIVES ON IN ITS MONUMENTS.
> Corfe Castle, established by William the Conqueror, overlooks picturesque Corfe village.
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ROMAN REALM ANCIENT WORLDS
If you love… If you love… THE BATHS OF BATH THE NEOLITHIC WONDER 01 02 OF STONEHENGE you must visit… HADRIAN’S WALL, you must visit… NORTHERN ENGLAND CHEDDAR GORGE, SOMERSET For around 300 years, the wall and This beautiful landscape is not only a its associated forts and watchtowers wonderful place to walk, explore and represented the northern defensive discover, but also a key prehistoric frontier of the Roman Empire. Work heritage site – one of its caves yielded started under the orders of the Emperor the oldest complete skeleton ever found Hadrian in 122 AD. Various trails allow in Britain: the 9,000-year-old Cheddar exploration of remaining sections of the Man. You can visit the caves as well wall and fort sites amid some stunning, as take in the Museum of Prehistory wild landscapes. among a wealth of other attractions.
you might also like… you might also like… WROXETER, SHROPSHIRE OLD SARUM, WILTSHIRE One of the best preserved Roman A 10-kilometre hop from Stonehenge towns in Britain, Wroxeter provides a and a jump forward in the time fascinating insight into Roman life and machine, Old Sarum was founded as culture in what was a settlement almost an Iron Age hill fort in around 500 BC. as large as Pompeii. You will also find It became the site of both a castle built the largest piece of free-standing Roman by William the Conqueror and the wall in the country – originally part of original Salisbury Cathedral until it was an enormous basilica. Wander the ruins, abandoned in the 13th century. You can a reconstructed town house, and visit explore the Iron Age fort ramparts, castle the museum. and cathedral sites, and more.
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1066 AND ALL THAT NORDIC RAIDERS
If you love… If you love… BATTLE ABBEY’S YORK’S VIKING PAST 03NORMAN TRIUMPHALISM 04 you must visit… you must visit… LINDISFARNE ISLAND, CORFE CASTLE, DORSET NORTHUMBERLAND
The UK is not short of dramatic Founded by St Aiden in the 6th century, castles, but the ruins atop a steep hill the monastery on this picturesque, overlooking the picturesque village of isolated island was for many years a Corfe and the Purbeck countryside take bastion of northern Christianity, home some beating. Established by William to the famously beautiful Lindisfarne the Conquerer soon after the Battle Bible. But it has a darker reputation as of Hastings, the castle has witnessed the first place in England to be raided by centuries of intrigue and conflict, with Vikings in 793 – a powerful portent of a particularly significant role in the the Viking Age of Britain to come. The English Civil War. island can be visited at low tide.
you might also like… you might also like… THE TOWER OF LONDON JARLSHOF, SHETLAND ISLANDS Few buildings in England are as instantly recognisable as the Tower, which has One of the most extraordinary both a regal and chequered bloody archaeological sites in the UK – first history as palace, stronghold and prison. revealed at the end of the 19th century – Work started on the iconic White Tower Jarlshof has a history dating back 4,000 in the 1070s as part of a dramatic and years, with a particularly significant powerful statement by newly crowned settlement by Vikings from Norway in William to stamp his authority on a the 9th century. Development included hostile population. The Tower is one of a longhouse as the centrepiece of a long- the world’s most visited attractions. standing farming community.
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MEDIEVAL MONUMENTS ANGLO-SAXON TREASURES
If you love… If you love… 05 EDINBURGH’S CROWNING CASTLE 06SUTTON HOO’S BURIAL BOUNTY you must visit… you must visit… CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL, PORTCHESTER CASTLE, HAMPSHIRE CANTERBURY Portchester fort and castle has had various incarnations during its long history, mainly because of its key defensive position on the Solent. World Heritage-listed Canterbury Cathedral, Originally built by the Romans, it enjoyed great prominence during the the heart of the Anglican Church worldwide, Anglo-Saxon period under King Edward the Elder in the struggle against was founded in the 11th century and the Vikings. It is reputed to be the nation’s best preserved example of a earned an enduring place in medieval and Roman 'Saxon Shore' fort. later history as the site of the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket, apparently at the you might also like… behest of his former friend King Henry II. OFFA'S DYKE, ENGLAND-WALES BORDER Subsequently it became a place of pilgrimage If you have the energy, you can walk the Offa’s Dyke Path, a – as it is today. 280-kilometre trail that effectively marks the border between England and Wales. Others make do with a visit to the Offa’s Dyke Centre in you might also like… Knighton, Powys, and the sections of the dyke nearby. Dug at the orders FOUNTAINS ABBEY, YORKSHIRE of Offa, King of Mercia in the 8th century, there is still plenty of mystery about the dyke’s true purpose. Boundary? Defence? Power statement? One of the best-preserved monastery ruins in the country, in an eerily beautiful country setting, Fountains was established in the 12th century and enjoyed periods of great prosperity as well as times of great turmoil during the Middle Ages. Dissolved by King Henry VIII, the abbey is now the centrepiece of a major tourist attraction including a deer park and water gardens.
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THE TUDORS ARTHURIAN MAGIC
If you love… If you love… TRADITIONAL TUDOR ARTHUR’S FINAL RESTING 07 ARCHITECTURE 08 PLACE IN GLASTONBURY you must visit… you must visit… SHAKESPEARE’S TINTAGEL CASTLE, CORNWALL STRATFORD-UPON-AVON A precarious setting amid the dramatic Cornish cliffs, pounded by the Atlantic This most significant figure in Ocean … close your eyes and it’s easy to English and world literature was born imagine Merlin weaving his dark magic in Stratford and there are numerous around Arthur’s birth. The castle ruins, Tudor landmarks still standing and the Arthur legend linked to them, in today’s Stratford, including date from the 12th and 13th centuries, Shakespeare’s birthplace in Henley but there is evidence of a settlement Street and the picturesque farmhouse from the 5th century, when Arthur home in nearby Shottery where is reputed to have been born. he courted his future wife, Anne Hathaway. Shakespeare is buried in Stratford’s Holy Trinity Church. you might also like… CADBURY CASTLE, SOMERSET you might also like… LITTLE MORETON HALL, It bears no resemblance to the Camelot CHESHIRE of the Romantics, but this former Iron Age hill fort – previously known The striking black-and-white Tudor as Camalat – has a claim to fame as moated manor house is built in a probably the most credible of the sites style common to the period, using of Arthur’s castle. Evidence has been oak and wattle, but its ornate external uncovered of extensive timber works decoration – and decidedly higgledy- and refortification of the original fortress piggledy appearance – have made around the late 5th century on behalf it one of Britain’s favourites. Built of a major chieftain. originally by Sir Edward de Moreton, multiple additions were made to the hall in the 16th century. Visitors can tour the hall and gardens.
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LONDON LANDMARKS
If you love… 09 THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER you must visit… ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL, LONDON There has been a Cathedral on the high point of what became known as Ludgate Hill since the year 604, but we have to fast forward to 1675 and architect Sir Christopher Wren for the start of work on the building we see today. Wren’s task was to rebuild the Cathedral, which had been damaged by fire in 1561 and later gutted by the Great Fire of London. Today’s St Paul’s is testimony to his genius.
you might also like… THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON MONUMENT As if Wren didn’t have his hands full designing a new St Paul’s and more than 50 other post-fire churches, Charles II also commissioned him to design the monument to the great conflagration. The fire, which started in a bakery in Pudding Lane, changed the face of London. Over more than three days it consumed about 80 per cent of the city and made thousands homeless.
MARKERS OF A REVOLUTION
If you love… LIVERPOOL’S INDUSTRIAL LANDMARKS you must visit… IRONBRIDGE GORGE, SHROPSHIRE 10 It might not have the awesome bells and whistles of a Liverpool port or Manchester museum, but the gorge has an equally prominent place in industrial British history as the site of the world’s first bridge built from iron. What appears today as a relatively modest construct had huge implications for the future combination of technology and architecture.
you might also like… MANCHESTER MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY Manchester had a reputation as the world’s first genuine industrial city, and you can trace its history through various powered exhibits on the site of what was the world’s first commercial railway linking Manchester and Liverpool. See everything from steam pump engines to sophisticated aircraft in one of the most comprehensive, active museums in the country.
20 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 21 LITERARY BRITAIN Beatrix Potter Britain’s Lake District Beatrix Potter is best known for her illustrated children’s books Master that personified animals, in particular The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Storytellers Potter largely drew upon her time holidaying and living in the Lake 2016 IS THE YEAR OF THE WRITER IN District for her settings and BRITAIN, WITH MULTIPLE ANNIVERSARIES characters. Born in 1866, Potter’s 150‑year OF FAMOUS FIGURES INCLUDING anniversary will be celebrated in 2016 at her former residence, ROALD DAHL, SHAKESPEARE Hill Top. The farm in Near Sawrey AND BEATRIX POTTER. has been turned into a time capsule of her life, preserving Potter’s furnishings and belongings. You might recognise much of the property from The Tale of Samuel Whiskers. Nearby is Wray Castle, where Potter holidayed as a teenager, and the town of Bowness-on- Windermere also features The World of Beatrix Potter, an interactive museum.
Roald Dahl Cardiff Arguably the greatest 20th-century teller of children’s stories, Roald Dahl’s novels have delighted generations. Works such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach and Matilda have sold worldwide and been adapted into movies and stage shows. Dahl spent most of his early years in or near Cardiff, so it’s no surprise Wales’ capital city is preparing two days of celebrations (16‑17 September 2016) for the much-loved writer’s 100-year anniversary. Roald Dahl 100 is expected to be Cardiff’s largest theatrical event, with the city-wide City of the Unexpected performance bringing Dahl’s characters and stories to life. A bulging program of literature events will accompany the festivities, which will extend from the public plaza, Roald Dahl Plass. Words: Ben Stower
Britain is a living monument to writers of old – from the Romantics to the Modernists – a gateway to their lives and works for those born too late. In 2016, Britain celebrates the anniversaries of some of its most influential artists, so it’s the perfect time to visit the places these writers called home. From Haworth and Devon to Stratford-upon-Avon and the Lake District, invaluable preservation and restoration has kept these homes and towns intact, providing deeper insight into the worlds that inspired treasured plays, novels and films.
22 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 23 LITERARY BRITAIN
Agatha Christie Devon One of the world’s greatest crime novelists, Agatha Christie brought us memorable characters William Shakespeare such as Hercule Poirot and Jane Marple, who are Stratford-upon-Avon still delighting readers and audiences today. 2016 marks 400 years since the death of Many of her works were inspired by or took William Shakespeare, the poet, actor and playwright place in her home town of Torquay in Devon, where who gifted the world with such masterpieces as you can discover more about this literary great Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer during the 40-year anniversary of her death in 2016. Night’s Dream. Walk the Agatha Christie Mile from the Imperial Almost everyone has studied or experienced Hotel or Grand Hotel, and take note of the places Shakespeare’s work in some form, with many of that featured in her life and writing such as Princess his plays reproduced for the silver screen. But few Pier, Beacon Cove and Princess Gardens. Look out have visited his birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon. for the Agatha Christie bust and visit the Torquay The modest home offers a rare connection to Museum’s dedicated gallery. Shakespeare and his early life, and has attracted Follow Agatha to her holiday home, Greenway, many famous writers such as Dickens and Keats where she spent many summers and Christmases. through the door. Owned by the National Trust, Greenway is now Take a seat in either the Royal Shakespeare a shrine to the late author, featuring many of her Theatre or Swan Theatre to watch the world- belongings and memories. famous Royal Shakespeare Company perform the great man’s plays. Then pay your respects at his final resting place in Holy Trinity Church. Stratford- upon-Avon sees a new attraction open in 2016: Jane Austen Chawton and Bath New Place. This was Shakespeare’s home for his Jane Austen is a literary queen, revered around the world for her Victorian-era final 19 years and will be filled with rare artefacts. romantic fiction such as Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and Emma. Austen’s 240th year will span most of 2016. Visit the author’s home in Chawton, the only one open to the public, where she wrote Emma and two other novels. Now Jane Austen’s House Museum, it retains its original feel and holds numerous artefacts. Charlotte Bronte Bath was one of Austen’s most beloved cities, featuring in Northanger Haworth Abbey and Persuasion, before becoming her home in 1801. English novelist and poet Charlotte Bronte, Visit the city in September for the annual Jane Austen Festival, most famous for her novel Jane Eyre, would have which includes Austen inspired events, balls and tours over 10 days. been 200 years old in 2016. She will be remembered fondly at the Bronte Parsonage Museum, housed in the Haworth residence that was once home to Charlotte and her younger sisters Emily and Anne, also celebrated writers. It was under this roof that Charlotte wrote Jane Eyre and other stories. The rooms and furnishings have been preserved, offering the most authentic look at the writer’s world from her bedroom to the writing desk where she penned her manuscripts. Bronte200, a special event run by the Bronte Parsonage Museum, will celebrate the author with a program of events, exhibitions and partner projects around her birth date, 21 April.
Getting there Visit your local Flight Centre for more advice and the latest deals on Literary Britain. Go to flightcentre.com.au or call 131 600 24 hours
24 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 25 ROYAL CASTLE HOT SPOTS ROYAL CASTLE HOTSPOTS
Words: Sandy Guy
EXPLORE HENRY VIII‘S VAST ROYAL KITCHENS OR VISIT THE PALACE THAT HAS BEEN HOME TO QUEEN VICTORIA, PRINCESS DIANA AND TOMORROW'S MONARCHS.
Once upon a time, castles were the domain of monarchs and peers of the realm, and most people had little hope of seeing their princely chambers. But times have changed and today visitors to Great Britain can tread in the footsteps of royalty – from Tudor celebrities to modern-day monarchy – on tours of their historic estates. Queen Victoria described Balmoral, a 20,000-hectare domain cradled by the wild encircling hills of Scotland’s Royal Deeside, as “my dear paradise in the Highlands” Balmoral so captivated the royal couple that Prince Albert bought the estate in 1852. The majestic baronial-style castle you see today was completed in 1856. Balmoral abounds with royal romance and tragedy: following Prince Albert’s death in 1861, Victoria shut herself away at Balmoral, with ghillie-turned-servant John Brown her closest confidant. In 1946, Prince Phillip of Greece proposed to Princess Elizabeth at Balmoral, and in 1947, the couple honeymooned at Birkhall, an 18th-century lodge on the estate. Visitors can soak up the bucolic charms of the Queen’s Scottish home from March to July (the royal family stay > Balmoral Castle, built for here throughout August, September and Queen Victoria, is the British October). royals’ Scottish escape. Only some areas of the castle are open
26 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 27 ROYAL CASTLE HOT SPOTS
to visitors, including the grounds, gardens and the castle’s huge From the public wing, visitors can view sumptuous state ballroom, which has an exhibition of memorabilia and objets d’arts apartments, see dresses worn by Princess Diana at the exhibition relating to the royals. The Carriage Hall houses royal carriages and Fashion Rules, and explore the permanent exhibition Victoria exhibitions of the estate’s wildlife and landscapes, and a ranger Revealed, where the queen’s wedding dress and curios are on service offers guided woodland walks. Or perhaps opt for a Land display in the rooms where she once lived. Rover safari that takes in the estate's farm and pine forests. An excellent afternoon tea is served at the 18th-century Before heading to Balmoral, the Queen takes part in a Orangery, surrounded by manicured gardens. Once part of Hyde ceremony to launch Edinburgh’s Holyrood Week, celebrating Park, where Henry VIII hosted deer chases, Kensington’s gardens Scottish culture and history. The occasion also marks the include the Sunken Garden, planted in 1908 and modelled on a monarch’s annual sojourn at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, similar garden at Hampton Court Palace her official residence in Scotland, which stands at the end of In 1838, the young Queen Victoria ordered that Hampton Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Court Palace “should be thrown open to all her subjects without Founded as an Augustinian monastery by King David I of restriction”. Scotland in 1128, Holyroodhouse was built under the orders Once home of Henry VIII, his daughter Queen Elizabeth of James IV in 1498. I, and a bevy of royals across the centuries, Hampton Court is Guided and self-guided tours include the grand State situated at Richmond-upon-Thames, a pleasant three-hour boat Apartments, Throne Room, Great Gallery – decorated with journey from Westminster along the Thames River (or half an portraits of legendary Scottish kings – and romantic ruins of hour by train). > CLOCKWISE FROM the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey. Built in 1515, the red-brick palace is a maze of artwork- TOP LEFT: But it is the “most famous room in Scotland” that lures adorned staterooms, covering hundreds of rooms and a 55-room The Tudor kitchen so many visitors like me to Holyroodhouse – the bedchamber Tudor kitchen complex. Walk in the footsteps of Henry VIII complex at of the ill-fated Mary, Queen of Scots, dominated by a small, through the Great Hall, hung with the King’s most splendid Hampton Court high‑canopied bed. tapestries, and the beautiful Chapel Royal, where monarchs Palace; Scotland’s Born in 1542, Mary’s turbulent tenure at the palace included worshipped for centuries. Balmoral Castle; Kensington Palace, the London home of Prince William and Duchess Kate; Sprawling Kensington Palace was the seat of Windsor Castle, power until Queen Victoria moved to Buckingham home to 39 monarchs since around 1080; Palace in 1837. The palace recently underwent a London’s Buckingham Palace. £12 million refurbishment.” the murder of her private secretary, David Rizzio, and disastrous Hampton Court is set in 300 hectares of gardens and grounds marriages to both her Scottish husbands – Lord Darnley and that include the Great Maze, begun in 1690, and historic Royal James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell. Tennis Courts. Queen Elizabeth II lives at Buckingham Palace, her official While Hampton Court was said to be King Henry’s favourite London residence, for about six months of the year, spending palace, he was buried at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, in 1547. weekends at Windsor Castle. Each year the Queen spends her month-long Easter break at While tourists mill around the central London palace on a Windsor, the world’s oldest occupied castle. Built by William the daily basis, particularly during the colourful Changing of the Conqueror around 1080, 39 monarchs have called the massive Guard ceremonies, it’s worth splashing the cash to see the gilded stone fortress home. Windsor is still very much a working royal chambers of the 775-room palace George III purchased in 1761. palace today, used regularly for ceremonial and state occasions. The Royal Day Out tour includes the palace’s majestic Treasures in the Royal Collection – furniture, artworks staterooms, the Queen’s Gallery, which hosts a program of and porcelain – can be seen in the castle’s magnificent state changing exhibitions, and fascinating Royal Mews, which houses apartments. The Royal Archives, the Royal Photograph Collection, coaches including the Gold State Coach used at every coronation and the Royal Library are all based here. since George IV in 1821. Visitors can tour the state apartments, see Queen Mary’s Dolls A royal residence since 1689, sprawling Kensington Palace House, and the richly decorated rooms created for George IV. was the seat of royal power until Queen Victoria moved to Later, in the twisting streets of Windsor town, you may happen Buckingham Palace in 1837. Once like a gilded prison seen only across the one-time home of Nell Gwynn, mistress of Charles I. beyond towering gates, the palace recently underwent a £12 The ground floor is now the Nell Gwynn Chinese Restaurant. million refurbishment. Royals have lived here for generations – the Duke of Windsor called Kensington “the aunt heap”. Queen Victoria was born Getting there and raised here, Charles and Diana moved in a year after their Visit your local Flight Centre for more advice and the latest deals on travelling marriage, and today Apartment 1A is the London home of to the UK. Go to flightcentre.com.au or call 131 600 24 hours William, Kate, George and Charlotte.
28 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 29 FILM & TV
T M & V IL F Tour
DISCOVER HOW YOUR FAVOURITE FILMS AND TV SHOWS ARE MADE ON AN INSIDER TOUR OF HeavenFILM LOCATIONS, SETS AND STUDIOS.
Words: Linda McCormick
> Harry Potter magic on set at Warner Bros Studios near London.
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Famed for its green valleys, Downton Abbey Harry Potter misty moors, rugged coastlines Head to Movie magic and grand castles, the United Highclere Have a magical time exploring Kingdom has inspired authors Get the lowdown on Lord and the movie sets and film locations used and playwrights for centuries. Lady Grantham on a day trip to to bring the bewitching Harry Potter Berkshire and the Cotswolds, where books to life. Start your journey at In recent times, blockbuster the popular period drama Downton King’s Cross Station in London, films and TV series shot there Abbey is filmed. where you’ll find Platform 9¾ hiding have made the UK one big Visit the quaint market town of in the arches. From here, catch a train hotspot for screen buffs. Bampton, which served as the fictional to Oxford and take a tour of Christ village of Downton, stop at Cogges Church College, home to the grand Doctor Who Manor Farm where Lady Edith’s wood-panelled dining hall that featured Geek out in Cardiff love child was hidden, and relive the as the Great Hall of Hogwarts. Fans of this popular series will scandal of Lady Sybil’s elopement at Just outside London, Warner Bros be transported to a different time at the the Swan Inn, Swinbrook. Studios offer a behind-the-scenes tour Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff Bay’s A highlight of the tour is a of the award-winning sets, costumes Porth Teigr, mere minutes from the trip to the magnificent Highclere and props used in all eight films. Here, > CLOCKWISE FROM BBC studios where the cult TV series is Castle, which doubles as Downton Potter devotees can wander the weird TOP LEFT: filmed. Offering a glimpse into the lives Abbey. Visitors are free to wander and wonderful Diagon Alley, explore Peter Capaldi as of the Time Lord and his ever-faithful the grounds and hallways of this Dumbledore’s quirky office and take Doctor Who, with assistants, the exhibition displays Jenna Coleman; impressive country house and imagine in Gryffindor’s common room. Downton Abbey’s props, sets and costumes from more life as an aristocrat. Maggie Smith; than 50 years of adventures in the Game of Thrones Benedict Cumberbatch space-time continuum. By pre-booking, Sherlock Holmes Explore Westeros and Martin Freeman you’ll be able to add on a walking tour in Sherlock; Game of It’s elementary, Long known for its folklore where of the film locations around Cardiff Bay Thrones’ Dark Hedges; my dear giants and kings battle it out for their Paddington Bear and have the once-in-a-lifetime chance Track the movements of rightful place in the world, Northern at Paddington Station. to see how big the TARDIS really is England’s infamous detective Sherlock Ireland has another stab at fiction from the inside. Holmes and his loyal sidekick Dr playing host to HBO’s hugely popular Watson on a walking tour of London, Game of Thrones. Now in its sixth series, Paddington Bear visiting the locations that feature fans can delve deeper into the ancient From Peru to London heavily in the storylines. forests, mossy moorlands and wild It’s been almost 60 years since First brought to life in the books coasts that serve as the fabled Seven the world’s only suitcase-toting bear left of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Kingdoms of Westeros. Discover the true his life behind in deepest, darkest Peru Holmes has most recently been locations of Dragonstone, Winterfell and and stowed away to London. Named revived by English actor Benedict The Wall, visit the infamous Dark after the station where the Brown Cumberbatch, who does a remarkable Hedges (The King’s Road) and travel family first discovered him, the story of job of portraying the sublimely clever through a landscape that will seem eerily Paddington Bear and his penchant for sleuth. familiar to avid watchers of this dark and marmalade sandwiches has become a See the locations used as foreboding drama. children’s literature classic. Trace the backdrops for recent films and TV bear’s adventures through London on shows – Somerset House (Pentonville the first official Paddington Bear Tour. Prison) and the fictional Diogenes Getting there Visit the station where it all began and Visit your local Flight Centre for more advice Club. When your touring is complete, and the latest deals on travelling to the UK. the landmarks featured in the stories, head to number 221B Baker Street to Go to flightcentre.com.au including Portobello Market and filming pay homage to the great detective. or call 131 600 24 hours locations from the 2014 film.
Notting Hill Bridget Jones’s Diary Love Actually About Time Rom-com Snap a pic in front Visit the flat where See the mews Discover the sites film of the famous blue Bridget Jones spent street where Mark from the latest Richard door that featured many nights drowning declares his undying Curtis romantic comedy locations in the film. her sorrows. love for Juliet. to hit the big screen.
32 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 33 ADVENTURES IN WALES ADVENTURES I N W ALES IT IS WALES’ YEAR OF ADVENTURE IN 2016 – HERE’S HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT.
Words: Rmishka Singh
01 Seek Snowdon’s summit Snowdon is Wales’ tallest mountain, at 1085 metres, and was where Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay trained in preparation for their historic ascent of Everest. Choose between six routes to the top: the Llanberis Path is the easiest on the legs, while Crib Goch is the most thrilling option, with plenty of knee- wobbling exposure along a stickleback ridge. If your thighs ache just thinking of the climb, let the Snowdon Mountain Railway do the huffing and puffing and take a steam train to the summit.
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“Take a deep breath for this one . . .”
05 Race a horse, snorkel in a bog, charm a worm When it comes to events, Wales has some pretty eccentric options. One of the most out there is the World Alternative Games, a biennial 02 Jump around underground 03 Soar at 160 km/h 04 Try a truly Welsh sport affair that will next be celebrated in August If you came across a 176-year-old cavern that was Zip World Velocity, in North Wales, is home to the longest Time for some liquid refreshment? Coasteering hits the spot. 2016. Over more than two weeks, you can take once a slate mine and now lay disused, what would you zip-line in Europe and the fastest in the world. Start off on Homegrown in Wales, coasteering can involve rock-hopping, shore- part in bog-snorkelling, wife-carrying, bath- do with it? Insert giant trampolines, slides and tunnels confidence builder the Little Zipper, which zooms at a gentle scrambling, cliff-jumping, swell-riding and cave-exploring – more often tubbing, stiletto-racing, worm-charming, made out of netting so that people could bounce in a 70 km/h. An off-road journey through what was once the largest than not, a combination of all the above. The sport was invented in backward-running and more. The WAGs take subterranean playground twice the size of St Paul’s slate quarry in the world then takes you to the start of the Big Pembrokeshire – clean seas and plenty of natural diving boards and place in Britain’s smallest town, Llanwrtyd Cathedral, of course! Bounce Below is, as you may Zipper. Fly head-first for just under a mile, exceeding speeds of caves make it an aquatic adventure playground. Abereiddy in North Wells. In 1980, the townspeople decided to put expect, the first facility of its kind on Earth, and there’s 160 km/h, down a mountain and straight over a cliff, with views Pembrokeshire has good coasteering conditions and some of Wales’ their home on the map by staging wacky events also Bounce Below Junior for three to six-year-olds, so as far out as Ireland. Extend the rush at nearby Zip World Titan friendliest seals, which are unfazed by humans flinging themselves with and inviting people to join in. They held the first while you’re busy being a kid again, your actual children – with four-person zip-lines – and Zip World Caverns, the gusto into the water. Go with an accredited operator, who will provide ‘Man vs. Horse’ that year and haven’t looked can amuse themselves too. world’s largest fully underground zip-line course. helmets, wetsuits and buoyancy aids; for kids aged eight and over. back since (except when backward running).
06 Speed through 50 shades of black Daredevil riders, pedal this way. Bike Park Wales is a mountain bike park in the South Wales valleys that was lovingly built by riders for riders. There are beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert trails – some of the latter category’s runs include ‘Dai Hard’, ‘Rock ’n’ Roll’ and ‘50 shades of black’. It’s the only UK venue where professional trail crews maintain and build new trails all the time, and you can hire a range of bikes suitable for children, novices and hardcore two-wheel adrenaline-junkies alike.
36 > flightcentre.com.au/wales Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 37 ADVENTURES IN WALES
09 Experiment with seaweed 10 Make an appointment 11 Get high on water When in Wales, eat and drink locally – and with the Doctor Who knew going on a narrowboat adventurously. A true Welsh breakfast includes The Doctor Who Experience could be buttock-clenchingly terrifying? laverbread, made from seaweed found clinging will delight ‘Whovians’ of all ages The Pontcysyllte aqueduct – also known as to rocks, commonly served with eggs, bacon with its hair-raising, interactive the ‘stream in the sky’ – transports the and fresh cockles. The Pembrokeshire Beach adventure through space and time, Llangollen Canal at a whopping height of 07 Escape to the islands Food Company sells a dried version they call during which you’re accompanied 38.4 metres for 307 metres and you can glide The Isle of Anglesey, in Wales’ northwestern corner, offers adventures ‘Welshman’s Caviar’ (after the actor Richard (albeit virtually) by none other across it on Eirlys, the narrowboat. aplenty from coasteering to sea-cliff climbing. For a high-octane ride, take a Burton’s description of laverbread), which you than Peter Capaldi as the Time Dare yourself to look down the side of Britain’s Bear Grylls RIB Boat to spot puffins and to admire perfectly symmetrical can buy in delicatessens all over Wales. Fancy Lord. See costumes and incredible largest aqueduct, and admire the River Dee Beaumaris Castle from the water. Anglesey is one of Wales’ most romantic something stronger? Try Dà Mhìle seaweed gin. sets from 50 years of the popular and lush Dee Valley beneath. There’s also a Getting there hangouts – the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lived here as newlyweds – Made in Ceredigion, West Wales, the distillery TV series, which is filmed in restaurant boat – ‘Tommy’ – for those who Visit your local Flight Centre for so take your darling on a stroll to Llanddwyn Island, named after the Welsh runs fabulous tours and tastings. (Pop into Teifi Cardiff at the BBC Studios and want to be distracted from vertigo with a more advice and the latest deals on travelling to Wales. patron saint of lovers, St Dwynwen. You’ll hear more Welsh around these Farmhouse Cheese next door and bag yourself around the city. You can also book four-course meal. In case you’re wondering, Go to flightcentre.com.au parts and if you want to practise, try asking for directions to the village of some Celtic Promise – the most highly awarded walking tours and, when filming it’s pronounced ‘pont-cuss-ulth-teh’ and means or call 131 600 24 hours Llanfair-pwllgwyngyll-gogery-chwyrn-drobwll-llan-tysilio-gogo-goch. British cheese there is.) isn’t on, join a TARDIS tour. ‘the bridge that connects’.
08 Conquer Wales’ biggest castle There are 641 castles in Wales, more per square kilometre than 12 Live life on the ledge anywhere else in the world. Many were the site of audacious battles, while Picture a rocky cliff face over a seal-studded others are better known for feats of adventurous architecture. If you visit only sea. Look closer and spot a small ledge sticking one, go for the largest. Caerphilly Castle, just north of Cardiff, is surrounded out halfway down the precipice. Zoom in, and by a moat and looks as though it is daring anyone to just try and attack – you’ll see people on the ledge, wrapped in cosy check out the four replica siege engines that are primed and ready to repel sleeping bags sipping hot chocolate. Gaia marauders. Free guided tours bring the history of the 13th-century behemoth Adventures presents … Cliff Camping! Experts to life, and treasure hunts and regular enactments entertain younger visitors. suspend a Portaledge – a shelf of sorts, made of super-strong textiles and big enough for two to sleep on – down a cliff in North Wales and teach you how to rock-climb down to it. After a hearty meal on your perch, sleep to the sound of the waves and wake up to coffee and bacon baps delivered to your ‘bedroom’.
38 > flightcentre.com.au/wales Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 39 THE LAKE DISTRICT
An artist without a muse is a lonely soul. Poet William Wordsworth found his in the lakes, forests, fells and “golden daffodils” of the Lake District. As did Ernest Hemingway, Jane Austen and Beatrix Potter. Walking along the pebbled shore of the Windermere in Cumbria, where the gnarled roots of leafy trees fight through rocks, I recognise some of the qualities that might have inspired these famous writers. Staying silent for a time, the blackish water, rippled by passing boats and ducks, naturally comes to the fore of my thinking. The yachts wouldn’t have made it into Wordsworth’s poems, nor the sports cars that pass by on the road just beyond the hedges. WORTH MORE THAN The Lakes have changed considerably since the 1800s, built up with pubs, boutiques, cafes and summer homes. Although I can’t say if it is still the muse Wordsworth fell for, this maturation isn’t detrimental, thanks to a preservation of its two defining features: history and untouched nature. Bowness-on-Windermere is one Golden of the more populated towns on the Windermere and not ideal for solitude. However, compared to the cities, this remains an idyllic settlement of small- town folk, corner taverns and Victorian architecture. DaffodilsBE GUIDED BY THE GREATS THROUGH Despite its tourist appeal, the town has managed to avoid resorts and ENGLAND’S LAKE DISTRICT, WHERE CHANGE gimmicky attractions, retaining its charming heritage with family-run HASN’T COME WITHOUT PRESERVATION. B&Bs and hotels. As far as sights, there is the 15th‑century St Martin’s Church and Words: Ben Stower interactive World of Beatrix Potter. Then there is the immeasurable peace of the national park, which presents an array of possibilities beyond the shores of Windermere. Walking is the key to accessing some of the Lakes’ best views and most secluded areas, drawing back the curtain on the region’s many fells (mountains), mysterious stone circles and quieter shorelines. The country lanes, bridleways and mountain trails are ideal terrain for both casual and adrenaline-focused cycling, > England’s Lake District inspired while the lakes are an empty plate for the likes of Willliam Wordsworth, the buffet of water sports, fishing and Hugh Walpole and Beatrix Potter. boating on offer.
40 > flightcentre.com.au/lake-district Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 41 THE LAKE DISTRICT
Signs of the greats
JOHN RUSKIN (ART CRITIC) Visit Ruskin’s home, Brantwood, in Coniston, along with the Ruskin Museum. There’s also a memorial to the writer erected at Friars Crag in Keswick.
> CLOCKWISE BEATRIX POTTER FROM FAR LEFT: (AUTHOR AND The village ILLUSTRATOR) of Grasmere; The Beatrix Potter Gallery a farm in the in Hawkshead showcases Lake District original artwork from the National Park; author’s books. You can Beatrix Potter’s also follow Potter’s farmhouse, footsteps on the Beatrix Hill Top; Potter trail around the Glenridding, lake in Brockhole. When the inevitable rain does fall, there on the shores are enough indoor attractions to hold the Top Lake District destinations of Ullswater; HUGH WALPOLE attention, such as the Coast Aquarium Buttermere Village Glenridding a church in (NOVELIST) in Maryport, Muncaster Castle, Keswick Buttermere Lake is one of the Positioned at the foot of the Troutbeck. One of England’s Brewery and Wordsworth’s former home, smallest, easily circumnavigated at 6.5 Ullswater lake, Glenridding is a cosy most proficient writers Dove Cottage. kilometres and surrounded by dairy farms, village with many self-catering properties, in the ‘20s and ‘30s, I have no car, having caught the train forests and fells. Buttermere Village, sitting hotels and a youth hostel. The Ullswater Walpole is buried in from London Euston to Windermere, but between Buttermere and Crummock ‘Steamers’ (heritage cruising vessels) can St John’s churchyard I am more than content to explore on foot, Water, is sought out for its remote and be caught from here to Pooley Bridge, in Keswick. His home, taking my time through the towns. quiet atmosphere. Family-run inns and Howtown and Aira Force. The towns are Brackenburn overlooking I soon realise my plan is more romantic hotels accommodate many hikers looking also linked by some of the most iconic the Derwentwater, is than practical. Windermere is England’s to reach the summit of Honister Pass. walking routes in the Lakes. now privately owned, but the gardens are largest natural lake at about 18 kilometres occasionally open. in length and 1.5 kilometres wide. I favour Coniston Ravenglass the latter distance, hiring a kayak and Coniston is a small village on The only coastal village in the national WILLIAM skimming across the water to Mitchell the shore of Coniston Water, once home park, Ravenglass sits at the estuary of WORDSWORTH Wyke Ferry Bay on the opposite shore. to art critic John Ruskin, who is now three rivers, with access to beaches on the (POET) With the help of printed Google maps remembered in the Ruskin Museum. Irish Sea. Within the town are the Roman Dove Cottage in Grasmere – the modern explorer’s cheat sheet – I trek The village is well-stocked with pubs, Bath House ruins and the Ravenglass is now a museum from the ferry to Near Sawrey, where I find shops, restaurants and accommodation. and Eskdale Railway, a heritage train that chronicling Wordsworth’s Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse, Hill Top, and Boats, canoes and bikes can be hired at the can be caught to Hardknott Roman Fort life and work. The nearby the quaint, stone-walled town that inspired Coniston Boating Centre, while hikes to and Muncaster Castle. Slightly inland is town of Rydal Water contains his former home much of her writing. the mountain of the Old Man of Coniston Wastwater, England’s deepest lake. Rydal Mount, along with On the way back, I am halted in an open are popular. Dora’s Field, named after field of lime-green grass and clumps of trees, Grasmere his daughter and covered and in the distance, a stout, grey church. Keswick Once home to poet William in daffodils during spring. There are no yachts or cars, no people or One of the larger towns in the Wordsworth, the village of Grasmere is shops. The picture is silent and still, save for Lake District, Keswick’s history dates back named after the nearby lake, Grasmere the occasional movements of sheep. to the 13th century when the current local Water. The town is known for its handmade Getting there The scene follows me as I paddle up the market first began. Keswick has a football chocolate, gingerbread and annual Visit your local Flight Centre western shore towards Wray Castle. Later team, holds regular cultural events and is Rushbearing Ceremony. A number of for more advice and the I return to the present; finding warmth in home to numerous landmarks including spectacular walks begin in Grasmere, such latest deals on travelling to the Lake District. an ale and the four stone walls of a local the Theatre by the Lake, which hosts as the Red Bank Road, and a pilgrimage Go to flightcentre.com.au pub. But until then I needed to continue touring performers. The closest lake, can be made to Wordsworth’s grave at the or call 131 600 24 hours the search for more golden daffodils. Derwentwater, is a 10-minute walk away. churchyard of St Oswald’s Church.
42 > flightcentre.com.au/lake-district Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 43 LONDON
Alt
LondonAWAY FROM THE NURSERY-RHYME ICONS, MODERN LONDON IS CARVING OUT A NEW STORY OF SECRET > London isn’t BARS, EDGY BOUTIQUES AND BOTTOMLESS BRUNCHES. just about a stiff upper lip, it’s full of energy Words: Lauren Burvill and creativity.
44 > flightcentre.com.au/london Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 45 LONDON
> CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Boxpark shopping mall in Shoreditch is made from shipping containers; breakfast cocktails are included in London’s bottomless brunches; a market flower display.
> FACING PAGE: Hackney’s Broadway Market has been operating since the 1890s.
It may be famed for its the East London borough of Hackney, behind a fridge door at popular brunch constructed from shipping containers, Club or Queen of Hoxton for a range mimosas, bloody marys, bellinis and so on Broadway Market, in true London style, cafe The Breakfast Club in Spitalfields. and is the perfect place to head for local of beverages and debauchery. Oh, and (although it’s usually limited to a set time history, but London is also a city has actually been operating since the 1890s. clothing designers and quirky homewares. when it’s time to call it a night, skip the period). It’s the perfect way to start your very much of the here and now. Head there on a Saturday (with an Alt Bar: 3am greasy kebab for a more delicious day like Patsy and Edina from Ab Fab. And while the typical tourist empty stomach) to fill up on artisanal food, Bounce Alt shop: and stylish option at 24-hour restaurant Cheers darling! attractions still shine strong, where you’ll find literally everything from If secret doors and old toilets don’t appeal, Pop Brixton Duck & Waffle. London has plenty of alternatives gluten-free baked goods to freshly grilled Bounce comes with a more accessible Inspired by Boxpark’s concept, Pop Alt brunch: to keep things interesting. burgers. The market is also surrounded by and straightforward proposition: drinks Brixton is another pop-up mall made from Alt nightlife: Bad Egg bars and vintage stores, making it a perfect and ping pong! It sounds simple enough shipping containers in the trendy south Rebel Bingo Don’t let the name fool you. Bad Egg place to spend a Saturday. but trying to do both at the same time London borough of Brixton. Located For a unique night out, the club night is actually one of the best eggs when it Off to market can prove somewhat challenging. If you’re just near the eclectic Brixton Market, the Rebel Bingo combines the innocence comes to bottomless brunches. For £35 Londoners love a good market Where are you drinking? up to it, I recommend making a booking pop-up combines shopping with market of bingo with the complete mayhem of you can choose three options from a (surprisingly, the city only has one major “What are you drinking?” may be the most at the Farringdon or Shoreditch locations. food stalls and bars to create the perfect a London house party. Expect to dance menu that includes everything from shopping centre). From food to antiques, asked question in London but really it’s Between great drinks, food and ping pong, environment to spend a day. on chairs, have strangers stamp your face breakfast tacos to french toast and even crafts, clothes and music, you can pick all about where you’re drinking. True to Bounce gets packed almost every night. and witness the rowdiest bingo crowd cheeseburger hash. Each plate is a decent up almost anything at the city’s markets. its heritage, pubs still are very much a part Late-night London ever imaginable. The event is so popular size and is accompanied with all of the More than just shopping though, markets of everyday life in London, but for those Shop outside the box From dingy pubs to pulsating clubs, the tickets often sell out in advance so be sure mimosas, bloody marys and prosecco you are very much a weekend pastime for occasions when the locals like to mix it up, Oxford Street may be worth visiting just beauty of London nightlife is that it can to pre-book. can drink within your allocated time slot. Londoners, especially on a rare sunny day, London has a range of quirky venues to to experience the sheer size of it, but if be whatever you want it to be. While there making them the perfect place to mingle keep things interesting. you’re looking for a unique shopping really is something for everyone, if you Bottomless brunch with locals and people watch. There’s the Bermondsey Arts Club, experience, don’t expect to find it on the need guidance, areas such as Shoreditch, Never ones to turn down an opportunity which despite its name is actually a bar, high street. Instead you’ll find it down the Clapham and Camden are great places to to drink, Londoners’ favourite type of and despite its stylish interior, is actually cute laneways of Angel (for vintage), on pub crawl and bar hop. brunch is a bottomless brunch. For a fixed Alt market: Getting there Broadway Market located in a disused underground toilet. Savile Row (for suits) or in Notting Hill For a fail-safe plan, we recommend price, a number of the city’s favourite Visit your local Flight Centre for more advice While most tourists typically head to Then there’s the cutely named Mayor (for antiques). starting your night with some live music brunch spots offer a bottomless menu and the latest deals on travelling to London. Go to flightcentre.com.au Borough Market, you’ll find London’s of Scaredy Cat Town, a so-called ‘secret’ For something even more alternative, and soul food at The Blues Kitchen in complete with multiple breakfast courses or call 131 600 24 hours locals at Broadway Market. Located in speakeasy, which can only be accessed Boxpark in Shoreditch is a shopping mall Shoreditch, before hopping over to Book and, the best part, unlimited prosecco,
46 > flightcentre.com.au/london Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 47 LONDON
CITY MAPPER 01 Midland Grand Hotel 02 Platform 9 3/4 03 Street Feast Dalston Yard 04 Columbia Road Flower Markets The hotel was where the Spice Girls filmed their Yes, the Harry Potter platform actually exists For those times when you don’t have a dinner The place to buy London’s best blooms. If you’re CENTRAL video for Wannabe. Worth visiting just to snap a and you can find it at St Pancras Station. reservation or just need a quick bite before not after flowers, this is a great place to explore & EAST photo on the stairs. Euston Road, NW1 2AR Euston Road, N1C 4QP hitting the town. Hartwell Street, E8 3DV and get lunch nearby. Columbia Road, E2 7RG LONDON
Words: Lauren Burvill 03 FOR BACON NAAN, CAMDEN RD VINTAGE SHOPS AND LONDON A WHIFF OF THE SPICE GIRLS, HEAD EAST FROM 02 UPPER ST 05 House of Hackney THE CENTRE. This East London label is beloved for its bright and KINGSLAND RD 01 bold prints which you’ll find on everything from PENTONVILLE RD wallpaper to clothing and homewares. THE 04 131-132 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JE REGENT'S PARK 05 06 HOUSE OF HACKNEY EUSTON RD 07 LONDON THEOBALDS RD WHITECHAPEL RD
LONDON 10 08 COMMERCIAL RD OXFORD ST 09
06 Dishoom THE HIGHWAY Skip the touristy Indian restaurants on Brick Lane and LONDON line up for a table at Bombay-style cafe Dishoom. Get there early and don’t miss the bacon naan. 7 Boundary St., E2 7JE (and other locations)
LONDON LONDON
LONDON
LONDON 10 Sketch 09 Ho 08 Crosstown Doughnuts 07 BLITZ London With a Wes Anderson-worthy interior, Sketch is A delicious Vietnamese restaurant beloved for London’s favourite doughnuts. Try the sea salt Shoreditch is home to a number of vintage stores. where you’ll find the most Instagrammable high its generous bottomless brunch option. caramel and banana option. BLITZ London is one of the best. tea in London. 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG 55-59 Old Compton Street, W1D 6HW 4 Broadwick Street, W1F 0DA 55-59 Hanbury Street, E1 5JP
48 > flightcentre.com.au/london Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 49
0 1KM N LONDON LONDON 03
THE REGENT'S PARK
01 Kensington Roof Gardens 02 Richmond Park 03 Primrose Hill Swap a pint at the pub for one overlooking London The scene of the viral video Fenton, this beautiful park London’s go-to park for a summer’s day picnic at the Kensington Roof Gardens. There are even is home to a thriving deer population and is perfect with a view of the city. flamingos.99 Kensington High Street,W8 5SA MARYLEBONE RD for bike riding. Petersham Road, TW10 5HS Primrose Hill Road, NW3 3NA
OXFORD ST
06 08 07 HYDE PARK 04 09 01 LONDON
04 Serpentine Gallery CROMWELL RD One of London’s best free art galleries. Even if art isn’t your thing, the gallery’s famed Serpentine Pavilion is always worth seeing in summer. Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA
CHELSEA EMBANKMENT
BATTERSEA PARK RD CITY CLAPHAM RD 05 Brixton Market The eclectic street market combines exotic food stalls with trendy eateries and boutiques, making for a fascinating MAPPER cultural mix. Electric Avenue, SW9 8JX WEST & 05 SOUTH ENGLAND LONDON GO WEST FOR LONDON RICHMOND PARK’S DEER, AND BRIXTON MARKET IN THE ’SOUF’ 02 09 Sexy Fish An Asian fusion restaurant 08 Tate Modern 07 The Churchill Arms 06 Dover Street Market FOR BOUTIQUES with the most so-gaudy-it’s-good decor. If it’s good London’s reputable modern art gallery and the best Covered in plants from floor to roof, this pub would More museum than market, this boutique is home to AND EXOTIC EATS. enough for Kate Moss... Berkeley Square place to spend a rainy day. have to be the most Instagrammed pub in London. the country’s (and the world’s) best designer labels. House, Berkeley Square, W1J 6BR Bankside, SE1 9TG 119 Kensington Church St, W8 7LN 17-18 Dover St, W1S 4LT
0 1KM N 50 > flightcentre.com.au/london Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 51 CHOOSE YOUR OWN REGION CHOOSE YOUR OWN REGION WALES Words: Rmishka Singh
> CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Llanthony Priory, a captivating place to get starry eyed; a farm by the coast; a wild foal on a moor; walking tracks cut through beautiful landscapes; a waterfall under the Northern Lights. Walk this Wales Get starry eyed Whisky and waterfalls Wales is the first country in the world The Brecon Beacons National Park The southern fringe of the Brecon > FACING PAGE to have an uninterrupted walking route is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Beacons National Park is known as Full moon rising, around its entire coastline. The Wales the natural environment – here, sheep Waterfall Country. Head out on the a peaceful rural Coast Path stretches for 1,400 kilometres outnumber people 30 to 1. As delightful nine-kilometre Four Falls Walk that winds setting in Wales. and if you add Offa’s Dyke – the inland as it is by day, at night it attracts romantics through Celtic rainforest and takes you path along the Anglo-Welsh border – you and the cosmically curious; in 2013, the up close to – and at points, right behind – can circumnavigate the whole country. park was named an International Dark Sky a series of spectacular waterfalls. Majestic You don’t have to do the whole thing at Reserve, only the fifth place in the world to Sgwd Clun-Gwyn’s roar can be heard far once, though – dip in anywhere you like. hold that title. The lack of light pollution in advance, while 27-metre-high Henrhyd The Pembrokeshire section in West Wales means clear and bewitching views of Falls will be familiar to Caped Crusader is consistently ranked among the best the heavens. fans: it played the role of the entrance to walking paths in the world, with beautiful Captivating stargazing settings the Bat Cave in The Dark Knight Rises. beaches, seal and dolphin spotting, and a include Llanthony Priory in the eastern The waterfalls are especially exciting cluster of islands to pop over to by boat. part of the National Park, and over in following a heavy downpour of rain, In North Wales, the Llyn Peninsula is the west, the country’s most romantic so if you get caught in inclement weather, about zero crowds and maximum beauty; castle, Carreg Cennen, where the cliff- make the most of it. find hidden coves, dramatic cliff tops and top location thrusts you even closer to After feeling the falls’ force – and flex your swing at the stunningly sited the celestial spectacle. The National Park possibly getting a little sprayed – warm Nefyn Golf Course, which boasts ‘a view Visitor Centre organises regular stargazing up with a Welsh wysgi. Twenty kilometres of the sea from every tee’. events, with astronomy experts on hand from ‘the Bat Cave’ is Penderyn Distillery, Down south, pound the paths around to explain what you’re looking at. Between the country’s first commercial whisky the Gower Peninsula, the UK’s first January and March, you can clearly make distiller. It produces several varieties of designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural out the Plough and from there find Polaris single malt, as well as other award-winning Beauty’. From there, it’s a fun scramble – the North Star. In August, see the Perseid spirits and drinks, including the crisp and across a rocky causeway to Worm’s Head at meteor shower, while the Christmas delicious Brecon Gin. Sample them all and low tide. Avoid the mistake Dylan Thomas Star, Orion, the seven sisters, Taurus the see how they’re made on a distillery tour or made – the poet was marooned on the Bull and the mighty Jupiter can all be book a masterclass, for in-depth nosings, island when the tide came in. spotted in early winter. swirlings and tastings.
52 > flightcentre.com.au/wales Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 53 CHOOSE YOUR OWN REGION CHOOSE YOUR OWN REGION ENGLAND Words: Rob McFarland
Bond-style adventures Cycle the Way of the Roses Try coasteering in London England’s traditional Coast-to-Coast Climb, swim and scramble your way Who can forget the opening scene trail tends to get all the cross-country glory, along the UK coastline in this increasingly from The World is not Enough when but the 273-kilometre Way of the Roses is popular adventure activity. After being Pierce Brosnan chases an assassin along another equally scenic option. kitted out with wetsuits, life-jackets and the River Thames and up on to the Established in 2010, the route starts at helmets, you’ll be guided along a section summit of the O2 arena? Morecambe on the east coast and finishes of dramatic coastline by expert guides. Budding Bonds can recreate the at Bridlington on the west. Along the Jump off cliffs into swirling pools of water, experience (with a little less shooting) way it passes through the market towns hop between rocky outcrops, slide down courtesy of London RIB Voyages, which of Settle and Ripon, the historic city natural water chutes, explore hidden sea offers a range of high-octane thrill rides of York and the majestic scenery of the caves and swim into secluded coves. along the river at speeds up to 55km/h. Yorkshire Dales. The activity was pioneered in You’ll pass many of the city’s big-ticket You could easily tackle it on your own, Pembrokeshire in Wales, but can now be > CLOCKWISE tourist attractions, such as Big Ben and carrying your own gear and arranging your done in Anglesey, Dorset, Cornwall and FROM TOP LEFT St Paul’s Cathedral, plus more recent own accommodation, but let’s face it, that the Highlands of Scotland. The best bit is The Yorkshire additions including The Gherkin and doesn’t sound like a holiday. that no prior experience is necessary and Dales; a sea wall The Shard. Instead, join an organised tour where trips can be tailored from family-friendly at Bridlington; To complete the adventure, don a climb experienced guides will chaperone your to high adrenaline. grazing in the Yorkshire Dales; suit and harness and ascend to the top of meanderings. Coasteering is much more than just Bridlington, the O2 arena for spectacular 360-degree Cycle for several days through some a day of thrills and spills. Along the by the sea; a views of the city. You can choose to climb of England’s most picturesque scenery, way you’ll get to meet some of the local country road during the day, at sunset or at night, when stay in quaint, historic villages and wildlife and explore some of the UK’s most at Ribblesdale; the capital’s distinctive skyline transforms feast on hearty pub grub after the day’s spectacular coastal scenery, much of which Flamborough into a hypnotising blur of twinkling lights. exertions. Now that sounds like a holiday. can’t be accessed any other way. Head is typical of the dramatic coastline.
> FACING PAGE The English coastline throws up many delights, from historic villages to hearty pub grub.
54 > flightcentre.com.au/england Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 55 CHOOSE YOUR OWN REGION CHOOSE YOUR OWN REGION SCOTLAND Words: Rob McFarland
Drive the North Coast 500 Visit Galloway Forest Dark Tackle the John Muir Way Touted as Scotland’s answer to Sky Park Opened in 2014, this 215-kilometre Route 66, this new 804-kilometre touring Scotland’s Galloway Forest Park was trail celebrates the life and work of Scottish loop has already been named one of the declared the UK’s first Dark Sky Park in conservationist John Muir, who was world’s top coastal drives. Starting and 2009 due to its exceptionally low levels of instrumental in founding America’s ending in the city of Inverness, it loops light pollution. On a clear night more than national park system. around the far north of Scotland, delivering 7,000 stars and planets are visible with the Starting in Muir’s birth town of an intriguing mix of spectacular scenery, naked eye, including the Milky Way. Dunbar, the trail heads west, following history and local culture. Scattered throughout the park are quiet roads, disused railway lines and canal Highlights include the distinctive public viewing areas with interpretative towpaths until it arrives in Helensburgh on Suilvenm mountain, the fairytale French boards that explain this spectacular nightly the west coast. chateau-style Dunrobin Castle and the show. But for an even more immersive Don’t worry if you don’t have time to stunning deserted beaches of Achmelvich experience, book a tour at the Scottish do the whole thing – the route has been > CLOCKWISE and Dornoch. Dark Sky Observatory, a publicly accessible divided into 10 easily accessible sections, FROM TOP LEFT Make sure you stop to admire the Old educational observatory that occupies a which can be tackled by foot or by bike. Dunrobin Man of Stoer, a 60-metre-high sandstone commanding hilltop site on the edge of Highlights include Loch Lomond, Castle and its sea stack, and visit Smoo Cave, a towering the park. Britain’s largest inland stretch of water; the beautiful garden limestone sea cave. During a typical session, you’ll enjoy 63-kilometre-long Roman-built Antonine surrounds; a lonely tree on En route you’ll experience Scotland’s an introductory presentation from the Wall and the ruins of Linlithgow Palace, Loch Lomond; legendary hospitality in the many pubs, observatory’s resident astronomer, a guided the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. gargoyle detail inns and restaurants that line the route. tour of the complex and a chance to use You’ll find plenty of sustenance, from at Linlithgow Sample fresh seafood at the Kishorn its two high-powered telescopes. If you’re a delicious afternoon tea at 17th-century Palace; Loch Seafood Bar in Wester Ross or stop in for lucky you’ll get to admire Andromeda Hopetoun House, Scotland’s finest stately Lomond under the a wee dram and some traditional music Galaxy, our nearest neighbour that’s still home, to a whiskey tasting and tour at Northern Lights; at the Ceilidh Place in Ullapool. a staggering 2.5 million light years away. Glengoyne Distillery. the courtyard at Linlithgow Palace.
> FACING PAGE A couple walks over a frozen lake in a snowy wonderland at Linlithgow Palace.
56 > flightcentre.com.au/scotland Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 57 SCOTLAND What’s old
FROMis BEAUTIFULLY New PRESERVED STRUCTURES again AND IMMACULATE STONEWORK, TO GRAND ART NOUVEAU AND ADVANCED FEATS OF ENGINEERING, SCOTLAND’S LEGACY OF INNOVATION WEAVES A STORY THROUGH THE AGES.
Words: Anna Howard
> Edinburgh, seen from the city’s landmark lookout.
58 > flightcentre.com.au/scotland Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 59 SCOTLAND
> CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The ‘Armadillo’ in Glasgow; the Robert Burns Monument in Edinburgh; the School of Art, Glasgow; the Forth Bridge, recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
> FACING PAGE The Riverside Museum, with its stunning wave design, is a prominent feature in Glasgow.
The striking facades, crofts and to be held on The Mound in Edinburgh, But Edinburgh’s man-made marvels sciences and digital media, the city has castles that form a pivotal part of which will showcase groundbreaking aren’t restricted to buildings. Scotland’s established itself as a hub for innovation. Scotland’s fabric will be celebrated in 2016 architecture from around the world. Forth Bridge is a wonder of the modern Landmarks are underpinned It’s no wonder Dundee has been with the Year of Innovation, Architecture Recognised as a World Heritage site, world and has been recently named a not only by heritage and modernism, recognised as a UNESCO City of Design, and Design. This initiative will honour the Scotland’s capital Edinburgh possesses UNESCO World Heritage site. The the first UK city to receive the prestigious country’s built heritage, alongside the more than 4,500 listed buildings. Travel towering bridge over the Firth of Forth but also by unmistakable beauty.” honour. The announcement will be cutting-edge designs of modern Scotland. back to a period of cobblestone closes represents the pinnacle of design and commemorated with year-long festivities, Scotland’s seemingly effortless with a visit to Old Town. engineering – 53,000 tonnes of mild Over in Glasgow, die-hard architectural Venture to the banks of the River including February’s PechaKucha Night integration of times past only strengthens Nothing screams Edinburgh like steel were used to construct its iconic buffs can follow the trail of Charles Clyde to marvel at the intriguing design and the Women in Science Festival in its status as a country of innovation; a a stroll down the Royal Mile, passing red cantilevers. Rennie Macintosh, arguably Scotland’s of Sir Norman Foster’s Clyde Auditorium, March. country where every city maintains its own traditional pubs, whisky bars and A new chapter for the site is being most esteemed architect, designer and which is colloquially known as the What’s more, the city will soon be charm and character while also leading the highland dress shops as you make your written as 2016 sees the opening of the artist. With English sisters Margaret and ‘Armadillo’. home to the A&C Museum of Design, charge in one way or another. way from Edinburgh Castle to the highly anticipated Queensferry Crossing, Frances Macdonald and James Herbert Further along the riverbank is the iconic the first outside London. Slated to open Landmarks are underpinned not Queen’s summer home, the Palace of set to be the world’s longest three-tower, McNair, he made up ‘The Four’ – a group Glasgow Riverside Museum, designed by in 2017, the sleek structure designed by only by heritage and modernism, but Holyroodhouse. cable-stayed bridge. who produced some of the most inventive the first woman to receive the Pritzker Kengo Kuma will be the waterfront’s focal also by unmistakable beauty. The year- Over in New Town, Neoclassical Also during 2016, The National (and at times, controversial) Art Nouveau Architecture Prize, Zaha Hadid. The point. Inside, the galleries will be the long program will shine a spotlight on architecture dates back to the 18th century. Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh will designs during the 1890s. structure dominates Glasgow’s cityscape first-ever dedicated to Scotland’s design Scotland’s greatest assets as well as its Arguably one of the best places to enjoy explore the excitement and impact of the The Glaswegian was one of the with its contemporary wave design and heritage, taking visitors on a journey hidden gems, across a stellar lineup of the view is from Calton Hill, home to creative arts, fashion, design, science and country’s most influential figures and reflective-glass facade. through the past, present and future. events, festivals, exhibitions, conferences some of its own built treasures, including technology with the opening of several you can easily craft a fascinating day Another Scottish city embracing this The steam engine, telephone, bicycle and attractions. the Robert Burns Monument. new galleries. out around his famous works, including celebration is Dundee, situated on the and television all have one thing in Arguably one of the most prominent Also in New Town, don’t miss Robert Display pieces will number roughly The Hill House, Scotland Street School, north bank of the Firth of Tay. And while common: Scottish ingenuity. The Scots events scheduled is the Festival of Adam’s urban architectural masterpiece, 3,500, with many not having been on Windyhill and his masterpiece, The it may be compact, the city packs a punch have been changing the world as we Architecture, spread out across seven Georgian House. The contrast between display for generations. Plans are also Glasgow School of Art. on the design front. know it for centuries, making life a little Scottish cities between March and medieval facades and Georgian terraces in place to restore the revered building Glasgow’s architectural credentials From the famous jute barons of the easier, and more visually stunning, one October. At its centrepiece is an expo, truly gives Edinburgh its unique identity. to its former Victorian grandeur. extend beyond the works of The Four. 18th century to today’s modern life innovation at a time.
60 > flightcentre.com.au/scotland Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 61 SCOTLAND Top 10 things to do in
01 Nose a 03 See the Fairy Pools 05 Witness feats of strength 07 Stroll through 09 Follow the footsteps of Scotland dram of whisky on the Isle of Skye at the Highland Games Glasgow’s Necropolis Scottish kings at Scone Palace Words: Carlie Tucker It’s no wonder whisky is Scotland’s There’s no doubt Mother Nature Have you ever seen a man in a kilt Commanding a view over Glasgow Sitting just shy of four kilometres national drink, with more than 100 used a generous stroke when she painted toss a six-metre, 79-kilogram tree trunk Cathedral, the Necropolis is 14 hectares north of the charming city of Perth is one different distilleries producing some of the the Isle of Skye. The largest island of the end over end as far as his strength will of Victorian history. Composed of grand of Scotland’s most notable landmarks. world’s best varieties. Follow the whisky Inner Hebrides calls to travellers with its allow? Known as the caber toss, it’s just memorials, sculptures and mausoleums, The Palace of Scone is where Scottish kings trail through Speyside, sample the ‘water of heather-clad moors, jagged mountain one of the many amazing events held at the this picturesque cemetery invites curious were crowned and the original home to life’ on a distillery tour or simply sidle up slopes and the Fairy Pools near Glenbrittle. Highland Games taking place throughout travellers to stroll the grounds and the Stone of Destiny. Tour the palace, for a dram in one of Scotland’s many These staggeringly beautiful cascading Scotland over the summer months. gardens for a glimpse of Glasgow’s upper with guides available in each room, before whisky bars. pools can be reached on foot, with From Aberdeenshire to Fife, small towns class of centuries gone by. It’s incredibly wandering the grounds to discover Moot crystal-clear waters providing the ultimate and villages come alive to honour these peaceful and undoubtedly impressive, and Hill, the ancient cemetery and hedge maze. photo opportunity or an icy cold swim for traditional feats of strength. you can wander on your own or take part the boldest adventure seekers. in a guided tour.
02 Walk the Royal Mile 04 Get cultured at Kelvingrove 06 Search for Nessie 08 Try the haggis 10 Catch a scare to Edinburgh Castle Art Gallery and Museum at Urquhart Castle on a ghost tour Starting at Holyrood Palace, Home to one of the greatest art Tick two items off your Scotland There’s nary a menu that doesn’t Edinburgh’s nefarious past has led to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is roughly one collections in Europe, Kelvingrove Art bucket list with a visit to Urquhart Castle. feature this savoury pudding in one form many tales of things that go bump in the Scots mile of shopping, eating, drinking Gallery and Museum is one of Glasgow’s Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, or another. Deep fried, stuffed into a night. The city’s Old Town is teeming with and general revelry that culminates in brightest highlights. It’s free, with 22 the medieval ruins hold a picture-perfect chicken breast or accompanied with neeps opportunities to conjure the spirits with Edinburgh Castle. The Old Town’s themed galleries that cover everything from position looking over Loch Ness and the and tatties, you can have it just about any walking tours covering everything from Victorian architecture is enhanced by the the Dutch Old Masters to World Cultures. Great Glen. You can now walk through way you like it. As a perennial favourite for the tortures of Edinburgh Dungeon to the intrigue of its many closes and highlights Rembrandt, Dali, Van Gogh and more are the castle – make sure you take the stairs to hungry Scots, no trip is complete without corruption of the vaults of South Bridge. such as the Heart of Midlothian, Tron Kirk all accounted for, as are learning programs the top of the Tower House for unbeatable a wee taste of haggis. Join in the spooky fun if you dare. and Camera Obscura. and daily recitals, courtesy of the beautiful views of the surrounding waters to see if Kelvingrove Organ built by Lewis and Co. you can spot the elusive Nessie.
62 > flightcentre.com.au/scotland Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 63 CULINARY BRITAIN
TRADITIONAL BRITISH FARE CAN COME WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS, BUT WHEN YOU’RE ON THE ROAD, SIMPLER OFFERINGS ARE ON ON THE MENU THE MENU FROM CARDIFF TO THE ORKNEYS. Words: Carlie Tucker
ENGLAND SCOTLAND WALES
Breakfast Full Scottish Breakfast Eggs and cockles Scotland offers its own tasty When it comes to the first start to the day with the Scottish meal of the day in Wales, you won’t take on the full breakfast. Another find the usual full-breakfast suspects. gut-buster of a plate, it’s filled with The Welsh prefer cockles in the bacon, eggs, link or Lorne sausage, morning. As with most dishes, baked beans, grilled tomato, everyone has their own recipe, but mushrooms and toast with butter. popular versions consist of sautéed It’s not Scottish, though, until you cockle meat and leeks spooned over add Scottish-style black pudding laver bread, accompanied by eggs and a tattie (potato) scone. and bacon. Breakfast Full English Lunch Welsh rarebit The full English breakfast If you love cheese on toast, is the mother of all early-morning you’ll love Welsh rarebit! No one eats, sure to fuel you up for a full day really knows where the name came of activities. This brimming plate from, but this traditional Welsh dish comes complete with bacon, eggs, takes the humble recipe to new, grilled tomato, fried mushrooms, delicious heights. Think along the sausage, baked beans, and toast with lines of a luxurious, velvety cheese butter. Serious English breakfast sauce spiced with mustard spread aficionados will also opt for the over a thick slice of bread and black pudding. toasted until bubbly and golden. Lunch Fish ’n’ chips Lunch Cullen skink Chicken tikka may have taken On a chilly day in Scotland over as the most popular dish in (and there are a few), there’s nothing England, but traditionalists will never more comforting than a wee bowl of stop loving good ol’ fish ’n’ chips. cullen skink. This full-flavoured, There’s rarely an English menu hearty dish is a creamy soup made that doesn’t offer some version of it. of smoked haddock, potatoes and It’s as simple as battered fish fried onions. Some say it’s similar to a to a crisp golden brown accompanied chowder, but it has a much smokier by thick-cut chips (with vinegar). flavour and is traditionally served Mushy peas if you must. with bread. Dinner Steak and ale pie Dinner Haggis, neeps Dinner Cawl British pubs take their & tatties Cawl is the national dish of traditional fare seriously, particularly Haggis is the national dish of Wales. It’s a traditional stew that the pies, which is why it’s the best Scotland. Along with shortbread and features potatoes, swedes, carrots place to tuck into a steak and ale pie, whisky, it’s ingrained in the Scottish and other seasonal veggies. As far oozing with rich gravy. Acceptable identity and features on nearly every as the meat goes, the traditional variations come with mushrooms, but restaurant menu in the country. variations used salted bacon or beef, generally speaking, it’s all about the It comes in many forms – deep fried but more modern takes have adopted beef – large, tender chunks that give to fine dining – but it’s almost always lamb and leeks. No matter how you way to your fork when you dig in for accompanied by neeps (turnips) and try it, it’s a hearty dinner guaranteed another delicious bite. tatties (potatoes). to satisfy any appetite.
64 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 65 CULINARY BRITAIN THE CULINARY S TARS OF When it comes to the food and dining scene in the UK, London all too often dominates the dining table. Regarded as one of the most THE NORTH influential culinary centres of the world, it overflows with five-star hotels, Words: Rachel Surgeoner a host of celebrity-chef restaurants and enough pubs to crawl that you could go to a new drinking hole every night for a year and barely make a dint. Yet, 300 kilometres north in Yorkshire, you’ll find the largest concentration It’s not every of Michelin-starred restaurants and gastropubs outside London. day you come It’s not every day you come across across pub grub pub grub that’s considered good enough to earn a world-famous that’s considered award. The Michelin Guide has been good enough to released annually for more than 100 years by French tyre manufacturer earn a world- Michelin. Originally containing useful information for motorists, over time the famous award.” guide evolved and began conducting anonymous restaurant reviews. The term ‘Michelin star’ was coined and soon became a hallmark for fine dining and quality restaurants around the world. Establishments can earn a one‑, two- or three-star rating based on the quality, mastery of technique and consistency of food. Of the 62 one-Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK, Yorkshire is home to six of them, so you can cover roughly 10 per cent of the country’s one-Michelin-starred establishments in one very well-fed trip around Yorkshire. Want to experience the Michelin effect for yourself? Start planning your culinary road trip to the north next time you’re in the UK.
66 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 67 CULINARY BRITAIN
The Box Tree The Black Swan at Oldstead 35-37 Church Street, Ilkley, Main Street, York, North Yorkshire West Yorkshire Travel just over 30 kilometres north This modern French gem has of York and you’ll find a 16th-century pub retained its Michelin star for the with one of the youngest chefs in the 10th year running. Opened in 1962, country to receive a Michelin star. Chef The Box Tree has an extensive wine Tommy Banks takes a skilled, modern cellar and a unique collection of art approach to pub fare with a focus on, and antiques. The menu boasts modern you guessed it, local and seasonal produce. and classic French dishes with a focus Try the pork belly with boulangere potato on fresh and local produce. Try the or wood pigeon with pickled vegetables. wild Scottish venison or the squab Get swept away and stay the night. pigeon with seared foie gras, or stick Open Monday to Sunday for dinner, to the much-loved roast sea scallops and Sundays for lunch. with celeriac puree and white truffle oil or Box Tree signature soufflés. The Star Inn Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, Harome, Nr Helmsley, North Yorkshire and Friday to Sunday for lunch. This much-loved pub in the picturesque village of Harome, on the edge The Yorke Arms of the North York Moors, dates back to the 14th century. Chef Steve Smith’s menu Ramsgill-in-Nidderdale, Pateley celebrates Yorkshire-style cooking with an Bridge, North Yorkshire emphasis on regional and seasonal produce. This 18th-century coach house Try the pan-roast roe deer with venison and shooting lodge on the edge of the cottage pie or the house-made white pork stunning Nidderdale Valley is now Boudin sausage with spring greens. For home to an award-winning kitchen. enthusiasts, there’s also the grilled black Top female chef Frances Atkins pudding with pan-fried foie gras. Can’t get focuses on simple fare with new twists enough hearty fare? Book to stay at one of – try the spiced partridge with green the inn’s tasteful rooms. olive tapenade and truffle. With a number of stylish rooms on offer, Open for dinner only on Mondays, consider staying the night. Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, and Sunday for lunch and early supper. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, and Sunday for lunch only. The Man Behind The Curtain Leeds, West Yorkshire The quirkiest of the bunch and > Cosy restaurants The Pipe and Glass Inn Yorkshire’s newest Michelin-starred and West End, South Dalton, Beverley, restaurant, The Man Behind The Curtain gastropubs East Yorkshire serves highly modern food inspired by with Michelin This East Yorkshire inn dates contemporary culture. What does that stars are in back to the 15th century, but its abundance translate to, you ask? Think molecular-level in Yorkshire, award-winning fare (awarded a Michelin gastronomy where food meets art on the where star for six years running) stays up to plate. The 12-course degustation with wine regional date with a frequently changing menu pairing comes highly recommended. and seasonal produce is based on seasonality. Try the white-crab Open for dinner from Wednesday meat and mooli cannelloni with pickled the order of to Saturday, and lunch on Friday the day. radish, or the ballotine of guinea fowl and Saturday. and ham hock with pease pudding. The inn has a number of well-appointed rooms should you want to stay a little Getting there Visit your local Flight Centre for more advice and the latest longer. deals on travelling to England. Go to flightcentre.com.au Open Tuesday to Sunday for or call 131 600 24 hours lunch and dinner.
68 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 69 PARKS AND GARDENS
THE G REAT O UTDOORS CELEBRATING BRITAIN’S BEST PARKS AND GARDENS
Words: Jessica Holmes
With 2016 crowned the year of the English garden, there is to explore. The highly touted Bodnant Garden is no better time to visit Britain’s picture-perfect open green breathtakingly beautiful and offers a vast collection of spaces. Immaculately presented, these parks and gardens plants, providing year-round colour. The National Botanic are filled with both natural and man-made treasures, with Garden of Wales is equally attractive, covering more than an abundance of flourishing flora and fauna. 200 hectares of Carmarthenshire countryside. In London, you could roam any of the eight Royal Parks, Take time out in Scotland to peruse the natural wonders including Regent’s Park with its glorious rose display. on display at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, or visit “A gardener's Visit the elegant Kensington Palace in the lavish Kensington Pollok Country Park and wander the halls of the graceful delight.” Gardens , while the kids enjoy the Diana Memorial Pollock House. Playground, complete with a pirate ship and teepees. Britain’s top parks and gardens provide the perfect Richmond Park is best known for its furry residents, escape from the bustling big city. Enjoy a breath of fresh including red and fallow deer, while further afield, the air as you stroll perfectly manicured lawns, ravishing Glendurgan Garden in Cornwall is filled with spectacular flower displays and ornamental monuments and > One of the scenery and a carefully maintained giant hedge maze. landmarks, and see why the UK countryside is lauded magnificent gardens at In Wales you will have your pick of grassy meadows for its beauty and charm. Kensington Palace.
70 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 71 PARKS AND GARDENS Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Kensington Gardens Centrally located, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh London acts as a peaceful haven away from the city hustle. Featuring nearly One of the eight Royal 30 hectares of stunning scenery, the gardens are renowned for Parks of London, Kensington their unique collection of unusual plant species. Witness Britain’s Gardens boasts an impressive tallest Palm House or stroll among the towering Redwood number of attractions spread trees in the Woodland Garden. Enjoy the serenity of the across a whopping 97 hectares. Chinese Hillside, explore the world-famous Rock Garden, The lush landscapes are or admire treasures at the award-winning art gallery decorated with tree-lined inside the historic Inverleith House. avenues and ornamental flower beds. Stroll through the 150-year- old Italian Gardens and admire the marvellous Peter Pan Statue in honour of J. M. Barrie’s famous tales, inspired by the gardens. Of course, the most notable attraction is the magnificent > Lush landscapes Kensington Palace, a royal surround Kensington Palace. residence since the 17th century.
Bodnant Garden Conwy, Wales Nestled in the county borough of Conwy, the award-winning Bodnant Garden is a lavish green space. Often touted as one of the most beautiful gardens in the United > Britain’s tallest palm Kingdom, the verdant landscapes are house is just one of the perfectly positioned, with views features at Edinburgh’s stretching towards the Snowdonia Royal Botanic Gardens. ranges. The striking gardens boast sweeping lawns and dense woodlands in addition to many stunning flowering plants, from roses Glendurgan Garden to hydrangeas and lilies. > Amazing Gledurgan Garden Browse the immaculate Cornwall is famous for its hedges. Encompassing three Italianate Terraces, valleys, the Glendurgan Gardens the most formal part are a natural wonderland filled of the garden with with exotic flowers and jungle- year-round colour. like terrain. The valley garden offers picturesque views stretching down to the glistening waters of Helford River. You can also tour through the gardens to Durgan village, a quiet fishing hamlet set on the water. The gardens are famous for their labyrinth of carefully maintained hedges that form a twisted maze > Purple patch; the Bodnant that proves to be fun for all ages. Garden lays claim to being one Little ones can also swing high of the most beautiful in the UK. on the Giant’s Stride.
72 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 73 PARKS AND GARDENS Regent’s Park London National Botanic There is no shortage of Garden of Wales things to do in Regent’s Park. Carmarthenshire, Wales Queen Mary’s Gardens is a Covering more than 200 hectares, delight to explore with more than the National Botanic Garden of Wales 12,000 roses on display, covering offers extensive horticultural displays 400 varieties. The expansive and flower meadows. The centrepiece space also holds a number of is the Great Glasshouse filled with memorials, fountains and statues, a lavish Mediterranean landscape including the Triton Fountain, including a six metre-deep ravine. Jubilee Gates and the Griffin Designed to be an immersive Tazza. The park also houses the experience, guests can pause in a Open Air Theatre, London Zoo, Spanish olive grove, visit a Japanese Primrose Hill and also the largest garden complete with a tea house, outdoor sports facility in London. > Tree-lined avenues and or wander through collections of Keep your eyes peeled for the 12,000 roses are highlights at Regent’s Park. fuchsias from Chile. The extensive many wild birds and waterfowl gardens feature contemporary art that roam the grounds. design with a clever blend of both historic and futuristic displays. Pollok Country Park > The Great Glasshouse is a central feature at the National Pollok, Scotland Botanic Garden of Wales. As Glasgow’s largest park, the award-winning grounds of Pollok Country Park provide a quiet oasis for visitors and residents alike. The leafy surrounds feature a wildlife garden, woodlands, a mountain bike circuit and Richmond Park a play park. Visit the Pollok House, one of the city’s most Greater London elegant family homes, containing a remarkable collection The largest of London’s Royal of Spanish art and a lovely tea room. This is also where Parks, Richmond Park is known for you will find the Burrell Collection, with priceless its wildlife conservation, thanks to the artworks from across the globe. hordes of ancient trees that flourish in the region. Furry residents include some 650 wild red and fallow deer, in addition to many bird species from woodpeckers to waterfowl. Little critters also roam the land, including butterflies and beetles among 250 types of fungi. A highlight will be the 16-hectare Isabella Plantation, known for its evergreen azaleas, which peak in late April and early May.
Getting there Visit your local Flight Centre for more advice > Wild red and > After seeing the stunning Pollock and the latest deals on travelling to the UK. fallow deer roam Country Park, visit Pollock House with Go to flightcentre.com.au Richmond Park. priceless artworks and a lovely tea room. or call 131 600 24 hours
Royal Botanic Gardens Hampton Court Kensington Roof Gardens Chiswick Gardens Hyde Park Battersea Park St James’s Park Greenwich Park Other notable Kew, Richmond, Palace Gardens Kensington High Street, Burlington Lane, London London London London London parks Surrey East Molesey, Surrey London Chiswick
74 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 75 LONDON FOR FAMILIES
03 Museums London is home to more than 300 museums and galleries, ranging from famous collections to curated curiosities, and many permanent collections are free to enter. KIDDING The British Museum is one of the world’s oldest and its drawcards include Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone, Lindow AROUND IN Man, the Lewis chessmen and the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial. The V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green has activity stations and a great collection of toy displays, while London LONDON Transport Museum in Covent Garden lets you drive a simulated red bus. For dinosaur-mad kids, look no further than the Natural Words: Cassandra Laffey History Museum in Brompton – T-rex is here, along with other animatronic extinct beasties. LONDON IS A PICTURE 04 Theatre BOOK BROUGHT TO Need a break from entertaining the kids? Let someone else do LIFE FOR LITTLE ONES. it! Seeing a West End musical is a great outing for the whole family. THERE ARE PALACES, In 2016, some of the must-see musicals that kids and adults will love include recent favourites like Billy Elliot – The Musical and PRINCES AND A Matilda The Musical; classics, such as The Lion King and Charlie QUEEN, FAMOUS and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical; and new shows like Bend It Like Beckham The Musical, Tim Minchin’s Groundhog Day ANTIQUITIES, AND A and Back to the Future. CHANCE TO BOARD Next year is also the 450th anniversary of the birth of the Bard, and a trip to the historic Shakespeare’s Globe in South Bank HOGWARTS EXPRESS. is ideal to introduce his works to a new generation. There are ₤5 ‘groundling’ (i.e. standing) tickets, or try the popular Shakespeare Untold adapted plays for audiences aged six and up.
01 Attractions 05 Shopping Kids will be wowed to see London’s famous sights up close. An entire department store just for toys? Watch their eyes Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, at light up at the world’s oldest toy store. Established in 1760 and 11.30am on odd or even dates, depending on the month. For more at its Regent Street address since 1881, Hamleys has seven floors royal London, take a free Yeoman Warder tour of the Tower of of toys, games, dolls and more to surprise and delight kids of all London to hear its gruesome history and see the Crown Jewels. ages, and was one of the first shops to create an interactive Kids of all ages will also want to board the Hogwarts Express environment with enticing whirring, bleeps and hands-on fun. at Warner Bros Studios near Watford to see the Harry Potter movie Nearby Oxford Street is one of London’s most popular sets. Soccer-mad youngsters can take a behind-the-scenes look at shopping streets and ideal for tweens and teens to get their Stamford Bridge with a Chelsea FC Stadium Tour, where they can high-street shopping fix. Well serviced by tube stations, hop off also test their boot skills. If the littlies are dragging their feet around at Oxford Circus to find the flagship stores of well-known brands the attractions of Westminster, treat them to a sky-high view from including Topshop and H&M, along with Niketown. the London Eye at South Bank instead.
02 Parks 06 Eating London in summer is a glorious time, as locals take to the London is the place for portable edibles, where you can pick many parks and green spaces to enjoy the sunshine (see page 70). up tasty meals to eat on the go or buy items to pack a picnic lunch Daylight saving means it’s still light outside at 10pm in for the park. Quick and healthy pre-packaged options are available midsummer, which is a novelty for littlies up past their bedtime. from Marks & Spencer, Prêt a Manger, supermarkets such as Tesco Visiting a park is a great way to break up a day of sightseeing and Sainsbury’s, plus department store food halls. and allow kids to burn some energy. Close to some of London’s Looking for a family-friendly indoors spot? Try the Rainforest most popular attractions, St James’ Park is ideal for a picnic and a Cafe in London’s West End, where the jungle theme will pique frolic. At Duck Island, you can watch the pelicans being fed fresh children's interest, from the decor to the meals. London-based fish every afternoon at 2.30pm. Diana, Princess of Wales’ Memorial Honest Burgers has several locations and offers child-size burgers. Playground in Kensington Gardens incorporates play equipment For a family-friendly Sunday roast lunch, Princess Victoria in for children of all physical abilities in an imaginative space visited Shepherd’s Bush, Spurstowe Arms in Hackney, and the riverside by more than a million people every year. Cutty Sark in Greenwich welcome the whole tribe.
76 > flightcentre.com.au/london Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 77 SPORTING BRITAIN S PORTING B RITAIN Words: Amanda Woods AS ONE OF THE GREATEST SPORTING NATIONS ON EARTH, BRITAIN HAS WORLD- FAMOUS VENUES THAT MOST SPORTS FANS DREAM OF ONE DAY STEPPING INSIDE. HERE ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST AND THE BEST TO PUT ON YOUR UK VISIT WISH LIST.
01 Wimbledon Just the name conjures up images of tennis whites and strawberries and cream, but if you miss out on tickets when the championships are on you can still visit at other times of the year. The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum includes a visit to the famous Centre Court, a behind- > Novak Djokovic celebrates another the-scenes tour of the grounds, win at Wimbledon. He has been interactive displays and an champion there three times. encounter with John McEnroe’s ‘ghost’. Church Rd, Wimbledon, London
78 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 79 “That's one
SPORTINGbig BRITAIN leap!”
> CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT A fine innings, the Aussies on show at Lord's; rugby at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park; the Queen at the races at Royal Ascot.
02 Lord’s 04 Wembley Stadium 06 Twickenham Established in 1814, Lord’s Cricket Ground is owned The home of English football, Wembley stadium The world’s largest venue dedicated to rugby union, For more than 600 years, by the Marylebone Cricket Club, which also owns the is also an iconic concert venue making history in Twickenham holds 82,000 spectators and is the home of copyright to Laws of Cricket. everything from England’s World Cup victory in 1966 English rugby. St Andrews has seen millions Hallowed ground for cricket fans, Lord’s is also home to the Live Aid concert in 1985. Stadium tours take you behind the scenes and into to the MCC Museum, which is where the Ashes Urn can Fans can go behind the scenes on a Wembley Stadium the England dressing room, through the players' tunnel, of golfers on its courses.” be found. Tours of Lord’s include entrance to the museum, Tour that includes visiting the England changing rooms, and even into the royal box. Tours end at the World Rugby walking through the Long Room, and taking a seat in the walking through the players’ tunnel and climbing the Museum where you can learn about the game’s history 08 Ascot dressing rooms where legends have sat before you. Trophy Winner’s steps. and test your kicking prowess with interactive games. Ten kilometres from Windsor Castle, Ascot racecourse St John’s Wood Rd, London Wembley, London Whitton Rd, Twickenham, London has strong ties to the royal family. The highlight of the year is Royal Ascot (14-18 June 2016), one of the most glamorous events on the UK sporting calendar, with royalty, high society 03 Olympic Park 05 St Andrews 07 Henley on Thames and racing fans all turning out. Other race days have themes After the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics One of the oldest courses in the world, for more than The ultimate sporting event on the Thames, the including a beer festival in October and fireworks in the stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park became a 600 years St Andrews has seen millions of golfers on its Henley Royal Regatta brings international rowing crews November. Flat Season runs from April to October, while the stage for major sporting events including Rugby World Cup courses, including some of the greatest. and spectators to the town of Henley on Thames on the first Jumps Season is from October to April. matches. In 2016 it will become the home of West Ham But you don’t have to be a champion to book a tee time weekend of July. There’s a 10-year waiting list to become a Ascot, Berkshire United Football Club and the National Competition Centre at St Andrews. Anyone can play and there are adult and member and make it into the Steward’s Enclosure, but you for athletics. junior golf schools to get you started, though you do need can watch from the long riverbank for free. When the race While you can’t enter the stadium when it’s closed, the right handicap (24 for men, 36 for women) to play the isn’t on you can visit the River and Rowing Museum, with Getting there the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is open 24 hours a day legendary Old Course. galleries dedicated to rowing, rivers, and the town’s history. Visit your local Flight Centre for more advice and the latest deals on travelling to the UK. Go to flightcentre.com.au or call 131 600 24 hours and is free to visit. Links Clubhouse, West Sands, Mill Meadows, Meadow Rd, Henley on Thames, Stratford, London St Andrews, Scotland Oxfordshire
80 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 81 �he CHALLENGE OUR EXPERT FLIGHT CENTRE CONSULTANTS PREPARE A ONE AND TWO WEEK > FROM LEFT: See London from UK ITINERARY FOR a double-decker bus; the famous YOUR FAMILY. Lion Sculpture in Trafalgar Square; the historic city of Bath; the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle; the charming Costswolds.
Staying anywhere in London’s Zone The walking tour showcases the city's most With ancient townships, quaint Week 2 1 and 2 means you will have easy access to all distinctive graffiti art and gives an insight into villages and rolling countryside, it’s easy to fill Spend a night in nearby Oxford. The tiny city is One the main sights. The city's tube, train and bus local history, including Jack the Ripper. Worth Tw o two weeks in the UK. London is definitely packed with stunning buildings and the wisdom system is very user friendly and travelling with a look is Brick Lane, which is lined with curry deserving of a little extra time and we of scholars past and present. From here, head an Oyster card on public transport is your most houses and restaurant hawkers trying to outdo recommend complementing the big-city stay north to the Lake District, one of England’s week economical option. If possible buy a weekly each other. Brick Lane comes alive on Sunday weeks with exploration of the less-visited Lake most beautiful national parks. It’s worth Focus on ticket that covers all travel between your chosen with multicultural food markets. See some of District, plus the amazing sites in the spending a few days here. The area boasts scenic London’s big zones. The City Mapper app will make it easy Day 5. The Harry Potter Studios in Watford, a London but get Cotswolds, Oxford, Bath and Edinburgh. hiking opportunities and plenty of country pubs to plan journeys. short train ride from Euston central, is worth to provide warmth afterwards. The Lake District sights and the trip to see movie-making technology out of town to Week 1 inspired the work of author Beatrix Potter, who smaller day trips. Day 1. Start with a hop-on-hop-off bus that and costumes. You can even learn to fly a the Lake District Start your two-week trip with a few nights in spent many holidays here in her youth and later passes sights like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, broomstick. Follow this with a tour of the London. If you want to feel like a local, stay settled here as an adult. Visitors can see her the River Thames and the London Eye. Get Tower of London and gain an atmospheric on a road trip. in Chelsea or Holland Park, while Victoria is original illustrations at the gallery in her former acquainted with the city by visiting Trafalgar insight into the city’s history. a great, central location that makes navigation home and follow in her footsteps on a country Square then get your bearings by exploring Day 6. Head out of the city to Windsor Castle around the city easy. You’ll want to see the main walk. nearby Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. or Hampton Court Palace, home to Henry sites: Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Hyde Park and Finish the week by sampling a little of what Day 2. Take a stroll through Green Park to the Eighth. Both are amazing historic royal Buckingham Palace for the changing of the Scotland has to offer with a stay in Edinburgh. Buckingham Palace then head to high tea at residences. The Queens Head pub in Windsor guard. A hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a great way The city sits below the impressive Edinburgh Fortum and Masons. For a spot of shopping, is a good stop for refreshments. Prince Philip to check these out and get your city bearings. Castle and is home to great shopping and head to Carnaby Street, wander into Covent is known to occasionally pop in here to wet his Then spend a few hours exploring the British unique restaurants. It is also close to some of the Garden, hit Oxford Street and visit the big whistle. Museum, catching a show in the West End or country’s best golf courses, where avid golfers name brands and heavyweight department Day 7. Spend your final day exploring heading north to the eclectic Camden Market can play a few rounds. If comedy, innovative stores of Harrods and Harvey Nichols in the beautiful grounds of Hyde Park and or south to the delicious Borough Market, theatre and great entertainment is your thing, Knightsbridge. Tonight, enjoy dinner and a Kensington Palace before savouring your last packed with the city's best food stalls. plan to be here in August when the city hosts show in the West End. moments in a traditional English pub. Head out of the capital and spend a night in the famous Edinburgh Festival. Day 3. A day in Camden Town is a must, with Bath, a picturesque city that is a great antidote Camden Stable markets offering a huge range to London's bustle. Explore the ancient Roman
NATASHA of foods, arts, crafts and memorabilia. Do the Bathhouse in the heart of the city and wander BOYD famous Camden Pub Crawl, taking you to beautiful streets. Spend the remainder of the Getting there Getting there TRAVEL some awesome night life. Flight Centre has great deals on UK holiday packages week meandering around the Cotswolds, which There are many luxury UK holidays on offer. CONSULTANT See East London like a local by taking throughout the year. Keep an eye out for sales and visit your the British think of as England, complete with Chat to your Flight Centre consultant about your needs FLIGHT CENTRE Day 4. closest store to chat to a consultant about getting the best rate. and they will find the perfect indulgent holiday for you. LIVINGSTON the Alternative London Tour, starting at Go to flightcentre.com.au or call 131 600 24 hours quaint villages, country pubs and beautiful Go to flightcentre.com.au or call 131 600 24 hours the famous Spitalfields Goat (see page 44). scenery.
82 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 83 city scoop
TRAVEL GUIDES City scoop
WE CHAT TO IN-THE-KNOW LOCALS ABOUT THEIR TOP TIPS ON WHERE TO EAT, DRINK AND PLAY
Bristol Liverpool Manchester Glasgow Cardiff Edinburgh
Why I love it... Why I love it... Why I love it... Why I love it... Why I love it... Why I love it... I love Bristol because Culture, heritage and The city’s constantly Glasgow is a beautiful, There’s always an Edinburgh is a beautiful it has all the buzz of a an everlasting Beatles changing but the people contradictory and infectious buzz about the city that improves when major city but with the warmth legacy – what’s not to love? always maintain that friendly, inventive city, full of people city and anticipation of the next the weather is dark and dreich. and friendliness of a small town. Mike Dewey, General northern feel. who are direct, warm and wild. global event that we get to host. I love it when the haar rolls in. Kathryn Davis is Head of Manager, Hard Day’s Ben Davies, Marketing Lorenzo Mele, Merchant City Mike Price, Promotions Jo Radford, Head Bartender, Tourism at Destination Bristol. Night Hotel Manager, Ziferblat café Festival Executive Producer Manager, Visit Wales Timberyard, Edinburgh
FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD Casamia Blake’s Restaurant Pie and Ale Cafe Gandolfi Depot Warehouse L'Escargot Bleu The family-run Casamia has been incredibly Located in the in the world-famous Tucked away in the bohemian Northern The café was the first and is still the The Warehouse brings together street L’Escargot Bleu offers tasty, honest French popular in its current home in Westbury-on- Cavern Quarter, this is an award-winning Quarter, the Pie and Ale serves up best restaurant in the city’s regenerated vendors offering everything from burgers food and El Cartel is a great place for Trym, but early next year it moves to Bristol’s eatery that puts a contemporary twist on interesting pie combinations with local merchant area. Next door is the poshest to burritos, hot dogs to haute cuisine, sharing dishes of homemade Mexican harbourside, which we’re all really excited about. traditional Great British cuisine. ingredients and ales brewed in the region. takeaway fish and chips at Gandolfi Fish. with local beers on tap. food with friends. AFTER DARK AFTER DARK AFTER DARK AFTER DARK AFTER DARK AFTER DARK Milk Thistle Bar Four So Flute Buff Club Gwdihw Blackfriars The cocktail scene is really hot. One of the most The Beatles-inspired Bar Four is just So Flute is a hometown hero in the city’s Trade night at Buff Club on Mondays is I love Gwdihw, a tiny bar that has retro Blackfriars and Lucky Liquor are two popular spots is Milk Thistle, a speakeasy-style a minute’s walk from world-famous club scene, a fun venue which presents where staff from other bars and clubs have signs, odd furniture and staff that are part stylish yet relaxed bars in the city centre. bar in an historic building in the old city. Matthew Street, where you will find the eclectic soulful music to dance to until a night out. Nice and Sleazy, a late bar on of the party. The Old Arcade is the place Lucky Liquor is an award-winner, setting PLAY Cavern Club where The Beatles played. the early hours of the morning. the famous Sauchiehall Street, has great to go when in Cardiff for a rugby match. standards for cocktails in Edinburgh. PLAY PLAY live music. PLAY PLAY Bristol Old Vic PLAY The UK’s oldest working theatre is celebrating Epstein Theatre Salford Community Centre Cardiff Castle Arthur's Seat its 250th anniversary next year and has an The ever-popular theatre is This sports centre has indoor pools, Riverside Museum Take the guided tour around the castle. Climb Arthur’s Seat to drink in views of exciting program lined up. named after Liverpool’s most successful trampolines, gym facilities, paddle- The iconic Zaha Hadid-designed museum The interior is absolutely stunning. The the whole of Edinburgh and across the DAY TRIP music entrepreneur and Beatles’ manager boarding and canoeing just a tram ride on the Clyde is a great place to connect to National Gallery and Museum of Wales Firth of Forth. The Seat is at the foot of Brian Epstein. from the city. Glasgow’s rich heritage in making ships, is one of the finest in Europe. the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyrood. Tyntesfield Estate trains, cars, bikes and trams. You could easily spend the whole day at the DAY TRIP DAY TRIP DAY TRIP DAY TRIP DAY TRIP National Trust’s Tyntesfield Estate, only 11 Magical Mystery Tour Levenshulme Market Hay-on-Wye Inver Restaurant kilometres from central Bristol, exploring the See Liverpool through the eyes of The The market is a great place for knick- Balloch on Loch Lomond Hay-on-Wye is famous for books. Head west to Inver Restaurant on Loch Victorian Gothic Revival house and roaming Beatles on a ‘Magical Mystery Tour' by knacks and quirky souvenirs. Pop in to see Thirty minutes from Central station and There are millions of them. The castle’s Fyne for food and views that are hard to the beautiful gardens and parkland. bus, taking in the childhood homes of the girls at Trove Bakery, a local favourite you are in Balloch on Loch Lomond. a bookshop, the cinema’s a bookshop, beat. You can stay at Monachyl Mhor at SECRET TIP John, Paul, George and Ringo and places among foodies. Catch a boat up to Luss and back and the fire station’s a bookshop. If you can, Balquidder on the banks of Loch Voil, the they made famous in their songs, such as SECRET TIP experience the majesty of Scotland where visit during Hay’s annual literary festival. burial place of Scottish folk hero Rob Roy. Gloucester Road Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields. water meets mountain meets sky. SECRET TIP SECRET TIP Hit the independent shops and cafe bars of Ziferblat SECRET TIP SECRET TIP Gloucester Road and North Street, two vibrant This is a unique concept café where you Spillers Records Jupiter Artland areas of the city that people might miss if they Fab Four Taxi Tour pay sixpence per minute to use the space Pollok Country Park Cardiff’s Victorian and Edwardian arcades Jupiter Artland is a great walk through a only stick to the harbourside and central areas. The Beatles Fab Four Taxi Tour takes in and everything else is free. Help yourself The park, on the south side of Glasgow, are stuffed full of the quirky and unusual. world-class sculpture park. Shop at Kestin Walk across Clifton Suspension Bridge – the local spots where The Beatles composed to cakes and coffee, with board games and feels like the countryside, complete with Spillers Records in the Morgan Arcade Hare and Dicks, both in the Georgian area elevated city views are fantastic. and rehearsed many of their first hits. super-fast Wi-Fi. Highland cows. is the oldest record shop in the world! of Stockbridge near the city centre.
84 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 85 YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON IN THE UK travel planner
10 11 12 9 JUNE, LONDON
Aladdin the Musical Stage magic unfolds as the musical of the fairy tale debuts on the West End. With Trevor Dion Nicholas in the role of Genie, this Disney favourite will showcase hit songs such as A Whole New World 17 C 18 A 19 L and Arabian Nights.
12–15 MAY, WINDSOR 24–28 MAY, CHELSEA
24 E 25 N 26 D The Queen’s 90th Chelsea Flower Show birthday Bloomin’ marvellous. This 17 MARCH, IRELAND Windsor Castle will annual show transforms 2016 host four shows to mark the grounds of the Royal St Patrick’s Day the birthday of Britain’s Hospital Chelsea into a floral It’s celebrated everywhere, but there’s nothing like the real longest‑reigning monarch. masterpiece. Guests in 2016 thing. The nation’s patron saint is celebrated fiercely and Expect to see dancers, actors, include Irish celebrity garden A R proudly in Ireland. Activities include lots of live music, musicians, video projections designer Diarmuid Gavin with parades – and the odd toast. and 500 horses. the British Eccentrics Garden.
WINTER13–16 APRIL, LONDON SPRING3–5 JUNE, LONDON English National Chestertons Polo in the Park Ballet Horses thunder around Hurlingham Park, Fulham, for A triple bill dedicated to this summer tradition. The three-day tournament boasts female choreographers, international polo players, plus off-field entertainment, music, She Said, debuts at Sadler’s wining and dining. And there’s also a luxury shopping village. Wells. World premieres from Aszure Barton, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Yabin Wang will be on the program.
23 APRIL, STRATFORD- 11 JUNE, WALES UPON‑AVON 31 DECEMBER, SCOTLAND 1 MARCH, CARDIFF By foot and sail 27 MARCH, LONDON Shakespeare’s 21 M AY, LONDON As extreme events go, the Hogmanay St David’s Day anniversary Barmouth to Fort William For Scots, the last day of the Cardiff is the place to be Oxford and It’s the 400th anniversary of FA Cup final Three Peaks Yacht Race is year holds a special place. for St David’s feast day – Cambridge boat race William Shakepeare’s death, Iconic Wembley Stadium hard to beat – especially Hogmanay is a time for giant honouring the patron saint Tradition on water, this is one so his birthplace is putting hosts the final of the world’s in the Year of Adventure street parties, dancing, music of Wales. This day of national of city’s most popular sporting on a bash for The Bard, oldest soccer competition. in Wales. This running and fireworks. By tradition pride and celebration is events. The rowing showdown celebrating his life with Fans chant and sing while and yachting race is one the New Year is greeted at the considered a spring highlight. between the universities brings an outpouring of music, millions tune in across the of the oldest and toughest stroke of midnight by singing Many heritage sites allow free a festive atmosphere to the pageantry and drama. world and in Britain’s packed long‑distance contests in Auld Lang Syne. entry for the day. banks of the Thames. pubs and sports bars. the world.
86 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 87 YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON IN THE UK travel planner
11 JUNE, LONDON 27 JUNE – 10 JULY, WIMBLEDON Trooping the Colour Break out of the red tunics, Wimbledon tennis the bearskins and the flags. championship This is the pinnacle of Put your name down early 9–18 SEPTEMBER, BATH British pageantry as the for tickets to the world’s 16–17 JULY, FARNBOROUGH Queen’s birthday is officially most prestigious tennis Jane Austen Festival celebrated (she was actually tournament, which attracts Farnborough International Airshow Literature lovers gather for a week-long celebration of English born on April 21) with a almost 500,000 spectators Chocks away. One of the world’s great airshows, held every author Jane Austen. Be transported to the late 1700s with march down the Mall to each year. And don’t miss two years, provides a rare chance to get close to a vast range traditional costumes and carriage rides. Join an Austen-inspired Buckingham Palace. the strawberries and cream. of aircraft, old and new, and watch them in action in the sky. walking tour.
SUMMER5–27 AUGUST, EDINBURGH AUTUMN5 NOVEMBER, NATIONWIDE Royal Edinburgh Guy Fawkes night Military Tattoo “Remember, remember the fifth of November…” Guy Fawkes Take in the bands, bagpipes night commemorates the failed gunpowder plot to blow up and precision marching at the Houses of Parliament in 1605. The night is marked by imposing Edinburgh Castle. backyard bonfires and huge fireworks displays. The 2016 program will pay tribute to the Queen’s 90th birthday and celebrate Tunes of Glory.
10 JULY, SILVERSTONE 30 NOVEMBER, SCOTLAND 18–22 SEPTEMBER, LONDON Formula 1 British AUGUST, LONDON Saints be praised 14–18 JUNE, ASCOT Grand Prix London Fashion Where else would you The British love the Notting Hill Carnival Week be on St Andrew’s Day Royal Ascot noise, energy and thrill of Billed as Britain’s biggest All the beautiful people will than in St Andrews, Of course there are the horses, motorsport, so it’s no surprise street party, this carnival in be in town for the spring/ Scotland? The patron saint but this race meeting is one the Grand Prix is the nation’s West London is a celebration summer edition of fashion of Scotland is celebrated of the social highlights of the most highly attended sporting of all things Caribbean. Be week. Though the shows are with lots of bagpipe music English summer. Think fancy event. Plus they have the ready for steel bands, calypso strictly invitation only, there and traditional dancing hats, champers and a large reigning world champion, and good food – along with are many associated events – and the eating of smattering of royals. Lewis Hamilton. dazzling costumes and floats. across the city. traditional food.
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Like us, we love you #openmyworld Travel is all about sharing amazing experiences, stories and journeys. Here are some of our favourite photos captured by you! Share GET #Camden #BuachailleEtiveMor your UK travel photos with us @tillyroad @neilcoffey on Instagram with the hashtag #openmyworld and spread the love of exploration. SOCIAL
90 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 91 travel clinic
We are looking at doing Hogmany Q&A in Edinburgh for New Year next year. Do you have any tips to Travel make it work and suggestions on where to stay? WHENclinic IT COMES TO HOLIDAY QUERIES, LET OUR EXPERTS I’ve got a I want I recommend SHOW THE WAY doing this as few days to make part of a tour, in London before my way between such as the one heading over to England, Wales organised by Europe. What and Scotland. Backroads Touring. By experiencing Hogmanay area do you Can I get the as part of a small group suggest I stay in train, or is tour, you will be able to so I’m close to the there a better enjoy the festival with like- main sights, but way to get minded travellers and will We’re a family have a tour guide on hand visiting England still get a sense of around the to give local knowledge and with our five-year-old and local living? UK? tips, ensuring you get the seven-year-old children most from the festival and I would The train is a the local highlights without and are tossing up recommend fantastic way the worry of logistics and between going to New staying in of travelling hassle of organisation. Forest or exploring Bayswater. around ALISON CONEY It’s a beautiful the United FLIGHT CENTRE, the Cotswolds; what > FAR LEFT: Greater London; residential area Kingdom. You Do you know of any nice ASPLEY VILLAGE do you recommend? ABOVE: The beautiful Lake with leafy parks, close to need to get your hands hiking areas that are District — gorgeous scenery iconic Notting Hill, shops on an Oyster card as this with hiking opportunities. The Cotswolds and New Forest are and great local restaurants. allows travel on the main suitable to fit, senior travellers? fantastic for families. You can’t go wrong There are two close London network as well as Do you have a travel with either but my preference would underground stations – buses, trams, river buses, Lake District in England is fantastic. question you need be the Cotswolds. Experiencing the Bayswater and Queensway the underground (tube), The region boasts gorgeous scenery, answering? Tweet it charming villages with a leisurely drive – which service the Central, overground network and, with hiking opportunities to suit a to @FlightCentreAu through the countryside is an absolute must. There District and Circle lines. most importantly, national wide range of ages and skill sets. A fit #AskTheExperts on are plenty of photo opportunities, stops for the Hop on the Central line rail, which will connect senior will find an abundance of options, Twitter. children, and it is easily accessible from all parts of the and you are only three you to all the main hubs ranging from a short 1.2km stroll along Friars UK. One of my favourite pastimes is soaking in the stops from Marble Arch of Wales and Scotland. Crag, Keswick to a 9km hike through the historic The sunshine and having a cream tea with scones at the with your main shopping Alternatively, car hire can packhorse route from Seathwaite to Sty Head and Swan Hotel overlooking the picturesque lake. And, to facilities. Even better -– be a great option. Save time Grains Gill. The Lake District, with its historic Lake District top the day off, why not wander around the villages grab one of the London and money and choose to gems and breathtaking views, is a must-do for Getting there checking out the quaint thatched houses? Simply transport bicycles and discover the UK at your hikers of any age. is a must-do Visit your local Flight Centre for HAYLEY STREETER advice and latest deals on UK breathtaking. explore the area! own pace. holidays. Go to flightcentre.com.au MARK SPENCER EMMA MCNAB LUISA PARTON FLIGHT CENTRE, for hikers or call 131 600 24 hours FLIGHT CENTRE, FAIRFIELD FLIGHT CENTRE, KINGSTON FLIGHT CENTRE, DONCASTER GLADSTONE SQUARE of any age.
92 > flightcentre.com.au/uk Travel ideas > FLIGHT CENTRE 93 holiday guide EXPERIENCE THE WORLD
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CULTURE, FOOD While on British turf, HISTORY try some of their COUNTRYSIDE & FUN traditional dishes. If you Journey beyond the city Visit the birthplace can do it in a cosy winter limits to Oxford, a of Shakespeare pub, all the better. university town with at Stratford- Bangers and mash, village vibe, or to the upon-Avon, or Yorkshire pudding, preshistoric wonder of for something haggis, Welsh rarebit, Stonenge. Heading into more whimsical kippers and a roast the hills, visit the check out the lunch are all worthy Cotswolds, in England, world’s most menu choices. and Snowdonia, in famous people at Wales. Madame Tussauds London.
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