The British winter tradition of Panto joins pop celebs to fairytales, slapstick and cross dressing for hilarious effect.
Happy Chinese New Year. 2012 is the Year of the Dragon and communities around the UK - and all over the world - have festivities planned. Festive foods, Chinese entertainers, parades and dragon dances are all set to welcome the New Year.
The Pendle Witch Trials were the most notorious witch hunts in English history. Exactly 400 years ago, in 1612, two families, and some of their friends and neighbors from the Lancashire village of Pendle were arrested, tried and hanged for witchcraft crimes most of them freely confessed to. Find out who they were, how they were tried and who accused them. Learn about the Pendle Witches on a visit to Lancashire's most brooding and evocative countryside.
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As the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens' birth on February 7 approaches, it's remarkable how few physical landmarks of Britain's favorite author are open to the public - or still standing for that matter. Saddest of all, the Charles Dickens Museum in London, which holds the most important Dickens collection in the world and which occupies the author's last remaining London residence still standing, will be closed for most of the Dickens Bicentenary Year. In its wisdom, the charitable trust that owns and runs the museum, has taken £500,000 of Lottery Heritage Fund Money to top up its £3.1 million renovation fund and will close the museum from April 9 to November 4 for refurbishment. So, while London is bursting with Olympics 2012 and Diamond Jubilee visitors, this important museum will be closed.
Nevermind. There are still a few places where you can get close to the real Charles Dickens without partaking of theme park Dickens attractions:
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If you're tired of the same old same old look and feel of a lot of hotel rooms these days, why not go for something completely different. How about a treehouse? They're popping up all over the place and they range from family accommodations to romantic luxury suites for two, from vacation rentals and self-catering to woodland hideaways on the grounds of Scottish castles. Even Chewton Glen, the 5-star luxury country house hotel in Hampshire is planning to open a half-dozen treehouses in August of 2012. But you don't have to wait until then. There are plenty of treehouses around already. Check these out.
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No pressure, but in case you haven't noticed, Valentine's Day falls on a Leap Year this year. So even partners who are usually blasé about the day might find themselves more amorous than usual come February 14.
To help you get into the spirit - well in advance - we've got loads of sexy and romantic ideas for things to do and places to go in the UK to celebrate Cupid's favorite holiday. Check out some great new ideas along with some old favorites that never fade.
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