DINOSAUR SPOTTING
STERN.CO.UK WWW.FIRSTGREATWE
THE BEST OF SUMMER SPORT
FESTIVAL GUIDE
ISSUE 14
BY SKATE, HELICOPTER, BIKE, B OAT, BUS & FOOT
REACHING ACROSS OUR NETWORK – THIS IS YOUR ESCAPE ROUTE
INSIDE THIS ISSUE WIMBLEDON P32
BRISTOL P24
SALISBURY P27
PLYMOUTH P7
07 NEXT STOP
News, diary and events
18 LONDON ON THE MOVE
GETTY, ALAMY
Discover alternative ways to get around London and experience the city’s sights 23 PLATFORM Doctor Who's Steven Moffat
24 BEST WEST FESTIVALS Get organised with First Great www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
WEYMOUTH P28
Western’s guide to the best summer festivals
27 THE LOWDOWN
Take a trip to the ‘city in the countryside’ and savour the delights of Salisbury
28 WALKING WITH DINOSAURS
Discover 180 million years of history along the shores of the
Jurassic Coast in our guide to the best beaches for fossil hunting
42 BRAIN TRAIN
Picks from the sporting calendar
45 THE GUIDE
32 SUMMER OF SPORT
39 FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Mitch Tonks chooses the best restaurants for Sunday lunch
41 PADDINGTON BEAR KIDS' PAGE Fun with our furry friend
Get bamboozled with our selection of puzzles and trivia All you need to know about travelling on First Great Western
50 VIEW FROM HERE
Jazz star Jamie Cullum talks to us about his involvement with this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival
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LOVE
BEING ACTIVE?
#LOVE LOVE GETTING
AWAY FROM
IT ALL?
You could be hitting the turquoise waves or strolling the sands of one of Newquay’s seven beaches in under five hours from London.
visitnewquay.org
DINOSAUR SPOTTING
TERN.CO.UK WWW.FIRSTGREATWES
THE BEST OF SUMMER SPORT
FESTIVAL GUIDE
ISSUE 14
WELCOME The only way is up at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
BY SKATE, HELICOPTER, BIKE, BOAT,
FESTIVAL
GUIDE PAGE 24
BUS & FOOT
00_ESCAPE_Issue14a.indd 1
07/04/2014 11:15
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Editor Dan Panes escapeeditor@thinkpublishing.co.uk Managing Editor Jack Kibble-White jack@thinkpublishing.co.uk 0141 582 1376 Assistant Editor Andrew Cattanach andrew@thinkpublishing.co.uk 0141 582 1280 Design Matthew Ball Sub-editor Andrew Littlefield, Sian Campbell Advertising Sales Daniel Haynes daniel.haynes@thinkpublishing.co.uk Publisher John Innes john.innes@thinkpublishing.co.uk Published on behalf of First Great Western by Think 124-128 Barlby Road, London W10 6BL 020 8962 3020 thinkpublishing.co.uk FIRST GREAT WESTERN Head Office Milford House 1 Milford Street Swindon, SN1 1HL firstgreatwestern.co.uk
BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA
© 2014 First Great Western. 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 First Great Western nor those of the publishers. All material correct at time of going to press.
Cover A London summer
The Great British staycation
I
t’s the time of year to consider where you’ll be spending your coming staycation. So, if you’re planning a trip to the south west this season, then look no further. This issue of Escape is jam-
packed with ideas for a full-on summer adventure.
If you fancy yourself as a budding palaeontologist, our feature on the Jurassic Coast takes a look at fossil hunting hotspots and must-see museum exhibits. And if you’re less keen on digging for old bones, then we suggest you simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery. On page 24, we show you that there’s more to festival-going than campsites and wellington boots. Turn to our two-page calendar for some suggestions for spending a few days at fêtes dedicated to music, literature, performance, food and more. In our alternative take on sightseeing in London, found on page 18, we suggest more creative ways of touring the capital. Meanwhile, for those of you still mourning the passing of the Olympics, we present our Summer of Sport feature, guaranteed to get your competitive juices flowing. As always, we give you the lowdown on the hottest shows and events touring the UK, while Mitch Tonks treats us to another tastebudtingling recipe. If the heat proves too much, then a chat with cool jazzman Jamie Cullum should help to chill you out. As ever, we wish you all the best on your travels and hope to see you again soon.
This issue of Escape is jam-packed with ideas for a full-on summer adventure
Dan Panes (Editor)
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
escape | 5
DISCOVER A SMALL CORNER OF PARADISE AT THE END OF THE LINE... Visit Swansea’s Gower Peninsula, Britain’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With over 200 holiday cottages and apartments in our portfolio, we can help you discover the magic of Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower for yourself.
THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF HOLIDAY HOMES IN MUMBLES, GOWER & SWANSEA MARINA
Tel +44 (0) 1792 360624 | enquiries@homefromhome.com | www.homefromhome.com 101 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4BN
YOUR GUIDE TO GREAT EVENTS HAPPENING JUST ALONG THE TRACKS
NEXT STOP
LORD OF THE FLIES
THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH 30 APRIL–3 MAY TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Plymouth Superstar choreographer Matthew Bourne has taken one of the most iconic literary works of the 20th century and transformed it into a dance masterpiece. This modern day adaptation finds a group of boys stuck in a deserted theatre – not quite the tropical island we were expecting – and follows their descent into savagery.
Lord of the Flies, based on William Golding’s novel
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
escape | 7
FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY!
Spectacular interactive walk-through Official Doctor Who store Biggest single collection of props, costumes and sets
DoctorWhoExperience.com 0844 801 2279 SEE | TAKE PART | SHOP | EAT
BBC logo © BBC 1996. Doctor Who logo © BBC 2012. TARDIS image © BBC 1963. Licensed by BBC Worldwide.
BOOK TICKETS NOW!
NEXT STOP
Nigel Harman, as the saintly Simon Cowell
I CAN’T SING! THE X FACTOR MUSICAL
LONDON PALLADIUM THEATRE 26 MARCH–25 OCTOBER NEAREST TUBE Oxford Circus The all-conquering X Factor transfers from TV to stage, with a musical comedy that promises to go under the judges’ desk to reveal a (not necessarily accurate) story of heartache and laughter. Starring Nigel Harman and featuring 19 new songs and a script by Harry Hill - surely this can’t fail to be a winner?
PYGMALION
OXFORD PLAYHOUSE 6–10 MAY TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Oxford This new adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s play sees Alistair McGowan playing the pompous Professor Higgins, who attempts to turn flower girl Eliza Doolittle into a high society lady. Full of wit and style, this was the inspiration for the musical My Fair Lady and it remains a classic of the stage in its own right.
MANUEL HARLAN, ALAMY
ED BYRNE – ROARING FORTIES
A new production of Pygmalion www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
VARIOUS VENUES UNTIL 9 MAY Join top Irish comedian and panel show regular Ed Byrne as he embraces middle age on his new UK-wide tour. A self-confessed ‘miserable old git’, Ed’s unique blend of observational comedy and exasperated personal opinion is sure to keep you chuckling long after the set has finished.
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BEST OF THE REST
Ship shape
BRITISH MUSEUM UNTIL 22 JUNE NEAREST TUBE
Tottenham Court Road Scandinavia’s greatest export since television melodramas comes to the capital in this major exhibition on the Vikings. It’s been 30 years since the warrior Norsemen featured at the British Museum and visitors can expect to find many new archaeological discoveries and objects never seen before in the UK. The exhibition’s highlight is the surviving timbers of a 37-metre-long Viking warship, the longest ever found and one of the greatest examples of the Viking’s maritime mastery. Figure of Norse God Odin
■ MCBUSTED Various venues (17 April–29 June)
Kristin Davis Diversity is (right) in London WOMAD’s core value
FATAL ATTRACTION
THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET 11 MARCH–21 JUNE NEAREST TUBE Piccadilly Sex and the City star Kristin Davis will make her West End debut in this stage production of the hit film, based on James Dearden’s original screenplay. Subjected to a barrage of harassment and manipulation, a married man finds it’s not so easy to leave a brief affair behind him. His former lover’s obsession grows increasingly sinister, as we see that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
■ BANKSY: THE ROOM IN THE ELEPHANT Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol (8–10 May) ■ LET IT BE New Theatre, Cardiff (19–24 May) ■ LITTLE MIX Various venues (16 May–9 June) Koons’ kitsch
THE HUMAN FACTOR
■ RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2014 Royal Hospital Chelsea (20–24 May)
HAYWARD GALLERY 10 JUNE–31 AUGUST TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
Waterloo The human body continues to be contemporary art’s primary muse, with painters, sculptors and video artists showing the human figure in all its glorious variety. This new show takes a fresh look at the discipline and includes American artist Jeff Koons, best known for his cover for Lady Gaga’s album Artpop.
ON TOUR
FRANK SKINNER MAN IN A SUIT Various venues 2 April–6 June
■ ONE DIRECTION: WHERE WE ARE TOUR Wembley Stadium (6–8 June) ■ WAR HORSE Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (18 June–19 July) ■ DOLLY PARTON: BLUE SMOKE WORLD TOUR The O2 (27–28 June) ■ JEREMY DELLER: ENGLISH MAGIC Bristol Museum and Art Gallery (Until 21 September)
10 | escape
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
ALAMY, ULI WEBBER, PAUL RAFTERY
VIKINGS: LIFE AND LEGEND
Let It Be
IONS OPPEERRAATTIONS O NUURRSSEE N ER E N I G EN GINEEREER EN KETTEER MAR MARKE
UATAETE GRAD DTUOR AC RO GD TOR DO LACWYEYRER WER FALRAMM FAR ER
ACHIEVE SOMETHING REMARKABLE Swap your commute for a life changing adventure, like no other. Join the only round the world yacht race crewed exclusively by amateurs, with no sailing experience required. Training will prepare you for the world’s toughest oceans. Sign up to the Clipper 2015-16 Race for a single leg, combine several or complete a full circumnavigation.
APPLY NOW clipperroundtheworld.com/apply 02392 526000
NEXT STOP
5 Ships
Our pick of some nautical treasures on the network
The hunt is on at Cheltenham
Cutty Sark
HUNTER CHASE EVENING
CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE 30 APRIL TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Cheltenham Spa This hugely popular event in Cheltenham’s calendar draws a large and varied crowd for an evening of racing. This is the final chance to witness seven fierce Hunter Chases at Cheltenham before the racecourse closes for the summer.
CLIPPER ROUND THE WORLD YACHT RACE
ST KATHARINE DOCKS 12 JULY NEAREST TUBE Tower Hill St Katharine Docks will host a spectacular homecoming ceremony to welcome back entrants into the world’s longest yacht race. Entry is free to the Race Village and a procession will take place between 10am and 3pm as the 70-foot racing yachts parade up the Thames to Tower Bridge.
ON TOUR
PAUL HOLLYWOOD GET YOUR BAKE ON! Various venues 28 April–26 May
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BRUNEL’S SS GREAT BRITAIN TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
Bristol Temple Meads Voted Bristol’s number one tourist attraction, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s ss Great Britain sailed around the globe 32 times as a luxury liner and coal carrier. For the full experience of this supersized Victorian ship, you can climb the huge mainmast, or head below deck for a peek in the luxury First Class cabins. ssgreatbritain.org
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
HMS VICTORY
HMS BELFAST
CUTTY SARK
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
NEAREST TUBE
TAKE THE DLR TO
HMS WARRIOR TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
Portsmouth Step aboard the wooden world of the Georgian Navy by visiting Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory, best known for her role in the Battle of Trafalgar. Explore the cramped confines of the ship and tread over the 200-year-old planks of the lower gun deck. If you don’t want to associate with the rank and file crew, visit the admiral’s living quarters to get a taste of how the higher ups lived at sea. hms-victory.com
London Bridge Keeping watch over the River Thames is the British Navy’s largest preserved warship in Europe, HMS Belfast. Launched in 1938, this iconic warship has sailed the seas from the Arctic to the Far East. Visitors can take their own tour of duty around the engine room or re-enact a thrilling battle scene in the Gun Turret Experience. iwm.org.uk/ visits/hmsbelfast
Cutty Sark One of the last remaining British tea clippers, the Cutty Sark is much admired for her striking profile and enchanting figurehead. Walk along the decks in the footsteps of the merchant seamen who sailed her over a century ago, explore the hold where precious cargo was stored, and discover why the Cutty Sark became the fastest vessel of her time. rmg.co.uk/ cuttysark
Portsmouth An outstanding piece of naval architecture, the sleek black lines of Britain’s first iron-hulled warship still fire up the imagination today. HMS Warrior, launched in 1860, was the pride of Queen Victoria’s fleet and was at one time the largest warship in the world. Visitors are encouraged to fully explore Warrior’s four decks and even join in a gun drill. hmswarrior.org
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
CORBIS
ONE
By day or by night, come rain or shine...
...relax in Bath’s natural thermal waters and day spa In the heart of Bath, enjoy the warm, mineralrich waters, take in the views from the rooftop pool, unwind in the aroma steam rooms, sample the delights of the Springs Restaurant, choose from over 40 spa treatments and packages‌
To watch our spa video, please scan the QR code or visit our website:
Enjoy 4-hours for the price of a 2-hour spa session when travelling to Bath by train with First Great Western. For more details, visit www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/offers
Open daily from 09.00 - 21.30 (pools & steam rooms close at 21.00)
0844 888 0844
www.ThermaeBathSpa.com
£7.5 billion. The greatest investment since Brunel. Network Rail’s £7.5 billion is the biggest investment in our rail network since it was first built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Like the great man, we have an unwavering desire to create a Great Western Railway to be proud of. Because, like Brunel, we understand that to build a great railway is to galvanise and invigorate a whole region. Brunel didn’t just build a train line. He employed the foremost technology to connect communities, encourage trade, and bring prosperity. 176 years later we’re endeavouring to do the same. It means new rail lines for new high-speed electric trains. And new stations to accommodate the increased demand of a modern, faster, smoother network. But in order to build a greater rail network, and a greater west, we need to modernise a lot of the Victorian infrastructure. It won’t happen overnight. And it won’t be without disruption. We’ll work hard to keep inconvenience to a minimum, but please bear with us. Your patience is an investment in a greater west.
BUILDING A GREATER WEST
#GreaterWest Find out more at FirstGreatWestern.co.uk and on Twitter @FGW
IN
NEXT STOP
W
Family fun days
WATERLOO
BRISTOL TEMPLE MEADS
LONDON ZOO
LONDON DUNGEON
BRISTOL AQUARIUM
thedungeons.com/london
bristolaquarium.co.uk
THE ATTRACTION
London Zoo brings the animal kingdom into the heart of the capital, with more than 720 creatures of every kind calling the north east corner of Regent’s Park home.
A black comedy of terrors, the London Dungeon comprises an excellent cast of actors, special effects, scenes and rides.
Live the life aquatic at Bristol Aquarium and enjoy its displays of tropical sharks, jellyfish, gigantic spider crabs and many other weird and wonderful marine species.
Get back to nature with live animal events, a tropical bird tour, tall orders at the giraffe High Tea and the popular Penguin Beach Live shows.
From plague-ridden houses to gruesome torture chambers, laughs and screams can be heard echoing throughout the 18 live shows and two underground rides.
Walk through the spectacular underwater tunnel for an unforgettable experience and a close encounter with the exotic residents of the aquarium’s reef.
A centre for learning for more than 180 years, London Zoo is well known for its inspiring exhibits. Young zoologists exploring the 36-acre site will find information and fun facts throughout.
The Dungeon is a 90-minute journey through 1,000 years of London’s unsavoury history and legend, with the chance to meet such infamous characters as Guy Fawkes and Sweeney Todd.
The aquarium’s Learning Lab will inspire junior Jacques Cousteaus with a range of talks and undersea quizzes. The one-of-akind underwater dome helmet also introduces them to juvenile seahorses and sharks.
While you might not be able to catch a tiger by the tail, you can still get to know them in the Tiger Territory. Floor-toceiling windows bring visitors face to face with beautiful but critically endangered Sumatran tigers.
See the beloved and booming actor Brian Blessed make a virtual appearance as a high-tech 3D Henry VIII, condemning you to execution!
Look out for deadly piranhas as you move through the mangroves in the Amazon display. Another particularly fearsome fish here is the arowana, known for its ability to leap up and pick off insects and birds from overhanging branches.
DON’T MISS
GET AN EDUCATION
WHERE?
CAMDEN TOWN
FUN FACTOR
GET SET FOR SUMMER WITH OUR TRIO OF EXCURSIONS FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN ALIKE
zsl.org
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
WIN A VIP DAY & NIGHT AT THE ISPS HANDA WALES OPEN To celebrate the ISPS HANDA Wales Open we have teamed up with Celtic Manor to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a VIP day for two in the Waitrose Hospitality Pavilion on the final day of the tournament, Sunday 21 September. The lucky winner and their guest will be treated to morning coffee and pastries, a four-course lunch, afternoon tea, a souvenir gift and complimentary bar throughout the day. After the day’s play, the winner will also enjoy a luxury overnight stay with breakfast at the Celtic Manor Resort. The ISPS HANDA Wales Open offers a great day out for all the family with a tented village including bar, food outlets, shops selling golf merchandise and opportunities for youngsters to try their hand at golf. For more information or to book tickets visit celtic-manor.com/ isps-handa-wales-open Closing date 4 July 2014.
ENTER THE COMPETITION To enter visit www.firsgreatwestern. co.uk/walesopen and answer the following question: In which country, generally thought to have been the birthplace of golf, was the sport banned in 1457? Terms and conditions apply. Prize valid on Sunday 21 September 2014 only. Prize is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Excludes dinner and any beverages and extras within the hotel, which must be settled upon departure.
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WE'LL TAKE YOU THERE
BAPS SHRI SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR
Made of marble The magnificent design and craftsmanship of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir attracts millions of visitors each year. The Mandir, a sacred place of worship for Hindus, is situated in Neasden, north west London. It took 1,526 skilled craftsmen in India to hand-carve 5,000 tonnes of Italian Carrara marble and Bulgarian limestone before the Mandir was finally assembled in London. The temple is also home to an educative exhibition that explores the origin, beliefs and values behind one of the world’s oldest faiths. GETTING THERE Take the tube to Stonebridge Park Station and then take Bus 112 from Stop B towards Brent Cross Shopping Centre. The Mandir is a short walk from the bus stop
BAPS SWAMINARAYAN SANSTHA, UK
London
SIGHTSEEING
GET YOUR SKATES THE ON AS WE BRING YOU CAPITAL LIKE YOU’VE IN NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE OUR GUIDE TO
ALTERNATIVE CITY TOURS
Flying London's friendly skies
There's no more stylish way to see the city than in an iconic black cab
THE LONDON HELICOPTER
LNFS
NEAREST TUBE Clapham Junction Perhaps a trip for city visitors who have a lot of cash to flash, the London Helicopter experience is one you won’t forget in a hurry. A once in a lifetime chance to see a spectacular bird’s eye view of all the capital’s highlights, shared flight prices start from around £300 and a flight for two people from £600. Departing from either London or Redhill, the helicopter climbs to 1,000 feet as you head towards the city sights in style. The route follows the River Thames from Putney in the west to Greenwich in the east, and your pilot will point out the many famous landmarks located along the way. thelondonhelicopter.com
TAXI GUIDES OF LONDON
You’ll have seen the traditional London black cabs roaming the city streets, but have you ever fancied taking a tour around the capital in one? A company called the Taxi Guides of London offers a variety of packages for customers looking to sample the sights. From a classic two-hour tour of some of the capital city's most famous landmarks costing £100, to a custom-made night-time drive past Harrods, the Natural History Museum, the Oxo Tower and the Royal Festival Hall, you’ll be able to embrace the romance of London at twilight from the comfortable seat of an iconic black cab. taxiguidesoflondon.com
Take to the city skies with the London Helicopter experience www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
Hit the streets with the London Friday Night Skate and Sunday Stroll
LONDON FRIDAY NIGHT SKATE AND SUNDAY STROLL
Get your skates on for a rolling tour of London’s streets in these popular and unique weekly events. You’re assured of a completely different route each skate – one day you might take in famous central roads and sights, another time head down some long, fast hills in Camden or Putney, or even take a trip to the countryside out at Barnes. The London Friday Night Skate (LFNS) departs from Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner and is the faster-paced option for proficient skaters, while the Sunday Stroll is gentler on the legs and takes off from leafy Serpentine Road in Hyde Park. Both inline (rollerblade) and quad (roller skate) skaters are welcome, with route information published each week on the LFNS website. Skate hire is also Professor available from Club Quantum Blue Room, which is located near Marble Arch. lfns.co.uk
THE LONDON TIME TOUR BUS
NEAREST TUBE Charing Cross Prepare to be transported to the past, present and future aboard the London Time Tour Bus. One of the city’s most family friendly sightseeing trips on offer, you’ll be entertained and educated by tour guide Professor Quantum as you get to take in London’s history from the comfort of a classic 1960s Routemaster bus. The live theatrics and obvious enthusiasm for the capital’s scenery make the London Time Tour Bus a worthwhile and fun day out for everyone. After all, it’s not often that you’re offered the chance to travel through time. The tour lasts for an hour and 15 minutes and will allow you to experience the sights of London in a completely unconventional way. Bus journeys have never been so stimulating. timetour.co.uk
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SIGHTSEEING LONDON DISCOVERY TOURS
Admiring the capital on foot can be more fun than you might think – if you do it the alternative way, that is. One of London’s oldest walking tour experiences is led by London Discovery Tours, who are responsible for educating visitors about the city’s history as well as its present day culture, taking in historic pub walks, magical Harry Potter locations and more. You’ll be amazed at what's hidden in London when you take the time to explore it at your own pace. discovery-walks.com
LONDON RICKSHAWS Fly the Emirates Air-Line between Greenwich and the Royal Docks
THE EMIRATES AIR-LINE
This cable car offers a fun and unique ride over the city skyline and also provides Londoners and tourists with a speedier way of travelling between Greenwich and the Royal Docks. Not only is it a fast and reliable way to commute, it’s also a rather impressive alternative to exploring the city on foot. The cars leave each terminal regularly and the journey lasts five minutes, though this is extended to 10 minutes from 10am to 3pm to give visitors a chance to better appreciate the view. Simply hop on at either North Greenwich (on the Jubilee line) or Royal Victoria (on the DLR), depending on the direction you’re travelling in, and prepare to be dazzled as you fly past the towers of Canary Wharf. emiratesairline.co.uk
Waterbus Company offers sightseers a relaxing opportunity to admire London’s quieter side. Swap the West End glamour and bright city lights of Oxford Street for an afternoon with friends or family aboard one of these beautifully crafted traditional canal narrow boats, perfect for a summer adventure. londonwaterbus.com
What better way to sample the London scenery than from the backseat of a rickshaw? Powered by people, London Rickshaws provide a variety of tours to suit everyone’s tastes. The environmentally conscious vehicle can carry up to three passengers around classic sightseeing destinations, or on special themed journeys, such as a bloodcurdling Jack the Ripper tour. Take the opportunity to rest your legs for a while and give a rickshaw a go. londonrickshaws.co.uk
Float around Camden (above) and Little Venice with the London Waterbus Company
THE LONDON WATERBUS COMPANY
20 | escape
LNFS
NEAREST TUBE
Warwick Avenue/ Paddington These understated and elegant canal boat tours are extremely popular with visitors to the city. From the peaceful green and leafy fringes of Regent's Park to the hustle and bustle of Camden Lock or the beautiful Little Venice, the London
First class theatre at Oxford Playhouse this summer, just the ticket... Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 June
Betty Blue Eyes
King Lear
Don’t miss this feel-good musical romp based on Alan Bennett’s hilarious story.
Enjoy the Globe Theatre’s stunning production in the historic outdoor setting of the University’s Bodleian Library Quadrangle.
Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 June
Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 August
Dealer’s Choice Play the man, not the cards... Patrick Marber’s brilliantly funny story of male camaraderie and obsession.
Tickets start from £11 with discounts available. Call the Ticket Office or visit the website to book.
Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru ar y cyd â Cape Town Opera yn cyflwyno Wales Millennium Centre in collaboration with Cape Town Opera presents
Gorff 22 – 26 Jul 2014 wmc.org.uk 029 2063 6464
Tuesday 22 July to Sunday 3 August
Cerddoriaeth gan \ Music by Jerome Kern Llyfr a’r geiriau gan \ Book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Gyda\ With the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra a \ and the Cape Town Opera Chorus Drwy drefniant gyda \ By arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe
Charlie and Lola’s Extremely New Play With puppets, music and bags of fun, this is the perfect first theatre experience for young children.
01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com
PLATF RM
Steven Moffat
S
Anne Gorringe catches up with the renowned television writer to discover exactly what it is about travelling by train that gets the little grey cells stirring
teven Moffat is in demand. As the man at the helm of two top TV series – Doctor Who and Sherlock – he recently flew to the USA to talk about the latest Doctor, Peter Capaldi, before dashing back to London to face British journalists keen to know when the next Sherlock will be screened. Much like the Doctor, Steven’s certainly no stranger to travel and has spent years commuting from his home in London to the Cardiff studio where both Doctor Who and Sherlock are made. It was on one such journey that the idea for a 21st-century adaptation of Sherlock Holmes was born.
How much writing can you get done on your train journey with FGW? It varies hugely. With the last Doctor Who I wrote – episode four of the first Peter Capaldi series – I completed the last 15 pages in a single journey from Cardiff to London.
Steven Moffat: train lord
How did the idea for the new Sherlock series first come about? Being good friends, and both working on Doctor Who, Mark Gatiss and I would often get the Cardiff train together so we could chat. But pretty soon, we realised everyone was listening to us for clues about Doctor Who, Who so we switched subjects to our other great obsession, Sherlock Holmes. And after a while, we admitted our favourite Sherlock Holmes movies were the updated ones with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. We reasoned that someone was bound to update them again, and imagined how hacked off we’d be that it wasn’t us.
ALAMY
You now have a second home in Cardiff, but how long have you actually been travelling between your main home in London and South Wales? I’ve been going back and forth since about 2004, but it got really intensive – for me – in 2009, when I took over Doctor Who and started with Sherlock.
The scheduled journey time is over two hours. Do you spend that time relaxing or working? Working, almost always. Now and then I’ve taken a journey off and just watched the scenery, and over the years I’ve got more and more inclined just to nod off, and wake up in a drool puddle on the lid of my computer. www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
Mark Gatiss and I would often get the Cardiff train together
Do you ever get inspiration for your characters by watching fellow passengers or even FGW staff? Like most long-term travellers, I’m afraid I’ve got very good at disappearing into my own world, and ignoring everything around me. And muttering to myself, which is bad. Especially if it’s something like, ‘You will never foil our plans, Doc-tor!’
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24 | escape
SWINDON FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE
5–17 May
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
EAT DRINK BRISTOL FASHION
1–18 May
BRISTOL FOLK FESTIVAL
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
3–4 May
Bristol Temple Meads This pop-up restaurant, tapas bar and live music venue situated in Queen Square in the citys centre offers a way of showcasing Bristol’s thriving food scene. Get tucked in! eatdrinkevents.co.uk
Bristol Temple Meads This year’s festival features some of the biggest names in the folk scene, including Fairport Convention, Lucy Ward and Roddy Womble. bristolfolkfestival.co.uk
PLYMOUTH VOLKSFEST
23–26 May
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
SALISBURY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
23 May–7 June
Plymouth Mixing camper vans with cracking good bands, Plymouth Volksfest offers everything one might ask for in a music festival. plymouthvolksfest.co.uk
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Salisbury Hosted in a variety of venues, including Salisbury Cathedral, the International Arts Festival brings performers from all over the world to Salisbury. salisburyfestival.co.uk
CORNBURY FESTIVAL
4–6 July
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Charlbury, then shuttle bus to site Cornbury is a family friendly summer festival with a range of music and comedy as well as a dedicated children’s area. It has a laid-back and friendly atmosphere. cornburyfestival.com
Swindon See some of your favourite celebrity authors, including appearances from Esther Rantzen, Judy Finnigan and Clare Balding. swindonfestivalof literature.co.uk
BATH FRINGE FESTIVAL
23 May–8 June
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Bath Diverse, edgy and great fun, Bath Fringe Festival has something for everyone, including plenty on offer for kids. bathfringe.co.uk
BRISTOL HARBOURSIDE FESTIVAL
LEDBURY POETRY FESTIVAL
18–20 July
4–13 July
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
Ledbury The biggest festival dedicated to poetry in the country, featuring poets from all round the world. poetry-festival.co.uk
Bristol Temple Meads Taking over the Harbourside every year with performers and live music acts, this festival is one of the biggest of its kind. bristolharbourfestival.co.uk
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
ALAMY, FINN BEALES, FLASHMUNKI PHOTOGRAPHY, DAVID TETT
HOP ON THE FGW NETWORK THIS SUMMER TO ENJOY THE FINEST FESTIVALS FOR MUSIC, FOOD, PERFORMANCE AND MORE
FESTIVALS
Best West
ART
HOWTHE LIGHTGETSIN
CRIMEFEST
MAYFEST
HAY FESTIVAL
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
15–25 May
22 May–1 June
Bristol Temple Meads 15–18 May When it comes to literature, if you crave crime then this is the festival for you. Making an appearance this year are Mark Billingham and Simon Brett. crimefest.com
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
Bristol Temple Meads Showcasing the best in contemporary theatre, Mayfest offers a variety of unusual and ambitious new works from the UK and abroad. mayfestbristol.co.uk
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Hereford, then the festival bus service to Hay-on-Wye Once described by Bill Clinton as ‘The Woodstock of the mind’, Hay Festival is a celebration of great writing. hayfestival.com
WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL
GRILLSTOCK BBQ AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL
30 May–1 June
7–8 June
25–29 June
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
Cheltenham Spa This year, the Wychwood Festival celebrates 10 fantastic years of presenting the best in folk, rock, indie and world music. wychwoodfestival.com
Bristol Temple Meads, then shuttle bus to the site Grillstock hails itself as ‘a two-day festival of meat, music and mayhem’. grillstock.co.uk/ bristol-festival
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Castle Cary, then shuttle bus to the site Glastonbury should form part of every youngster’s comingof-age itinerary. Robert Plant will headline the Pyramid Stage this year. glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
22 May–1 June
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Hereford, then the 39/39A bus to Hay-on-Wye Combining philosophy and music, HowTheLightGetsIn is the largest festival of its kind in the world. It's perfect for those who like to mix their thinking with their partying. howthelightgetsin.org
SOUTHWEST LIVE
29 June
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
Weston-Super-Mare The line-up for this year’s one-day, beach-based festival includes Jessie J, Rizzle Kicks and The Saturdays. loveweston.com
WOMAD FESTIVAL
24–27 July
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
Chippenham or Kemble This International Music Festival celebrates music, arts and dance from around the world. womad.co.uk
BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA
THE OXFORD WINE FESTIVAL
READING FESTIVAL
7–10 August
22–24 August
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Reading, then shuttle bus to site Reading is the major alternative rock festival in Britain, attracting some of the biggest names in the game. readingfestival.com
Bristol Temple Meads, then official shuttle bus to site This spectacular festival is now in its 36th year and includes a magnificent night-time ascent. bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
23–24 August TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
Oxford Taste wines from all round the world in the setting of a truly iconic and historic venue the Oxford Union. oxfordwinefestival.org
The World’s Greatest Airshow Under 16s Go Free
11-13 July RAF Fairford . Swindon
Book now at airtattoo.com
THE LOWDOWN
SALISBURY Take a trip to the ‘city in the countryside’ and discover the wonders of Wiltshire Salisbury Cathedral
The mysteries of Stonehenge
Haunch of Venison
GET SPIRITUAL SALISBURY CATHEDRAL One of the most significant churches in the country, Salisbury Cathedral has the tallest spire in Britain, standing at 123 metres (404ft) tall, and houses one of the finest original copies of the Magna Carta. Take the Tower Tour and you’ll be rewarded with exceptional views of the surrounding city and countryside – and it’s a mere 332-step hike to the top. salisburycathedral.org.uk
TIPPLE TIME HAUNCH OF VENISON No trip to Salisbury is complete without a trip to one of the city’s oldest pubs, Haunch of Venison. Once said to have housed craftsmen working on the nearby cathedral spire, circa 1320, the pub retains its ye olde appearance, with oak beams and pewter beer taps. Don’t miss out on the chance to sample their fine selection of guest ales. haunch-salisbury.com
ALAMY
EXPERIENCE THE MYSTERY STONEHENGE One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Stonehenge is a must-see attraction for visitors to Salisbury. One of the oldest, most mysterious works of art in the British Isles, why it’s there or how it got there is still a muchdebated topic. There’s little doubt, however, that it will leave you mesmerised. Only a short bus ride from the city centre, the ancient site will transport you back some 4,000 years. stonehenge.co.uk CATCH A SHOW SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE One of the UK’s leading producing theatres, Salisbury Playhouse has something for everyone, including classic and contemporary plays, musicals and children’s theatre. This June will see a new production of one of Shakespeare’s best-known comedies, As You Like It. salisburyplayhouse.com www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
YOU ARE HERE
NUMBER CRUNCH
The year that the first Salisbury International Arts Festival was held FACTOID
FAMOUS FACES
Salisbury is twinned with Saintes, France and Xanten, Germany
Comedian and author David Mitchell and Star Wars actor Anthony Daniels
DID YOU KNOW?
404 is the height in feet of the cathedral spire
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
1995’s Sense and Sensibility starring Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson was filmed here
FEED YOUR BRAIN SALISBURY AND SOUTH WILTSHIRE MUSEUM Home of an award-winning Stonehenge collection, plus the Monkton Deverill gold torc, the Warminster Jewel and the famous ‘Amesbury Archer’, here’s a museum that encompasses prehistory, the 17th century and pretty much all points in between. The museum has been undergoing a major revamp, so even if you’ve been before, it’s well worth a visit. salisburymuseum.org.uk STEAK STOP THE LAZY COW Claiming to be the town’s best steakhouse, The Lazy Cow offers a variety of cuts of Argentinian beef cooked to your taste and with a good selection of sides and sauces. For those less inclined to feast on red meat, salads and fish dishes are also on offer. And if you’re planning to make a night of it, The Lazy Cow also has a bar and rooms for those looking to stay the night. thelazycowsalisbury.co.uk
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JURASSIC COAST
walking
dInosA
FORGET JURASSIC PARK – FOR A PICTURE OF OUR PREHISTORIC PAST, THE CHANCE TO SIFT THROUGH THE SANDS OF TIME LIES RIGHT ON THE SOUTH WEST COAST
W
ith its dramatic cliffs, spectacular sea stacks and golden sands, the shoreline along Dorset and East Devon is always perfect for a beach-based excursion. Look beyond the ice creams and buckets and spades, however, and you’ll discover 185 million years of history along what is famously known as the Jurassic Coast, stretching 95 miles from Exmouth to Stobden Bay. Awarded World Heritage Status in 2001, this unique area ranks alongside the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand
28 | escape
Canyon as a natural wonder, offering an unrivalled window back into the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
dinosaurs rule
It’s no surprise then that the Jurassic Coast is renowned as a palaeontologist’s paradise, with fossil hunters being drawn from far and wide to comb the beaches for the remains of the creatures that once ruled the earth. A one-and-a-half-metre-long ichthyosaur skeleton found late last year at Charmouth proved that exciting discoveries are still out there, encouraging everyone to keep their eyes peeled.
Depending on where you visit, you can expect to uncover a wide variety of fossilised finds, including dinosaur footprints, bones, shark teeth, crustaceans and plenty more. Beaches are the safest places to search – avoid any cliff faces and also look out for any local notices or guidelines regarding fossil collecting. Whether you’re an amateur dinosaur hunter or just searching for some seaside rest and relaxation, we’re sure you’ll find what you’re looking for at our selection of Jurassic hotspots. www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
sAurS Inspiring author Ian McEwan
CHESIL BEACH
exmouth
This 18-mile-long sweeping pebble beach dominates the Dorset Coast and is nationally important for its geology and wildlife. It’s said that smugglers coming ashore at Chesil Beach could tell exactly where they were just by picking up a handful of shingle, as the pebbles gradually vary in size along its length. Fishing and sailing have now replaced bootlegging as the preferred pastimes, with the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy also located here. chesilbeach.org
Exmouth The western gateway to the World Heritage coastline, Exmouth has all the fun of a traditional seaside town. It's ideal for swimming, building sandcastles or exploring rock pools. Any keen birdwatchers should take a trip to the nearby Exe Estuary which is something of a haven for birdlife, particularly sandpipers and the rare avocet. exmouth-guide.co.uk
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Weymouth
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
World Heritage coastline
escape | 29
JURASSIC COAST
Sunshine over Lyme Regis
Shore thing for fossils
LYME REGIS TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
CHARMOUTH TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
Weymouth, then Jurassic Coast bus service to Charmouth A rich slice of Jurassic life can be found near the village of Charmouth, with thousands of new specimens being slowly fed onto the beaches from the surrounding cliffs. Local gems that have been unearthed vary from ammonites, with their distinctive coiled shells, to the flying pterosaur Dimorphodon and Scelidosaurus, the most complete dinosaur found so far in Britain.
CHARMOUTH HERITAGE COAST CENTRE Established in 1985 to encourage safe and sustainable collecting of Jurassic fossils from the local beaches, this centre is an excellent place if you want to tell the difference between your echinoids – sea urchins – and belemnites – carnivorous, squid-like creatures. Visitors to the centre can find out how to discover their own fossils or get some expert advice during a guided fossil-hunting walk. charmouth.org/chcc
Bigmouth strikes again
Weymouth, then Jurassic Coast bus service to Lyme Regis An attractive town that has inspired writers including Jane Austen and John Fowles, Lyme Regis is well known for its natural beauty and outstanding walks. No trip is complete without a spot of fossil hunting and thousands of visitors flock here to try their luck. DINOSAURLAND FOSSIL MUSEUM This private museum is home to a spectacular collection of more than 9,000 specimens, ranging from the tiniest microfossil to the largest ichthyosaur, and most things in between. If you don’t fancy getting your hands dirty digging on the beach, a huge range of fossils are available to buy in the shop. bit.ly/Dinoland LYME REGIS MUSEUM The Geology Gallery of Lyme Regis Museum contains a wealth of fossils that paint a vivid picture of pioneering 19th-century palaeontologists, including Mary Anning, who found
that the Blue Lias, the oldest of the Jurassic rocks around Lyme, held a treasure trove of neverseen-before creatures. Anyone inspired by their work can take part in fossil hunting and rock pooling walks. lymeregismuseum.co.uk LYME REGIS FOSSIL FESTIVAL 2–4 MAY 2014 This Jurassic get together is a great opportunity to enjoy everything the coast has to offer, with a whole host of different events. Expect to see a Fossil Fair with plenty of the latest finds, craft activities for the kids and some inspirational presentations from leading scientists. fossilfestival.com
DORCHESTER TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
West Dorchester DORSET COUNTY MUSEUM Home of ‘The World’s Biggest Bite’, this museum’s most fearsome exhibit is the skull of the Weymouth Bay Pliosaur, a huge marine reptile that swam the seas 155 million years ago. Amateur collector Kevan Sheehan recovered the fossil bones as they were washed out of a landslide on the coast in Weymouth Bay. dorsetcountymuseum.org 30 | escape
THE DINOSAUR MUSEUM Get up close and personal with some life-size reconstructions of dinosaurs – including a Tyrannosaurus rex and a Stegosaurus – at this awardwinning attraction that celebrates everything primeval. Budding palaeontologists will enjoy exploring the land that time forgot through interactive displays that let you feel what kind of skin dinosaurs had, or listen to the sounds they might have made. thedinosaurmuseum.com
Born in 1799, Mary Anning made a series of amazing discoveries around Lyme Regis that changed all scientific thinking about the prehistoric world. Her first well-known find was at the tender age of 12, when she and her brother unearthed the famous ichthyosaur, a five-metre-long marine predator that caused a sensation when it was put on public display in London. Mary’s next major discovery,
Mary Anning
in the winter of 1820, was a partial skeleton of a plesiosaur, another carnivorous reptile, recognisable for its long neck and bulky body. Despite a career spent fossil collecting and an enormous contribution to the study of palaeontology, as a woman Mary never received the recognition she deserved in her lifetime. Her work is rightly appreciated now and is even thought to have inspired the tongue twister ‘She sells seashells on the seashore’. www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
SAM ROSE
lYME’S GREAT fOSSIL HuNTER
ESCAPE
PICCADILLY CIRCUS
15%
Discount off your final food bill* Continue your adventure at Rainforest Cafe where the Amazon Jungle meets the West End. Come and feast from our delicious menu which includes gluten free, dairy free and organic options for kids.
PERFECT FOR KIDS & BIG KIDS, GREAT FOR GROUPS & BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS Book online: www.therainforestcafe.co.uk Tel: 020 7434 3111 Email: sales@therainforestcafe.co.uk *Offer valid seven days a week. Maximum party size of 6. Please present to your safari guide when seated. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
www.monkeyworld.org
Where Families matter! Wareham, Dorset BH20 6HH T: 01929 462537 E: apes@monkeyworld.org With over 250 primates of more than 20 different species, Monkey World is the largest ape and monkey rescue centre in the world! See the stars of TV’s “Monkey Life”, then ‘monkey around’ in the south’s largest Great Ape adventure play area!
BRING YOUR FAMILY TO VISIT OURS! FREE INFORMATION LINE: 0800 44 55 66
Andrew Littlefield flags up some of the most exciting summer sporting events happening around the First Great Western Network
Enjoy A
of
Sport 7-11 MAY
17 MAY
BADMINTON HOUSE TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Chippenham These world famous horse trials were first staged in 1949 by the 10th Duke of Beaufort, in the park at Badminton House, to help British riders train for future international fixtures. Today, spectators can watch the country’s top riders taking part in dressage, show jumping and cross country competitions, all in magnificent surroundings. badminton-horse.co.uk
WEMBLEY STADIUM NEAREST TUBE Wembley Park Station, Wembley Central Station After 132 seasons, this most venerable of domestic football competitions can still throw up the odd surprise, as first-time winners Wigan Athletic proved last year. This year’s final will take place a week after the Premier League football season has ended, giving the FA Cup Final its first stand-alone date since 2010. wembleystadium.com
MITSUBISHI MOTORS BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS
32 | escape
THE 2013-14 FA CUP FINAL
Horses for courses at the Badminton trials
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
SPORT Will it be a testing 2014 for England?
Join the scrum for tickets for the Aviva Premiership Rugby Union Final at Twickenham
24 MAY
12-16 JUNE
WEMBLEY STADIUM NEAREST TUBE Wembley Park Station, Wembley Central Station Entry into the Premier League is worth some £60m to Championship football teams, which no doubt explains why these play-off finals are always such nerve-racking affairs. The teams finishing third to sixth in the Football League championship all play a mini-knockout competition that leads up to this winner-takesall final. The one consolation for the losing team is that traditionally they get to keep all of the gate receipts. The League 1 play-off final also takes place at Wembley Stadium on the 25 May, and the League 2 play-off final on the 26 May. football-league.co.uk
LORD’S CRICKET GROUND NEAREST TUBE St John’s Wood Following the disastrous winter Ashes tour of Australia, this two-match test series against Sri Lanka marks the start of a new era for English cricket. Find out how the team will fare under a new coach, and without the mercurial talents of talismanic batsman Kevin Pietersen. Lord’s also celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2014, so if you’ve never visited the home of English cricket before, now is the perfect time to do so. lords.org
THE SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF FINAL
31 MAY
THE AVIVA PREMIERSHIP RUGBY UNION FINAL
24 MAY
ALAMY
THE HEINEKEN CUP FINAL
MILLENNIUM STADIUM TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Cardiff Central Station The final of the Heineken Cup returns to Cardiff’s magnificent Millennium Stadium for the fifth time since the tournament was launched in 1995. Over a series of games, culminating in this final, 24 leading regional teams from England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales (the classic ‘six nations’) all compete for the trophy, currently held by France’s Rugby Club Toulonnais. millenniumstadium.com www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
TWICKENHAM STADIUM NEAREST TUBE Hounslow East for the Piccadilly Line, Richmond for the District Line Twickenham Stadium is the largest dedicated rugby union venue in the world and also a fantastic venue in its own right. So it’s only fitting that the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final, the world’s biggest domestic club rugby union final, is staged at this magnificent venue. After 135 games, contested by the top 12 English rugby union teams, it all comes down to this one, all-important match. premiershiprugby.com/final
THE FIRST ENGLAND VS SRI LANKA INVESTEC TEST MATCH
23 JUNE-6 JULY
THE WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIPS
THE ALL ENGLAND LAWN TENNIS CLUB NEAREST TUBE Southfields or Wimbledon Nothing epitomises the British summer more than the two weeks of the Wimbledon Championships, contested at the All England Club every year since 1877. Wimbledon is one of just four Grand Slam tennis tournaments and the only one still played on grass. This year we’ll actually have a British men’s champion defending his title against the world’s best players, and sure as rain will stop play at High some point or other, tension we can also be certain on the that Andy Murray’s tennis every serve will be court cheered on by the dedicated fans up on Murray’s Mount. wimbledon. com
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Taunton Deane borough council_Escape_Summer_14.indd 1
02/04/2014 15:42
Taxi Guides of London provide guided tours of London in a black cab we’ve got ‘The Knowledge’ All of our black cab tour guides have extensive knowledge of all the popular London tourist attractions and also all of the hidden gems that are often missed by tourists, in addition we will give you real interest and history of this great city.
WATERPARK SWIM- PLAY- CLIMB- SURF ALL UNDER ONE ROOF
A GREAT FAMILY DAY OUT
T: 0800 955 0688 E: info@taxiguidesoflondon.com W: www.taxiguidesoflondon.com
01792 466500 www.thelcswansea.co.uk
Taxi Guides of London_Escape_Summer_14.indd 1
15/04/2014 12:18
WALES’ PREMIER LEISURE DESTINATION
XXXXXXX 2-6 JULY
HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA
HENLEY-ON-THAMES TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Henley-on-Thames First Great Western offers a special timetable during the regatta, with a frequent train service between Paddington and Henley-on-Thames The roots of the Henley Regatta date back to 1839, although it wasn’t until 1851 that it became the Royal Regatta. Little has changed over the years, with five days of rowing events still contested along a mile-long stretch of the Thames. Henley is as much about the social occasion as it is about the sporting competition, although the prestigious Grand Challenge Cup for Men’s Eights is always a hard-fought contest between international crews. hrr.co.uk 6 JULY
BRITISH GRAND PRIX
A right royal regatta
SILVERSTONE
TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Banbury This summer, petrolheads will be making their annual pilgrimage to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix. Conveniently located right in the heart of the UK, Silverstone has been a Formula One racing venue since 1948, and the permanent home for the British Grand Prix since 1987. It's time to rev up for an epic showdown at one of the best racing venues in the world! silverstone.co.uk
The winning formula
17-21 JULY
27-31 JULY
LORD’S CRICKET GROUND NEAREST TUBE St John’s Wood Following on from the two Sri Lankan cricket matches comes this spicy five match test series against one of England’s toughest competitors. Now that master batsman Sachin Tendulkar has retired, can India still emerge victorious or will England make home advantage count and give the crowd something to cheer about? lords.org
THE AGEAS BOWL TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Southampton Central ageasbowl.com
THE SECOND ENGLAND VS INDIA INVESTEC TEST MATCH
The home of English cricket
THE THIRD ENGLAND VS INDIA INVESTEC TEST MATCH
15-19 AUGUST
THE FIFTH ENGLAND VS INDIA INVESTEC TEST MATCH
THE KIA OVAL NEAREST TUBE Oval kiaoval.com
Walk the Wembley way
10 AUGUST
THE FA COMMUNITY SHIELD
WEMBLEY STADIUM NEAREST TUBE Wembley Park Station, Wembley Central Station Formerly known as the Charity Shield, this annual curtain-raiser for the new Premier League football season (which kicks off this year on the 16 August) is traditionally contested by the winners of the Premier League and the FA Cup. Manchester United, the current holders of the FA Community Shield, have won it a record-breaking 20 times. wembleystadium.com 12 AUGUST
THE UEFA SUPER CUP
HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA
CARDIFF CITY STADIUM TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Cardiff Central World class football comes to Wales with the arrival of the 39th 2014 UEFA Super Cup. This annual, one-off match is contested by the reigning champions of the two main European club competitions, the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. Expect to see some of the biggest names in European and world football gracing the pitch at Cardiff City Stadium in August. German superstars Bayern Munich are the current holders of the UEFA Super Cup. cardiffcityevents.com
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
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XXXXX
Three lions cheer on England
18-23 AUGUST
2014 IPC ATHLETICS EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
SWANSEA UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL SPORTS VILLAGE TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Swansea In August, Swansea University will host the Paralympic Athletics European Championships, the first time the event has been held in Great Britain. Around 600 athletes from 40 different countries are expected to compete. swansea.ac.uk/sport 23 AUGUST
THE TETLEY’S CHALLENGE CUP
WEMBLEY STADIUM NEAREST TUBE Wembley Park Station, Wembley Central Station First staged in 1896, the final of the Challenge Cup is the last stage of an eight-month-long Rugby League knock-out competition that involves teams from every level of the game. In recent years the competition has expanded to include teams from France and Russia. thechallengecup.com
E
ngland’s World Cup campaign kicks off on Saturday 14 June, with a tricky match against Italy. Time differences mean that the game begins at 11pm British Summer Time, traditionally closing time for English pubs. Prime Minister David Cameron has backed moves to grant late licences for those establishments that want to screen the game, describing it as a ‘major sporting event’ that is of ‘significant national interest’. England’s remaining two Group D matches, on 19 June against Uruguay and 24 June against Costa Rica, start at the slightly more sociable hours of 9pm and 6pm BST, respectively. Here’s a small selection of top venues where you can celebrate victory or commiserate defeat.
LONDON
CARLSBERG SPORTS BAR 5-6 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA This Central London hostelry is open 24/7, so late night kick-offs won’t be a problem here. It features a plethora of state-ofthe-art TVs and the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which run from 23 July to 3 August, will also be screened here. thecasinolsq.com
BRISTOL
BSB THE WATERSIDE 41 Corn St, City Centre, Bristol BS1 1HS Located on the harbourside in the centre of Bristol, BSB The Waterside has eight large plasma screens showing a variety of sporting events. Food is served daily and there's a resident DJ, as well as a good selection of reasonably priced drinks. bsbbars.co.uk The Tetley's Challenge Cup comes to the boil 36 | escape
OXFORD
RILEYS SPORTS BAR The County Club, between Towns Road, Cowley, Oxford OX4 3LZ Rileys specialises in American sporting events, but over the summer you’ll also be able to view the World Cup on a 3-metre high HD screen. There’s even a dedicated Fanzone area with comfy seats and a great view of the big screen. And should you be feeling a little sporty yourself, darts and cue sports are on offer, too. rileys.co.uk
NEWBURY
BAR SPORT NEWBURY 26-27 Bartholomew Street, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5LL Part of a growing chain, this new American style Sports Bar and Grill offers multiple HD and 3D screens showing every kind of televised sport. Customers can also play a range of XBox One or PS4 games, including Fifa14, NBA 2K14, Madden NFL and Forza Motorsport 5, plus there’s a fine selection of sporting memorabilia on show. barsport.co.uk/newbury
Bar Sport Newbury
ALAMY
Paralympian athletes compete in Swansea
World Cup on Screen
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J23 M5 off A39 Somerset
Discover Flat Holm Island Just 5 miles off the coast from Cardiff enjoy the... • Boat trips from Cardiff Bay and Weston-super-Mare • Tours exploring the Island’s history and wildlife • Cosy Island pub • Overnight stays Trips run all year round Flat Holm offers a sense of wilderness and isolation with extensive views from and across the Island. With a wealth of history and wildlife, you will be amazed at how much there is to discover.
› SCHEDULED TRIPS For individual and group bookings visit www.mwmarine.org who run trips from Weston and Cardiff. £24.00 Adults and half fare children under 14yrs.* Tel: 01934-636734 Individuals and groups looking for adrenaline fuelled trips contact Bay Island Voyages Fast RIBs (max 12).* visit www.bayislandvoyages.co.uk Tel: 02920 782733
› EDUCATIONAL AND RESIDENTIAL TRIPS
Contact the Flat Holm Booking Office for availability. You choose the best transport to suit your needs. Our staff can advise you upon booking. Tel: 029 20877912 *Please note a landing fee of £5.00 adults/£2.50 children (payable in cash) will be collected by the warden on arrival at the Island.
› ACCOMMODATION • Dormitory accommodation and camping available • Summer 2014, The grade II Listed Fog Horn Cottage Furnished in partnership with John Lewis Cardiff, this is the ideal place to get away from it all.
A haven for wildlife this is a SSSI site with one of the largest gull colonies in Wales.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/flatholm Twitter: @flatholmers www.flatholmisland.com
T P FARE
Food writer and seafood guru Mitch Tonks on the magnificence of Sunday lunch
The greatest meal of the week
B
eing a restaurateur means that finding time to sit down with the family at weekends and enjoy a meal can be a real challenge. The busy restaurant nights of Friday and Saturday run into Sunday and with kids off to school during the week, going out to eat together becomes a rarity. That is one of the reasons I love a relaxing Sunday lunch, starting late and taking your time over it. In a recent survey, bacon sandwiches topped the list of Brits’ favourite foodie things. Unsurprisingly, fish and chips, a cup of tea and a Sunday roast also fared well. This is a list I can identify with – fish and chips is a dish I take a particular pride in making at my
Easy like Sunday morning
Rockfish restaurants! And I’ve found that the quality of Sunday lunch these days just gets better and better, with restaurants taking pride in sourcing locally and putting the produce first. There is great pleasure to be had from sharing wonderful food and drink together and spending time relaxing and chatting. Sunday afternoons with a roast – you can’t beat it. www.mitchtonks.co.uk
PUSHING THE GRAVY BOAT OUT THE HUNTSMAN TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Bath Spa A newly renovated Grade 2 listed building, this pub is run by family brewers the Fullers, and is right in the heart of the city, a mere five minutes walk from the train station. The menu regularly changes, and the layout of the pub is part gastro pub part stately home, making it the perfect place to
The Huntsman in Bath
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
escape from the crowds and the weather. huntsmanbathpub.co.uk THE POTTED PIG TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Cardiff Central Quite a few of my friends have been telling me about the Potted Pig in Cardiff, an independent restaurant in a sea of better-known chains. They roast pheasant or Welsh topside of beef. thepottedpig.com WHITE ROW RESTAURANT TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Frome Ten minutes from the upcoming market town of Frome is the family-run pig farm White Row, with animals for kids to see, an outdoor playing area, The Scallop Shell fish and chips that
THE ANCHOR INN TAKE FGW TRAIN TO
White Row Restaurant
the Seafish Awards nominated in the top three UK Best Newcomers, and a restaurant that serves a cracking Sunday roast. The obvious thing to choose here is anything piggy as it comes from right under your nose on the farm – they rear enough pigs for use in the restaurant and in the farm shop only. A family-friendly stop, with food that will surprise, and all within a working farm. www.whiterowfarm.co.uk
Ivybridge or Totnes With plenty of wonderful walks in the countryside nearby, this inn is one of those to plan a major Sunday morning hike around. Afterwards, leave your muddy wellies at the door, down a cider and then tuck in to a large Sunday roast. anchorinnugborough.co.uk The Anchor Inn
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Where your journey is part of the experience Cruise or fly to the Isles of Scilly for less than you’d think.
www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk/trains 0845 710 5555 Sail from Penzance
Fly from Land’s End
Fly from Newquay
See the Weymouth Bay Pliosaur HERE NOW
DORSET COUNTY
MUSEUM
Fly from Exeter
2014
Open: Mon - Sat 10am to 5pm PLUS Sundays in August TWO accompanied children admitted FREE with every adult High West Street • Dorchester • Dorset • DT1 1XA • T: 01305 262735 Romans
www.dorsetcountymuseum.org
ts • Romans • Thomas Hardy • Jurassic Coast Dinosaurs • Mosaics • Cel
A DORSET
WOMAN AT WA R Mabel Stobart &
The Retreat From Serbia, 1915
Major New Exhibition 31 May - 15 November 2014
Our season of plays, musicals, and children’s shows runs from Easter to October, but Minack is a great place to visit all year round. During the day you can explore the sub tropical gardens and learn how the theatre was created in our Exhibition. See our website for visiting times & prices.
www.minack.com DORSET COUNTY
MUSEUM
on the cliffs at Porthcurno, Penzance, TR19 6JU Box Office and information 01736 810181
kIds’ pagEs Here are some fun tasks you can help paddington with while you make your way from a to b
prizes!
Send us all your fun facts, drawings and ph otos. Our favourites will be featured in future issues!
send your emailblsishtingo.co.uk
escape@thinkpu m you! We’d love to hear fro
spOt tHE dIffErENCE
There are five differences between these two pictures of Paddington in the morning – can you spot them all?
ANSWERS: Which One?: 1. An octopus has the biggest brain 2. An owl can blink with one eye at a time 3. A polar bear has black skin
gEt IN tOUCH
W IN ! W IN ! W IN ! For your chance to win
a day out for your family at the LC, Wales’ premier leisure attraction including passes to the Waterpark, tickets to use the Boardrider and Climb, plus a £20 meal voucher for the Bistro, simply send us the answer to the following question by 4 July 2014. In which seaside city will you find the LC? A) Swansea B) Brighton C) Clacton
fOr tHE t fUN Of I
WHICH ONE…?
What do you call a snail with no shell?
HOmElEss
It raIsEs tHEIr spIrIts
Take a look at these three pairs and then try to answer the question
Has tHE bIggEst braIN A STEGOSAURUS Or AN OCTOPUS? www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
Why do ghosts like to ride in elevators?
Send your answer, along with your name and address, age and contact telephone number to: Escape Magazine, Think, Woodside House, 20-23 Woodside Place, Glasgow, G3 7QF. Or email us at escape@ thinkpublishing.co.uk
CaN blINk WItH ONE EyE at a tImE A SHARK Or AN OWL?
Has blaCk skIN A POLAR BEAR Or A TIGER?
escape | 41
BRAIN TRAIN
Make the The Cowell scowl connection What links: Sherlock Holmes, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Arthur Conan Doyle, the Sheriff of Nottingham and Dr Who?
Relax while exercising your mind
Sudoku
Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row, column and 3x3 square must contain one of each digit EASY 1
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Wrong track
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Can you spot the three deliberate mistakes in our potted celebrity biog?
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2 under 9.5 trillion kilometres, is known as what
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MEDIUM ANSWERS
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9 3 2 4 6 7 8 5 1
6 8 4 1 5 3 7 9 2
5 1 7 8 2 9 4 3 6
2 7 8 5 9 6 3 1 4
1 4 6 3 7 8 5 2 9
3 5 9 2 1 4 6 7 8
8 6 1 9 3 5 2 4 7
7 9 5 6 4 2 1 8 3
4 2 3 7 8 1 9 6 5
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2 4
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EASY ANSWERS
The name of the unit of length that is equal to just
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1 of Italian origin? (Use the FIRST letter of the word)
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Which alcoholic beverage is a grape-based brandy
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type of year? (Use the FIRST letter of the word) The Marjaryasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana, 3 Balasana, Padmasana and Simhasana are all examples of poses in which discipline? (Use the SECOND letter of the word) What is the Australian word used to describe a 4 watering hole? (Use the SIXTH letter of the word) What is the name of the Japanese unit of currency? 5 (Use the SECOND letter of the word)
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www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
CORBIS, MARY EVANS
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Fill in the answers in the space below and the highlighted letters will spell the name of a famous theatre that you can visit
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Destinations
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Open, in 2008. In 2013, he became the first British male in 77 years to win the Wimbledon Championships after beating Roger Federer in three sets.
ANDY MURRAY After turning pro in 2003, Andy won his first ATP title, the SAP open in San Jose, a year later. He reached his first Grand Slam final, the French
ANSWERS WRONG TRACK: Andy turned pro in 2005. His first Grand Slam final was at the US Open. It was Novak Djokovic that he beat in the 2013 Wimbledon final. THE DESTINATION: 1. Grappa 2. Light 3. Yoga 4. Billabong 5. Yen. The destination these spell out is ‘GLOBE’. MAKE THE CONNECTION: All of these characters have been portrayed on screen by the actor Peter Cushing.
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Now you’re rewarded before you even set off.
You can now collect two points for every pound you spend on tickets online*. Link your Nectar card to us now, and you’ll get 100 bonus points before you even set off. Find out more at firstgreatwestern.co.uk/nectar
*Conditions apply. See firstgreatwestern.co.uk for full details.
Julian Opie Collected Works —
21.05.14 to 14.09.14
The Holburne Museum Great Pulteney Street Bath BA2 4DB
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Cornish Riviera Holidays_Escape_Sum_14.indd 1
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www.holburne.org
09/04/2014 16:32
01/04/2014 12:49
THEGUIDE Severn Beach
Bu rn ha m
Falmouth T Town
Sandplace
Falmouth Docks
Looe
EN ROUTE
To qualify for the best value tickets and offers, buy your ticket in advance. Here’s how to buy before you board ONLINE
firstgreatwestern.co.uk BY PHONE 08457 000 125 (0700–2200 Mon–Fri, 0800–1900 Sat–Sun) 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.
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
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Br ig ht on
Portsmouth Harbour
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TICKET TO RIDE First Class For added luxury, see if your train offers exclusive First Class carriages. First Class offers more spacious seats, complimentary refreshments and newspapers and use of our dedicated First Class lounges.
Sh or eh am -b ySe a Ho ve
Portsmouth & Southsea
Maiden Newton
Exton
Paignton
W or th ing
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Digby & Sowton
Torquay
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Polsloe Bridge
Plymouth
Ch ich es te r
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Ba rn ha m
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Ha va nt
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ar M d en h St enio t G er Sa ma lta ns sh
Ha yle Ca m Re bor dr ne ut h
Perranwell
Castle Cary
T Taunton
Exeter St Davids
Calstock
Redhill
Wanbor Wanbor anborough ough
Dilton Marsh
Cr Crediton Newton St Cyr Cyres
Torre Torr orre
Penzance
Ash
Bruton
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Okehampton
Bere Alston Ber
North Camp
& Hig Br id hb gw rid at ge er
Sampford Courtenay
Gunnislake
Lelant Saltings
St Erth
Farnborough nbor nborough North
Basingstoke
Fr Frome
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Luxulyan
Blackwater
Weston-super-Mar eston-super-Mar eston-super-Mare -Mare
Copplestone
Lelant
Bramley
Pewsey Westbury
Mor Morchar d Road
Bugle
Sandhurst
Hungerford Bedwyn
Tr Trowbridge
Lapford
Carbis Bay
Cr Crowthor ne
W Worle
Eggesford
Roche
Mortimer
Heathr Heathrow T Terminal 4
Newbury Kintbury
Weston Milton W
Kings Nympton
Newquay
Newbury Racecourse Melksham
Bradfordon-A on-Avon
Portsmouth Arms
Quintrell Downs Quintr
Heathrow Heathr Terminals 1-2-3 T
Windsor & Eton Central
Wokingham W
Midgham
Avonclif Avoncliff voncliff
Yatton Y
Chapelton
St Columb Road
Slough Winnersh
Thatcham
Parson Str Street
Barnstaple
Theale Aldermaston
Fr Freshfor d
Nailsea & Backwell
Umberleigh
St Ives
Chippenham
Keynsham
Bedminster
Lamphey
Ch o o t G lse P or y ar ing kw Pa & ay ng Str Til bou eatle eh r ur ne y st
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Lawrence Hill Lawr
Bristol T Temple Meads
Andrews Road St Andr
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Sw in do n
Ju nc tio n Tu nn el Se ve rn
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Stapleton Road
Sea Mills Shir Shirehampton
Kemble
Str Stroud
Filton Abbey W Wood
A Avonmouth
T Tenby
Y Yate
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Reading W West
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Manorbier
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Bristol Parkway
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Saundersfoot
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Radley
Gloucester
Swansea
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At First Great Western, 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
Heyford
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FOR HEADINGOW? HEATHR dedicated
Enjoy your journey
Night Riviera Sleeper Arrive rested and relaxed with our Sleeper service. Our ‘moving hotel’ offers fully air-conditioned private cabins, personal TVs, complimentary travel accessories, free refreshments and even a morning wake-up call.
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.
London Day Travelcard Visiting the capital? The London Day Travelcard includes unlimited travel on all forms of public transport in London.
The Cornish coast
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THE GUIDE ONWARD BOUND
LOCAL PRODUCE DIRECT TO YOUR TRAIN
W
e’ve launched a brand new menu range, destined to banish the dreaded British Rail butty forever. Fifty of the items on the menus will be sourced from specialist producers all within 15 miles of our railway lines. This includes award-winning produce from a third generation family butcher, fourth generation family baker and fifth generation family cheese maker. A selection of the new locally sourced food is available in all three of our restaurant facilities – Pullman fine dining carriages, the Travelling Chef food bars and Express Cafés. The menus take their inspiration from the rich culinary heritage of
ON BOARD
LUGGAGE can be stored in the overhead shelves, in the racks at the end of carriages, or under the seats. 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
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the counties through which our trains have travelled for generations; counties that are now part of a modern British food revolution. Diners can enjoy cheese from cows that graze the banks of Frenchman’s Creek; eat kippers smoked over oak on the Somerset Levels; or tuck into pies hand-raised by the winners of Britain’s Best Pasty Award. To help celebrate our 50/15 pledge, we’ve created a foodie version of our route map, replacing station names with those of their local food suppliers.
Take a look at: tastetrail.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
the walls in First Class. FIRST CLASS can be found in Coaches F, G and H on High Speed Trains, and on some selected local services. THE QUIET CARRIAGE offers peaceful travel, free from phones and music players. Head to Coach A
in Standard, or Coach G in First Class on our High Speed Trains. THE ENTERTAINMENT CARRIAGE can be found in Coach D, Standard, on our High Speed Trains. This world-first technology lets you view your favourite TV shows at the touch of a button.
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, where possible, or 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.
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ADVERT COPY
BOOK PUBLISHING Authors invited to submit manuscripts all categories including poetry
New Authors welcome A.H. STOCKWELL LTD Dept. 833, Torrs Park, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 8BA.
Tel: 01271 862557 www.ahstockwell.co.uk Publishers for 100 Years
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THE GUIDE
2FOR1 DAYS OUT
The view from the top of Nelson’s Column, Trafalgar Square, London
First Great Western is offering hundreds of fantastic 2FOR1 savings on top attractions, hotels, restaurants and more when you travel by train. So what’s your next stop going to be? A city cruise around London? A visit to the Cutty Sark? Or a tour around Oxford?
To take advantage of these offers all you need to do is
1 Go to daysoutguide.co.uk
2 Browse the list of offers
3 Click ‘Claim offer’ on the one you like
4 Print off your 2FOR1 voucher
5 Present the vouchers together with your National Rail train tickets when you arrive at the attraction. (Read our FAQs for full details)
SPECIAL OFFERS
First Great Western has a range of special offers. Check them out on our website at firstgreatwestern.co.uk Railcards Railcards offer value for money if you travel by train, saving you one-third off most standard rail tickets (time restrictions may apply). There are different types of Railcard, starting from £10, and they are valid for 12 months.
destination through to the Continent, making it easier to travel and giving you the best value for money.
Contact us Email: fgwfeedback@ firstgroup.com or call us on 08457 000 125 (0700 to 2200 every day) with any questions, concerns or feedback. We’d love to hear from you. National Rail Enquiries To find out all the latest service updates on all Train Operating Companies, call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50. Or you can check online at nationalrail.co.uk
Customer Panel First Great Western’s Customer Panel provides us with valuable customer feedback. Contact your local Customer Panel member, who will help convey your comments. Email: customer.panel@ firstgroup.com Passenger Focus The independent National Rail consumer watchdog can be contacted at passengerfocus.org.uk
ALAMY
SuperBus The First SuperBus ticket offers inclusive onward bus travel in the Bristol area for holders of certain train tickets Eurostar with a destination of Bristol We’ve teamed up with Eurostar to offer you the chance Parkway or Temple Meads, at no extra cost. to buy a ticket from your UK
HOW ARE WE DOING?
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
escape | 49
VIEW FROM HERE
Jamie Cullum
The UK’s biggest-selling jazz artist talks about Cheltenham Jazz Festival and how becoming a family man has shaped his music CHELTENHAM TRIO Jamie’s pick of some must-see acts appearing at Cheltenham Jazz Festival, 30 April–5 May Tigran – Dazzling piano dexterity and atmospheric improvisation Kurt Elling Quartet – Rich baritone vocals from a Grammynominated Chicagoan Tinariwen – Tribesmen from Mali with a ‘desert blues’ sound
’I
was a music lover before I was a musician,’ explains Jamie Cullum, describing how he has always had a keen ear for seeking out new artists and bands. The best-selling jazz pop musician, who shot to fame with his 2003 album Twentysomething, has recently lent his talent-spotting abilities to putting together the line-up of the upcoming Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Jamie has reprised his role as a guest director at the popular event, and it’s one he obviously enjoys as both a performer and festivalgoer. ‘I’m a bit of a culture vulture and I like sharing music. I get to sit and chat with the wonderful
50 | escape
directors of the festival and come up with crazy ideas and wish lists. Cheltenham just marks itself out as a festival that’s really interested in not only getting jazz to a wider audience, but also reaching out to the future of jazz in its more daring futuristic tendencies. It has a really youthful feel.’ It’s therefore an ideal opportunity for Jamie to showcase many of the tracks from his latest album Momentum. Released last year, it combines his love of jazz with electronica and hip hop influences, most notably on his collaboration with the rapper Roots Manuva for an innovative version of the 1930 Cole Porter classic ‘Love for Sale’. He also reveals that much of the
I’m a bit of a culture vulture and I like sharing music songwriting on the album has been drawn from his family life in Buckinghamshire, where he lives with his wife, the model and author Sophie Dahl, and their two daughters. ‘I think when you have kids you’re able to tap into that, the dual-pronged fork of parenthood and the intimacy of sharing your life with someone, which reveals more about yourself than you
possibly wanted to know. I think it’s a really interesting subject to put in songs. I created a lot of this album in my house, which was a real pleasure, and it’s bizarre because you kind of get these more personal moments on a record that possibly wouldn’t exist if you were going into a studio.’ When he’s not performing around the globe, Jamie’s family keeps him close to the south west. ‘My parents now live in Bath, so I’ve done the journey between Chippenham, Bath and Bristol thousands of times. I also went to school in Chippenham and grew up next to there. I guess it’s just part of my soul – that would be the best way to describe it!’ www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
T H E P AV I L I O N AT S E A C I T Y M U S E U M 3 0 M AY TO 3 1 A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 SEACITYMUSEUM.CO.UK
Kingfisher feeding by Kármán Balázs and Novák László
IMAGES FROM 15 YEARS OF WILDLIFE P H OTO G R A P H E R O F T H E Y E A R
V
CEA YE ON R Y FO PAISIT
D AN
Registered Charity Number 1032491
AR
WE’RE NOT JUST THE NATION’S LARGEST AQUARIUM, BUT AS A CHARITY WE... ...assist with turtle conservation research, run conservation programmes, educate 30,000+ students with curriculum-based learning, campaign for sustainable fisheries, train apprentices and run intern programmes. We also put on live music gigs and other events, profits of which go towards our charitable aims - and it’s all in aid of marine conservation! SHOW YOUR SUPPORT - ‘LIKE’ OUR FACEBOOK PAGE - ‘NationalMarineAquarium’.
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