Search Results for: Lifestyle

Take a tour through the Big Smoke via road, rail and river, and discover…
What the official difference is between a ‘taxi’ and a ‘cab’. Why the iconic Routemaster was withdrawn from regular service in 2005. How much of the Underground is actually below ground. Why London’s first tramway was threatened with closure in the same year it opened. Which was the first ferry to operate passenger trips across the Thames. Every year London opens its doors to a staggering 16 million people, all wanting to get to their destination of choice in the shortest time possible. Yet for many of us, the beauty and clockwork of the transport we use, be it taxi, Tube, bus, bike or boat, is a part of the London experience we tend to forget. From the iconic red buses to the abandoned Tube stations and the engineering achievements to the cultural highlights, this book celebrates everything you’ve ever wanted to know about getting around in London, and much, much more.

I had thought for some time that there must be something funny about Germany because, except for hard-drinking types at the Munich beer festival, I had never heard of anybody going there for a holiday. This was, in my view, the first of two advantages. There are travellers who, when abroad, are delighted to see a fellow countryman. Not I. There are quite enough Englishmen at home without my wanting to run into them abroad.
So Edward Enfield sets off on this enjoyable cycling trip, carrying few preconceptions but plenty of wit. Determining the route he should take from recommendations scrawled on a napkin, he starts by following the undulating ‘Romantic Road’ through the woods and cornfields of Bavaria – closely pursued by fellow countrymen in the form of a television camera crew.
After a solo jaunt around the rural backroads and Mazurian Lakes of Poland, stopping to enjoy the delights of Krakow, it’s on to Austria, where he rides along the pleasant banks of the Danube from Passau to Vienna, taking in castles and baroque churches and sampling splendid wine en route. And, as Edward amply reveals in this charming book, there is no place from which to see a country that is nearly as good as the saddle of a bicycle.

Richard Williamson’s weekly walking column has long been one of the most popular features in the Chichester Observer, Worthing Observer and West Sussex Gazette. Now, following the format that has proved such a hit over the years, for the first time he has compiled his favourite walks – one for every week of the year – with hand-drawn route maps. His knowledge and love of the timeless South Downs landscape and its varied flora, fauna and stories – from bat-birds and the Devil’s Jumps to beloved pubs and famous poets – combine with practical notes on routes that can be covered easily in an afternoon. Richard Williamson was for 30 years the manager of Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve and has an unparalleled knowledge of South Downs wildlife and lore.

LAKELAND BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023 – THE BILL ROLLINSON PRIZE FOR LANDSCAPE & TRADITION RUNNER UP

Join travel writer Tom Chesshyre for a Lakeland adventure like no other. Explore towering mountains, wide-open valleys and magnificent lakes – stopping off at a cosy inn or two along the way – on a 379-mile hike around the Lake District

From Penrith and back, via Keswick, Cockermouth, Coniston, Grasmere and Windermere, plus many places in between, Tom Chesshyre puts on his walking boots and sets forth in a “big wobbly circle” around the Lakes, drawn onwards by the dramatic scenery that attracts more than 19 million visitors each year.

Across landscape that so inspired the Romantic poets, he takes in remote parts of the parkland that many tourists miss – enjoying encounters aplenty with farmers, fell runners and fellow hikers, while staying in shepherds’ huts, bothies and old climbers’ hotels along the way, and even going for a (chilly) dip in Derwentwater.

This is the Lake District seen from its walking paths – with just a backpack, an open mind… and a spring in the step.

Having a good old moan about little everyday frustrations is a quintessential part of being British, and when it comes to barmy bureaucracy we can really get our knickers in a twist! This book collects the most mind-boggling and side-splitting examples of potty political correctness, ridiculous red tape and well-intentioned (but ultimately wacky) warnings from across bonkers Britain today.
Discover the ‘infallible logic’ that inspired a toy manufacturer to point out to customers that its plastic broomstick doesn’t really fly, the ‘dutiful consideration’ that led to sex being described as ‘cooperative physical fitness’, and the ‘forward thinking’ that resulted in a sign advising against hogging the middle lane being displayed on a two-lane motorway. But be warned: this book may induce bouts of uncontrollable laughter and should only be used by those properly trained in lifting books and turning pages.

So this is surfing in Britain, I told myself as I grumpily walked up a slope of wet rocks and wispy beach grass, trying to keep a foothold as rain and wind both tried their utmost to send me skidding back down to the freezing beach below.

Tom Anderson has always loved surfing – anywhere except the UK. But a chance encounter leads him to a series of adventures on home surf… As he visits the popular haunts and secret gems of British surfing he meets the Christians who pray for waves (and get them), loses a competition to a non-existent surfer, is nearly drowned in the River Severn and has a watery encounter with a pedigree sheep. All this rekindles his love affair with the freezing fun that is surfing the North Atlantic.

CYMRU AM BYTH

Wales is loved for its idyllic countryside and beaches, an accent more sonorous than the song of a bird and for being the birthplace of legendary cultural figures such as Dylan Thomas and Richard Burton. Yes, without further ado, it’s time to fly The Red Dragon high and show the world that you are proud to be Welsh!

Celebrate your roots and explore some of Wales’ most fascinating facts and charming quotes in this miscellany fit for anyone who loves the land of song.

‘We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation.’
Voltaire

Scotland is loved for its sublime mountain ranges, its breathtaking castles and for being the birthplace of legendary cultural figures such as Sir Walter Scott and Sean Connery. Yes, without further ado, it’s time to fly St Andrew’s Cross high and show the world that you are proud to be Scottish! 

Celebrate your roots and explore some of Scotland’s most fascinating facts and charming quotes in this miscellany fit for any bonnie lad or lass.

Meet Andrew: French teacher, writer and long-distance cyclist.
Now, meet Reggie, his bike.

With two European cycling adventures already under his belt, Andrew was ready for a new challenge. Exchanging his job as a teacher in Oxfordshire for an expedition on Reggie the bike, he set off on his most daring trip yet: a journey from Tarifa in Spain to Nordkapp in Norway – from Europe’s geographical south to its northernmost point.

Join the duo as they take on an epic journey across nearly 8000 km of Europe, through mountains, valleys, forests and the open road, proving that no matter where you’re headed, life on two wheels is full of surprises.

‘In politics, if you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.’
Margaret Thatcher
‘Instead of getting married again, I’m going to find a woman I don’t like and just give her a house.’
Rod Stewart
Ever been at a loss for words? Ever wished that the perfect wry remark or putdown would spring to mind?
The great, the good, the intellectual and the downright insulting can all be found in Brit Wit. With wonderful one-liners from such formidable figures as Churchill and Shakespeare to more recent luminaries of British stage, screen and society including Michael Caine, Victoria Wood and Eddie Izzard, Brit Wit celebrates all that makes Britain brilliant.

With quips, quotes and insults from classic favourites William Shakespeare and Jane Austen to modern humorists Stephen Fry and Billy Connolly, this delightful book will ensure you’re never at a loss for the perfect witticism.

Scotland’s beautiful landscapes and rich histories have long moved great writers and poets to capture their glory.

Ranging from timeless prose to lyrical poetry, from incisive wit to thoughtful social commentary, these stirring volumes collect the most inspiring praise for our beloved countries.

England’s beautiful landscapes and rich histories have long moved great writers and poets to capture their glory.

Ranging from timeless prose to lyrical poetry, from incisive wit to thoughtful social commentary, these stirring volumes collect the most

Inspiring praise for our beloved countries.

‘This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.’
William Shakespeare, Richard II

England is loved for its beautiful landscapes, its great sporting history and for being the birthplace of celebrated figures such as William Shakespeare and Florence Nightingale. Yes, without further ado, it’s time to show the world you’re proud to be English!

Celebrate your roots and explore some of England’s most fascinating facts and charming quotes in this miscellany fit for any lover of this green and pleasant land.

For this detailed guide to some of the best walking in Britain, David Bathurst has walked over 700 miles of coast, taking in breathtaking natural landscapes and significant landmarks on the way. With rugged cliffs and ancient cathedral cities, historic ports and wonderful wildlife, there’s something for everyone; whether you’re a seasoned hiker ready to take on the entire walk, or a summertime stroller who wants to experience these rewarding rambles in smaller doses.
Includes:
• A complete guide with detailed descriptions of the route
• Useful information about the geography and history
• Practical advice regarding navigation and local amenities
• Recommendations for top ten weekend walks
This invaluable guidebook is a must-have for anyone going walking on England’s south coast.

‘Fear less, hope more; eat less, chew more; hate less, love more; and all good things are yours.’     
Scandinavian proverb
Hygge – the now familiar Danish word for warmth, cosiness, peace and harmony – is something we all aspire to. This charming little book, filled with comforting quotes and simple tips, will help you kindle this cosiness in your own life. Light a candle, snuggle up and celebrate the things that make life good.

The lochside stretch I was rolling through formed the trickily named Achaglachgach Forest, where I panted up and down Glen Achaglachgach, past Achaglachgach House and through Achaglachgach village, which was totally deserted. Maybe they’d all choked to death trying to say ‘Achaglachgach’.
Richard Guise yearned to take on a physical challenge before he reached the age where walking across the kitchen would fall into that category. And so he donned a cagoule, packed his saddlebags and set off for an adventure on a bike named Tetley. This is the tale of his 586-mile, 16-day ride through the Highlands of Scotland, along the dramatically beautiful west coast from the Mull of Kintyre in the south to Cape Wrath in the north.
Freewheeling along isolated roads where traffic problems consist of the occasional retreating sheep and stopping for lunch on deserted beaches, he has time to ponder the Laws of Cycle Touring and take in spectacular sights, from craggy, cloud-shrouded mountain ranges to lochside forests.
Guise discovers the little-known history of this unique part of Britain. He is the classic observant outsider, picking up on the oddities and strange beauty of the place and telling it all with gentle humour – even amid severe bouts of traditional Highland weather.

She was particularly taken with the small narrow ledges that ran along either side of the boat. For a cat, four inches is an airport runway – she could dance a Moonwalk along them on her two hind legs, juggling at the same time.

Steve has a new member of crew aboard his narrowboat, Justice – but maybe not the kind he’d have wanted if he’d known the trouble she’d cause. Kit, an untidy bundle of fur with all the attitude you would expect from a ‘sarf Lunnun’ cat, joins him on a mission to discover lost parts of England. Steve gets a different perspective on the modern world as he cruises the canals through a landscape unchanged for centuries, visiting picturesque towns and waterway festivals along the way.

If I’d really been serious about getting to grips with my mid-life crisis, then I’d have been better opting for a course of therapy than going off travelling. Or if I had to travel, I’d have been better opting for somewhere warm with a beach…

In an attempt to get to grips with a BIG birthday, Steve sets out from Oxford to explore what makes the English… well, so English. His quirky humour is inspired by Tom Rolt, who took to the canals on a similar journey immortalised in the book ‘Narrow Boat’, kick-starting the revival of Britain’s waterways. Prepare for a generous helping of mayhem, mishaps and the staple of every English summer: torrential rain. First published as ‘Fruit Flies Like a Banana’ this revised edition with new material is published to coincide with the 70-year anniversary of Tom Rolt’s own classic trip.

Over the years, authors, artists and amblers aplenty have felt the pull of the Thames, and now travel writer Tom Chesshyre is following in their footsteps.

He’s walking the length of the river from the Cotswolds to the North Sea – a winding journey of over two hundred miles. Join him for an illuminating stroll past meadows, churches and palaces, country estates and council estates, factories and dockyards. Setting forth in the summer of Brexit, and meeting a host of interesting characters along the way, Chesshyre explores the living present and remarkable past of England’s longest and most iconic river.

From the Great Glen Way to the Coast to Coast Path, there is no better way to discover the spectacular diversity of northern Britain’s landscape than on foot. Whether you enjoy exploring green and gently rolling dales or tackling rugged mountain paths, there are walks here to keep you rambling all year round.

An indefatigable walker, David Bathurst has unlaced his boots to produce this invaluable and definitive companion to the ten best-loved long-distance footpaths in the north of Britain, with each split into manageable sections. Combining practical, detailed descriptions with an appreciation of the beauty and history of the British countryside, this in an indispensable guide for both experienced and novice walkers alike.

From the South Downs Way to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, there is no better way to discover the spectacular diversity of southern Britain’s landscape than on foot. Whether you enjoy exploring green and gently rolling valleys or tackling rugged cliff-top paths, there are walks here to keep you rambling all year round.

An indefatigable walker, David Bathurst has unlaced his boots to produce this invaluable and definitive companion to the ten best-loved long-distance footpaths in the south of Britain, with each split into manageable sections. Combining practical, detailed descriptions with an appreciation of the beauty and history of the British countryside, this in an indispensable guide for both experienced and novice walkers alike.

‘We may have bad weather in Ireland, but the sun shines in the hearts of the people and that keeps us all warm.’
Anonymous

Enjoy this leprechaun-sized guide to all that’s best about the Emerald Isle, from myths and legends to must-see places to visit, interspersed with hilarious one-liners, jokes and plenty of Irish charm.

Dear Erin, how sweetly thy green bosom rises!
An emerald set in the ring of the sea.
John Philpot Curran

Ireland is loved for its lush, green countryside, its historical cities and picturesque towns and for being the birthplace of celebrated figures such as Oscar Wilde and Van Morrison. Yes, without further ado, it’s time to show the world that you’re proud to be Irish! 

Celebrate your roots and explore some of Ireland’s most fascinating facts and charming quotes in this miscellany fit for anyone who loves the emerald isle.