York Shakespeare Project
Richard III, a play with considerable emotional resonance for the people of York, is the York Shakespeare project's first production. The aim of the YSP is to produce all 37 of Shakespeare's plays over the next twenty years. This ambitious project is described by one of its illustrious patrons Sir Antony Sher as "extraordinary."

Derbyshire's One-Table Restaurant
Enjoy a dining experience with a difference at Buckingham’s: a restaurant with only one table. The restaurant in Chesterfield, Derbyshire is offering visitors a new concept in dining out. With only one table, award-winning chef Nick Buckingham tailors his menu to his guests who have the option of reserving the whole table for up to eight people or joining others booked for the same night.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
More than 100 hot-air balloons will be taking part in the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (August 8 - 11). Set in parkland at Ashton Court, on the western outskirts of the city, the free festival has become the largest event of its kind in Europe, attracting half a million visitors.

Black Country Food Festival
Fish and chips; beer and faggots (a type of meat ball) and the UK’s champion sausages – these and other regional delicacies will feature in the Black Country’s first food festival from October 26 – November 3. A ‘battle of the butchers’ and stands selling local produce will also feature. The event takes place in the Black Country Living Museum at Dudley, near Wolverhampton in England’s West Midlands.

Travelling Hadrian's Wall
This summer, for the first time, a daily bus service runs the full length of Hadrian's Wall across Northern England, Britain’s largest and most important Roman monument. An extension of the Hexham-Carlisle service, it offers more frequent buses around the famous central section of the Roman wall - Housesteads, Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum - and for the first time runs directly to Corbridge Roman Site and museum.

Notting Hill Carnival
Europe’s largest arts festival – and the carnival that is second only to Rio – fills the streets of west London again this summer. The Notting Hill Carnival is an event full of sound, colour and excitement (August 25-26). This suburb is a vibrant inner-city area whose people create one of the greatest free shows on earth.

Square Mile of London website
More and more visitors to London are discovering that the financial area of London, known as ‘The Square Mile’ is an essential part of London to visit, for beyond the obvious tourist attractions of St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and The Monument there are, among other things, cinemas, live music, dance, comedy, theatre, exhibitions, street entertainment and a whole lot more.

National Garden Scheme Anniversary
The National Garden Scheme is celebrating 75 years. The NGS allows visitors access to the best private gardens in England on specified days throughout the year, with all proceeds going to charity. Details of gardens and a calendar of opening days are to be found in the NGS "Yellow Book" and online at www.ngs.org.uk

South West Literary Tourism Map
The producers of England’s only 18th century gin, Plymouth Gin, have created a map inviting visitors to the South-West to explore the literary landmarks of Devon and Cornwall. Travellers can finish off with a visit to their distillery in the historic port city of Plymouth, 240 miles west of London.