Read more about the article UK: Eagle House Ball at Highclere Castle

UK: Eagle House Ball at Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle is a Grade I listed country house built in 1679 and largely renovated in the 1840s, with a park designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century. The 5,000-acre estate is in Highclere in Hampshire, England, about 5 miles south of Newbury, Berkshire, and 9.5 miles north of Andover, Hampshire. The first written records of the estate date back to 749 when an Anglo-Saxon King granted the estate to the Bishops of Winchester. Bishop William of Wykeham built a beautiful medieval palace and gardens in the park. Later on, the palace was rebuilt as Highclere Place House in 1679 when it was purchased by Sir Robert Sawyer, the direct ancestor of the current Earl of Carnarvon. In 1842, Sir Charles Barry, who also designed the Houses of Parliament, transformed Highclere House into the present day Highclere Castle. During the First World War, Highclere Castle was converted into a hospital for wounded soldiers run by the 5th Countess of Carnarvon. Throughout the Second World War, Highclere Castle was home to children evacuated from London. There are between 250 and 300 rooms in the Castle! There is an Egyptian Exhibition the 5th Earl of Carnarvon's discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun. It is the set of the famed Downton Abbey Series and we were fortunate enough to be hosted here for our annual school ball.

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Read more about the article Sweden: Malmo – Crayfish Party and Vikings

Sweden: Malmo – Crayfish Party and Vikings

In the mid-1800s, people started eating crayfish as they are eaten today. The crayfish feast or crayfish supper in the month of August spread through the middle classes. In the 1900s, crayfish became a national delicacy and people in all sectors of society began celebrating the occasion. What to serve? Bowls of crayfish, VästerbottenCheese tart, some nice salads (beetroot salad and potato salad are good choices). Crusty bread and crispbread on the side – with more cheese (Västerbotten is the traditional choice) on the side.... and Schnapps!Malmö is a coastal city in southern Sweden. It lies at the eastern end of the striking Öresund Bridge, a long road and railway bridge–tunnel running to Copenhagen, Denmark. In the city center, Lilla Torg is a cobblestone square with cafes, half-timbered houses and shops selling local handicrafts. Malmö Castle, a 16th-century fortress built by King Christian III of Denmark, houses nature, history and art exhibits.The Foteviken Museum is an archaeological open-air museum on the Höllviken peninsula in southern Skåne, Sweden.

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Read more about the article UK: Sailing the Solent

UK: Sailing the Solent

The Solent encompasses a large area of protected water and is probably one of the busiest and most famous sailing areas in the world. It is an area steeped in history and natural beauty, with pretty fishing ports, islands and a wealth of activities. Cowes harbour offers all tide access, and berths are relatively easy to obtain and reasonably priced. During peak events including Cowes Week and Round The Island Race it can become very crowded. There are two main marina’s in West Cowes, Cowes Yacht Haven and Shepherds Wharf. Cowes Yacht Haven can get quite rolly especially on the outside berths. East Cowes Marina offers excellent facilities and is noticeably more relaxed and friendly with a superb on-site restaurant & bar.

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Read more about the article UK: Camping – New Forest 2010

UK: Camping – New Forest 2010

The New Forest is one of Europe's most important locations for nature and conservation. Its unique mix of landscapes including ancient woodlands, wetlands and bogs, and open heathlands means it is home to many rare species of plants and wildlife long since lost from the UK and Europe. The New Forest pony is one of the recognised mountain and moorland or native pony breeds of the British Isles. Height varies from around 12 to 14.2 hands; ponies of all heights should be strong, workmanlike, and of a good riding type. They are valued for hardiness, strength, and sure-footedness. Hurst Castle is an artillery fort established by Henry VIII on the Hurst Spit in Hampshire, England, between 1541 and 1544. It formed part of the king's Device Forts coastal protection programme against invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire, and defended the western entrance to the Solent waterway.

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Read more about the article Iceland
Gullfoss

Iceland

Volcanoes and geysers, glaciers, Northern Lights, whale watching ... it is known as the land of fire and ice as there are 32 volcanic systems with 130 active and inactive volcanoes. Glaciers cover about 11% of the island, Vatnajokull is Europe's largest glacier and the largest ice cap being the size of Rhode Island in the USA.

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Read more about the article Russia: Moscow

Russia: Moscow

Moscow, on the Moskva River in western Russia, is the nation’s cosmopolitan capital. In its historic core is the Kremlin, a complex that’s home to the president and tsarist treasures in the Armoury. Outside its walls is Red Square, Russia's symbolic centre. It's home to Lenin’s Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum's comprehensive collection and St. Basil’s Cathedral, known for its colourful, onion-shaped domes. March, March. March Across Red Square - do all the things you'd never dare! Massive bucket list TICK to visit this amazing City!

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Read more about the article Sweden

Sweden

Our love affair with Sweden actually started in Austria - skiing at Saalbach for New Year 2009/10 ...we spotted the only other couple who had dressed up and wore black tie - they were Swedes and the rest is history ...

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Read more about the article UK: Camping – New Forest 2009

UK: Camping – New Forest 2009

The New Forest is one of Europe's most important locations for nature and conservation. Its unique mix of landscapes including ancient woodlands, wetlands and bogs, and open heathlands means it is home to many rare species of plants and wildlife long since lost from the UK and Europe. The New Forest pony is one of the recognised mountain and moorland or native pony breeds of the British Isles. Height varies from around 12 to 14.2 hands; ponies of all heights should be strong, workmanlike, and of a good riding type. They are valued for hardiness, strength, and sure-footedness. Hurst Castle is an artillery fort established by Henry VIII on the Hurst Spit in Hampshire, England, between 1541 and 1544. It formed part of the king's Device Forts coastal protection programme against invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire, and defended the western entrance to the Solent waterway.

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