Today’s Boat Race is being contested on an isolated stretch of the Great Ouse in the Cambridgeshire Fens to discourage onlookers, but next year it could have Big Ben as a backdrop and an audience of
Recent Updates
Escape to the country: our favourite market towns in England | Bradt Guides
Take it slow in some of the country’s best rural villages and market towns.
Source: Escape to the country: our favourite market towns in England | Bradt Guides
New Lord of the Rings edition coming – with illustrations from Tolkien | Lord of the Rings on Amazon Prime News, JRR Tolkien, The Hobbit and more | TheOneRing.net
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books & Media will publish a brand-new edition of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien that, for the the first time since its publication in 1954, will feature paintings, drawings and sketches by the author, in the U.S. on October 19, 2021.
Deb Brody, HMH’s VP and Publisher, says: ‘Professor Tolkien is known the world over for his literary and academic achievements, most especially as author of The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, and the critically acclaimed and worldwide bestselling The Lord of the Rings.
Hidden Britain: 20 idyllic spots you’ll have all to yourself | Times2 | The Times
1. Discover the Forest of Bowland It’s the connoisseur’s alternative to the Yorkshire Dales, an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) comprising the same stone walls and sylvan valleys
Source: Hidden Britain: 20 idyllic spots you’ll have all to yourself | Times2 | The Times
7 Things Everyone Who Streams British TV Should Know – I Heart British TV
Running a British TV site, there are certain questions we get that come up over and over again. Most of this article will be old news for the “advanced
Source: 7 Things Everyone Who Streams British TV Should Know – I Heart British TV
New Alan Turing £50 note design is revealed – BBC News
The banknote will enter circulation on 23 June – Alan Turing’s birthday – and will be made of polymer.
Source: New Alan Turing £50 note design is revealed – BBC News
Not that many people will ever actually SEE a £50 note. They’re rare in circulation and the joke is that only drug dealers and money launderers will see them. I’ve only seen them a few times myself in 20 years of travel (it’s like paying with a $100 bill in the USA).
It’s official: Aer Lingus to launch 4 transatlantic routes from Manchester to US and Caribbean
Aer Lingus confirmed on Wednesday that it will be launching direct, nonstop flights from Manchester to the United States and the Caribbean. In total, the Irish carrier will launch four transatlantic flights from Manchester to New York, Boston, Orlando and Barbados. As of 29 July, Aer Lingus will launch its first-ever transatlantic service from Manchester …
Source: It’s official: Aer Lingus to launch 4 transatlantic routes from Manchester to US and Caribbean
What’s on in London after lockdown 2021 | Theatre, art exhibitions & music
As London prepares to ease out of lockdown, museums, galleries and music venues are starting to come out of hibernation, and across our theatres, the lights will soon flicker back on. Here is a glimpse of what’s on in London after lockdown 2021, including some
Source: What’s on in London after lockdown 2021 | Theatre, art exhibitions & music
Fawlty Towers rare photos from the Radio Times Archive – Radio Times
In the 1970s, Radio Times photographer Don Smith went on set to record the making of the classic sitcom.
Source: Fawlty Towers rare photos from the Radio Times Archive – Radio Times
Trooping the Colour is off once again | News | The Times
The royal family has been saved the potential awkwardness of appearing together at Trooping the Colour as it has been cancelled for the second year in a row.The annual parade to mark the Queen’s
Source: Trooping the Colour is off once again | News | The Times
The Queen Mary is getting its own 3-part horror movie franchise • the Hi-lo
A three-part horror film series starring the historic Queen Mary and its haunted history is set to begin filming in Long Beach and London in April.
The first movie, dubbed “The Queen Mary,” is slated to release at the end of 2021 or in early 2022, according to developer and producer Brett Tomberlin, co-founder of Imagination Design Works, one of the production companies involved with the project.
Source: The Queen Mary is getting its own 3-part horror movie franchise • the Hi-lo
You Can Adopt A Telephone Box For £1 And Transform It For A Good Cause – Secret London
Community groups and local councils can buy telephone boxes for just £1 and convert them in new and inventive spaces for locals!
Source: You Can Adopt A Telephone Box For £1 And Transform It For A Good Cause – Secret London
The Eeriness Of The Tube During Lockdown | Londonist
A photography series capturing the melancholy beauty.
Source: The Eeriness Of The Tube During Lockdown | Londonist
The UK’s Failed Experiment in Rail Privatization – YouTube
If you have any interest in Britain’s rail network, I highly recommend watching this short film. Explains so much, clearly.
Downton Abbey movie sequel set to return for Christmas as filming starts this summer – Mirror Online
EXCLUSIVE: Insiders reveal filming will start as soon as Covid rules allow, with all the main cast believed to be on board
Source: Downton Abbey movie sequel set to return for Christmas as filming starts this summer – Mirror Online
The Best Winston Churchill Quotes | The Art of Manliness
It’s been posited that, outside Jesus and Shakespeare, no one has been quoted more often than Winston Churchill. The reason for the enduring cultural ubiquity of Churchillisms is two-fold. First, the canon from which they can be distilled is simply huge. Over his lifetime, Churchill penned forty-four books and many thousands of articles, speeches, memos, […]
Source: The Best Winston Churchill Quotes | The Art of Manliness
Tintern ‘secret’ medieval tunnel system found by accident – BBC News
A team of electrical technicians made the discovery while moving an electrical pole in Monmouthshire.
Source: Tintern ‘secret’ medieval tunnel system found by accident – BBC News
How Winston Churchill became an accidental beauty influencer
The most unlikely beauty influencer of 2020? That would be Sir Winston Churchill.
Source: How Winston Churchill became an accidental beauty influencer
Unique sleeps: the best quirky accommodation in England
From centuries-old chapels to restored railway carriages, we take a look at our favourite quirky accommodation in England.
Source: Unique sleeps: the best quirky accommodation in England
The Most Scenic View In London Has Been Revealed, And Honestly We’re Not Surprised – Secret London
The most scenic view in London can be found atop Primrose Hill, according to the results of a new survey to find the UK’s favourite views.
Source: The Most Scenic View In London Has Been Revealed, And Honestly We’re Not Surprised – Secret London
The John Rylands Library: How one of Britain’s great libraries was created by a forward-thinking widow – Country Life
The widow of a successful industrialist turned her inherited fortune towards the creation of one of Britain’s greatest libraries: The John Rylands Library, Manchester. Steven Brindle explains the story of her foundation and admires the library’s architectural splendour, with photographs by Will Pryce.
3-ton parts of Stonehenge may have been carried from earlier monuments
Years of archaeological research now suggest that Neolithic Britons lugged massive elements of the iconic monument from far-flung reaches of the island.
Source: 3-ton parts of Stonehenge may have been carried from earlier monuments
10 stately homes for period drama fans to visit in the UK – British Period Dramas
If you’ve been binging on the likes of Bridgerton these past few months, then you probably have the desire to put on your best clothes and run through the corridors of an old stately home.
Source: 10 stately homes for period drama fans to visit in the UK – British Period Dramas
The Untold Story of the Highway Code | Heritage Calling
The British Highway Code – ‘…a guide to the proper use of the highway and a code of good manners…’ – celebrates the 90th anniversary of its first publication in 2021.
Source: The Untold Story of the Highway Code | Heritage Calling
‘Truth Seekers’: Amazon Cancels Nick Frost & Simon Pegg Comedy – Deadline
“It’s a massive kick in the willy.” That’s how Nick Frost has described Amazon Prime Video’s decision to cancel his comedy Truth Seekers.
Source: ‘Truth Seekers’: Amazon Cancels Nick Frost & Simon Pegg Comedy – Deadline
‘Downton’ Sequel Edging Closer; Vertical Buys ‘Stealing School’ – Deadline
‘Downton Abbey’ Sequel Film Edges Closer
One of the worst kept secrets in the UK biz is closer to becoming a reality, as Carnival Films gears up to shoot a sequel Downton Abbey feature in the coming weeks. Hugh Bonneville told BBC Radio 2 today that planets are aligning on the second film. “There is certainly the intention to do it. We would love to do it, we are desperate to do it, and I think it’s the sort of pleasurable release of a movie like the first one was, that audiences would enjoy after all of this mess we have been through,” he said. Bonneville’s comments come as the Daily Mail reported that legendary French actress Nathalie Baye is joining the cast to give the aristocratic drama a Gallic twist.
Source: ‘Downton’ Sequel Edging Closer; Vertical Buys ‘Stealing School’ – Deadline
Redwall Netflix Movie, TV Adaptations From Patrick McHale – /Film
Over the Garden Wall creator Patrick McHale is developing Redwall Netflix feature film and TV series adaptations of the beloved Brian Jacques books.
Source: Redwall Netflix Movie, TV Adaptations From Patrick McHale – /Film
All aboard: the best railway journeys in Scotland | Bradt Guides
Six of the most spectacular railways in Scotland, from the world-famous West Highland Line to day trips from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Source: All aboard: the best railway journeys in Scotland | Bradt Guides
A Glimpse of a Bygone Life on the Shetland Islands, Plucked From the Trash – The New York Times
Hundreds of pictures taken decades ago in the Shetland Islands, off northern Scotland, were saved from being thrown away. Now, they are finding new life online.
Source: A Glimpse of a Bygone Life on the Shetland Islands, Plucked From the Trash – The New York Times
‘The Gilded Age’: HBO Adds Four To Julian Fellowes’ Period Drama – Deadline
EXCLUSIVE: The Gilded Age cast continues to grow. Julian Fellowes’ HBO period drama has added four actors Sullivan Jones, Linda Emond, Michel Gill and Ward Horton – as recurring guest stars J…
Source: ‘The Gilded Age’: HBO Adds Four To Julian Fellowes’ Period Drama – Deadline
‘Fantastic Beasts 3’ Pauses UK Production After Positive Covid Test – Deadline
A “team member” tested positive for the virus, leading Warner Bros to shut down the shoot.
Source: ‘Fantastic Beasts 3’ Pauses UK Production After Positive Covid Test – Deadline
Oh no. How will we endure this extra wait for another mediocre sequel?
BBC/PBS Team On Unsolved Histories; Graham Norton Novel U.S. Release – Deadline
The BBC and PBS are co-producing a series in which Lucy Worsley will attempt to shed light on history’s biggest unsolved mysteries.
Source: BBC/PBS Team On Unsolved Histories; Graham Norton Novel U.S. Release – Deadline
David Olusoga’s BBC Series ‘A House Through Time’ By Coronavirus – Deadline
The BBC and Warner Bros-owned Twenty Twenty have postponed production on David Olusoga’s hit history series A House Through Time.
Source: David Olusoga’s BBC Series ‘A House Through Time’ By Coronavirus – Deadline
Darn. One of the best history shows in recent years!
London Greenground Map Shows You All The City’s Parks – Secret London
A brand new London Underground-style map, known as the Greenground Map, shows you all of the city’s parks, green spaces and waterways for you to explore.
Source: London Greenground Map Shows You All The City’s Parks – Secret London
The Nevers: HBO Releases Teaser for New Supernatural Drama Series – The British TV Place
As the 19th century draws to a close, London is beset by the “Touched” people, mostly women, who suddenly manifest abnormal abilities — some charming, some very disturbing. Among them are Amalia True (Laura Donnelly), a mysterious, quick-fisted widow, and Penance Adair (Ann Skelly), a brilliant young inventor. They are the champions of this new underclass, making a home for the Touched, while fighting the forces of — well, pretty much all the forces — to make room for those whom history as we know it has no place.
Source: The Nevers: HBO Releases Teaser for New Supernatural Drama Series – The British TV Place
This looks interesting!
First look: JetBlue’s brand-new Mint Suite, Mint Studio business class
It’s almost here! After five years of research and development, JetBlue is finally ready to show off its next-generation business-class product, launching soon on flights to Europe and within the U.S. Each new business-class seat will offer a sliding door, and every cabin will feature two versions of the new product. First, the airline’s extra-spacious …
Source: First look: JetBlue’s brand-new Mint Suite, Mint Studio business class
Derelict British Airways training centre at Heathrow is left to rot | Daily Mail Online
The Cranebank centre, near Heathrow, was used to train some 17,000 cabin crew and 4,000 pilots, equipping them for emergencies on its Boeing 737 simulator.
Source: Derelict British Airways training centre at Heathrow is left to rot | Daily Mail Online
Your first Crossrail service may arrive in time for Christmas . . . | News | The Sunday Times
The Elizabeth Line, a more expensive feat of engineering than the Channel Tunnel, is over budget and beset by delays, but is making up for lost time to open by Christmas, months earlier than expected
Source: Your first Crossrail service may arrive in time for Christmas . . . | News | The Sunday Times
Last orders in Oxford: the death of the great literary drinking-den
The Lamb & Flag played host to Graham Greene and CS Lewis and inspired Thomas Hardy. Its closure is a loss to British cultural history
Source: Last orders in Oxford: the death of the great literary drinking-den
I weep for how Britain will be changed when travelers are finally able to return…
Five British Panel Shows That Provide the Laughs We Need Now | Telly Visions
If you’re looking for stand-up comedy laughs with a British sensibility, we’ve got a list of comedy panel shows you might want to try!
Source: Five British Panel Shows That Provide the Laughs We Need Now | Telly Visions
The Courier Trailer: Benedict Cumberbatch Smuggles Secrets – /Film
Lionsgate has released The Courier trailer, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch as an ordinary British businessman who gets recruited to spy on the KGB.
Source: The Courier Trailer: Benedict Cumberbatch Smuggles Secrets – /Film
‘Six Minutes to Midnight’ trailer: Judi Dench stars in ‘Downton’ director’s new WW2 drama – British Period Dramas
Originally set for release last year, Six Minutes to Midnight now has a release date and a trailer. The new period drama movie stars Judi Dench (Casino Royale), James D’Arcy (Broadchurch), Jim Broadbent (War and
This looks interesting!
In pictures: Photos show snow fall across Dorset | Dorset Echo
THE SUN might be out in Weymouth and other parts of Dorset, but for some, it’s a completely different picture.
Source: In pictures: Photos show snow fall across Dorset | Dorset Echo
‘Harry Potter’ Live-Action TV Series in Early Development at HBO Max (Exclusive) | Hollywood Reporter
A Harry Potter live-action TV series is in early development at HBO Max. Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that executives at the WarnerMedia-backed streamer have engaged in multiple conversations with potential writers exploring various ideas that would bring the beloved property to television. Sources say broad ideas have been discussed as part of the early-stage exploratory meetings.
Frankly, I’m not surprised. There’s plenty they could do!
The London Locations In Netflix’s Bridgerton | Londonist
Regency London as you’ve, erm, never seen it before.
Source: The London Locations In Netflix’s Bridgerton | Londonist
Magpie Murders: Lesley Manville, Peter Cattaneo Join BritBox/PBS Show – Deadline
Sony-backed Eleventh Hour Films has signed up The Crown star Lesley Manville to lead the cast of its PBS/BritBox series Magpie Murders.
Source: Magpie Murders: Lesley Manville, Peter Cattaneo Join BritBox/PBS Show – Deadline
For those not familiar with Horowitz – Foyle’s War was his creation.
This will be good!
‘Bridgerton’ Renewed By Netflix; Season 2 Subject Confirmed – Deadline
The “exciting news” about Bridgerton that Netflix teased on Tuesday became a reality this morning with the long-expected second-season renewal.
Source: ‘Bridgerton’ Renewed By Netflix; Season 2 Subject Confirmed – Deadline
It was pretty much a sure thing.
More Bridgerton coming.
‘Spamalot’ movie based on ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ musical is happening – British Period Dramas
A big screen version of the hit Broadway musical Spamalot is going ahead. Based on 1975’s Monty Python and the Holy Grail movie, the musical comedy premiered on stage in 2004. Spamalot went on to
A Raven Queen Vanishes, and Britain Checks a Prophecy – The New York Times
One of the resident birds at the Tower of London is feared to have died. Legend says at least six must be kept there, or the nation will fall.
Source: A Raven Queen Vanishes, and Britain Checks a Prophecy – The New York Times
10 of the best virtual travel experiences for 2021 | Travel websites | The Guardian
Travel the world through this new crop of virtual experiences, from online guide walks to film festivals, wine-tasting to birdwatching
Source: 10 of the best virtual travel experiences for 2021 | Travel websites | The Guardian