Escape, issue 18

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15 May —14 Jun

19 Jun —11 Jul

0844 826 4242 openairtheatre.com

by arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity recommended for all ages 9+

16 Jul—29 Aug

Photo: The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess 2014; David Jensen

03 Sep —12 Sep

IN THIS ISSUE

15 ER 20 SUMM

REACHING ACROSS OUR NETWORK – THIS IS YOUR ESCAPE ROUTE

ILLUSTRATION: KERRY HYNDMAN

TURN THE PAGE...

09 NEXT STOP We check out the latest shows, events and exhibitions, as well as the best festival acts coming soon to a field near you 15 WHAT HAVE THE ROMANS EVER DONE FOR US? Guy de la Bédoyère shows that we have the Ancient Romans to thank for our modern world 20 BATTLE OF THE BEACHeS Your handy guide to the network’s best coasts 27 TOP FARE Restaurateur, food writer and seafood guru Mitch Tonks looks at the growing popularity of food foraging

FIND US ONLINE

29 BRISTOL GREEN CAPITAL Culture, countryside and eco-friendly events 37 WHY WE LOVE… Weymouth, the coastal resort that’s fit for a king 38 GEMS ON THE THAMES Peter Lynch explores the historic jewels that line the River Thames, including Windsor, Eton, Marlow and Oxford 43 THE GUIDE All you need to know about travelling with First Great Western 50 GIVE ME FIVE Torchwood star John Barrowman gives us the scoop on his latest crowd-funded album

FACEBOOK.COM/ FIRSTGREATWESTERN

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

OUR 2FOR1 PICKS

ANIMAL ATTRACTION The Natural History Museum hosts the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition

STAGE FRIGHT See the spooky play based on Susan Hill’s novel The Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre

STEAM POWER Rejuvenate yourself in the mineral-rich waters of Thermae Bath Spa

how to get your 2for1 Take advantage of savings on attractions and days out by turning to PAGE 46

TWITTER.COM/ FGW

FIRSTGREATWESTERN. CO.UK escape | 3

WELCOME

15 ER 20 SUMM

Soak up the sun on Porthminster Beach in St Ives Editorial enquiries Editor Dan Panes

escapeeditor@thinkpublishing.co.uk

Managing Editor

Andrew Cattanach Andrew@thinkpublishing.co.uk 0141 375 0481 Assistant Editor

Alec Mackenzie alec.mackenzie@thinkpublishing.co.uk 0141 375 0489 Design Matthew Ball Sub-editor Andrew Littlefield Advertising Sales

Molly Matthews molly.matthews@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

PERFECTING YOUR SUMMER PLANS

I

always look forward to the summertime. Those extra hours of daylight give me a real sense that a lot more can be squeezed into 24 hours, which is great, seeing as I’ve got the First Great Western network stretching out before me.

In this latest issue of Escape we have some fantastic suggestions that will get you out into the sunshine. Start with our Battle of the Beaches guide on page 20, which will ensure you choose the coast with the most – one that's ideal for soaking up some sun and splashing around in the shallows.

Summer cuisine is often a delicious blur of barbecues and salads galore, but on page 27 Mitch Tonks will inspire you to return to the wild and try your hand at foraging for fungi, berries and even seafood.

If you’re heading towards London, there’s a fantastic line-up of not-to-

miss festivals and theatre shows in and around the city. And for something else to float your boat turn to page 38, where Peter Lynch explores the historic locations that adorn the banks of the River Thames.

We also have an interview with actor and singer John Barrowman, whose latest album You Raise Me Up was funded by fans of the Torchwood star.

Turn to page 50 to find out more.

With all that and more, you’re sure to find something here that will knock your socks off and invite you to sink your toes into the sand.

WIN

Dan Panes Editor

A TRIP FOR TWO TO THE NATIONAL MARINE AQUARIUM TURN TO PAGE 11

© 2015 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 or those of the publishers. All material correct at time of going to press.

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

escape | 5

Z

we’ll takE you there

stage set for summer

Pack a picnic and prepare the Pimm's for Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, a firm favourite in the capital’s summer calendar.

From May to September this year theatregoers can enjoy bold and dynamic productions, including JM Barrie’s original stage play of Peter Pan, all in the leafy surroundings of Queen Mary’s Gardens.

WHAT Open Air Theatre WHERE Regent's Park, London WHEN Peter Pan (15 May–14 June), The Seagull (19 June–11 July), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (16 July–29 August), Lord of the Flies (3–12 September)

FACT!

Judi Dench, Michael Gambon and Richard E Grant have all performed in Regent's Park

6 | escape

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

escape | 7

WE HAVE A TERRIFIC SUMMER SEASON AT OXFORD PLAYHOUSE, WITH CLASSICS, CLASSICS-GONE- WRONG, CLASSICS STAGED OUTDOORS, AND MODERN FAMILY CLASSICS. ENJOY! MONDAY 22 TO SATURDAY 27 JUNE

TUESDAY 21 JULY TO SUNDAY 2 AUGUST

PETER PAN GOES WRONG

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

From the people behind the west end smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong

Globe Theatre on Tour present Shakespeare’s classic outdoors in the historic Bodleian Library

HHHHH HHHH OLIVIER-STANDARD SKILL...GORGEOUS. Theatre Cat

RIDICULOUSLY FUNNY...

SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE… SETTLES ONCE AGAIN INTO THE PICTURESQUE SETTING OF THE OLD SCHOOL QUADRANGLE OF THE BODLEIAN. Telegraph on The Taming of the Shrew

Peter Kay

Tickets £11 to £26.50

Tickets £20 and £22.50

MONDAY 17 TO SATURDAY 22 AUGUST

TUESDAY 25 TO SATURDAY 29 AUGUST

Catch Agatha Christie’s classic in Oxford for one week only

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's best-selling book brought to vivid life

THE MOUSETRAP

Telegraph

Tickets £14 to £30

HHHH A HIGH ENERGY TREAT. Sunday Times

us tra tio n©

Ill

THE CLEVEREST MURDER MYSTERY IN BRITISH THEATRE.

ROOM ON A BROOM

Ax el S

Tickets £13 adults | £11children

n’s dre chef fler & Macmillan Chil

Bo

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01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Next Stop

My fair lady

The National Portrait Gallery celebrates the life of Audrey Hepburn

This summer, the National Portrait Gallery will exhibit more than 60 photographs of the iconic actress and Breakfast at Tiffany’s star Audrey Hepburn. The exhibition will include snapshots from Hepburn’s long career

in showbiz, including her early years as a chorus girl in London’s West End, as well as her time as a Hollywood star.

WHERE National Portrait Gallery WHEN 2 July–18 October NEAREST TUBE Leicester Square

An English rose - but born in Belgium

YOUR GUIDE TO GREAT EVENTS HAPPENING JUST ALONG THE TRACKS www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

escape | 9

NEXT STOP

sporting events Three top competitive games

FA Cup final Wembley Stadium, London, 30 May

What can we say? It’s the foremost kickabout on the English footballing calendar.

Expect some exceptional ball booting and occasional goal scoring. thefa.com

Royal Ascot Ascot Racecourse, 16-20 June

The finest jockeys compete for some of the largest sums of cash in front of an audience entirely made of hats. ascot.co.uk

Wimbledon ALL ENGLAND CLUB, 29 JUNE-12 July

Can current champions Novak Djokovic and Petra Kvitová retain their titles and keep their hands on the big, shiny Men's and Women's trophies this year?

Defining Beauty: the Body in ancient Greek art Whether we realise it or not, the Ancient Greeks have had a profound influence on our day-to-day lives.

And this is nowhere more evident than in our ideas of beauty, especially when it comes to the human form.

This exhibition explores how the Greeks experimented with ways of representing the human figure to produce arguably the most influential body of work in the world.

WHERE British museum WHEN Until 5 July 2015 NEAREST TUBE Holborn

wimbledon.com

best of the rest 10 | escape

^ Culture

Staying Power

Victoria and Albert Museum, London Until 24 May

^ Art

Sculpture Victorious

Tate Britain, London Until 25 May

^ science

Forensics: the anatomy of crime

Wellcome Collection, London Until 21 June

^ fashion

Fashion on the Ration

Imperial War Museum, London Until 31 August

^ THEATRE

othello

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, London 4 June–20 August

^ music

Elton John

Eden Project 16–17 June

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

COMPETITION

Viking Voyagers The Vikings didn’t half get around. As a seafaring culture, they travelled far and wide, leaving their distinctive mark wherever they went.

Through nationally and internationally significant artefacts, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall takes a look at what lies behind the popular myth of the bloodthirsty raiders.

WHERE National Maritime Museum Cornwall WHEN Until 22 February 2017 TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Falmouth

on the buses Come and explore All Aboard, London Transport Museum’s exciting new play zone where kids can take the wheel in a mini fleet of vehicles and dress up in uniforms to become drivers, mechanics, cleaners, station announcers and even riverboat captains.

WHERE London transport museum NEAREST TUBE covent garden

Free children’s ebook!

Get your hands on rail enthusiast

^

photography

CHALKIE DAVIES: THE NME YEARS

National Museum Cardiff, 9 May–6 September

Chris Vine’s new ebook. Find out what inspired Chris to write his series of

^ festival

Cornbury Festival

Oxfordshire 10–12 July

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

children’s books, Peter’s Railway, and how he is fulfilling a childhood dream by building his very own ride-on railway in his garden.

Win a night at the National Marine Aquarium Everyone needs a little grown up time away from the kids.

Aquarium Lates at the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth, offers just such an opportunity. These adult-only evenings are a unique opportunity to experience the Aquarium after hours.

Events programmed this year will be a blend of science and culture, so whether it's conservation or art, there is a night for you.

Food and wine will be available on the nights and due to their popularity, prebooking is essential.

The next event, titled ‘Plymouth

PRIZE l Experience Aquarium Lates on Fireworks Night, 18 August, including First Great Western rail travel and a night in a superior room at the Duke of Cornwall.

Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Plymouth

Sounds Music Night’ and held on 22 May, will provide an uplifting soundscape to help you fully explore the depths of an underwater world.

For more information, or to book your tickets, visit national-aquarium. co.uk

HOW TO ENTER Just answer this simple question: Q Which is the largest fish in the ocean?

A. Whale Shark B. Clownfish C. Cod l Enter at firstgreatwestern. co.uk/ marineaquarium Closing date for entries is 23 July

^ dance

Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man

Sadler’s Wells, London 14 July–9 August

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Competition closing date 23 July. Winner and guest must both be over 18. Prize must be taken 18 August 2015. No cash alternative available. For more information about Duke of Cornwall Hotel, visit thedukeofcornwall.co.uk

escape | 11

NEXT STOP

Summer sensation POP’S BIGGEST NAMES HEADLINE HYDE PARK’S SEASONAL BONANZA

Over five days this summer, Hyde Park will play host to some of the biggest pop and rock acts in the world, including headliners Taylor Swift, Blur, The Strokes, The Who and everyone’s

Three Choirs Festival Hereford’s magnificent cathedral is the main venue for the 300th anniversary Three Choirs Festival. A packed 12 | escape

favourite Aussie, Kylie Minogue. As if that wasn’t enough, the season’s bill also includes Grace Jones, Nile Rodgers, Beck and Ellie Goulding.

But you better move fast – these tickets will not be hanging around.

WHERE Hyde Park London WHEN 18, 20–21, 26–27 June NEAREST TUBE Marble Arch

programme ranges from majestic classical works

by Beethoven, Verdi and Elgar – performed by the festival chorus with the world-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra –

to intimate services of Choral Evensong, chamber music recitals and sultry late night jazz.

WHERE Hereford WHEN 25 July–1 August TAKE FGW TRAIN TO Hereford

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

Hit single 'I Should Be So Lucky' was written in 40 minutes by producers Stock, Aitken and Waterman while Kylie waited in reception WHO’S THE LOUDEST? In 1974, The Who broke the Guinness World Record for the loudest concert ever with a show they performed in London GRACE NOTES Grace Jones’ vocal range spans two and a half octaves, allowing her to reach ear-piecing highs and mellow lows FAST TRACKS

5 full-on we love

falafel

THE CHICKPEA TREAT THAT’S FULL OF EASTERN PROMISE

1

2

EAT A PITTA

FALAFEL

3

4

PILPEL

5

LONDON

BRISTOL

LONDON

HOUSE

Despite its royal title, a king’s ransom isn’t required at this Falafel joint where east meets west London. Adding a bit of extra zest to the menu is the famed freshly squeezed lemonade, the perfect pick me up after some bargain hunting in Portobello Market.

St Nicholas Market is where you’ll find falafel cooked to a family recipe that originated in Algiers more than 70 years ago.

Eat a Pitta owner Dan Levy prides himself on sharing his Grandma Yolande's culinary talents with hungry Bristolians.

KITCHEN

NEAREST TUBE

BRISTOL TEMPLE MEADS eatapitta.co.uk

FALAFEL KING

Diminutive diva Kylie Minogue headlines Hyde Park www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

WESTBOURNE PARK

TAKE FGW TRAIN TO

CARDIFF

Authentic Mediterranean cuisine, a friendly atmosphere and great value for money are the hallmarks of Cardiff’s Falafel Kitchen. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, the falafel is packed inside a nice soft pitta.

TAKE FGW TRAIN TO CARDIFF QUEEN STREET

A small but perfectly formed menu of fresh and healthy Middle Eastern treats forms the basis of Pilpel’s success in the capital. Apart from the falafel made to a secret recipe, try out their signature Pilpel sabich, which comes with houmous, grilled aubergine and a hard-boiled egg.

THE FALAFEL OXFORD

The spice is right at this unassuming stall that serves up some of the best falafel in the city of dreaming spires.

It’s a takeawayonly affair for that authentic street food experience, with plenty of ways to customise your combination of falafel, hummus and salad.

FALAFEL-KITCHEN.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

TAKE FGW TRAIN TO

CO.UK

pilpel.co.uk

OXFORD

escape | 13

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HISTORY Dip into the past with a visit to Bath's famous spa

What have the

m s n a Ro ? s u r o f e n o d ever

B

e to start system does. The perfect plac ritain is full of Roman sational sen is the Museum of London’s marvels and the South g udin incl s, find collection of Roman West has some of res lptu scu ble mar l ona some excepti our greatest Roman from the City of London’s very the en Wh s. ent monum was own Temple of Mithras, which 43, is only a Romans invaded Britain in AD eum mus The . uncovered in 1954 t but of ains their focus was on the South Eas rem le visib the from s few yard cted eatre. hith within four years they’d constru amp and een the London’s Roman fort an their epoch-changing road betw Rom from n It would have bee ter. future sites of Lincoln and Exe Londinium that travellers Called the Fosse Way, of old would have set out g n lli i an r Rom the t h ugh bro it t on their journeys, some e on a p into the heart p dee a ld wor c s ding west. Roman hea e nd our of the South West. u o r a e r stones found in the u mile t At Bath, pilgrims adven Ultimately, the whole communicated most westerly parts of s system radiated out er nd wo n ma ro with deity ing Sulis az Cornwall show just how far am Minerva via lead from London, just as WORDS BY the road system reached. ‘curse’ tablets GUY DE LA BÉDOYÈRE today’s modern rail hurled into the escape | 15 www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

Fact!

bubbling spring

See Our Special Battle of Britain Flypast

Under 16s Go FREE

17-19 July . RAF Fairford . Swindon

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HISTORY

Steam rising from the baths' mineral waters

THE INDUSTRIOUS ROMAN ARMY

The Roman amphitheatre at Caerleon

The sheer energy of the Roman construction machine was unmatched until the 19thcentury railway builders.

Cirencester, now a beautiful Cotswold market town, started life as a Roman fort close to the Roman goddess the old native settlement Minerva and the Celtic Britain’s re of the Dobunni tribe at deity Sulis. The spa motest settleme Bagendon. The Dobunni were was known to the nt of the Roman p eri an Iron Age tribe that were Romans as Aquae Sulis South We od in st relatively quick to take on (‘the Waters of Sulis’) is the nati Britain ve village and here soldiers the Roman-British lifestyle, of Chysa uste unlike the neighbouring came for rest and in Cornw r all.

The rema Silures tribe in what is recuperation, while ins of eight ston now South East Wales. others chose to die in e houses s urvive Cirencester was home peaceful surroundings. to men like Sextus Valerius But Bath was too good Genialis, a trooper in an for it to belong to auxiliary unit of Thracian cavalry just the army. attached to the Roman army, although It soon evolved into a he actually came from the Low Countries full-scale spa and leisure across the English Channel. You can see centre laid out around a this man’s tombstone in Cirencester’s beautiful classical temple.

Corinium Museum.

Today, Bath is one of The Roman army had plenty of Britain’s greatest Roman work ahead and the main force here was wonders. The remains are the Second Augustan Legion. Over 5,000 all below street level in the men of this legion and other auxiliaries Roman Baths Museum. The fanned out across the South West. superb sculptures from the temple’s It wasn’t all hard work, though. pediment, with the massive Some of them came across an central Gorgon’s head, greet astonishing hot spring venerated you on the way down. by the local Celtic tribes by the A visit takes you through the banks of the River Avon. series of baths, the temple Within a few precinct and the worn steps years the Romans of the temple had tamed the spring itself. This and started the process of was where draining the surrounding pilgrims marshes. Where Bath is from all over now, they built a shrine Roman Britain and to Sulis Minerva, a even further afield combination of came to seek cures, or to ask the goddess’ help in punishing their enemies, thieves and anyone else they didn’t like.

Fact!

THE ROMANS IN SOUTH WALES

Just across the Severn Estuary in South Wales are the magnificent remains of the Second Augustan Legion’s base at Caerleon.

Caerleon’s modern name preserves the town’s old identity – it’s a corruption of the Latin for ‘Camp of the Legion’ – and today it’s a beautiful place with winding streets and plenty of old houses.

The town itself sits right inside what was once a vast Roman fortress. You can walk around part of the old fortifications, explore barrack blocks and, most amazingly of all, visit the most complete Roman amphitheatre in Britain, which lies just outside the fortress’ south-west corner. The arena where gladiators fought is still there, surrounded by banks of seats that once accommodated the legionaries and other visitors.

Not far from Caerleon is one of Britain’s best-preserved Roman towns. Caerwent was once Venta Silurum or ‘Market-town of the Silures’. The Silures were originally one of Britain’s most warlike anti-Roman tribes and

mplete visit the most co amphitheatre in britain at the beautiful caerleon escape | 17

HISTORY

Re-enacting Roman life in Cirencester

RURAL SPLENDOUR

Roman life in this part of the world was not just about spas, towns and forts.

Some of Roman Britain’s greatest country houses were built here, reaching their apogee in the mid-4th century AD. The Roman villa at Chedworth lies between Cirencester and Gloucester in a secluded valley.

One of the National Trust’s most popular properties, Chedworth Villa, in the early days would features two bath suites complete with have given the Roman army central heating and mosaics. It’s a an enormously hard time when reminder that wealthy Romans in Britain the legions tried to conquer the area. often lived in luxurious rural palaces.

By the 2nd century AD the area had The Roman legacy is an extraordinary quietened down considerably. one. Their roads, forts and towns Caerwent’s town walls survive largely anticipated the shape of modern Britain. intact and within them are remains of When the railway builders, such as townhouses, as well as the forum and Isambard Kingdom Brunel, set out to basilica, which formed the very centre of construct the line you are riding on civic commerce and government. Nearby are even the foundations of a temple. right now, they were joining together settlements the Romans laid out almost 20 centuries ago. in a it r b IN s

Remains of a Roman wall at Caerwent

15 2 15

an wEALTHY rom OFTEN LIVED IN luxurious rural palaces

Celebrate Bristol’s Celebrate Bristol’s Celebrate Bristol’s year UK’s year asthe the UK’sfirst first year asasthe UK’s first European EuropeanGreen GreenCapital Capital European Green Capital For the latest news and events, For the latest news and events, bristol2015.co.uk visit bristol2015.co.uk For the visit latest news and events, visit bristol2015.co.uk

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news and events, 18 | escape ol2015.co.uk

Fact!

In Roman tim would have es it take least two or n at three days to ge t from London to Bat probably fo h, and ur days to reac or five h Exeter

/Bristol 2015 /Bristol 2015 /@bristol_2015 /@bristol_2015

Official Partners Official Partners

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/@bristol_2015 www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

20 March 2015 – 22 February 2017 Manx National Heritage

Eiraght Ashoonagh Vannin

Discovery Quay, Falmouth 01326 313388 nmmc.co.uk

Institutional & Lending Partners

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National Cornwall_Escape_Summer _15.indd 1 187x122Maritime CornwallMuseum Living .indd 1

03/02/2015 13:07 09:31 03/12/2014

BBC logo © BBC 1996. Doctor Who logo © BBC 2012. TARDIS image © BBC 1963. Licensed by BBC Worldwide.

BE PART OF THE ADVENTURE BOOK TICKETS NOW DoctorWhoExperience.com 0844 801 2279 DWE_EASTER_ESCAPE.indd 1

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e l t t B

e h c a e B OF THE

RHOSSILI BAY the reigning champion

20 | escape

This idyllic stretch of sand on the Gower Peninsula in Swansea has been voted TripAdvisor’s best beach in the UK for two years running, and was even named ninth best worldwide in 2014.

For visitors to the secluded Rhossili Bay

it’s easy to see why it holds its own against exotic counterparts in Hawaii and the Seychelles. The three miles of sandy shore buffeted by the Atlantic swell are a favourite of surfers, walkers and picnickers alike. At low tide it’s possible to scramble

across a causeway to Rhossili’s most striking geological feature, the Worm’s Head, a snaking rocky promontory that takes its name from the Old Norse word for dragon.

The poet Dylan Thomas once found himself stranded here as a boy,

cut off by the rising tide when he fell asleep.

If you’re not taking a beachside nap yourself, keep a lookout for basking seals and dolphins playing in the surf, plus the seabirds swirling above the cliffs, including guillemots and the occasional puffin. www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

pick a card from our deck of top beaches to find the coast with the most

PORTHM INSTER BEACH

Sunbathers at Porthminster Beach

h es

SPECIFICAT ION Scenery an d views Family fun factor Sandcastle sculpting Wave ridin g and water sports Marine cuis ine

8 8 9 6 8

PORTHMINSTER BEACH

challenger THAT PUNCHES ABOVE ITS WEIGHT

Y RHOSSILI BA

SPECIFICATION Scenery and views Family fun factor ing Sandcastle sculpt tersports wa d an Wave riding e isin cu e rin Ma

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

10 7 8 6 7

Small but perfectly formed, Porthminster Beach benefits from the mildest climate in the UK and is just a short walk from the centre of the cultural hot spot of St Ives.

Overlooked by waving palm trees, there’s a tropical touch to this beach. It offers fantastic swimming in blue waters and plenty of leisure activities, including mini golf, as well the opportunity to simply lounge around in a deck chair.

There are also fantastic views out over the bay to Godrevy Lighthouse, said to be the inspiration for Virginia Woolf’s famous novel To the Lighthouse.

Porthminster Café offers beach views and fine food

Once you’ve built up an appetite, head along to the award-winning Porthminster Cafe for some local seafood with a Mediterranean and Asian

twist. Located right on the beach, the café is the perfect place to sample steamed Cornish mussels and a special Porthminster monkfish curry.

escape | 21

OPERAT IONS ANALYS T NURSE

DOCTOR MARKE ENGINE TEER ER

ACHIEVE SOMETHING REMARKABLE Get ready for an adventure like no other. Join the only global yacht race crewed by people like you, no experience required.

Sign up for a single leg, combine several or become one of an elite few who complete a circumnavigation.

clipperroundtheworld.com/apply +44 (0) 2392 526000

BEACHES

4

The shingly shore at Babbacombe Beach

BEST BEACHES IN Pembrokeshire BE BEACH BABBACOM

N SPECIFICATIO ws vie d an y er en Sc r Family fun facto ting ulp sc e stl ca Sand d watersports Wave riding an Marine cuisine

Barafundle Bay This small bay, backed by sand dunes and pine trees, is often likened to a Caribbean paradise.

8 7 3 8 7

BABBACOMBE BEACH

Paignton Pier

KNOWN TO TAKE THE ODD DIVE This small shingle beach below the cliffs at Babbacombe Downs was once the domain of smugglers and fishermen, but now welcomes holidaymakers looking to take a break from some of the hustle and bustle of neighbouring Torquay.

What Babbacombe Beach lacks in golden sands it makes up for in the abundance of places to explore, with plenty of opportunities for rock pooling, clifftop walks and snorkelling. In fact the world beneath the waves

has seen Babbacombe become one of the South West’s leading diver training and scuba diving venues. Put your head under the water and you might be lucky to spot psychedelic striped cuttlefish or even the gigantic – but harmless – basking sharks that visit the area.

There are also fantastic sights to be seen at nearby Babbacombe Model Village, where you can stride like a giant around miniature landmarks, including Stonehenge.

Psychedelic common cuttlefish

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

Manorbier Beach A favourite surfing beach, notable for its magnificent Norman castle.

PAIGNTON SANDS ALWAYS DELIVERS A KNOCKOUT

All the charms of a Next to the beach is traditional family day Paignton Green, the venue for games of out at the seaside can be cricket and a lively found along Paignton’s programme of events bustling beachfront, throughout the summer. most notable for its famous pier that stretches 740 feet into the sea.

Paignton PAIGNTON S Sands’ shallow ANDS waters make it ideal for paddling, or cruising about in a pedalo, while sunbathers and sandcastle builders will appreciate the English Riviera’s SPECIFICATION longest beach Scenery and vie with its expanse ws 7 Family fun factor of smooth 9 Sa nd castle sculpting red sands.

Wave riding and watersports Marine cuisine

7 5

7

Tenby North Beach A sheltered sandy blue flag beach and one of the most popular spots in town.

Poppit Sands Much loved by surfers, bodyboarders, families and playful bottlenose dolphins.

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BEACHES

H

FISTRAL BEAC

SPECIFICATION Scenery and views

Family fun factor ing Sandcastle sculpt tersports Wave riding and wa Marine cuisine

6 9 6 10 7

FISTRAL BEACH ONE OF BRITAIN’S BIG HITTERS Newquay’s premier coastal hangout and the epicentre of the UK surf scene attracts thousands of wave riders each year, keen to experience the big swells and breaks that Fistral Beach can serve up.

Consistently good wave conditions mean that all the big competitions take place here, including Boardmasters, the Quiksilver Skins and the UK Pro Surf Tour. More experienced surfers also come to test their mettle Perfect for fun and relaxation

24 | escape

on the infamous Cribbar, a reef that is known for brewing up waves in excess of 20 feet high.

Nevertheless, if you don’t fancy wiping out on what has become known as the ‘Widow Maker’ there’s still a lot to do, with laidback bars and cafes and plenty of surf shops and schools.

Roald Dahl fans might also recognise the imposing Headland Hotel overlooking the beach from the 1990 film adaptation of The Witches.

Surf’s up at Fistral Beach

Lake view at Bluestone

Blue Lagoon Waterpark

Make a splash at Bluestone Few places on Earth can lay claim to as many world-class beaches as Wales does, and the Pembrokeshire coast boasts more than its fair share.

From pristine white sands to dramatic clifftop castles, it’s worth taking the time to explore everything on offer.

Bluestone National Park Resort is one of the best bases to set out on a beachside odyssey around South Wales, with well-appointed accommodation, several restaurants and the indoor Blue Lagoon Waterpark.

Outdoor adventurists on two wheels are well

catered for with a network of cycle paths, and there’s also the chance to get your feet wet while enjoying some coasteering.

This popular activity was pioneered in Pembrokeshire and encourages you to tackle the rocky coastlines on foot or by swimming. www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

Spectacular & stylish self catering, offering memorable holidays in the surroundings of St Ives

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The world’s finest choral music

0845 652 1823 3choirs.org twitter.com/3choirs facebook.com/3ChoirsFestival

TOP FARE

BY MITCH TONKS

Nature’s bounty

The restaurateur and seafood guru goes foraging for his dinner For most of us, life runs at such a pace that the only foraging we do is in the aisles of our local supermarkets. But gathering your own wild food is fast becoming a fun weekend activity. There can be few places quite like the South West of England for finding nourishment in nature, with its coastal paths, rock pools, hedgerows and woodlands.

Mushrooms are something I tend to steer clear of when it comes to foraging, as I really don’t trust myself to get that right. I’m too frightened I’ll misidentify one and end up feeling rather ill.

Despite my reluctance, mushrooming is popular and there are loads of books and websites to help guide you.

The food of the sea has always appealed to me and catching mackerel on the south coast is something I’ve been doing for as long as I’ve been able to hold a line.

The quality of fish is unbeatable and it tastes divine when caught and barbecued on the beach.

South West samphire is a feast for foragers

Catching mackerel is easy and it tastes great when barbecued on the beach

Activities that you probably did when you were a child, such as crabbing, clamming or picking up razor clams and cockles from rockpools, are well worth reconnecting with as an adult.

John Wright’s excellent book Edible Seashore is a good place to start for those looking to revisit these rewarding pastimes.

Away from seafood but still on the coast, there is sea spinach, sea beets and samphire aplenty in South Devon and around the Avon. And if you’re in Devon, I particularly recommend the coast near South Sands for these culinary titbits. But it’s probably best to leave the slightly out of reach samphire clinging to cliff edges alone.

Further inland, sloes are a must and once picked there is nothing quite as satisfying as an evening at home spent pricking all of the sloes and bottling them with a good gin to be enjoyed later in the year.

If you simply want to sample the local bounty without getting your hands dirty, then Devon and Dorset have two great chefs who are experts at using British foraged produce: Mark Hix from Lyme Regis’s Fish House and, of course, Devon’s Simon Hulstone at the Elephant.

And finally, while foraging conjures up images of a gentle, old-fashioned pastime, it might come as a surprise to know that Plymouth lecturer David Beazley (foragersapp.com) has produced an app to help you find the best places to forage, with information on how to identify what you collect, and a few recipes besides. It’s foraging for the 21st century. mitchtonks.co.uk

Keep us updated about your best food finds @mitchtonks and @fgw

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New

ALL D R A O AB

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at London Transport Museum

BUS ST OP

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Kids go free nutty squirrels?

Supported by DCMS/Wolfson Fund Luke Rees-Pulley Charitable Trust Optare

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HISTORY Dip into the past with a visit to Bath's famous spa

Get on your bike in Bristol

n e e grscene Bristol’s

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

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Find your HISTORY

fest

The fiesta that's full of hot air

Bristol Food Connections 1–9 May/Various locations

Gourmands will appreciate this festival serving up all the vibrant food cultures and communities that Bristol has to offer. Delicious dishes from local producers, good food walks, cookery classes and demos are just some examples of what to expect at this feast for the senses.

Bristol Harbour Festival

bristolfoodconnections.com

17–19 July/Harbourside

23–24 May/Harbourside

Bristol’s annual festival of contemporary theatre returns with a selection of extraordinary shows from around the world, presented in 18 venues and sites across the city.

The UK’s biggest vegan event, VegFest is a unique hybrid of globetrotting cuisine, inspirational talks and food workshops, all soundtracked by top DJs and live bands.

Ibiza pioneer DJ Alfredo headlines the proceedings on Saturday night, with drum 'n' bass stalwart LTJ Bukem bringing his breaks on Sunday.

mayfestbristol.co.uk

bristol.vegfest.co.uk

Hundreds of thousands of visitors will once again flock to the harbour for great dance, music, children’s activities, an on-water programme and circus performances. bristolharbourfestival.co.uk

Mayfest 14–24 May/Various locations

Bristol Harbour Festival

VegFest Bristol

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 6–9 August/Ashton Court Estate

This is Europe’s largest ballooning event, an amazing spectacle that's free for the whole family. Over 150 hot air balloons will take off from Ashton Court Estate at dawn and light up the skies at night with evening glows, while fun activities on the ground help to keep everyone entertained. This year look out for the world’s first solar hot air balloon, created in conjunction with European Green Capital. bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

Run 10K 31 May/Bristol City Centre

The scenic route for this riverside race starts and finishes in Bristol’s historic Harbourside, taking runners out and back along the Portway, through the stunning Avon Gorge, and passing twice under Brunel’s famous Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Get active

runbristol.com

Set off on an urban ramble

Bike Fest 13 June/Ashton Court Estate

Riders from all over the country will be rolling up to this race event that sees the beautiful Ashton Court Estate transformed into a twowheeled wonderland. bike-fest.com

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Bristol Walking Festival 1–31 May/Various locations

Discover the best of Bristol’s urban sprawl and its green and serene places on your own two feet.

Some highlights for 2015 include a walking tour in and around the

Go for a fun run round the city

Underfall Yard, a Brunel-designed historic boatyard that is now operational again, and a chance to learn the ancient Chinese exercise Qigong. bristol.gov.uk

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

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STEVE STEVE

Parc Cathays, Caerdydd CF10 3NP Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP

A METROPOLIS MUSIC PRESENTATION

WITH THE ONLY SURF SCHOOL IN ST IVES

St Ives Surf School_Escape_SUM_15.indd 1 SISS_Ad.indd 1

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Music Photography of the 70s +80s 09.05. 2015 - 06.09. 2015

amgueddfacymru.ac.uk museumwales.ac.uk

up 7 Listen

HISTORY

Join in the St Pauls party

Bluesman Seasick Steve

Love Saves the Day

Let’s Rock Bristol

Bristol Summer Series

23–24 May/Eastville Park

5–7 June/Ashton Court Estate

24-27 June/Lloyds Amphitheatre

A bumper weekend of beats, Love Saves the Day combines the cream of the city’s thriving underground with pioneering artists from across the globe. Among the many acts gracing the stage this year expect to see Jessie Ware, Daniel Avery, Four Tet and Grandmaster Flash.

Take a trip back to the time of scrunchies and shoulder pads at this festival that brings together some of the best-loved artists of the 1980s. Legends making an appearance include Sister Sledge, Jimmy Somerville, Rick Astley and Five Star. This family friendly weekend also keeps 21st-century kids entertained with a funfair, circus workshops and face painting.

Bristol Summer Series returns, with big names such as the Kaiser Chiefs and Seasick Steve playing alfresco concerts harbourside.

lovesavestheday.org

letsrockbristol.com

bristolsummerseries.com

St Pauls Afrikan Caribbean Carnival 4 July/St Pauls

For 46 years this community carnival has been bringing music, dance and colourful costumes to the St Pauls area of Bristol. Expect a glittering pageant of performers, a masquerade, live bands and street sound systems. stpaulscarnival.co.uk

Bristol Summer Series

Ricky from Kaiser Chiefs Singer Jessie Ware 32 | escape

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

BANK HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN COTSWOLDS TOURISM AWARD WINNER 2014

23 ~ 25 May 2015

GO TALL IN GLOUCESTER

23 -25 May GLOUCESTER Take the FGW train to Gloucester.

Gloucester Docks is a 20 minute walk south of the station through the city centre or a short taxi ride away.

Where better to spend Spring Bank Holiday with your family? Board the grand tall ships in the unique setting of Gloucester Docks, the UK’s most inland port. A Cotswolds Tourism award winner in 2014, the festival has long been seen as a perfect day out with activities to keep everybody entertained.

There’s plenty for sea dogs and land lubbers to enjoy - swashbuckling pirate shows on land and ship battles on water take centre stage. Plus live music, kids’ activities, food and craft markets. Fringe events taking place throughout the city include the Gloucester Stone Carving Festival and the Gloucester Shanty Festival. gloucestertallships.co.uk

gloucestertallships.co.uk

Go green

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Bristol BIG Green Week 13–21 June/Various locations

Innovative eco-activities and a celebration of the natural world are the key ingredients of Bristol’s Big Green Week, which packs in over 150 events over nine days.

Budding biologists will particularly enjoy the Festival of Nature at the harbourside, which celebrates the city’s wild side with some flora and fauna based fun. Other highlights during the week include an army of artists, performers and musicians, a Fair Fashion show and an enormous street playground. biggreenweek.com

Withdrawn in Leigh Woods

A naturally brilliant city

Withdrawn

The Bristol Whales

From April/Leigh Woods

July/At-Bristol Science Centre

Artist Luke Jerram invites visitors to picturesque Leigh Woods to experience an unexpected encounter with a flotilla of abandoned fishing boats installed in the depths of the woodland. This thought-provoking and engaging installation encourages discussion about climate change and our impact on the marine environment.

Gentle giants from the ocean depths take a city sojourn in this ambitious project to build a pair of life-size whales surrounded by a ‘sea’ of plastic bottles. at-bristol.org.uk

lukejerram.com

Beautiful Bristol Harbour

George Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol, SAYS urban living isn’t always environmentally damaging 2015 marks a new chapter in Bristol’s history as it becomes the first European Green Capital in the UK. After 40 years of innovative environmental efforts, with real successes in areas such as food, travel, energy and waste, Bristol’s Mayor George Ferguson

34 | escape

new international status will build on the blueprint for city living worldwide, and serve as a catalyst for change locally, nationally and globally.

The European Green Capital Award was established in 2008 to promote and reward the efforts of cities working to improve the environment. The Green Capital judges commented on the city’s "sense of fun", so one of our innovative approaches to solving environmental problems has rightly been recognised.

Bristol’s greatest strength is its people – they're the ones who have helped it to become a green city and a green capital. We want everyone – families, communities, businesses – to get involved, and to feel excited about playing their part

in creating an even better, greener, more connected city.

We will be focusing on five core themes for the year: nature, food, energy, resources and transport.

Whether it’s smaller ideas or thinking about large-scale partnerships, our cross-border cooperation opens up all sorts of doors and helps put Bristol on the

international map. Let’s make the most of this great opportunity to bridge the gap between what we know we need to do to ensure a safe climate and the actions we are taking, in everyday decisions and in individual homes across the city, in order to get there.

For more information about Bristol’s green blueprint visit bristol2015.co.uk

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

Photo by Suzie Davidson-Kelly

Exchange your Vows at The Holburne Museum The Holburne Museum is a beautiful venue for your wedding ceremony with its enviable location within Sydney Gardens and overlooking Great Pulteney Street.

Whether you are holding a relaxed and informal ceremony for 40 people or a champagne reception for 100 guests, we will help to make your event successful and memorable.

For more information please contact our Venue Hire Manager Steven Vodli, Email: s.vodli@holburne.org | Tel: 01225 388569

Great Pulteney Street Bath BA2 4DB

WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG

Holburne Museum_Escape_Summer_15.indd 1

09/04/2015 14:50

VISIT www.monkeyworld.org

Family tickets for 4 from just £37 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!

OPEN TO VISITORS EVERY DAY, EXCEPT CHRISTMAS DAY!

FREE INFORMATION LINE: 0800 445566

Chesil Beach

Jubilee clock

WHY WE9 Seafood Festival

Weymouth The coastal resort that once charmed an english king Why go there?

With its long golden sandy beach set against an attractive and vibrant seafront, Weymouth has been a popular Dorset getaway destination ever since King George III rolled up here in his bathing machine in the late 18th century.

Where do I start?

King

George III There’s no better introduction to Weymouth than a leisurely stroll down its famous beach. Complete your excursion by also picking up an ice cream or two from Rossi’s Ices, an institution on the town’s esplanade since 1932.

Where should I kip?

Enjoy sea views over Chesil Beach from Moonfleet Manor Hotel, a

splendid Georgian country house.

Alternatively, bunk down closer to town at The Hotel Rex, which was originally built for the Duke of Clarence as his summer residence.

What’s hip?

Find your catch of the day at The Dining Room restaurant, which makes the most of the great local seafood. You’re also likely to hear the clink of champagne glasses when the Seafood Festival takes place down at the harbour between 11–12 July.

If I do one thing?

Get shipshape at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

This excellently equipped facility was the host venue for the London 2012 Olympic sailing events and it continues to stage a year round programme of international events and competitions.

You can also take to the waves yourself, as expert instructors cater for all abilities, from paddleboard beginners to Olympic canoeists.

1

wpnsa.org.uk

Once you’ve seen the town’s architectural attractions, take everything in at once with a dizzying trip up the 53m tall Weymouth Tower.

great ENGLISH poet and novelist did you know? The thomas Hardy lived in Weymouth

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

only in weymouth

Set sail

Sandworld

Guarding the entrance to Weymouth Harbour is the Nothe Fort, a Victorian coastal defence that is one of the best preserved of its kind.

2

nothefort.org.uk

3 Come and marvel

at the amazing sculptures, crafted from the Weymouth sands, on show at Sandworld.

These ingenious works of art are likely to put your own bucket and spade efforts to shame. sandworld.co.uk

escape | 37

Gems

on the

From Royal Regattas to the haunts of Harry Potter,

T

he metropolitan Thames will be familiar to anyone visiting London, but there’s much more to Old Father Thames than just its stretch in the capital. It flows west to east for some 180 miles, starting as a damp flush oozing from a meadow in the Cotswolds, through rolling chalk downs, woody vales, market towns and famous landmarks, before eventually reaching the Thames flood barrier east of Greenwich.

The Thames has been described as liquid history, the riverbed a 5,000-year repository of archeological treasures, and the riverbank a picture book of regal and historical buildings.

Paddington is one of London’s great railway termini. It’s the gateway to the rural Thames and First Great Western trains cross the river in several places, often stopping just a few minutes’ walk away from England’s celebrated waterway.

Windsor Castle: right royal residence

Windsor and Eton The ancient town of Windsor has a rich royal history and was home to Edward the Confessor, the Anglo-Saxon king who ruled between 1042 and 1066, before William the Conqueror began work on the first Windsor Castle in 1070.

Guarding the river, Windsor Castle is the oldest continuously

38 | escape

inhabited castle in the world and one of Queen Elizabeth II’s three official residences – when the Royal Standard is flying the monarch is in residence. Most days at 11am there is a changing of the guard.

Soldiers parade through the town, led by a Out with the old Regimental Band, guard and after the ceremony

the old guard marches back to Victoria Barracks.

Windsor is a great place for a short river trip and downstream are the water meadows of Runnymede, with memorials to JFK and Allied airmen of WWII. This year, Runnymede will take centre stage for the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta.

Eton and its famous college are a stroll across the river and

Eton College: public school

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

Thames DAYS OUT

Peter Lynch tests the waters of the iconic river

Windsor to Maidenhead

Cliveden House: home to the smart set

What on earth is Swan Upping?

FILIP FUXA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

JULY

tours are possible during vacations. You’ll often see boys strolling around in their tailcoats and starched collars.

With school fees in excess of the average UK annual wage, it seems ironic that Eton College was founded by Henry VI in 1440 as a school for poor scholars. Christopher Wren’s house, beside Eton Bridge, is a picturesque place to stop for lunch or a drink.

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

This historical swan census ceremony dates back to the 12th century, when the Crown claimed ownership of all mute swans and considered the birds a tasty delicacy. Swans may no longer feature on the royal dining table but they are still dutifully counted by the Queen's Swan Marker in a five-day journey up the Thames in rowing boats.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel the great English painter built many bridges for the JMW Turner – ‘Rain, Steam Great Western Railway, but and Speed’ – currently hangs Maidenhead’s 1839 red brick in London’s National Gallery. bridge is perhaps the most Cliveden Reach and the famous. It has the longest and beech woods of the Cliveden flattest brick arch in the Estate are just along from world, which people the bridge. Jerome K at the time said was Jerome, in his classic bound to collapse. comic novel Three Not only did it carry Men in a Boat (1889), all the relatively writes that ‘this is, lightweight traffic of perhaps, the sweetest Brunel the Victorian era, today it stretch of all the river.’ stands up to the heavy load Close by, Boulter’s Lock of huge locomotives crossing is an ideal spot to indulge in every few minutes. a little river watching, have a An atmospheric 1844 bite to eat, and relax on the image of the bridge by terrace as the river flows past.

Maidenhead Bridge:

escape | 39

DAYS OUT Top ten tipple

Say hello to Lionel Richie

Marlow andy Royal Henle Knightor Winery and Restaurant

The classic riverside town of Marlow has a beautiful Georgian High Street. Behind this genteel facade, Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein and spawned a gruesome new genre of writing.

Pubs and cafes abound in Marlow, but for something a bit special cross the Marlow Suspension Bridge to The Compleat Angler and its grand river terrace. William Tierney Clark designed the somewhat over-elaborate bridge in 1830.

Henley still heaves with the social whirl of the Royal Regatta, as it has done since 1839. The regatta became an annual event after the success of the inaugural Oxford and Cambridge boat race.

This year the regatta takes place from 1–5 July. It's not just a major sporting event but a highlight of the English social calender, and is well worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime.

On to Oxford Visitors can explore Oxford with a walking tour, bicycle tour or open top bus tour, but it’s an easy city to navigate on your own. Perhaps the best place to start is the 14th-century Carfax Tower, in the heart of the city.

It’s impossible to visit all of Oxford University's 38 colleges, but if you’re a Harry Potter or Lewis Carroll fan, top of your list should be Christ Church College. Hogwarts’ dining hall is modelled on The Great Hall and several movie scenes were filmed there. Inside there’s a portrait of Charles Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) and a stained glass window featuring characters from Alice in Wonderland.

More culture can be found at the Ashmolean, England’s oldest museum, while the

40 | escape

River Church Marlow: pews with a view

the festival you've been looking for 8TH-12TH JULY

The beautiful Georgian and Tudor buildings in Henley make sauntering around and popping into shops and pubs a real joy.

Henley’s surrounding villages are the heart of TV’s Midsomer and if you have time for a Midsomer Murders tour, check out visitmidsomer.com.

And to discover more about Henley, rowing and the Thames, stop off at the town’s fascinating River and Rowing Museum.

The stars come out at the annual Henley Festival, which this year features performances from the legendary Lionel Richie, Jessie J, plus comedy from Mark Watson and the Horne Section. Far from the muddy fields of other festivals, Henley's offering is a black tie affair on the banks of the River Thames. Look smart and book your tickets at henley-festival.co.uk

The Radcliffe Camera: picture perfect

Punting near Magdalen Bridge

The Great Hall, Christ Church

Pitt Rivers Museum includes shrunken heads amongst its many eclectic exhibits.

Punting on the river can be fun. Punts are available at Magdalen Bridge, next to the botanic gardens, and although steering is harder than it looks you can always opt for an official punter as a guide.

For refreshments stop off at the Macdonald Randolph Hotel, famous for its regular appearances in the TV series Inspector Morse, or the Eagle and Child in St Giles, where authors CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien regularly met for literary debates.

With so much to see in Oxford, you might even decide to stay overnight.

Malmaison has transformed a former jail into a chic hotel.

They anticipate repeat offenders.

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

Spend an inspiring day at Britain’s Greatest Palace • Discover more than 300 years of history inside the Palace • Explore over 2000 acres of Parkland and Formal Gardens • Take a specialist tour from our new daily tours programme, including the Duke of Marlborough’s Private Apartments • Enjoy a diverse and exciting range of events throughout the year

• Celebrate our ‘Greatest Briton’ Sir Winston Churchill in this commemorative year by visiting our re-invigorated exhibition and new memorial garden, amongst many more dedicated experiences

A timeless pleasure, a precious time, every time.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit www.blenheimpalace.com BUY ONE DAY, GET 12 MONTHS FREE* * Terms and conditions apply

Swindon Museum and Art Gallery has one of the most important collections of modern British art in the country.

It features impressive and thoughtprovoking works by some of Britain’s finest modern artists including Lucien Freud, Henry Moore, Richard Hamilton, Gillian Ayres and Ben Nicholson, alongside an important collection of studio ceramics.

Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BA T: 01793 466556 E: smag@swindon.gov.uk www.swindonmuseumandartgallery.org.uk

C Swindon Museum & Art Gallery L @MuseumandArt L Swindon Museum and Art Gallery

FREE Entry

MAKE HALL FOR CORNWALL YOUR NEXT STOP! The West End play that inspired the Oscar-winning film

Music & Lyrics and Royal & Derngate Northampton present

Mon 1 - Sat 6 June ««««

with

Starring Belinda

Lang and Gary Wilmot

Jason Donovan

‘A cracking good story’ The Guardian

Tue 26 - Sat 30 May ‘A BRILLIANT PLAY!

IT’S THRILLING FROM START TO END. I CANNOT RECOMMEND IT ENOUGH.’ Dartford Living

TINA HOBLEY JAMIE LOMAS as DETECTIVE and GRAY O’BRIEN ROY GRACE in

WITH

‘A PHENOMENAL COMBINATION OF STORYTELLING AND SPECTACLE’ The Times

RIK MAKAREM AND MICHAEL MCKELL

Mon 15 - Sat 20 Jun

Tue 7 - Sat 11 Jul

Box Office 01872 262466 hallforcornwall.co.uk

THE GUIDE

TICKETS TO SUIT YOU

GET THE MOST FROM YOUR JOURNEY 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

BUY BEFORE YOU BOARD

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.

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 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.

Heading for Heathrow?

Banbury

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Pe rs Ev hore es h Ho am ne yb ou rn e

Kings Sutton

Tenby

Manorbier

Severn Beach Barnstaple

Bu rn ha m

Falmouth Town

Sandplace

Falmouth Docks

Looe

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Br oa dw ay Lin e

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Plymouth

Be tc hw or th Re iga te

Gatwick Airport

Br ig ht on

Sh or eh am -b ySe a Ho ve

W or th ing

Chetnole

Digby & Sowton Topsham

Portsmouth & Southsea

Maiden Newton Lympstone Commando Lympstone Village

Paignton

Fratton

Yetminster

Polsloe Bridge

Exton Torquay

Ch ich es te r

Thornford

Ba rn ha m

Southampton Central

’P ar k

Newton Abbot

Salisbury Romsey

Ha va nt

Ye ov il P en

Starcross Dawlish Warren Dawlish Teignmouth

Totnes Ivybridge

S Fe t Bu rry de Ro au a x Ke d y Do ham c De kya vo rd np or t

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Penmere

Coombe Junction Halt St Keyne Wishing Well Halt Causeland

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Ce Exe St nt ter Ja ra m l es

Lis ke

Tr ur o St Au st ell

Penryn

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Warminster

Exeter St Thomas S Be Vic t B re to ude Fe ria a rre Ro ux rs ad

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Redhill

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Gunnislake

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North Camp

Sh a Ch lford ilw or th G o Do ms h Do rk ing all rk ing W es (D t ee pd en e)

Yeoford

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Farnborough North

Basingstoke

& Hig Br id hb gw rid at ge er

Copplestone

Bugle

Blackwater

Frome

Lapford

Carbis Bay

Bramley

Pewsey Westbury

Morchard Road

Roche

Sandhurst

Kintbury

Weston-super-Mare

Eggesford

Quintrell Downs

Heathrow Terminal 4

Crowthorne

Hungerford

Weston Milton

Kings Nympton

St Columb Road

Mortimer

Bedwyn

Trowbridge

Portsmouth Arms

St Ives

Wokingham

Worle

Umberleigh

Newquay

Ba th

Yatton

Chapelton

Heathrow Terminals 1-2-3

Windsor & Eton Central

Newbury

Bradfordon-Avon

M ill

Pembroke

Newbury Racecourse Melksham

Avoncliff

Nailsea & Backwell

Pembroke Dock

Aldermaston

Parson Street

Lamphey

Slough Winnersh

Midgham

Freshford

Bedminster

Theale

Thatcham

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

Sp a

Filton Abbey Wood Stapleton Road

Sea Mills Shirehampton

Saundersfoot

Sw in do n

Ju nc tio n Tu nn el Pil nin g

Se ve rn

Montpelier

Swansea

Kilgetty

Appleford Kemble

Stroud

Reading West

C Do lifto w n n Re dla nd

Br id ge nd

Lla ne lli

Newport

O ld fie ld

First Great Western summer only service

Narberth

P Pa ort rk Ta w lb ay ot

Ca r

Fe ma rry r sid the Kid e n w e Pe lly m br ey & Bu rry Po rt

Neath

Bristol Parkway

W Sh ar ip gr lak av e e

Stonehouse

Yate

Re ad in g

Culham

Cam & Dursley

Whitland

Bo ur ne

Radley

Gloucester

Cardiff Central

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

W or G ce re at st M er alv er Fo M n W alv r e e or ce gat rn Lin e k st S er t Sh ree t ru b Hi ll

Hereford

Take RailAir - the dedicated non-stop coach service from Reading.

FIND OUT MORE AT www.railair.com

Heyford

M in- ore M to ar ns 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

escape | 43

COMPETITION

TRANSPORT LINKS FROM STATIONS

Win a trip to Rick Stein’s cookery school You could win two places on a one-day cookery course at Padstow Seafood School, a two night stay with breakfast and a three course dinner at The Seafood Restaurant.

Padstow Seafood School Rick Stein’s cookery school in Padstow is a must for foodies – and with over 40 courses to choose from there is something for everyone.

It’s not all about seafood either, as there are lots of

other interesting day courses on offer including Indian street food, Far Eastern, Italian and Spanish tapas, as well as some wonderful patisserie and bakery sessions.

Course prices start at £35. rickstein.com the seafood restaurant This year marks the 40th anniversary of Rick Stein and Jill Stein opening The Seafood Restaurant. Enjoying an international reputation for

excellence, the restaurant uses the very freshest fish and shellfish, often landed on its doorstep.

HOW TO ENTER Simply answer the following question: Q The Seafood Restaurant celebrates which anniversary this year? l Enter at: firstgreatwestern. co.uk/ricksteincomp Closing date is 23 July.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Competition closing date 23 July. Winner and guest must both be over 18. Dinner at The Seafood Restaurant is on one night only and includes a three course meal plus a bottle of house wine. Prize does not include travel to the hotel, or any additional food, drinks or alcoholic beverages, all of which will be the sole responsibility of the winner and their guest and must be paid for in full upon departure. The prize must be taken before 16 March 2016 however all bookings are subject to availability. No cash alternative available.

WHEN YOU’RE ON BOARD LUGGAGE can be stored on the overhead shelves, in the racks at the end of carriages, or under the seats.

PROBLEM WITH ONBOARD WIFI? If travelling on one of our daytime services operated by our 'Class 180' fleet, please email fgw.support@icomera.com or call 020 8028 0378. If taking one of our overnight Sleeper services or our long distance HST services, email FGW-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.

44 | escape

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.

FIRST CLASS can be found in Coaches K and L 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 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, 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. www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

Discover Trebah, a beautiful sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop.

Enjoy adventure play areas, children’s trails and special events all year round. Visit our award winning Planters Café for seasonal home-cooked food.

2014 Silver

2 5 Ye a r s i n Tr u st

We

love dogs...

Trebah’s B each Giant Gunn era

Performance

Trebah – it’s excitingly different.

G ard en Trails

www.trebah-garden.co.uk

THE GUIDE

2FOR1 DAYS OUT

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 trip to the Freud Museum, London? The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare? Or the Royal London Tour?

HOW TO GET YOUR OFFER To take advantage of these offers all you need to do is

1 Visit daysoutguide.co.uk

2 Browse the list of offers

3 Click ‘Claim offer’ on the one you like

4 Print your 2FOR1 voucher

5 Present the vouchers together with your National Rail train tickets at the attraction. (For full details visit daysoutguide.co.uk/faq)

Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, including 78 bathrooms

SPECIAL OFFERS First Great Western has a range of great 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.

46 | escape

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.

SuperBus The First SuperBus ticket provides inclusive onward bus travel in the Bristol area for holders of certain train tickets with a destination of Bristol Parkway or Bristol Temple Meads, at no extra cost.

HOW ARE WE DOING? Contact us at 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 www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo... who will you see?

From cheeky monkeys to leaping lemurs, noisy otters to snuffling coatis, who will you come face to face with?

Plus our fun play area for kids of all ages!

r Visit oue it s b e w

Tel: 020 7924 5826

Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate Battersea London SW11 4NJ

www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk we’re passionate about wildlife

BOOK PUBLISHING © National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

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

White sand, turquoise sea, nature at its best. Come and see for yourself.

Nearest station: Redruth

Kynance

Call 01326 561 407 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/lizard

14 -15 MAY TH

TH

COLSTON HALL, BRISTOL www.showcase2015.com THE Business Event for the South West. Networking, Exhibitors & Speakers. FREE to attend

BEV JAMES

GERALD RATNER

LEVI ROOTS

STELLA ENGLISH

Millionaires’ Mentor

Industry Icon

Dragons’ Den

Apprentice Winner

Proudly Sponsored by Official Partners

Graphics Partner

Complete Technical Production Partner

Networking Partner

Pulteney Bridge, Bath

Media Partner

Torquay Wheel, Devon

Nash Point, Wales

GREAT WESTERN OFFERS. Visit firstgreatwestern.co.uk/GreatWesternOffers for even more reasons to travel by train this summer.

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

Light sticks will then be removed 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, L, AND M

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

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

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

escape | 49

GIVE ME FIVE The Scots-American star on taking his new album out on the road and playing the bad guy

JOHN BARROWMAN

1

What can fans expect from your upcoming You Raise Me Up tour?

The thing that is lovely about going on tour is that I have the complete freedom to talk and do and sing about what I want. It’s a musical journey of my life from the last tour until now.

Anyone who comes to see a John Barrowman concert will be entertained, they will laugh, there will be some poignant moments, they will be amazed and then go away feeling like they’ve had a great night.

d

: AND ALSO

50 | escape

2 4 Arrow star John adds another string to his bow

K

Tell us about how you put together your recent album You Raise Me Up? The experience of that was absolutely incredible and I can also call my fans my producers because they provided funds for it through the PledgeMusic platform.

We made an album that I knew they would like and it’s a completely diverse mix of different styles of music. Some people who pledged were able to come to the studio and actually see the album being made, which usually nobody is privy to.

3

You’re also currently playing Malcolm Merlyn in the comic book spinoff TV drama Arrow – what’s he like?

Everyone describes him as a bad guy, but I see him as more of a misunderstood hero. I’ve been the hero before as Captain Jack in Torchwood. Jack was this omnisexual rogue and here we have Malcolm Merlyn who is a straightforward, shooting-from-the-hip kind of guy, and a father, so I’m a dad now as well!

Is it true that you’re planning to write a Malcolm Merlyn comic with your sister Carole?

I’ve spoken to our exec producers; they’re gung-ho and want a synopsis and then I’ll probably meet with DC Comics. Who would have thought that a wee boy from Mount Vernon in Glasgow would be playing these iconic characters from sci-fi and comic book worlds, and now I’m hopefully going to be writing for them as well.

5

You must be very familiar with Cardiff, the home of Torchwood and Doctor Who – what are some of your favourite spots around the city?

I still have a house in Cardiff and Scott [John's husband] and I enjoy going down to the bay for dinner on Friday nights. We quite often eat at a Turkish restaurant called The Bosphorus. Then on a Saturday afternoon we’ll visit the Captain’s Wife pub, which has a beautiful view of Sully Island.

K

John will be performing You Raise Me Up at venues across the FGW network. For dates and tickets visit gigsandtours.com/tour/john-barrowman In 2014 John received an MBE for services to entertainment and to charity John spent his early childhood in Glasgow before moving with his family to Illinois Keep up to date with all John’s news by following him on Twitter: @Team_Barrowman

K

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

E X P L O R E T H E FA S C I N AT I N G S T O R I E S O F T H E P A S S E N G E R S A N D C R E W O F T H E T I TA N I C T H R O U G H A U N I Q U E I NTER AC TIVE E XPERI ENCE

www.seacitymuseum.co.uk O 023 8083 3007

SeaCityMuseum

@seacitymuseum

SUPER

SIZE VS. SUPER MINI