As I hope this issue once again shows, we are spoiled for choice living in the British Isles. There are so many wonderful destinations to visit, whether on a staycation or visiting from overseas, and I hope our magazine will inspire you to extend your holiday - or book another! Highlights this issue include a wonderful 48 hours in Alderney, an epic journey through the heart of Scotland, from Edinburgh to the Caledonian Forest, and finding utter bliss at the new idyllic riverside luxury estate, Monkey Island, near Bray.
EXPLORE THE GREAT WEST
EXPLORE THE GREAT WEST WAY ® WITH AN EXPERT GUIDE Chauffeur driven tours with a Blue Badge Guide www.southwestdriverguide.co.uk | southwestguide@gmail.com eat explore experience Visit Exeter for seriously stylish shops, a diverse cultural scene and top eateries serving the best of Devon’s food and drink. Add 2,000 years of history into the mix and it’s easy to see why everyone’s talking about Exeter! www.visitexeter.com
Escape to the HISTORIC CITY OF EXETER FOR A CHRISTMAS SHOPPING BREAK WIN EXETER’S COMPACT CITY CENTRE makes it ideal for Christmas shopping. An eclectic mix of shops can be found within easy walking distance of each other, from the big names in the High Street and Princesshay, to independent and vintage fashions, jewellery, crafts and gifts in the cobbled Gandy Street and quirky West Quarter. Browse for unique and artisan gifts from local retailers and enjoy festive food and mulled wine at the wonderfully atmospheric Christmas Market on Cathedral Green, open from 16 November until 19 December. This year, the city is the stage for 5 Nights of Lights. Celebrating each corner of the city, festive lights will be switched on each evening in the city’s distinct shopping quarters, with live music and entertainment from Wednesday 13 – Sunday 17 November. Light will be the theme for Princesshay Shopping Centre’s evening street entertainment, every Thursday in the run up to Christmas, when shops across the city will stay open until late. Head to the nearby maritime town of Topsham for enchanting Christmas lights, switched on 15 November amidst carols and a procession of light. Topsham is home to a large number of independents where you can pick up unique festive treats. When you’re shopped out, cosy up with a real ale in one of Exeter’s historic pubs, or seek out one of the city’s speakeasy-style cocktail bars for a seasonal concoction. This should get you in the mood for a festive sing along to this year’s pantomime performance of Beauty and the Beast at the Exeter Northcott, running from 30 November – 5 January. All of the city’s historic attractions are open year round. Escape the hubbub of Christmas shoppers to explore beneath the city’s streets on a guided tour of Exeter’s Underground Passages, built in medieval times to house the fresh water pipes serving the residents of the city. The Passages are dark and very narrow - not for the claustrophobic! Join a free guided walking tour of Exeter with the Red Coat Guides to discover more about this fascinating city and its 2,000 year history, and definitely don’t miss RAMM, Exeter’s award winning museum, where you can explore 16 galleries of local and national touring exhibitions, also completely free of charge. Excellent road, rail, bus and air links mean Exeter is within easy reach of the rest of the UK, and the city is an ideal base for exploring the rest of Devon. u Go to www.visitexeter.com/christmas to find out more about visiting Exeter this Christmas. COMPETITION WIN A FESTIVE BREAK IN EXETER PRIZE INCLUDES • Two night stay at the Mercure Rougemont Hotel (for two people with breakfast) • £150 In Exeter Gift Card • Dinner at Carluccio’s, Princesshay • Half day course at the Exeter Cookery School • Souvenir picture of Exeter at Christmas by award winning local artist Laura Wall • Hamper of local produce from members of the Exeter Food & Drink Trail HOW TO ENTER visitexeter.com/ christmascompetition BritishTravelJournal.com 43
