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i - * under revision Intro... * London and the South-east * The West Country - Bristol & Bath, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall * The Lake District * Lancashire * Derbyshire: The Peak District * York & Yorkshire * Norfolk * Scenic Railway Journeys - Great Railway Journeys * Mullti-media experiences from World Atlas.com & Collins* Outro... * Britains Famous - a review of some of Britain's Top 10 * Robin Hood : Myths * Credits *
Since my childhood, I have been fortunate to be able to explore the length and breadth of the islands which make up Britain's diverse and beautiful land and cityscapes. The images and links below will, I hope, allow you to experience the environment which surround us through the eyes of professional photographers and travel writers.
Climate change exhibit Atmosphere may be pretty but it lacks punchAtmosphere at the Science Museum in London promises 'calm and considered discussion' of climate change but fails to deliver 
An Antarctic ice core containing air bubbles from 1410 takes centre
stage at the Atmosphere climate change exhibit. Photograph: British
Antarctic Survey/PA
Early last month, the Science Museum opened a new gallery on climate science, Atmosphere. Writing for the Guardian in May, museum director Chris Rapley reflected on the emotive nature of public debate on climate science, and promised the new gallery would provide a "forum" for people to learn more about the issue, whether they came from a position of believing in man-made climate change, or not (or, perhaps most importantly, were unsure). They wanted to avoid "polarised and shrill" commentary, and instead offer "calm and considered discussion". The challenges facing the museum in creating this gallery reflect some big questions. Should museums aim to teach their audiences, or simply offer space for self-directed learning and debate? Should publicly funded science communication avoid taking sides on controversial topics, or work as advocates for a scientific view? Should climate science present a united front to the public, or reflect diversity and uncertainties within the scientific community? I don't have definitive answers to these questions, and doubt
the museum does either. Having visited Atmosphere, one thing I can say:
it is very blue. As with the rest of the Wellcome Wing in which the
gallery is situated, the space is bathed in a deep blue light.
Blue is, apparently, the colour of mystery. I was told this when
the Wellcome Wing first opened, back in the millennial angst of the year
2000. At the time I had a job in the museum's hands-on galleries and
although the blue looked stunning in press photos, it was rather a
headache to work in. When staff grumbled, we were told that the wing's
designers had decided on the lighting "because blue is mysterious and so
is science".
Ten years later and the Wellcome Wing has had a bit of a polish,
including the glistening new Atmosphere gallery. It remains very blue,
but is it still mysterious?
I should stress that Atmosphere is not darkly mysterious.
This is perhaps wise considering issues of public trust surrounding
climate science, which is sometimes painted as shadowy by its
detractors. Rather, the gallery is filled with flickering colours,
sounds and shapes. Even the floor seems to move as lights shift under
your feet. The multi-touch, multi-screen, multi-player, multi-coloured
experience it provides is not unpleasant.
It is poetic, even, although maybe more of an aesthetic experience
than an educational one. It's all too easy to float in and out of
surfaces without digesting much content. Pretty, but a long way from
"calm and considered discussion".
The gallery is largely structured around questions, such as "What's
the difference between climate and weather?" and "When did scientists
discover the greenhouse effect?" But these questions come ready-made, as
do the answers. The framing of the gallery might be one of debate, but
the museum still seems to be set on feeding information to its
audiences.
Because there is so much on offer and it's hard to concentrate on
the gallery floor, you can have short, text-based articles emailed to
yourself from the gallery to read later. However, the "donotreply" email
address says something about how far the museum is prepared to discuss
its content.
Providing information in this way is, in itself, not necessarily a
bad thing. Maybe we ask too many questions of climate science rather
than taking time to listen. But if I want to read about climate science,
I go to the newsagent, my favourite blogs, or a library. Museums have
objects and space to play with, and I left wishing they had done more
with this.
So, exceedingly pretty as Atmosphere is, the highlight of my trip to the museum was gawping at the Apollo 10 capsule. A humble-looking object, it has actually been around the Moon. You can see scorch marks from when it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere. I thought about its history, and the many times I'd stood there
before. I remembered conversations I'd had with people about it. I
remembered being moved to read more about the history of space travel,
including the ways images from Apollo missions had inspired green
activism in the 1970s, presenting Earth as a fragile, beautiful and,
indeed, blue sphere in space.
Time spent quietly pondering the history of an object is an old-fashioned idea of a museum, but it still has power.  A punter in Cambridge wirh reflections in the water. Photo:PA
 A bridge in Monachorum, north Devon reminds me of Claude Monet's
 garden in Givency, Northern France. Photo: IRVING of EXETER At Westonburt, South Gloucestershirre Photo: PA
 Squrrels and hedgehogs prepare for the coming of winter. Photos: PA and CLARA MOLDEN
  In Richmond Park Photo: PA
 Berries Photo: THOMAS WARD
 Early morning sunlight through the mist in a valley near Bath. Photo: PA
 Leaves in Longleat, Wiltshire. Phooto: JEFF WATSON
 Gardeners in Green Park, London. Photo: PA
The show is almost over, as we await the onset of Winter............. The magic of autumn: Your October Green shoots photosWe asked you to add your pictures of autumn's vibrant colours to our Flickr group. Here is a selection of the best images
 Photo taken by Hoordrog Photograph: Hoordrog/Flickr Previous Next Scotland's beach holidays: guide to the coast and seaside - SutherlandSutherland’s wild beaches are a delight to explore, says Caroline Shearing, who opens our guide to the best of the Scottish coast. By Caroline Shearing 20.08.2010 By Oliver Smith
The Norfolk Broads are to be rebranded as 'Britain’s Magical Waterland' in an attempt to attract visitors to the region.
 The scheme - which is estimated to have cost £20,000 so far - was
devised by the Broads Authority and the Broads Tourism Forum, and
overseen by “brand strategy guru” Simon Middleton. Money from the
European Regional Development Fund has been used to fund it.
Mr Middleton believes it will transform The Broads into a
destination to rival can The Everglades in Florida and The Camargue in
the south of France.
However, local residents have described the move as unnecessary,
"ridiculous" and "arrogant". "The Broads’ image has become somewhat
jaded and one dimensional,” said Mr Middleton. “The solution is to
boldly describe The Broads as 'Britain’s Magical Waterland’, and it’s a
claim that is absolutely true to the place and therefore very hard to
argue with."
A new logo has been created by a Norfolk design firm, which will
be included in a "toolkit" of images and slogans, to be made available
to boat hire firms, hotels and shops, in order to "enable all Broads
businesses to unite in one clear message".
Meanwhile, businesses will also be encouraged to take part in the Broad Authority’s existing Green Tourism Business Scheme.
No residents were consulted over the re-branding, but members of
the Broads Tourism Forum were given the opportunity to offer feedback
throughout the process. “The Broads are in decline,” said Ian
Russell, chairman of the forum. “There are not enough visitors and
there’s a job to be done. We have been brave to do this, and the
feedback from businesses has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Bernice Davison, a Hickling resident, was less impressed by the
scheme. "Until something is done about connecting Norfolk with the
rest of Britain, they can call the Broads what they like," she said.
"Rail links are sporadic, there are no motorways, and the county has
been waiting for half a century to have the A11 widened further.
"The Broads could attract a lot more visitors, but the money
should be used to lobby central government about these transport
problems."
Other residents have expressed their despair on internet forums.
Some criticised the lack of consultation with residents and in addition
to better road access, suggested improving navigation on the waterways.
However, Nigel Richards, a director at Hampshire-based Waterways
Holidays, a marketing company that partners a number of Norfolk
boatyards and member of the Broads Tourism Forum, praised the
decision. He said: "The Broads was a popular destination in the past,
and is now trying to regain a distinct identity."
Mr Richards spoke positively about the new logos, but admitted
that the name 'Britain’s Magical Waterland’ could divide opinion.
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Sutherland's, and arguably Scotland's, best beach is Sandwood Bay
Why go?
Related Articles
Sutherland stretches across much of Scotland's far north, but it's
the west coast that is home to its best beaches and loveliest scenery.
Venture here and you will find near-deserted stretches of white sand,
turquoise seas and dunes of swaying marram grass. The seas may be
bone-numbingly cold, and clothing more likely to be a woolly jumper
than a swimming costume, but there are few beaches in mainland Britain
that can rival Sutherland's for wild remoteness and stupendous natural
beauty.
Best beaches
Sutherland's, and arguably Scotland's, best beach is Sandwood Bay:
a glorious, mile-long stretch of sparkling sand that is pounded by
North Atlantic rollers and backed by undulating dunes. The beach, which
is owned and managed by the John Muir Trust, is popular with intrepid
types – it's a hike of four and a half miles from Blairmore.
Just along the coast from Blairmore is the pretty crofting village of Oldshoremore. When the tide is out, this wide beach is perfect for spotting stranded jellyfish.
Balnakeil Beach, just outside Durness on
Scotland's far north coast, is a curve of fine white sand backed by
towering dunes. The beach is popular with families and walkers en route
to Faraid Head. Couples tend to huddle on the southwesterly-facing
beach at the northern end of the bay, which is accessible only at low
tide.
East of Durness is Ceannabeinne Beach: a strip of
honey-coloured sand washed by azure waves and backed by smooth pink
cliffs. This sheltered spot attracts families and those wanting to
stretch their legs after a drive.
Where to stay
Mackay's Rooms & Restaurant (01971 511202; www.visitmackays.com), in Durness. The hotel's Peatstacks restaurant serves exceptionally good food – you might find Kinloch smoked venison or Loch Eriboll langoustines on the menu – and there are seven stylish bedrooms. Double rooms from £110 per night, including breakfast.
For self-catering options in and around Durness, try Cottages & Castles (01738 451610; www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk), Mackay's Agency (0131 550 1180; www.mackays-self-catering.co.uk) or Scotland Holiday Cottage (www.scotland-holiday-cottage.com) Visit Highlands (0845 225 5121; www.visithighlands.com) also lists details of self-catering properties.
For those on a budget, the Lazy Crofter Bunkhouse (01971 511202; www.durnesshostel.com) in Durness has sea views and a self-catering kitchen. Bunks from £14 per person per night.
Wild camping, provided it's done responsibly, is permitted in some truly remote and spectacular spots under Scotland's Outdoor Access Code. For more information, see: www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
Where to eat
There are several options for lunch at Balnakeil Craft Village, which is less than a mile from Balnakeil beach; the best is the Loch Croispol Bookshop (01971
511777), where a toasted sandwich and a pot of tea costs £4. Don't be
put off by the somewhat bleak exterior of this village, in a former RAF
radar station.
Pack a picnic if you're heading to Sandwood Bay,
Oldshoremore or Ceannabeinne beach, but remember to take your rubbish
away with you afterwards. A shop in Durness sells basic provisions.
What to do and see
Walk to Faraid Head. In spring and summer on this
grassy peninsula at the northern end of Balnakeil Beach, you can spot
puffins raising their young. Faraid Head also offers far-reaching views
of Cape Wrath to the west and Scotland's north coast to the east.
Explore Cape Wrath. A small boat (seating 10)
makes the short trip from Keoldale across the Kyle of Durness to meet a
minibus, and from there it's a bumpy 12-mile ride down a single-track
road. The vertiginous Clo Mor cliffs, among the highest in Britain, can be seen from the cape's blustery tip. £15.50 return.
Go birdwatching on Handa Island (www.swt.org.uk) A must for keen birdwatchers, this is an important breeding ground for guillemots and razorbills, but the island also affords magnificent views of the distinctive inselbergs – monolithic mountains – that make up the Sutherland coastline. A small ferry departs from Tarbet daily (April to September). Tickets cost £10 return for adults and £5 for children; arrive before 10am to avoid the queues.
What's on
The Blas Festival (www.blas-festival.com), which showcases traditional Highlands music, is taking place at venues across the Highlands from September 3-12. Phil Cunningham, the Scottish folk musician and composer, will perform at Durness Village Hall on Sept 6.
More information Visit Highlands (0845 225 5121; www.visithighlands.com); Highland Council (www.highlandevents andfestivals.com).
Scotland's beach holidays: guide to the coast and seaside - north coast
Scotland's beach holidays: guide to the coast and seaside - west coast
Scotland's beach holidays: guide to the coast and seaside - east coast
Scotland's beach holidays: guide to the coast and seaside - Outer Hebrides
The dominant male stands with his harem
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Great train journeys provide a return to more leisurely days, when
travel was a decorous adventure rather than an irritant endured between
home and holiday. Between them, our top 10 carve up the most
spectacular scenery on the planet.
One of the best ways to see Britain, and a wonderful treat, is to
take advantage of some of the most interesting, historic and scenic
railways in the world. Benedict le Vay lists his favourites from his
recent book, 'Britain From The Rails: A Window Gazer's Guide'.
1. West Highland Line - Glasgow Queen Street to
Mallaig: by sleeper from London, finishing off with steam trains. This
route will leave you with beautiful memories, rolling across Rannoch
Moor's bogs, with red deer looking on. A horseshoe curve tucked into
the mountains, gives way to a sloping shelf down the hillside of a
remote loch (lake). www.scotlandsforme.com/main_attraction.php?.id=79
2. East Coast Main Line - London (King's Cross)
to Aberdeen (Scotland): speed, style and scenery in abundance, plus the
double drama of the Forth and Tay Bridges, with stunning views of Holy
Island, north of Newcastle. www.northumbrian-railways.co.uk
3. The Wherry Line - Norwich to Lowestoff and
Yarmouth (East Anglia), is charm on wheels. like the waterways they
follow, the lines are eccentric. Red flags protect swing bridges.
This line is an absoloute gem. www.wherrylines.org.uk
4. The Skye Railway - Inverness to Kyle of
Localsh (west coast and terminus to transfer to the Isle of Skye).
Beautiful scenery, magnificent sea views, and incredible tales of the
Battle of Strome and the fish wars. www.railbrit.co.uk/Dimgwell_and_Skye_Railway
5. The Settle and Carlisle Line: a mad, moody
magnificent main line route - England's highest. Bureaucrats tried to
close it; people power saved it! Thank God!
6. The Looe Branch, and St Ives Branch
(Cornwall): two delightfully charming, 'story book' kind of lines that
will 'knock your socks off!' An absoloute delight, if you have the
passion, to can manage both in a day. looevalley@
7. The Cambrian Coast Line - from Aberystwyth to
Harlech and Porthmadog (Wales). Wales has a treasure-trove of scenic
railways, including the one at Snowdon. This literal cliffhanger is
the best. Made into a North Wales circuit, with the help of the
FFestiniog line, it is superlative. www.thecambrianline.co.uk
8. The Great Western - from London (Paddington)
to Bristol, Cardiff or Penzance, mighgt be well known, and is my
favourite. It offers constant pleasure, from the serene Thames Valley,
Marlborough Downs, Bath, Somerset Moors, across the viaducts, and
curving round the bays and coves of Devon and Cornwall. 'Great'...
indeed! - no info website available*
9. The Wessex Mainline - from Southampton to
Cardiff is little explored by travellers from outside the region, but I
can't think why. This line passes through a great variety of scenery,
and with its long arm to Weymouth, includes many rural stops in Thomas
Hardy country. no info website available*
10. West of England Mainline - from London
(Waterloo) to Exeter (Devon). This is the forgotten way westward.
Approaching Salisbury, with its magnificent cathedral spire, the
scenery gets better, and better and better and... wow! no info website available*
* only route-maps and ticket info - Search Wikipedia if available, for other info.
Multi-media Experiences from
 | Interactive Map of UK |
| Great learning experiences! |
www.worldatlas.com - interactive world maps with links for loads of explorative information.
Robin Hood: where to see Britain's greatest myths and legends. 13.05.2010.
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To coincide with the release of Ridley Scott's
Robin Hood, we offer a guide to visiting the attractions associated
with Britain's most legendary historical and mythical figures.
Robin Hood ~ see UK LEGENDS
The legendary outlaw and his Merry Men are most commonly portrayed as residents of Sherwood Forest, near the Nottinghamshire village of Edwinstowe. The massive Major Oak tree – with a circumference of 33 feet – is said to be the shelter where Robin Hood slept, while the Church of St. Mary, in Edwinstowe, may be where he tied the knot with Maid Marian.
- The annual Robin Hood Festival will be held in August (www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/robinhoodfestival), while fun and games are also scheduled on May Day. See www.sherwoodforest.org.uk for more information.
- Sherwood Forest is also home to a Centre Parcs (www.centerparcs.co.uk), where aspiring young bandits can practice their archery.
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