Britain Update #58
June 1 , 2001

Welcome friends, its time to put the kettle on, settle into a comfortable armchair, and enjoy the best of Britain with Britain Update. But before you do, please take the time to forward this newsletter to someone who loves Britain as much as you do.

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Contents
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1. Peak District Break Contest
2. UK Online
3. UK Destinations: Channel Islands
4. London's Garden Squares Day
5. UK Travel tips and news

********* Competition **********
Win a free 3 night stay in the Peak District! To celebrate the reopening of the footpaths in Derbyshire, the owners of Riverside Cottage, near Buxton in Wyedale, are offering you the chance to win a 3 night break up to the value of £120. For details visit http://www.preferredplaces.co.uk/competition.cfm

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UK Online: UK Archaeology Net
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If old things excite you (no I'm not referring to your Aunt Gertie's Model T car) try a working holiday with a difference; go on an archaeology dig in the UK. UK Archaeology Opportunities http://www.ukarchaeology.org.uk/ is a website devoted to helping volunteers find professional archaeology "digs". You might end up surveying King's College, Cambridge, or digging up agricultural buildings at Herstmonceux Castle. Not for you? How about excavating Roman villas and towns, or a deserted medieval village? Some digs are free for volunteers, some entail a minimal cost. If you'd rather not get your hands dirty, the site also lists guided tour and holidays with an archaeology theme.

************** Please visit our Sponsor ***********
Fiction-Net is the Ultimate Book Site, featuring the latest book reviews, author interviews, discussion forum, prize draw, etc. http://www.fiction-net.co.uk

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UK Destinations: The Channel Islands
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The fact that the Channel Islands ended up as part of Britain rather than France is a historical anomaly, a situation not made clearer by the fact that the islands of Sark, Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, and Jersey are not legally part of the UK and are administered locally, not from Westminster.

The Channel Islands lie closer to the French mainland than to England, but their character is unique, a mix of international jet-set and family beach resort. The climate is mild all year, averaging 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the peak visitor season of June-September.

At first glance the Channel Islands may seem to lack the number of visitor attractions available on mainland Britain, but that point of view misses the real appeal of these islands, which is in their isolation from the hustle and bustle of life in the rest of the UK and the European mainland.

Here you will find whitewashed houses and sandy beaches, spectacular sunsets and rocky shorelines. Walking and cycling are popular activities, and for good reason; no matter where you go you're never far from a good place to eat, drink, or simply put your feet up and drink in the scenery. Birdwatching and golfing are other popular activities.

Guernsey is second in size to Jersey, but has the task of administering the smallest three islands of Sark, Alderney, and Herm. Attractions include the Norman Castle Cornet, and the house in which the exiled Victor Hugo wrote "Les Miserable". Numerous German defenses remain from WWII, and the story of that unhappy time is retold at the German Occupation Museum. For a happier experience, relax at one of Guernsey's 27 beaches or visit Guernsey Bird Gardens, where over 70 species are housed.

Alderney may be the most peaceful of the Channel Islands. There are excellent beaches and shoreline walks, and cycling is a popular activity. There are regular ferry and short-hop airplane flights to and from Jersey and Guernsey.

Sark is a wonderfully unique island, Europe's only remaining feudal state. Sark is officially ruled by its Seigneur, under a constitution dating back almost 500 years. This is wonderful walking territory, with miles of spectacular shoreline. Cycling is also popular, and it is just as well, because no cars are allowed on the island! The smallest of the Channel Islands is tiny Herm, at only 1 1/2 mile long. The population of 40 not only outlaws motor cars, but no bicycles are allowed either! Sandy white beaches and a wide variety of shell-life make Herm a walker's delight. For more on the Channel Islands visit Jersey Tourism at
http://www.jtourism.com/index.htm
Guernsey Tourism at
http://tourism.guernsey.net/
Where to stay in Jersey
http://www.jerseyhols.com/

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London's Garden Squares Day
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LONDON"S SECRET GARDENS UNLOCKED
The gates of over 70 of London's most beautiful private garden squares will be unlocked, for one day only, on Sunday 10th June, as part of the fourth annual London Garden Squares Day. The event provides a rare opportunity for the public to marvel at many of the capital's hidden green oases, which range from romantic woodland walks and "Quiet" gardens with pergolas, wisteria and passion flowers, to charming Japanese gardens and secret "children only" play areas.

The unlocked gardens will play host to more activities than ever before including live jazz bands, Pimms tastings, classical music recitals, Punch and Judy shows and traditional English cream teas. The event also provides keen gardeners with an opportunity to pick up some top gardening tips from the owners of some of the capital's most beautiful gardens, as well as the chance to purchase plants and flowers from some of the squares.

Twelve new venues will be taking part for the first time this year including Hyde Park and Alma Squares in Westminster, Bina Gardens, Brompton and Nevern Squares in Kensington and Chelsea, Waterloo Millennium Green in Lambeth, West Square in Southwark and Cassland Garden in Hackney.

Day tickets for admittance to all participating squares cost - Adults £5, Children under 12 are free.

Tickets are available by post, (with s.a.e) from London Garden Squares Day, c/o London Historic Parks & Gardens Trust, Duck Island Cottage, St James's Park, London SW1A 2BJ (cheques should be made payable to LHPGT) they are also available in person from the Britain Visitor Centre, Lower Regent Street, SW1 and at selected Waterstones branches as well as being available on the day from participating garden squares. For further information members of the public should call: 0870 3331183.

Visit http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/news-events/special-events/londonparticipating.asp for a full list of participating squares.

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Bed and Breakfast at Britain Express
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Here's a reminder that Britain Express has partnered with Bed and Breakfast UK to bring you information on hundreds of bed and breakfast properties across the UK and Ireland. Browse the attractive collection of B&B properties at http://www.bedandbreakfasts-uk.co.uk/britainexpress/index.htm . Each B&B listing has details of facilities, contact information, prices, and a location map.

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UK Travel Tips and News
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ROYAL ACADEMY DISCOUNTS
London's Royal Academy is offering a two-for-one entry discount to its exhibition "Botticelli's Dante: The Drawings for the Divine Comedy". To get your discount voucher, visit the RA web site at http://www.royalacademy.org.uk Print out the discount voucher and present it at the RA ticket office to get 2 tickets for the single entry price of £7. The exhibition is running until 10 June 2001. 10 - 6pm daily (Fridays 10pm)

UK EVENTS ONLINE
Event Locator http://www.eventlocator.co.uk/ is a simple web site with one function - it offers details on local events throughout the UK. Events are searchable by region or date, and include ongoing and weekend events.

INVENTING NEW BRITAIN
A new exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum celebrates the Victorian vision of Britain one hundred years ago. 'Inventing New Britain: The Victorian Vision' , illustrates what interested, concerned and excited Victorian people, from steam locomotives to jewellery, textiles to painting, and attitudes toward different cultures, children, and the role of women in society. 'Inventing New Britain' runs until 29 July. http://www.vam.ac.uk/

GARDEN OF THE YEAR
The annual Garden of the Year distinction has been awarded to Cottesbrooke Hall, Northamptonshire. Located just 10 miles north of the county town of Northampton, Cottesbrooke is a Queen Anne house set in 18th century landscaped parkland augmented by a series of delightful formal and informal garden areas. Visit the Cottesbrooke Hall web site at http://www.cottesbrookehall.co.uk/ or Tel. +44 (0)1604 505808 for opening days and times.

FIREWORKS AND FORESTS
July 28 should prove interesting at the Westonbirt Arboretum (on the A433 near Tetbury, Gloucestershire). The English National Orchestra and stunning fireworks will provide a spectacular summer's evening of entertainment. This annual event is set in the parkland of the Forest Enterprise's Westonbirt Arboretum.

This year's concert will raise funds for the RSPB Nagshead Nature Reserve, a wonderful native oak woodland used by pied flycatchers, wood warblers, redstarts and hawfinches. Bring your friends, picnics and chairs/rugs. Advance tickets - available until 20 July - are £18, tickets are then £20 (if available). Please call (01666) 880147 to reserve tickets.

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That's all for now. Until next issue, let me remind you that laughter is contagious. Be a carrier.

David Ross
Editor
Britain Express
http://www.britainexpress.com
The UK travel and heritage guide
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Contents © 2001 David Ross and Britain Express

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