November/December 2017

Sceptered Isle: Thoughts on Our Favorite Royals

It has been a historic and busy past few years for the monarchy, the Royal Family and Royal watchers everywhere. We have had The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the wedding of William and Kate followed by the births of adorable Prince George and Princess Charlotte (with another on the way), the retirement of the Duke of Edin-burgh, the Queen's record tenure on the throne, the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's tragic death and now HRH The Prince of Wales setting his own longevity record for that title.

Wondrous Wensleydale

On Track Across to Get London

A Day Well Spent: Norwich

Photo Competition: Scotney Old Castle

In the village of Lamberhurst, several miles from Royal Tunbridge Wells, Scotney Old Castle sits on an island in a small lake. Scotney New Castle, the Victorian manor house built in Tudor Revival style stands at the top of the qarden. And it is the gardens that famously draw the visitors (and photographers). In spring, rhododendrons and azaleas bring a riot of color. Summer boasts roses and wisteria, while mellow autumn colors bathe the woods and lake with gold. A timed ticket is required for entry to the house.

Photo Essay: London Is a Winter Wonderland

The Christmas season comes early to Britain. Without our American Thanksgiving, there is nothing to mark a change in holiday seasons. By the middle of November Christmas displays fill shop windows and the famous lights of Regent Street cast their festive sheen into the long, dark evenings. Holiday parties fill pubs, restaurants, homes and offices with bonhomie and raised glasses (often raised a few times too many). For the fun-loving Brits, the partying continues unabated into the first week of January.

Take Ten: Festive Christmas Markets

If you are traveling in Britain anytime through November and December, it would be a shame to miss one of the many Christmas Markets that have become immensely popular over the last 20 years. Indeed, there are now more than 200 annual Christmas markets across Britain, most commonly with German or Victorian themes, but the variations are many. Here are some grand places to catch the Christmas spirit, a glass of mulled wine and a variety of unique, memorable gifts.

Great British Fare: The British Cheese Boom

Around Town: Christmas in London

Christmas has been celebrated in Merry England for more than a thousand years. Some customs melt back even further to pagan traditions. At a time of year when twilight falls mid-afternoon and frost hovers on the breath, the joy of nighttime sparkle, mulled wine, music and entertainment is as welcome to a modern, city-hardened Londoner as any rustic medieval reveler.