Model Railway at Compton Acres
A new model railway adds to visitor's enjoyment of Compton Acres Gardens in Poole, Dorset. Compton Acres is one of Britain's great gardens, consisting of twelve individual gardens, set in ten acres with spectacular views over Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills. The model railway - opened in November 2002 - will be of interest to visitors of all ages. Sited in a separate and dedicated building 1,200ft. of track has been laid with 15 trains - both steam and modern - running through a variety of landscapes

Staffordshire events commemorate Queen Elizabeth I
Staffordshire aims to be at the centre of events in 2003 to mark the 400th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth I's death. Tutbury Castle, near Uttoxeter, is where curator Lesley Smith will be 'bringing the Queen back to life' in a regular series of dramatic performances. Some of the events already scheduled for 2003 include an "Elizabethan Week" from May 21st to 25th when, as well as having Elizabeth I 'in residence', Tutbury Castle will host craft shows, displays of armoury, rapier combat displays, archery, and dance. Tudor food and drink will also be on sale throughout the event.

Christmas in Winchester
Picture this…… In the shadow of the beautiful Norman Winchester Cathedral, the city bustles in preparation for the Christmas festivities. Shoppers look for special gifts in the wealth of retail outlets clustered around the pedestrian centre, stopping to admire the traditional lights and music of this historic city, the seat of Alfred the Great. Several special events are on offer this holiday season to make it a truly special time in Winchester.

Reading Christmas Concert
A concert of seasonal music brings festive cheer to Reading, Berkshire this holiday season. The event is a Christmas Concert featuring an enchanting programme of festive music, performed by the Orchestra of St Johns.

Stonehaven Fireballing Festival
Thousands gather at the Old Market Cross in the fishing port of Stonehaven, Kincardineshire, Scotland, on December 31 for this fiery festival. A traditional pipe band signals the start of the proceedings, and at the stroke of midnight fireballs are lit and participants whirl the baskets of fire around their heads as they march to the old cannon in the High Street and back to the harbour.

Ghost Tours at Llancaiach Fawr Manor
Llancaiach Fawr Manor in Caerphilly, South Wales, is genuinely haunted and offers adults the chance to experience this for themselves.