CONTENT
1. Great British Web Sites
2. Travel news and tips
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.
David Ross, Publisher
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Great British Web Sites
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South East Cornwall (http://www.southeastcornwall.co.uk ) is the official website of the Caradon District Council. The site contains a wealth of information on the area, including a searchable accommodation database, what to see and do, an events calendar, area maps, circular walks and cycle tours in the countryside, wildlife viewing details, and heritage information ranging from geology to mining, smuggling to Celtic crosses. A very enjoyable site - well worth exploring.
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UK Travel Tips
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LONDON'S WETLAND CENTRE
The Wetland Centre, with 105 acres of lakes, ponds and marshes, has been created - just four miles from central London - on the site of four disused reservoirs at Barnes, near Hammersmith. Opening on May 26, it has the Peter Scott Visitor Centre, with a glass observatory, discovery centre, art gallery, lecture theatre, restaurant, cafe and shop; and a three-storey tower (with a lift for wheelchair users) and six other hides giving views of wetland wildlife, especially ducks and wading birds.
There are walks through 14 habitats, a pond zone with microscopes magnifying aquatic creatures, and three sustainable gardens showing how to attract wildlife, save water and minimise pollution. Admission to the Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth's Walk, London SW13 9SF, is £6.50 adults, £5.25 senior citizens, £4 children, family tickets £17. Visitors can reach it by taking the 'duck bus' from Hammersmith tube station.
BRITAIN'S FIRST HAT MUSEUM
Stockport, on the outskirts of Greater Manchester, was the centre of the thriving felt hat industry, employing 4,500 people, in the 19th century. Stockport headgear was sold worldwide, so it is fitting that the UK's first and only museum devoted to the subject should open here. Hat Works - the Museum of Hatting (opened April) includes demonstrations, and exhibits include a planking kettle which held mercury: causing many workers to become 'mad as a hatter'. Open daily, admission £3.95 adult, £2.50 concessions. Web site: http://www.stockportmbc.gov.uk).
WILTSHIRE'S WHITE HORSE TRAIL
All eight of Wiltshire's curious white horses, cut into the turf of the county's chalk hillsides, are now linked by a new walking trail. The White Horse Trail, a 90-mile way-marked route, is Europe's newest and longest circular walk.
The trail can be enjoyed as a hike over six or seven days or as a series of shorter walks between each of the horses. Starting and finishing in Westbury, (105 miles west of London), the route passes through beautiful countryside and past many prehistoric sites. The White Horse Trail pack, costing £6, details the route, accommodation and attractions. The pack also provides historical information on the horses, the oldest of which dates from 1788. Further details from Wiltshire Tourism's walking and cycling hotline. Visit http://www.kennet.gov.uk
That's all for now. Until next issue, let me remind you that laughter is contagious. Be a carrier.
David Ross, Publisher, Britain Express
