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FIVE REAL ALE BREWERIES
WHY we W H E R E'S I S S Y CAN YOU SPOT OUR MASCOT HIDING INSIDE?
Our guide to WINTER WELLBEING
HEREFoRD GWR.com
Issue 32
CORNISH ! GETAWAMPYED ON THE REVA NIGHT RIVIERA SLEEPER
Y D A E H E H T CLIMB HEIGHTS OF...
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ST MICHAEL'S THE
CAPITAL
OF POP
MOUNT GREAT IDEAS for cold weather CAPERS
cHOW BEATLEMANIA WAS BORN IN LONDON
IN THIS ISSUE
R 2018 WINTE
REACHING ACROSS OUR NETWORK – THIS IS YOUR ESCAPE ROUTE
WHERE’S ISSY
CAN YOU SPOT OUR MASCOT HIDING INSIDE?
ILLUSTRATION: KERRY HYNDMAN; ISSY ILLUSTRATION: WESLEY ROBINS
TURN THE PAGE... 09 NEXT STOP Our pick of the latest concerts, exhibitions, shows and more 14 fun for all the family Fill your days with pantos, Christmas markets, outdoor ice skating and all things festive with our super-duper guide 24 Your dream ticket Escape’s managing editor takes the GWR sleeper train to discover the best itinerary for a mini-break in Cornwall, including top galleries, hotels and pubs 28 winter wellbeing Shake off the cold weather glumness with a spa trip, a mindfulness retreat, or just a nice stroll in the countryside
FIND US ONLINE www.gwr.com
34 why we love... Hereford is the perfect fusion of town and country, with loads of decent bars and cafés, as well as a market selling local produce 37 the end of an era To celebrate the anniversary of the Beatles’ last public performance, we go on a magical mystery tour around London 43 kids’ page Top fun and games to keep the little ones occupied 45 THE GUIDE Our handy guide to travelling with Great Western Railway 50 GIVE ME FIVE Comedian Zoe Lyons discusses her new show and what went wrong on Celebrity MasterChef
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OUR 2FOR1 PICKS
National portrait gallery See top-notch exhibitions in London including Michael Jackson: On the Wall
Delta Force Paintball Battle it out with buddies on this military-style fun day out near Cardiff
Kew Gardens Kew is home to the most diverse collection of living plants anywhere in the world
how to get your 2for1 Take advantage of savings on days out by going to daysoutguide.co.uk
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GWR.COM escape | 3
WELCOME
R 2018 WINTE
Walk out to winter and feel really fab Editorial enquiries Editor
Dan Panes escapeeditor@thinkpublishing.co.uk Managing Editor
Andrew Cattanach andrew@thinkpublishing.co.uk Design
John Pender
Sub-editors
Andrew Littlefield, Sam Bartlett
Advertising Sales
Elizabeth Courtney elizabeth.courtney@thinkpublishing.co.uk
Publisher
John Innes john.innes@thinkpublishing.co.uk Published on behalf of GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY by think
25 Chapel Street London NW1 5DH 020 3771 7200 thinkpublishing.co.uk
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Head Office, Milford House 1 Milford Street, Swindon SN1 1HL gwr.com
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SWITCH OFF YOUR MIND AND LEARN TO RELAX
t
hings settle down a little when autumn comes around. Summer, with all its hot weather hedonism, is good for letting your hair down and making decisions on the hoof, but in the end, there’s nothing like taking a moment to sit down and reassess. Especially when you know Christmas is just around the corner. To help give you time to reflect, we suggest introducing a little mindfulness into your hectic life. Read our guide to winter wellness, starting on page 28, to find the best spa days out, meditation retreats, winter walks and restorative grub. A celebration of Eastern ideas, such as mindfulness and meditation, puts me in mind of a certain popular 1960s beat combo. Yeah, yeah, yeah, the Beatles were hugely inspired by their experience of visiting India.
January 2019 will be the 50th anniversary of the band’s last public performance, which took place on a rooftop in London’s Savile Row. To mark the occasion, on page 37 we explore the Beatles’ love affair with England’s capital city. On top of all this, we have a bumper feature full of great ideas for things to see and do over the winter period, including Christmas markets, pantos and more. We also hear from our managing editor about a trip he took on the Night Riviera Sleeper to Cornwall – the lucky blighter!
Dan Panes Editor
GET CENTRED AT A MEDITATION RETREAT TURN TO PAGE 28
© 2018 Great Western Railway. All rights reserved. Every reasonable endeavour has been made to find and contact the copyright owners of the works included in this newspaper. However, if you believe a copyright work has been included without your permission, please contact the publishers. Views of contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect the policy of Great Western Railway or those of the publishers. All material correct at time of going to press.
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escape | 5
Z
we’ll takE you there
local hero
Being Brunel, which opened its doors in spring 2018, is a Bristolbased museum celebrating the life and work of engineering wizard Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Born in Portsmouth and brought up in London, Brunel has nevertheless become synonymous with Bristol, home to two of his greatest masterpieces – the SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The museum has six galleries with some 150 artefacts, including sketchbooks, Brunel’s 1821 school report and a case containing his last cigar. This fun and immersive gallery offers a new way to engage with the country’s rich heritage. Being Brunel Bristol MORE bit.ly/beingbrunel WHAT
WHERE
FACT
CREDIT IN 3MM BOX ALIGNED BOTTOM
The museum was inspired by Spike Jonze’s 1999 film Being John Malkovich
CREDIT IN 3MM BOX ALIGNED TOP
Head to Being Brunel in Bristol to learn all about the great engineer
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LE BLANC SEING, 1965 BY RENE MAGRITTE. COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART, WASHINGTON
Next Stop
fine art of gaming Despite their popularity, video games rarely get the critical praise that they deserve. For years, they have been at the cutting edge, not just of technology, but of design and storytelling too. The V&A’s latest exhibition, Videogames: Design/Play/Disrupt, takes a look
behind the scenes at how video games are produced, as well as exploring how artists such as René Magritte anticipated many of the visual concepts you see in today’s games market. WHERE V&A London WHEN until 24 February 2019
Le Blanc-Seing (1965) aka 'The Blank Signature' by René Magritte
YOUR GUIDE TO GREAT EVENTS HAPPENING JUST ALONG THE TRACKS www.gwr.com
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NEXT STOP
British Hip hop
One Day (2015), by Elmgreen & Dragset
homegrown talent on tour
kojey radical koko, london 20 November
He's a poet, visual artist and purveyor of 'socially conscious' rap, exploring themes of race and class.
Professor green Electric brixton, london 20 November
Professor Green tackles the contradictions of masculinity in heartfelt raps that have won over the nation.
the streets o2 brixton academy, london 2–3 & 5–7 february 2019
The Streets' first album remains a seminal moment in UK hip hop history.
best of the rest 10 | escape
Elmgreen & Dragset: this is how we bite our tongue The work of Scandinavian artist duo Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset might look high-minded, but beneath the polished surfaces of their pearly white sculptures lies a dark and subversive humour. They explore desire and identity in a show that is best enjoyed when not taken too seriously. WHERE whitechapel gallery, London WHEN until 13 January 2019
S S S celebrity
Joanna Lumley: It’s All About Me Various venues Until 11 November Stories from Lumley's remarkable life
theatre
A Christmas Carol Old Vic, London 27 November – 18 January 2019 Charles Dickens' seasonal classic
fashion
Night and Day: 1930s Fashion Fashion and Textile Museum, London Until 20 January 2019 Inter-war excesses
S exhibition
Rachel Maclean: Spite Your Face Chapter, Wales Until 20 January 2019
S museum
I Object: Ian Hislop’s Search for Dissent British Museum, London Until 20 January 2019
S theatre
Wise Children Bristol Old Vic 23 January – 16 February 2019 Angela Carter novel adapted for the stage by Emma Rice
www.gwr.com
Pal up with a primate at Monkey World
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre Monkey World is home to over 250 primates from more than 20 different species. Many have been neglected or kept in unnatural conditions, but at Monkey World they can enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe and natural environment, and some are even part of international breeding programmes for endangered species. Join one of the keeper's half-hour talks to find out more about these awesome apes. WHERE Monkey World, Wareham, Dorset
In your face fun with Frank-N-Furter
TOP THEATRE
Award-winning theatre in London's West End
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Since it was first staged in 2012, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has been a rip-roaring success, touring the country and now returning to London for a limited season. Based on the best-selling book by Mark Haddon, the play follows a remarkable boy living in Swindon who investigates the death of his neighbour's dog. WHERE Piccadilly Theatre, London WHEN from 29 November
You can always count on your brother
Richard O'Brien's Rocky horror show This classic, glam-era musical has been titillating audiences since the 1970s. Many of you will be familiar with the film adaptation, but it was the stage production that first caught the imagination of audiences when it debuted at the Royal Court, starring the great Tim Curry. Join the newest cast on tour and sing along to all of the show's memorable hits, including the Time Warp and Sweet Transvestite. WHERE on tour WHEN until 30 November 2019
S theatre
A Song of Twilight Theatre Royal Bath 13–23 February 2019 Simon Callow and Jane Asher star
www.gwr.com
S music
Take That Greatest Hits Tour Various venues From 13 April 2019 Britain’s best-loved boy band on the road
S musical
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical Aldwych Theatre, London Until 20 July 2019 An extraordinary life
Rain man Based on the Oscar-winning film starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman, Rain Man now comes to a theatre near you. This new theatrical version features Downton Abbey's Ed Speleers as self-centred Charlie, who tries to take advantage of his savant older brother Raymond, played by Gavin & Stacey's Mathew Horne. WHERE on tour WHEN until 30 March 2019
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NEXT STOP
dumb and dumber
THE RSC BRINGS DON QUIXOTE TO LIFE ON STAGE IN LONDON’S WEST END
David Threlfall – best known for his role as Frank Gallagher in Channel 4’s Shameless – plays the eponymous lead in this hilarious tale of a deluded old man’s journey through medieval Spain. Joined by sidekick Sancho Panza, Quixote finds himself embroiled in various scrapes, freeing slaves and defending damsels in distress, all the while under the delusion that he is a brave and valiant knight, and not just an old geezer with a bowl on his head. WHERE Garrick Theatre, London WHEN until 2 February 2019
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DID YOU KNOW? A SLAVE TO LITERATURE
Don Quixote’s author Miguel de Cervantes lived a long and eventful life, spending time in prison and as a slave in Algiers BARD BUDDY
Cervantes was a contemporary of Shakespeare and inspired the English playwright to create The History of Cardenio TOP OF THE BOOKS
Don Quixote came top in an authors' poll to decide the best novel of all time
St Austell's head brewer Roger Ryman and colleague Rob Orton
5 hail to we love
the ale
sampling THE BEST BREWs across the network
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Dawkins Ales is an innovative, independent West Country microbrewery. The winner of 16 major industry awards, Dawkins Ales has a core range of five beers that includes the traditional best bitter Bristol Best, a strong American IPA named Resolution, and a number of monthly specials available across the region.
This South West institution has been around since 1851, and is responsible for some of the country's best-known real ales, including Tribute and Proper Job. They also do a good sideline in pubs and hotels and offer a brewery tour, perfect for enthusiasts visiting Cornwall.
Dawkins Ales
dawkinsales.com
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Set up in 2010, Windsor & Eton Brewery is a relative newcomer on the scene, but what they lack in years, they more than make up for in enthusiasm. To help celebrate Harry and Meghan's wedding they launched a new beer and have since been awarded a Royal Warrant from Prince Philip, who is an ale fan.
Set up by old school friends Tim Coombes and Mark Gloyens, Rebellion Beer Company helped re-establish Marlow as a brewery town, after its former brewery shut down in 1987. They produce a wide range of ales, as well as seasonal brews such as their Winter Royal.
St Austell Brewery
Windsor & Eton Brewery
staustellbrewery.co.uk
webrew.co.uk
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Rebellion Beer Company
Camden Town Brewery
rebellionbeer.co.uk
camdentownbrewery. com
The guys at Camden Town Brewery are the kings of the hipster craft ale revolution – their branding seems to capture the very essence of what it means to be a 21stcentury ale drinker. Their flagship Hells Lager is a straight-up, refreshing beer, while their pale ale is a suitably hoppy affair.
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FUN r all the
m a F fo
Make a merry mess this winter
Take one small step to the Science Museum
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DID YOU KNOW...?
London’s science museum opened its first children’s gallery in 1931
Science museum London
What better way to engage the kids during the winter months than a trip to one of the finest interactive exhibitions around? Wonderlab reveals the beauty in the science and maths that affect our daily lives, helping inspire young minds to think about the world in fresh ways. There are 50 exhibits, shows and demonstrations across a variety of zones, each of them exploring different aspects of science, including matter, forces, light, electricity and space – more than enough to keep the family entertained for an afternoon. WEB
sciencemuseum.org.uk
WONDERLAB CHEMISTRY BAR © PLASTIQUES PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE SCIENCE MUSEUM
y l i m
ess Museum Madn
Shining a light on the wonders of science
Winter’s got a lot to live up to after such
an amazing summer, but don’t let that stop you from INDULGING IN SERIOUS merrymaking. HERE’S OUR GUIDE to getting all you can out of these colder months escape | 15
ess Museum Madn National Maritime Museum Cornwall Falmouth
Until 7 January 2019, you can see National Maritime Museum Cornwall’s fabulous Titanic exhibition, which includes loads of detail about the books, films and
South London’s Horniman Museum
television programmes that have been inspired by the tragedy of 1912. Items on display include costumes and props from James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster film starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. WEB
nmmc.co.uk
Horniman Museum London
In summer 2018, Horniman Museum and Gardens opened the much-anticipated World Gallery. Its aim is to explore what it means to be human and includes artefacts from around the world and throughout the ages. The 3,000 objects that make up the new exhibition certainly offer a refreshing look at humanity’s many common virtues. With loads of fun interactive displays on offer, this gallery is perfect for kids. WEB
horniman.ac.uk
Magnificent mosaics
Onward to HMS Victory in Portsmouth
corinium museum Cirencester
This museum in the ‘capital of the Cotswolds’ focuses mainly on the significant archeological finds from the Roman town of Corinium. Beyond that you’ll find loads of fun exhibits exploring the history of the area, charting the development of the Cotswolds from its prehistoric landscape to the modern day. It’s a fun, child-friendly and interactive museum. WEB
coriniummuseum.org
National Museum of Wales Cardiff
A firm family favourite at the National Museum Cardiff is the Evolution of Wales exhibition, which explores the country’s history over a mind-blowing 4,600 million years, starting with the Big Bang. On the way, you’ll meet dinosaurs, woolly mammoths and more. It’s a fun way to introduce the kids to big ideas that even some adults struggle with. WEB
museum.wales
www.gwr.com
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Mammoth museum merriment
There’s loads to see at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Among its many wonders, the dockyard is home to HMS Victory, the Georgian-era warship best known for her role in the Battle of Trafalgar. Find out what life was like onboard this grand vessel.
DID YOU KNOW...?
Scientists can tell the age of a mammoth from the rings in its tusks
WEB
historicdockyard. co.uk
escape escape | | 17 17
s On Get Your Skate Natural History Museum London
Skylight
25 October – 6 January 2019 Every year, one of London’s most popular outdoor ice rinks springs up in the grounds of the iconic Natural History Museum.
Above: Skylight at night
London
High up on a building in London’s East End there’s a haven dedicated to the good times. Every few months, rooftop playground Skylight changes its theme to suit the season, and with winter comes the return of the annual skating rink. Enjoy skidding across the ice while looking out over panoramas of the city skyline. There’s also food and drink available, to help you make a day of it.
Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland
15 November – 6 January 2019 Right in the centre of Cardiff, outside the grand City Hall, you’ll find the Welsh capital’s festive ice rink. Housed under glass, the rink will keep skaters dry come rain or shine. Next door is a fun fair and the Alpine Village, where you can get a bite to eat and a nice cup of warm, spicy wine.
nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/ ice-rink
All the fun of the fair in Cardiff
cardiffswinterwonderland.com
skylightlondon.com
Have a wheel good time in Hyde Park
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Skate at Somerset House
London
London
23 November – 6 January 2019 Not only is there an ice rink at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, there’s also a choice of at least three different shows to see. And let’s not forget the roller coaster, circus and karaoke bar. WEB
hydeparkwinterwonderland. com
Christmas at Kew Gardens London
www.gwr.com
WEB
WEB
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Lights! Action! Music! at Kew
Situated in a beautiful part of Kensington, and with a café selling mulled wine, hot chocolate and more, this is one of the most pleasing places for you to glide on ice with family and friends.
22 November – 5 January 2019 Promising to be bigger and better than ever, Christmas at Kew Gardens returns with an extravaganza of light. Enter an enchanting world that includes hundreds of glowing boats gently bobbing on the garden’s lake. After you’ve enjoyed the light show finale, make sure you get a warming refreshment and a snack, including hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and toasted marshmallows. WEB
bit.ly/christmasatkew
14 November – 13 January 2019 Skate at Somerset House is perfectly located in the courtyard of a well-regarded arts venue, less than 15 minutes from Trafalgar Square. The rink can be enjoyed during the day, but we recommend heading there after dark, when the ice and the surrounding Neoclassical buildings are beautifully lit and the Christmas tree is sparkling. WEB
bit.ly/skateonthestrand
Sparkling Somerset House
DID YOU KNOW...? Kew’s Palm House is home to the oldest pot plant in the world
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Shows Peter Pan
Theatre Royal Bath
© ANNABEL MOELLER
13 December – 13 January 2019 EastEnders star Paul Nicholas will play Captain Hook in Theatre Royal Bath’s production of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan. Sit and be astounded by the spectacle of flying and CGI special effects as you watch Peter Pan tangle with the nasty old Captain. The Nutcracker comes to London
The Nutcracker
Royal Albert Hall, London
28 – 31 December Nothing says Christmas like the sensational ballet The Nutcracker. Birmingham Royal Ballet brings this speciallycreated performance to Royal Albert Hall, with magical costumes and stage sets that will have you immersed in the story of Clara as she is swept away to the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. This is a classic worth experiencing just for Russian composer Tchaikovsky’s amazing score, which will leave you humming the melodies for months.
Cinderella
Bristol Hippodrome
8 December – 6 January 2019 Orphaned Cinderella gets the chance of a lifetime: to shed her rags and go to the ball. While there she’s spotted by a handsome prince who tries to discover her true identity. This classic panto is brought to life at the Hippodrome with Gok Wan as the Fairy Gokmother.
Samantha Womack
Cinderella
Swansea Grand Theatre
14 December – 13 January 2019 Promising great costumes, side-splitting comedy and audience participation, Swansea Grand Theatre’s production of Cinderella stars Steps singer Ian H Watkins.
Dick Whittington Theatre Royal Plymouth
Aladdin
H from Steps
Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
8 December – 6 January 2019 Adam Woodyatt, better known as EastEnders’ Ian Beale – a role that he’s played since the programme first aired in 1985 – plays the evil Abanazar in Wyvern Theatre’s production of Aladdin. Expect humour, suspense and song alongside great sets and costumes in this perennial panto classic.
www.gwr.com
14 December – 12 January 2019 Join Dick Whittington and his trusty cat as they seek fame and fortune in London. John Partridge, Samantha Womack and Andy Ford star in this quintessentially British panto.
Snow White
London Palladium
8 December – 13 January 2019 Dawn French will join Palladium regulars Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot for her first panto appearance. Known as Geraldine Granger in The Vicar of Dibley and as one half of comedy due French and Saunders, Dawn will play The Wicked Queen. Strictly Come Dancing stars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace-Mistry are also in the cast.
Queen of comedy Dawn French
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as tm is r h C l a ic g a M
Bath Christmas Market
22 November – 9 December Bath Christmas Market gets bigger and better every year, offering more and more chalets from mainly local businesses selling handmade gifts, food and drink. Pick your way through the city’s muchadmired Georgian streets and find the perfect presents for your loved ones, soaking up the festive ambience as you go.
The Christmas Market at Bath Abbey
DID YOU KNOW...? The world’s largest Christmas market is in Strasbourg
Bristol Christmas Market
9 November – 23 December Every year, in the Broadmead area of Bristol Shopping Quarter, a Christmas market springs up with wooden chalets offering gifts made by local artisans. When you need to take a break from shopping, head to the Jägerbarn beer garden for Glühwein (mulled wine) or a hot chocolate, before bagging a bratwurst or scoffing a schnitzel at the covered food village.
Exeter Christmas Market
Bag a bargain in Bristol
15 November – 16 December You’ll find South Devon’s finest Christmas market in the lee of Exeter Cathedral. As well as hosting loads of stalls selling festive gifts and food and drink produced by local businesses, there’s also a bandstand showcasing local musical talent. So why not go full on Strictly and enjoy a bop while you shop. A sweetie stall at Exeter Market
Cardiff’s city centre market
22 | escape
Cardiff Christmas Market
15 November – 23 December Hosted by craft fair organisers Craft*Folk, this winter Cardiff Christmas Market returns to the pedestrian streets around the city centre. Pay a visit and explore the rolling roster of over 200 individual businesses selling a wide range of food, drink and crafts that combine traditional techniques with a modern twist.
www.gwr.com www.gwr.com
RE W D ACH N N A A T CAT
our Y Dream
The newly revamped Night Riviera Sleeper from Paddington to Penzance is the ideal way to begin a mini-break to Cornwall. We sent Escape’s managing editor Andrew Cattanach to the South West IN SEARCH OF the PERFECT TWO-DAY ITINERARY
I
’m no train spotter, but I know a nice bit of rolling stock when I see it. A line of dark green carriages sits glinting beneath the lights of Paddington Station, waiting for passengers to board for an overnight journey to
Drink in the decor of the new cocktail carriage
Penzance. It’s the newly revamped Night Riviera Sleeper and it’s going to take my snoozing self all the way from London to Cornwall, where I’ll visit some of the area’s top attractions, including the recently refurbished Tate St Ives and St Michael’s Mount. Inside the train, the design is no less elegant. My neatly self-contained room has a single bed, a sink with running hot water, a window and a reading light for perusing a few pages before zonking out. There will be a brand new cocktail carriage added to GWR’s sleeper service later this year, which will turn an already classy-feeling mode of transport into something
you might find in an Agatha Christie novel – only with better behaved passengers. After a nightcap in the buffet carriage I settle down to sleep, safe in the knowledge that when I awake I will be in Cornwall, where my adventure begins.
Morning – Penzance
M
In Marazion, I stop for lunch at the hotel and restaurant Godolphin Arms. A laid-back place with friendly staff and a beachfront terrace, it offers impressive views of the castle and out into the Atlantic.
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Breakfast 8am–11am. All-day menu 12pm–9pm
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Afternoon – Marazion
View from Godolphin Arms
I tuck into a rich and creamy plate of crab mac and cheese – made with Cornish crab, of course – and a glass of white wine, while watching the crowds make their way along the beach towards the castle. St Michael’s Mount has been a monastery, a military fortification and a family home, which it remains to this day – the St Aubyn family occupy one of the lower floors. Parts of the building are medieval and thus quite sturdy in appearance, but there is plenty of grace to be found in the church and the neo-gothic blue drawing room.
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I start the day with a little exploring, walking through the town centre and along Chapel Street, where I browse the vintage stores and second-hand bookshops. The eye-catching Steckfensters (notable for having a Dalek in the window) is a great place to browse vintage clothes, toys, ornaments, records and more. From Penzance, I set out on the hour-long coastal walk to Marazion to visit the tidal island St Michael’s Mount. I can see it beckoning to me from the other side of the bay, looking like something out of Game of Thrones.
Open Sunday–Friday – all visits depend on weather and sea conditions. Entry to castle: adult £10, child £5, family £25
Rooms start at £75 per night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus
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godolphinarms.co.uk
stmichaelsmount.co.uk
pednolva.co.uk
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YourDream Evening – St Ives
I make my way to St Ives where I spend the night at Pedn Olva. The St Austell Brewery-owned hotel is built on granite rocks, right on the Cornish coast, with views across to the harbour and St Ives Bay. The hotel’s restaurant is spacious, with floor to ceiling glass windows, making the most of the impressive scenery. I enjoy a Cornish aperitif – a pint of St Austell’s Tribute – before tucking into an excellent meal, served by friendly and efficient staff. My room is light and homely and would be suitable for any season. I can imagine it being perfectly cosy in the winter, as well as being fresh and airy during the warmer months.
Chevy Chase room at St Michael’s Mount castle
Carbis Bay: one of the finest beaches in the country
Morning – St Ives
After breakfast, I head over to the newly extended Tate St Ives. The main exhibition explores the extraordinary artworks made in and around the town, with a focus on the community of artists who worked there during and after the Second World War. Just a few minutes’ walk away is Barbara Hepworth’s old studio, where she made many of her most significant sculptures. Now run by the Tate, the studios have been left largely untouched since Hepworth’s death in 1975 and include works in progress alongside some largescale, completed bronzes.
Afternoon – Carbis Bay
Approaching Carbis Bay via the coastal path from St Ives, you immediately understand why this
ES
Open Monday–Sunday 10am–5.20pm
Open Monday–Sunday 10am–5.20pm
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WEB
tate.org.uk
bit.ly/hepworthmuseum
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My adventure nearly at an end, I make my way back to Penzance, where I’ll be catching the Night Riviera back to London. First, I grab a bite to eat at a pub on Chapel Street, the Admiral Benbow Inn. From the outside it looks fairly unassuming. Inside, however, is a different story. It’s a maze of maritime memorabilia, suits of armour and horse brasses. The dining room at the back of the pub is particularly worth a nosey: its back wall is made from a section of a Portuguese man o’ war and has to be seen to be believed.
W HEP ORTH A L P T U RE M R A CU G S
BA R AN B D
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Evening – Penzance
UM SE U DE N R A
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stretch of shore is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in the country. The sand appears luminescent and you can’t help but be drawn to its glow.
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R E T WIN
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, but hts are longer ig n e th d n a er rk ese The days are da e light in with th th t Le e. p o m to n s that’s no reaso joy with friend en n a c u o y at tivities th fun, mindful ac winter blues and beat those
T
he change in season affects us all in different ways. Some of us sail through the autumn months in a cheerful, ochre-hued daze and then struggle with those late winter weeks. Others find the rainy, autumnal vibe too much to bear but love the crispness of December. Either way, it’s important that you keep on top of your wellbeing, making sure you spend time grounding yourself before 2019 gets into full swing. Here are some top ideas for how you can keep fresh during the stodgiest months.
Treat yourself at Thermae Bath Spa
Enter this way for The Spa in Dolphin Square
DID YOU KNOW...? Hammams typically include cleansing and relaxation in a hot room
SPA DAYS OUT... Give yourself a break by booking a well-deserved trip to one of these beautiful spas and let your body and mind unwind, if only for a few hours. The perfect winter warmer awaits you at The Spa in Dolphin Square. Hidden in a quiet corner of London’s Pimlico, this relaxing retreat is a haven for those in need of an afternoon’s indulgence. Everything from the tea to the treatments are Moroccaninspired, with traditional
A luxury Hammam treatment
Hammam, Rhassoul and salt-infused steam room experiences on offer. A luxury Hammam treatment, which will cleanse your body from head to toe, costs £82 (dolphinsquare.co.uk). Thermae Bath Spa is a remarkable, award-winning combination of old and new, with the historic spa buildings blending with the contemporary design of the New Royal Bath. Here, you can bathe in Britain’s only naturally warm, mineralrich waters – just like the Celts and Romans did over 2,000 years ago. Situated right in the heart of Bath, at Thermae Bath Spa you can also enjoy an open-air rooftop pool and refresh yourself in the Wellness Suite, choosing from over 40 spa treatments (ThermaeBathSpa. com). escape | 29
Terrific toasties at The Cheese Bar
DID YOU KNOW...? The Ancient Greeks are thought to have invented pie pastry
EAT YOUR WAY TO HAPPINESS... Surely the best way to feel better this winter is with a hearty plate of the good stuff. Tuck into some wholesome grub and feel your troubles melt away. Slightly off the beaten track in Falmouth, The Waymarker has garnered an impressive reputation for its roast dinners. Mouthwatering cuts of meat sit alongside Nothing beats a good old roast dinner
homemade Yorkshire puddings, fresh vegetables, crispy roast potatoes and proper gravy. Customers travel far and wide to eat at this unassuming restaurant, which is well worth visiting (thewaymarker.co.uk). The Cheese Bar in London serves some of the most impressive grilled cheese sandwiches going.
Pure comfort food from Pieminister
Keep it simple with their take on a cheese and onion toastie, or if you’re feeling fancy, sink your teeth into the goat’s cheese, honey, walnut and rosemary butter toasted sarnie (thecheesebar.com). Bristol company Pieminister is taking over the world (well, Britain), spreading its joyful pastry products around the
country. Not only do they have restaurants and cafés in London, Cardiff and, of course, Bristol, they also distribute their wares to pubs all over the UK. Among other delights, their restaurants serve steak and ale, beef and blue cheese, and chicken and bacon pies, as well as veggie and vegan options (pieminister.co.uk).
WATCH THE SUNRISE... Waking up and getting out of bed can be difficult at the best of times, but if you can muster the energy to set the alarm nice and early and make your way to one of these spots to watch the sunrise, you won’t regret it. It’s quite the hike to the top, but the Worcestershire Beacon – highest of the Malvern Hills – offers unrivalled views over Worcestershire, Herefordshire and beyond. You’ll see the town, villages and fields below unfurl in a glorious wave of golden light as the sun begins to peep over the horizon. During the winter months, the sun rises between 6.30am – 8am, so make sure you check the weather beforehand, and take a flask of tea to keep yourself toasty once you reach the top. Those based in the big smoke may struggle to stay mindful with a fast-paced work environment and social scene to contend with, so an early morning excursion to Primrose Hill could help restore some peace to an otherwise hectic day. With panoramic views of London’s skyline, from The Shard to The BT Tower, you’ll see the city come to life in a swirl of oranges, reds and yellows, just as the first swell of commuters begin to make their way to work.
The main bar at the Princess of Wales
If you’re hanging around Primrose Hill till lunchtime, be sure to get a refreshment in one of the area’s excellent pubs. THE QUEEN’S on Regent’s Park Road is a charming little spot where
you can enjoy a pint of real ale. The bar’s balcony has a fine view of Primrose Hill, so sneak a peak and see if you can spot a local celeb. Alternatively, head over to the Princess of Wales on
Chalcot Road. It’s got a decent cocktail list that includes house favourite Love is a Smoke, and you can get two for the price of one on selected cocktails from Monday–Thursday, 4pm–7pm.
Up with the larks on The Beacon
Taking time out at The Queen’s
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MINDFULNESS RETREATS...
Mellow your mind in Newquay
Hosted in a beautiful farm cottage in Newquay, Horizon Inspired
have a retreat getaway on 10 November that will teach you simple Mindfulness is a mindfulness way of paying and meditation more attention exercises. to the present The day moment includes a guest speaker, two meditation sessions, a soulful three-course supper with wine and a hearty brunch the next day. There’s also a New Year’s retreat for those wishing to enter 2019 in a peaceful state of mind. Escape readers can get an exclusive including silent retreats, 10% discount when they contact Horizon with a day session available on 10 November that takes Inspired directly place in the breathtaking (horizoninspired.co.uk). Malvern Hills area. Mindspace offers You’ll experience the joy mindfulness and meditation of complete silence while courses across the UK,
DID YOU KNOW...?
Savour the silence in Malvern
Amble along the Oxford Canal Walk
WINTER WALKS... Britain’s full of fantastic routes perfect for stretching your legs, and one of our favourites is the Oxford Canal walk.
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Meander through the beautiful countryside while walking past pretty villages such as Aynho, a popular mooring spot for narrowboats.
Walk the entire route along the canal towpath and you’d have covered 83 miles. In which case, you’ll most definitely need to find a place for lunch! We recommend a pit stop at the old bookbinders alehouse. It’s a quirky, proper British boozer offering a French bistro-inspired menu. Over in Bristol, there are tons of invigorating walks to while away a wintery weekend. Pay a visit to Ashton Court Estate, which
boasts a huge stretch of countryside that lies on the other side of the Clifton
taking part in guided meditations and walks around one of the world’s most idyllic locations. Bookings can be made online (mindspace.org.uk).
Suspension Bridge. Spot the red deer and pause for a moment to take in the views of the city, which go on for miles. It’s a particularly beautiful place to be when it’s bathed in the glow of a crisp winter’s morning.
WHY WE9
Hereford Cathedral and old bridge over the River Wye
Hereford
mix shopping with sightseeing in this cool cathedral city
Why go there?
You get the best of both worlds when you visit Hereford, a thriving modern city surrounded by beautiful countryside,
including the Malvern Hills and the Black Mountains. So while Hereford is a great place to shop, hang out and grab a drink in one of the local
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS The Old House
The Old House is a beautifully preserved Jacobean building right in the centre of Hereford. Built in 1621, the house was originally a butcher’s home and shop, but is now a 34 | escape
museum furnished in the style of the period. There’s a pleasingly modest original wall painting that’s well worth taking a look at. Coningsby Medieval Museum, just north of the city centre, sits on the site of a former Dominican monastery. Inside is a museum dedicated to the building’s history, covering its medieval past as well as its role as an ex-serviceman’s hospital.
pubs or cafés, it also maintains strong links with its rural neighbours, and is synonymous with the area’s famous beef cattle and cider production. The Cider Museum explores the history of cider production, with artefacts from around the world including cider mills, presses and advertising memorabilia. And if you take the tour, you get to taste some local produce at the end. The Cider Museum
Where do I start?
Visit the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery, and once you’ve finished admiring its decorative Victorian exterior, step inside and discover Herefordshire’s rich cultural and farming history, including paintings by local artist Brian Hatton, a Roman mosaic and a two-headed calf. It’s the perfect introduction to the area and will set you up for exploring further afield. Where to eat?
Small, young and ambitious, Madam & Adam is an independent restaurant serving local produce with all the flair you’d expect from a Michelinstarred outfit. It’s run by local couple Beth Thompson and Swav Lewandowski, who serve up dishes such as crab salad, confit duck, mushroom www.gwr.com
COMING UP… Guys and Dolls Courtyard, 23–27 October
Revisit this classic American musical about gangsters in the Big Apple. Geoff Norcott – Traditionalism Courtyard, 10 November
The Mash Report's Geoff Norcott tries to hold onto
Break-up stand-up from Sara Pascoe
tradition in a frantically changing world. Sara Pascoe – Ladsladslads Courtyard, 17 November
Geoff Norcott
Best-selling writer and one of Britain’s finest comedians, Sara Pascoe hits Hereford with her latest show exploring a recent breakup and the complexities of being in a relationship.
ONLY IN Hereford O ld Market is a great place for shopping. Built on the grounds of the former cattle market, which is now on the outskirts of town, it’s full of top retailers like H&M and Debenhams.
1
Hereford Museum and Art Gallery
tortellini and honey panna cotta. The menu is seasonal, so check them out on Twitter if you fancy finding out what they’re going to be dishing up next. Where should I kip?
Castle House Hotel is an upmarket guest house close to the centre of town, just a short walk from the cathedral. The décor is simple and elegant, making the rooms feel both stylish and homely. A double room will set you back £125 per night – a particularly popular deal with businessmen and women. The hotel restaurant also comes highly recommended, and if you happen to be visiting at the weekend, make sure you grab a Sunday lunch – you won’t regret it.
What’s hip?
The interior of Hereford Beer House is refreshingly unremarkable, with its brick bar and limited seating, more akin to continental café culture than British pub-going. There’s nothing fancy about the concept either – Hereford Beer House mainly serves craft beers and Herefordshire ciders – but the vibe is homely and relaxed, making it a top place to spend an evening.
2 The Hereford
Society of Model Engineering is just a walk away from the centre of town. Set up by a group of model engineering enthusiasts, the society opens its
doors to the public approximately once a month, letting visitors ride their tiny trains. Check their website for more details.
3 A museum
exploring the history of drinking water might not be at the top of your list of must-see attractions, but the Waterworks Museum is actually a fun day out for the whole family, with a great steampunk vibe. New shops at Old Market
If I do one thing?
No one visiting Hereford should leave without visiting the city’s wonderful cathedral. Dating from the 11th century, this classic piece of Norman craftsmanship is also home to the Hereford Mappa Mundi, the largest medieval map known still to exist.
director and the voice of Yoda did you know? Film Frank Oz was born in Hereford in 1944
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19 0 2 y r a e 50th Jamnau k r s th of
y ersar anniv eatles’ the b e public h liv final ance, whic op m r oft perfo ce on a ro pla ’s took in London Row Savile
T he
End
ERA of an
we tell the Fab Four’s story through the sites that played a pivotal role in their stellar career
I
t was the closing year of a remarkable decade. Four young men from Liverpool performed an impromptu gig on a rooftop in London’s Savile Row. They had been playing together since they were kids and now – still in their twenties – they faced the winter temperatures to showcase new material to unsuspecting passers-by. No one knew it at the time, but it would be the last time the band performed together in public. Abbey Road, Just seven years before, in 1962, London NW8 the Beatles released their first single, Love Me Do, which reached the modest position of number 17 in the UK singles chart. By 1969
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the band were megastars, producing a string of records that changed the face of pop music forever. They had gone from bequiffed working class rock and roll fans to long haired Rolls Royce-riding celebrities in less than a decade, making millions in the process. They had also set up in business, launching Apple Corps in 1968. The four musicians now had a company to run, with interests in music, publishing, electronics and retail, and it was on the top of the company’s headquarters that they performed on that day in January 1969. They played their short set a couple of times through (the concert was being recorded and filmed, and
HARRY HAMMOND / V&A IMAGES / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; MARC TIELEMANS / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
TO CELEBRATE THE OCCASION
>>
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s e l t a e B THE
Animated antics in the film Yellow Submarine (1968)
They definitely passed the audition
Apple Records 3 Savile Row W1S
Savile Row, synonymous with male couture since the 19th century, had long been the place where dukes, bishops and generals got fitted for
TRINITY MIRROR / MIRRORPIX / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; NICK KENNEDY / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; JOHN WILLIAMS / STRINGER
>>
would be released as part of the documentary Let It Be), performing John Lennon’s ode to Yoko Ono, Don’t Let Me Down, and future number one hit Get Back. It was during this latter song that the police arrived and, in a very British manner, told them to turn the noise down. The Savile Row office was the last of the Beatles’ many notable London hangouts. They might have been northern lads through-andthrough, but it was in the capital that the band reached the apogee of their success. If London felt like the centre of the world in the 1960s, it was in no small part due to the Beatles, who had moved there in 1963, along with their Liverpool entourage, including manager Brian Epstein.
>>
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Savile Row suits you Sir Paul
Experiencing the 1960s as one long party
Abbey Road Studios
dinner suits, and the appearance of the scruffy Beatles must have seemed a harsh contrast. Apple Records represented a newfound freedom for the Fab Four, allowing them some distance from ‘the men in suits’ and their attendant bad vibes. With the group now running the show, the company released albums like The Beatles (also known as ‘The White Album’), Abbey Road and Let it Be, as well as records by James Taylor and Mary Hopkins, amongst others.
The studios in St John’s Wood
3 Abbey Road NW8
When they turned up for their first recording at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios in 1962, the Beatles were little known outside of Liverpool and Hamburg, Germany, where they played as the resident band in some of the clubs on the Reeperbahn. It was at the recording studios in St John’s Wood that they met the neat, mild-mannered record producer George Martin, forming a relationship that would last the entirety of the band’s recording career. The studio became something of a home from home for the group, and as techniques became more advanced, albums would take weeks to produce
rather than just a few hours, which, at the time, was the norm. So important was the studio that the band named their penultimate album in honour of it, adorning the cover with a photo of the Beatles traversing the Abbey Road zebra crossing, which you can visit to this day.
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s e l t a e B THE
>>
London was the city where Beatlemania first erupted, with crowds of young women squealing outside the Palladium after the band’s 1963 performance. The moptops also socialised in London, knocking around with the Rolling Stones at the Ad Lib club at Mason’s Yard – the spiritual centre of Swinging London. And it was in London that John Lennon finally announced to his bandmates that he wanted a ‘divorce’. This occured in September 1969, eight months after the rooftop concert. It was truly the end of an era.
Paul ponders life after the Beatles
Macca’s London pad
7 Cavendish Avenue NW8
While the other band members were buying mansions in an area of Surrey known as the ‘stockbroker belt’, in 1965 Paul McCartney purchased a three-storey Regency townhouse less than a 10-minute-walk from Abbey Road Studios. Back in the day, fans would camp outside the
house, waiting for their favourite Beatle to appear from behind the tall gates. McCartney was often seen with his sheepdog Martha, even letting some of his devotees walk the pooch. The house is still owned by Sir Paul, and he uses it as his London hangout when in town; that is, when he’s not at one of his other residences in New York, Los Angeles, Arizona and Sussex.
Town and country gents
British Library 96 Euston Road NW1
TRACKSIMAGES.COM / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; MARKA / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; MATT KENT / CONTRIBUTOR
Yoko returns to Montagu Square
A celEbrity square
34 Montagu Square W1H
The Beatles’ drummer Ringo Starr moved to a flat in Montagu Square a couple of years after transferring from Liverpool to London. He was soon renting it out to band members and other
The Sir John Ritblat Treasures of the British Library Gallery includes some truly fab Beatles memorabilia. There are the handwritten lyrics for Yesterday, neatly penned by Paul McCartney,
as well as John Lennon’s lyrics for A Hard Day’s Night, scrawled onto the back of a birthday card. The two items offer a useful contrast between John’s impulsive expression and Paul’s rather more considered approach.
celebrities, including guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Today there’s a blue plaque on the building commemorating John Lennon staying there with Yoko Ono. It was here that John and Yoko were busted by the police for possession of marijuana in 1968. Lyrical treasures at the British Library
40 | escape
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ids’ K page
Here are some fun activities for you to do while you make your way from A to B
Animal antics
There are 10 differences between these two pictures. Can you find them all?
Send your emails to
Get in Touch Send us
escape@thinkpublishing.co.uk We’d love to hear from you!
all your fun facts, draw ings and photos. Our favourite s will be featur ed in future issu es.
for the fun of it
Q What do you call
fun facts A cat has 32 muscles in each ear
rrr
ANSWERS – ANIMAL ANTICS: MONKEY BEHIND BUSH, SNAKE, PANDA TONGUE, SMALLER SUN, GIBBON'S MOUTH, RACOON SMILE, WOLVERINE'S HEAD, WILDCAT'S STRIPE, BRANCHES, BUSHES BEHIND PANDA. WHICH ONE…? 1. BUTTERFLY 2. SPINNER DOLPHIN. QUICK QUIZ: 1. SEVEN 2. EGYPT 3. HUMPTY DUMPTY. ONE OF A KIND: THE WITCH
Humans are the only species known to blush
an old snowman A Water!
µµµ
Q Why did the
girl bring a ladder to class? A Because she wanted to go to high school
One of a kind
There are 13 different Halloween horrors below, but only one of them is unique – can you spot it?
Which one …?
Take a look at these two pairs and then try to answer the question
Quick quiz Can you beat our quizmaster and answer these three tricky questions?
In the nursery rhyme, who had a great fall?
How many colours can be found in a rainbow?
Most delicate?
Greatest number of teeth?
Butterfly OR Sparrow
Spinner dolphin OR Giant armadillo
Which ancient country was ruled by a Pharaoh? escape | 43
THE GUIDE
TICKETS TO SUIT YOU
GET THE MOST FROM YOUR JOURNEY At Great Western Railway, we believe every journey should be an enjoyable one. Whether you’re going away for the weekend with loved ones, doing extra work on your laptop or taking some time out for yourself, we’re here to help
BUY BEFORE YOU BOARD
First Class For added luxury, see if your train offers exclusive First Class carriages. First Class provides more spacious seats, complimentary refreshments and newspapers, and use of our dedicated First Class lounges.
Season Tickets Season Tickets are the best value for customers regularly making the same journey. There’s a choice of tickets lasting seven days, one year, or any number of months in between.
Night Riviera Sleeper Arrive rested and relaxed with our Sleeper service. Our ‘moving hotel’ offers fully air-conditioned private cabins, complimentary travel accessories, free refreshments and even a morning wake-up call.
London Day Travelcard Visiting the capital for a short break? The London Day Travelcard offers unlimited travel on all forms of public transport across the whole of London.
To qualify for the best-value tickets and offers, buy your ticket in advance. Here’s how to buy before you board ONLINE gwr.com BY PHONE 03457 000 125* (0600–2300 daily) AT THE STATION From ticket offices. Most debit and credit cards are accepted. Don’t forget to pick up a mini-timetable or download one from our website. Please make sure you buy your ticket before travelling. *Standard network charges apply. Calls from mobiles may be higher.
Heading for Heathrow?
Kings Sutton Heyford
Tenby
Severn Beach Barnstaple
Umberleigh
Sampford Courtenay
Okehampton
G re en fo rd
So ut h
Ac to n
Ea lin g
Br oa dw ay Lin e
W es tE ali ng
So ut ha ll Ha nw ell
M ain
Ca st le
Dr ay to n
Ha rlin gt on &
ye s
La ng ley Ive r W es tD ra Ha yton
G re en
Ba rP ar k
En d
Co ok ha m Pla tt Fu rz e
e Ta plo nh ea Bu w d rn ha m
M aid
Guildford Warminster
Be tc hw or th Re iga te
Castle Cary
Gatwick Airport
Crediton
Bere Alston
Luxulyan
ar M d en h St enio t G er Sa ma n lta sh s
Tr ur o
Lis ke
Ha yle Ca m Re bor dr ne ut h
S Be Vic t B re to ude Fe ria a rre Ro ux rs ad
Bugle
Exeter St Thomas Starcross Dawlish Warren Dawlish
S Fe t Bu rry de Ro au a x Ke d y Do ham c De kya vo rd np or t
P
L ar Bo ost dm wit hie in l Pa rk w ay
Penmere
St Keyne Wishing Well Halt Causeland
Falmouth Town
Sandplace
Falmouth Docks
Looe
Salisbury Romsey
Exeter Central
Yeovil Pen Mill
Southampton Central
St James’ Park
Teignmouth
Totnes Ivybridge
Newton Abbot Torre
Coombe Junction Halt
Taunton Tiverton Parkway
Plymouth
Thornford Polsloe Bridge
Exton Torquay
Chetnole
Portsmouth & Southsea
Maiden Newton
Lympstone Commando Lympstone Village
Paignton
Fratton
Yetminster
Digby & Sowton Newcourt Topsham
Br ig ht on
Exeter St Davids
Calstock
sw or th So ut hb ou rn Ch e ich es te r Ba rn ha m An gm er ing W or th ing Sh or eh am -b Po yrts Se lad a e Ho ve
Roche
Newton St Cyres
Ha va Em nt
St Columb Road
St Au st ell
Redhill
Wanborough
Dilton Marsh
Fa re ha m Co sh am
Gunnislake
Lelant Saltings
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Bruton
Summer Sundays only
Quintrell Downs
Penryn
North Camp Ash
Bu rn ha m
Yeoford
Perranwell
Basingstoke
&
Copplestone
Penzance
Di d
Westbury
Hig Br id hb gw rid at ge er
Morchard Road
St Erth
Blackwater Farnborough North
Frome
Lapford
Lelant
Bramley
Pewsey
Trowbridge
Weston-super-Mare
Eggesford
Carbis Bay
Kintbury Bedwyn
Weston Milton
Kings Nympton
St Ives
Sandhurst
Worle
Portsmouth Arms
Newquay
Heathrow Terminal 4
Crowthorne
Hungerford
Bradfordon-Avon
Yatton
Chapelton
Mortimer
Newbury
Sh a Ch lford ilw or th G om D Do ork sha ing ll rk ing W es (D t ee pd en e)
Pembroke
Sp a
Pa rk
Newbury Racecourse Melksham
Avoncliff
Nailsea & Backwell
Pembroke Dock
Heathrow Terminals 1-2-3
Windsor & Eton Central
Wokingham
Midgham
Parson Street
Lamphey
Winnersh
Thatcham Freshford
Bedminster
Manorbier
Theale Aldermaston
Keynsham
Bristol Temple Meads
St Andrews Road
Penally
Ch co o t G lse P or y ar ing kw Pa & ay ng Str Til bou eatle eh r ur ne y st
Pa tc hw ay
Lawrence Hill
Avonmouth
Chippenham
Pa dd Lon in do gt n on
Sea Mills Shirehampton
Saundersfoot
Stapleton Road
Ba th
Kilgetty
Filton Abbey Wood O ld fie ld
Swansea
Slough
Reading West
Montpelier
Narberth
Appleford Kemble
Stroud
Sw in do n
Ju nc tio n Tu nn el Pil nin g
Se ve rn
Ca r
Lla ne lli
Newport
Bridgend
C Do lifto w n n Re dla nd
Fe ma rry r sid the Kid e n w e Pe lly m br ey & Bu rry Po rt
Great Western Railway summer only service
Whitland
Bristol Parkway
W Sh ar ip gr lak av e e
Stonehouse
Yate
Re ad in g
Culham
Cam & Dursley
Cardiff Central
Bo ur ne
Radley
Gloucester
Port Talbot Neath Parkway
He nle yon -T M h ar low am es
Oxford
Cheltenham Spa
Tw yfo rd
Ashchurch for Tewkesbury
G re en fo rd
Tackley
Fin st oc C k Ha om nb be or ou gh
Hereford
Take RailAir – the dedicated non-stop coach service from Reading. FIND OUT MORE AT www.railair.com
Banbury
As co Ch tt-u ar nde lb ur r-W y yc hw oo d
Pe rs Ev hore es h Ho am ne yb ou rn e
W or G ce re at st M er alv er Fo M n W a or reg lvern at ce e Link st S er t Sh ree t ru b Hi ll
M in- ore M ton ar s Kin h gh am Sh ip to n
Le db ur y Co lw all
FIND YOUR WAY AROUND THE NETWORK
Exmouth
Dorchester West
Portsmouth Harbour
Upwey
Weymouth
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SPECIAL OFFERS
TRANSPORT LINKS FROM STATIONS
Railcards could save you money
Eurostar We’ve teamed up with Eurostar to offer you the chance to buy a ticket from your UK destination through to the continent, making it easier to travel and giving you the best value for money.
saving you one-third off most standard rail tickets (time restrictions may apply). There are different types of railcard, starting at £8.50, and they are valid for 12 months.
Great Western Railway has a range of great special offers. Check them out on our website at gwr.com Railcards Railcards offer value for money if you travel by train,
HOW ARE WE DOING? Contact us at gwr.feedback@gwr.com or call us on 03457 000 125* (0600 to 2300 daily) with any questions, concerns or feedback. We’d love to hear from you. *Standard network charges apply. Calls from mobiles may be higher.
National Rail Enquiries To find out all the latest service updates on all train operating companies, call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50*. Or you can check online at nationalrail.co.uk
transport Focus The independent National Rail consumer watchdog can be contacted at transportfocus.org.uk
WHEN YOU’RE ON BOARD
PROBLEM WITH ONBOARD WI-FI? If travelling on an Electrostar or Sprinter service, please email gwr.support@icomera.com or call 020 8028 0378. If taking one of our Intercity Express Trains, High Speed Trains, Turbos or overnight Sleeper services, email gwr-ots@nomadrail.com or call 0330 088 1275. Please ask a member of the onboard team if you're unsure which train type you are travelling on. www.gwr.com
LUGGAGE can be stored on the overhead shelves, in the racks at the end of carriages, or under the seats.
FIRST CLASS can be found in Coaches K and L on High Speed Trains, and on some selected local services.
POWER POINTS are available to use for free on all our High Speed Trains. Look between the seats in front of you in Standard, or on the walls in First Class.
THE QUIET CARRIAGE offers peaceful travel, free from phones and music players. Head to Coach A in Standard on our High Speed Trains.
By bus PLUSBUS is a ticket that can be added to most types of train ticket. PLUSBUS gives you unlimited bus travel around town at the start, finish, or at both ends of your train journey. Together with your train ticket, it’s a great way to get directly to your chosen destination. By bike We support green travel and bicycles are a fantastic way to make your way from A to B, not to mention the health benefits of pedal power. Don’t forget to reserve a place for your bike on board or to take advantage of bike hire schemes or parking facilities. By plane Leave the car at home when flying from Bristol, Cardiff or Exeter International Airports, each a short bus ride away from the city’s station. Travel with us direct from Reading to Gatwick Airport by train or to Heathrow via the RailAir coach service from Reading. By car Most of our stations have pay-as-you-go car parks. Pay over the phone using our cashless payment system. To use, register your contact details, car registration, where you have parked and your card details by calling the number advertised at car parks.
escape | 47
SAFETY INFORMATION FOR PASSENGERS SEATED IN COACHES A, K AND THE BUFFET CAR, PLEASE CHECK YOUR NEAREST SAFETY POSTER FOR ADDITIONAL EVACUATION INSTRUCTIONS IF IT IS NECESSARY TO MOVE FROM YOUR COACH, AND IT IS SAFE TO REMAIN ON THE TRAIN, MOVE TO ANOTHER COACH
These instructions are provided for your safety in the event of an emergency. If there is no immediate danger, await instructions from on-train staff. It is important that you familiarise yourself with the location of emergency equipment.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES EMERGENCY ALARM – TO STOP THE TRAIN IN AN EMERGENCY Locate the red emergency alarm handle and pull sharply towards you. This will immediately apply the train brakes. Please locate a member of staff and explain your reasons for operating the alarm
LIGHT STICKS – DURING AN EMERGENCY, IF THE LIGHTING ON THE TRAIN FAILS
Locate the 'Emergency light sticks' box
Pull sharply on the box where indicated on the label
be removed Light sticks will then OR be activated, which as required can either remain in the boxes
EMERGENCY ESCAPE – INTERNAL SLIDING DOORS If it is safe to remain on the train, move to another coach. Do not take personal belongings with you
If the internal sliding door will not open, lift the emergency release cover where marked (situated in the top corner of the door)
SAFETY DIAGRAM FOR COACHES B, C, D, E, F, AND L
Using the Pull Tab, pull the locking strip to the opposite bottom corner of the door
IF IT IS NOT SAFE TO REMAIN ON THE TRAIN Once the train is stationary, leave through the coach doors
Using the horizontal panel, push the window fully out
BEFORE LEAVING THE TRAIN Be aware of other moving trains and any potential hazards
ONCE OFF THE TRAIN
Move to a safe location, away from the tracks. Await instructions from train staff. Do not step on or touch any rail
48 | escape
Strike cover of emergency release with fist
Remove cover and pull handle
Open the door fully, then leave the train
Use the offset steps or sit on the edge and lower yourself to the ground
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Zoe’s shiny new show takes in 42 UK dates
give me five THE brighton-based comedian and Masterchef contestant talks about her new show – and the odd kitchen disaster
zoe lyons
Zoe Lyons: human after all
Could you start by telling us a little about your latest show, Entry Level Human? I always say that my shows will never change your life, but they will improve an hour of it. Entry Level Human has a very loose theme, but it’s basically about human stupidity in all its glorious forms, my own included. It’s a collection of tales and observations that are gently political. I mean, Brexit has to appear in any show these days, but it’s my own spin on it – I think I’ve worked out Brexit!
d
: and also
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What one thing would make you a better human? Better time management, because mine is appalling. For instance, I’ve got work to do right now, but instead of doing it I’ve been signing myself up for identity theft protection. I’m so easily distracted – I’m like a squirrel, always interested in the next thing. I genuinely don’t think I’d last five minutes in a regular job. I wouldn’t be able to sit still for long enough, for a start, and would just get nothing done. So yeah, better timekeeping and more focus would make me a better human.
How was it being a contestant on Celebrity MasterChef – and what happened with your soups? MasterChef, on the whole, was absolutely brilliant. But it’s really nervewracking putting a plate of food down in front of John and Gregg because they go through that whole facial expression gamut. With the soups, it was a bit of risk. One of them was thickened with egg and I overheated it and it was disgusting.
KK
Serving up a feast of fun
Along with MasterChef, you’re getting loads of mainstream exposure. How’s that working out for you? Like everyone in this business, I just want to keep working. I’ve had a lovely year and I really enjoy the variety of work and the challenges of new projects. I’ll tell you what’s a bit embarrassing, though – getting caught buying a ready meal in the Co-op just after being on Celebrity MasterChef. I have to start thinking more carefully about my purchases.
Can you describe a great day out in your hometown of Brighton? You have to start on the pier, then walk along the Promenade and the Lanes. You should pop up the British Airways i360, which is a really high viewing platform. Finish the day by going to one of the city’s many great restaurants – the place has become a real food hub.
See the Entry Level Human tour at venues across the network, including Swindon, 28 October, Bristol, 25 January 2019, and Reading, 9 February 2019. To buy tickets visit zoelyons.seetickets.com Zoe moved around a lot when she was growing up and lived in Ireland, Surrey and went to school in the Glasgow suburb of Newton Mearns. She was a contestant on ITV’s reality show Survivor in 2001, nearly reaching the final. After winning the Funny Women Competition in 2004, Zoe was awarded the Dave Funniest Joke of The Edinburgh Fringe Award in 2008.
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K
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