Places to visit this Christmas

Are you looking for places to visit over this Christmas a n New Year? That's Christmas has come up with some really great places for you and your family.

Lightwater Valley Alice in Winterland, North Yorkshire

https://www.lightwatervalley.co.uk/news/view/alice-in-winterland-at-lightwater-valley-this-christmas

Gasp with wonder as you see hundreds of giant illuminated light sculptures which illustrate stories from Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass.

Discover a giant chess board, watch the Mad Hatter prepare for his crazy tea party, marvel at the four-metre tall Alice light sculpture and come face to face with the infamous Queen herself.

Visitors can follow the luminous trail and immerse themselves in a glowing garden with massive mushrooms, illuminated tulips and even a flamingo or two as the evening becomes curiouser and curiouser…



Blenheim Palace Oxfordshire

http://www.raymondgubbay.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-blenheim-1

It’s the most wonderful time of the year as treetops glisten and the Great Lake and the waterfall of Blenheim Palace shimmer and sparkle. There’s something for everyone as the one mile glittering path winds its way through the world-famous Parkland in a magical after dark experience.

You’ll notice some very special new installations this year, too. From Sky-Lights, an aerial light show filling the sky with dancing bands of colour, to the dynamic waterfall at The Cascade. From the mesmerising and immersive ribbons of light at Vines to a more reflective place where, beneath the branches of sprawling trees, the flowers softly glow at Snowdrop Walk.


Stourhead Wiltshire

http://www.raymondgubbay.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-stourhead/

It’s definitely the most wonderful time of the year to wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in seasonal colour and dripping with shards of light, frosty snowflakes, stars and baubles.

As you walk through a Tunnel of Light festooned by over 100,000 lights, the mesmerising voices of the Singing Trees can be heard in the distance. Glowing blossom rises high into the night sky and twinkling hedgerows lead you on a path towards thousands of illuminated lights on Fibre Optic Lawn. Stroll towards the lake and pause at the waterside reflections on the shimmering surface. There are hidden surprises too – step into a Laser Garden and stop at the scented Fire Garden for a moment of reflection.


Belton House Lincolnshire

http://www.raymondgubbay.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-belton

For the very first time at Belton the tree-tops will glisten and the gardens will shimmer and sparkle. It’s definitely the most wonderful time of the year to wander beneath historic tree canopies drenched in seasonal colour and dripping with shards of light, frosty snowflakes, stars and baubles. As you walk through a towering Tunnel of Light festooned with over 100,000 pea-lights, the mesmerising voices of the Singing Trees can be heard in the distance. Step into the Laser Garden where dancing lines of light playfully bounce across the branches. Then stroll towards a carpet of glowing flowers and reedlike lights that reach high into the night sky.



Dunham Massey  Greater Manchester

http://www.raymondgubbay.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-dunham-massey


Enjoy the after-dark sparkling trail lights up once more and winds magically through the formal gardens and deer park of Dunham Massey. Now in its third year, the winter trail is established as a much-anticipated family tradition. Along our 2019 route you’ll notice all-new installations. Enter a grand avenue replanted with gigantic flowers with the house brought to life by festive projections. Walk through the dynamic, glowing Vortex Tunnels and stroll towards the mesmerising reflections made by Fire on Water. Watch out as lights seem to tumble from the undergrowth and light up trees like fizzing fireworks and take time to pause at the delicate carpet of colour changing blooms.



Bedgebury Pinetum Kent

http://www.raymondgubbay.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-bedgebury

The magical, after-dark, illuminated trail It’s definitely the most wonderful time of year when the after-dark sparkling trail lights up once more. A one-mile path winds magically through Bedgebury National Pinetum. The tree-tops will glisten and shimmer drenched in seasonal colour, on this festive adventure in a world of trees.

Following a much-loved first year, our 2019 winter trail will look very different. The sights and sounds of Christmas await under unique canopies with new installations rising high into the night sky.

Celebrate and indulge this Christmas with Guylian Belgian Chocolates

This Christmas, you should treat your loved ones to Guylian Belgian Chocolates' luxurious and indulgent products.

Whilst the unique marbled shapes and utterly delicious and divine roasted hazelnut praline flavour of Guylian chocolates are recognised internationally, what you may not realise is that the Guylian brand began with a love story.

Guylian was created in 1967 when lovers Guy and Liliane combined their delicious praline recipe and delicate shapes to create the seashells that we now know and love.

Today, Guylian chocolates are still made with the same traditional craftsmanship and passion to provide an authentic, quality Belgian Chocolate taste experience, making them the perfect gifts for loved ones this Christmas. The delectable products on offer include:

Guylian Praline Sea Shells (250g or 375g)—for the Chocoholic

Made with only the finest, hand selected Mediterranean hazelnuts, which are roasted and caramelised to perfection before being blended with premium Belgian chocolate, Guylian's famous Sea Shell chocolates are always a delight, and are sure to please any chocolate-lovers in your life. Available in a 250g box (22 pieces; RSP £5), or for an even more decadent gift, a 375g box (33 pieces; RSP £7.50).


Guylian Belgian Deluxe Assortment (369g)—for the Sophisticate

The ultimate selection of original Seashells, Opus Luxury Assortment and Seahorses. Divine melt-in-your-mouth flavours inspired by the opera and classical masterpieces, as well as their iconic Sea Horses in Crunchy Biscuit, Caramel, Coffee, and Milk Truffle, this Belgian Deluxe Assortment is sure to impress the most cultured recipients on your gift list. Available in a 369g box (RSP £10).

Guylian's Temptations, 6 Mixed Flavours (Pouch 496g)—The Evening Indulgence

These beautifully wrapped Sea Horse shaped Belgian chocolates are filled with six favourite flavours: coffee, original hazelnut praline, dark praline, soft caramel, milk truffle, and crunchy biscuit. Guylian's Temptations is the perfect evening indulgence for a post-meal treat to share with family and friends. Temptations are available in two pouch formats, 330g and 496g, with RSP between £4 and £5.

Obviously the number One concern for Guylian is the quality of their products.

But another important concern for them is sustainability. This is why they have ceased using any palm oil in delicious recipes. They now use shea butter and sunflower oil. Which has resulted in a smoother texture and even better tasting chocolates, which also contain less saturated fat and sugar.

Guylian's commitment to conservation is also shown through its partnership and sponsorship of Project Seahorse, an organisation dedicated to preserving seahorses and other marine life throughout the world. Their long-standing partnership began in 1999 and continues as strong as ever.

Guylian is also a proud supporter of Project Cocoa, which is committed to improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their communities through the promotion of sustainable, entrepreneurial farming, improved productivity, community development, and the protection of nature. It is Guylian's ambition to use 100% sustainable cocoa by 2025.

This combination of heritage, quality and sustainability makes Guylian the perfect choice for Christmas gifts this year!

Guylian's Belgian chocolates are available at all major supermarkets, selected independent stores nationwide and online via www.guylian.com.

Christmas Isn’t Always Ho Ho Ho

How To Support Someone Struggling This Christmas

Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time for some. Images of the ‘perfect Christmas’ are all around us. Adverts, magazines and all over social media.

They can be a painful reminder of the restrictions either physically or emotionally that this time of year brings for some.

This is something Anikka, founder of Not Another Bunch Of Flowers knows only too well, having been treated for cancer over the Christmas period.

"Living with cancer is hard," says Anikka. "It’s relentless, exhausting and emotional and people forget that treatment drags on and on and takes its toll. And when you are unwell during the Christmas festivities these feelings can be amplified.

"The days are shorter and the nights longer, colder and darker. Suddenly everyone is out and about having fun, going shopping and having parties. Social media is flooded with images of everything you are missing out on and you can end up feeling even more isolated. There is also that unspeakable question, could this be my last Christmas?"

But knowing that you are loved and supported can really help.

Anikka’s cancer diagnosis inspired her to set up Not Another Bunch Of Flowers,  a gift site that specialises in thoughtful gifts and cards for people going through difficult times.

Anikka has provided some tips to help you buy a suitable and meaningful gift for someone struggling this Christmas, whether it is simply a difficult time of year having lost someone dear to them, if they are suffering from a serious illness, are going through a nasty divorce or are simply under the weather

Flowers
Flowers are lovely, but tend to be the first thing that people think of when someone is sick, so the result can often be an overwhelming number. Why not send a thoughtful gift that will stand out from all of the flowers and last longer?

Practical gifts are greatly appreciated…
A care package full of useful items is always a hit!

…as are little treats
Treats to lift the spirits will also go down well. We may spend more time cozied up at home as we recover from surgery, our latest treatment session or are feeling sad or depressed, so comforting, cosy or pampering gifts are much appreciated. Think pretty lounge-wear, cosy hot water bottles, a natural bath oil, magazines, blankets, comfy bed socks and candles.

Avoid anything too clinical
Some gifts might appear to be really useful such as a thermometer, or a giant size tub of E45, but gifts that are too clinical only act to reaffirm that we are unwell. Something to take our minds off this and make us feel more ‘normal’ is much more appreciated.

Be aware of ingredients
Some cancer patients, for example, are advised to or opt to avoid certain ingredients. They may choose to cut sugar and/or dairy out of their diet, meaning edible treats such as cakes, chocolates and candy may go to waste. Similarly with pampering treats, many cancer patients prefer more natural toiletries that don’t contain nasties such as parabens and SLS. They may also find strong fragrances nauseating and there are some essential oils that are best avoided during treatment. So if you are selecting some body and bath treats, natural and organic is probably best.

It is probably safer to avoid comedy gifts
OK, if you’re very close to your friend, and you know for sure that they will find the gift funny, then go for it - anything to cheer us up is very welcome. However, if you’re not sure, I would avoid it. You don’t want to belittle their feelings with a gift that ends up upsetting them rather than making them laugh.

Be very careful with self-help books
There are thousands of self-help books out there and many offer conflicting advice and opinions, leading to feelings of confusion and fear. Others unfortunately do not have a happy ending. So, if you want to send your friend some helpful books, ensure the message is encouraging and positive and that they don’t scaremonger. Most people are likely to have researched their own information including alternative and holistic therapies so respect their decisions and try not to interfere or comment on them.

Speak from the heart
When choosing the words to accompany your gift, speak from heart. Try to avoid meaningless clichés and platitudes such as ‘you’ll be fine’ as it belittles our very real fears. We have some specific Christmas cards that recognise this year might be a struggle for some. Christmas may not be the most wonderful time of the year for your loved one, so make sure you acknowledge that.

Practical and emotional support is maybe the greatest gift of all
Living with a serious illness or depression is hard, it is relentless, exhausting and emotional. Giving a gift does not have to cost the earth, it could be a matter of giving your time. Anything from helping with the school run, walking the dog, offering a lift to hospital to simply offering a sympathetic ear and a shoulder to cry on may be the greatest gift you could give someone this Christmas.

www.notanotherbunchofflowers.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notanotherbunchofflowers/
Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/notanotherbunchofflowers/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/notanotherbunch

On The Board With Blowers

On The Board With Blowers is a wonderful book that should be in the Christmas stockings of any cricketing fans.

Written by Peter Baxter, with a forward by Henry "Blowers" Blofeld, it tells the colourful, hilarious and utterly charming stories of what happened when old friends and BBC Test Match Special colleagues Henry Blofeld and Peter Baxter decided to embark on a tour of the boards with an utterly amazing and amusing tour.

They quickly found that they, and their audiences, loved their wonderful stories of life commentating of some of the world's top cricketers. Their tour took them to the West End of London, to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and all the way to Australia, too.

Hear about the amazing characters they met in the commentary box, such as Brian Johnston, John Arlott (a very thirsty man!) Christopher Martin-Jenkins (described as very scatty, a little baffled by technology) Jonathan Agnew (full of fun and more than a bit of mischief) and a host of others who made fleeting, if not very memorable, appearances.

Learn how Peter And Blowers put together their two man show, which they performed, in several different guises and iterations, in excess of 200 times over a period of five years to enthralled cricketing audiences all over the world.

Did you see a performance by Blowers and Backers? If you did, you are in for a real treat. And if you didn't, then you'll soon learn what you missed.

It's nicely illustrated with photographs and you'll read several of the amusing anecdotes that helped power the 200+ shows.

It's published by Matador at £8.99 and, as I say, it's a great Chirstmas present for the cricketing fan/s in your life.

Blood on His Hands A New DI Carmichael thriller!

Detective fiction fans will be well blessed this Christmas, because you'll be able to buy them the latest DI Carmichael thriller from the ever-popular detective fiction author Ian McFadyen, Blood on His Hands.

A man, unknown to the congregation of DI Carmichael's local church, finds his way into the building and his hands are covered in blood. He claims to be a murderer.

Barney Green, the young and somewhat ebullient, but dedicated, vicar calls DI Carmichael to appraise him of the situation, but by the time the police arrive the man has vanished from the church vestry just as quickly as he had arrived.

The police realise they have no idea who the man was, where he had come from, where he had gone or what, if anything, he might or might not have done.

But within less than 24 hours a Bentley car is found along a normally quiet rural lane. Within the boot they find a dead body.

Are the two incidents linked? But then the case takes on an even more urgent nature because more corpses are found within the area and DI Carmichael and his tightly knit team soon realise that all might not be quite as it appears as they struggle to find the motive for the multiplicity of killings and the person who is responsible for them.

Who is the killer? Can DI Carmichael and his team of detectives and their police colleagues apprehend them and bring an end to their reign of murderous terror? 

This is another book from one of my favourite mystery writers and you'll be kept wondering who is responsible for the murders up until the end of the book, but the clues are all there, of course.

It's published by The Book Guild on 28 November at £8.99, so it's an ideal Christmas gift for the mystery novel lover in your life. But don't expect to see much of them once they read the first page!

Christmas with Augmented Reality

That's Books and Entertainment: Hedgehog Christmas

That's Books and Entertainment: Hedgehog Christmas: In Hedgehog Christmas  David Hills brings you a heartwarming story of a new adventure for a young boy called Alistair and his good friend,...

That's Books and Entertainment: The Knobbly, Wobbly, Bobbly Celeriac

That's Books and Entertainment: The Knobbly, Wobbly, Bobbly Celeriac: The Knobbly, Wobbly, Bobbly Celeriac s a highly entertaining bit very educational book that is aimed at inspiring children and their paren...

That's Books and Entertainment: It's Complicated

That's Books and Entertainment: It's Complicated: It's Complicated is a book about the searching for true love. How complicated, exactly, could it be? How difficult? Well, it turns out...

The top 10 European Christmas Markets you must visit

It may only be October, but the nights are drawing in, the organised amongst us are starting their Christmas shopping and there’s a chill in the air, which means the festive season will soon be upon us.

Christmas markets offer the perfect setting to get into the spirit due to the sweet cinnamon scented air, an abundance of delicious treats and stalls packed with gifts galore but choosing the best market to go to is no easy feat.

To save you the effort, here are the top 10 Christmas markets you should consider exploring this year.

 Wenceslas Square, Prague, Czech Republic

Dates: 30th November 2019 to 6th January 2020

With brightly decorated wooden huts stocking everything from local handicrafts to chocolate treats, the fittingly named Wenceslas Square celebrations are the epitome of Christmas. With everything from school choirs singing carols to an interactive animal stable, you’re sure to find fun in the festivities on offer in Prague.

Top tip: Don’t miss out on trying a hot sugar pasty known locally as trdelnik. The rolled dough is wrapped around a large tick and grilled in front of your eyes before being doused in a sugar and walnut mix.


Viennese Christmas Market, Vienna, Austria

Dates: 16th November to 24th December

Step into the joy of Christmas throughout the beautiful streets of Vienna by visiting the Viennese Christmas Market. Known locally as the “Viennese Dream” markets, the unique backdrop of the City Hall offers a burst of seasonal joy. Indulge in some of the many sweet treats on offer as you wander around the grounds, whilst having the opportunity to listen to a range of international choirs singing well known carols.

Top tip: If the cold gets a little too much, head inside the City Hall and have the opportunity to survey the area dedicated to children, complete with cookie and candle making classes.


Winter Wonders, Brussels, Belgium

Dates: 29th November 2019 to 5th January 2020

Belgium is often associated with festivities and it’s easy to see why. Each year the city is transformed into a true winter wonderland filled to the brim with sparkling lights, unique decorations and even a weekly parade. Both little ones and adults alike will delight in the 200 chalet style stalls offering a range of local delicacies and take-away gifts. Going above and beyond for it’s visitors, the market even puts on a sound and light show spectacular.

Top tip: Thanks to its close proximity to local transport links, this is no doubt one of the easiest European Christmas markets to get to. For a super-savvy trip, purchase Eurostar tickets through the Trainline App and arrive direct from London in less than two hours.


Krakow Christmas Market, Krakow, Poland

Dates: 29th November 2019 to 7th January 2020

One of the seasons most popular highlights, the annual Krakow Christmas fair located on the main square is a sight to behold. You’ll find stalls filled with folk art and ornaments, candied foods and even pear trees ready for you to purchase and take home in time for the big day.

Top tip: Spend a little time planning your trip and book tickets in advance for the Christmas Music Concert.


Zagreb Christmas Market, Zagreb, Croatia

Dates: 29th November 2019 – January 1st 2020

Perhaps surprisingly, Croatia’s capital Zagreb has come out on top of the “Best Christmas Market in Europe” stakes, that is according to the 200,000 site visitors of the European Best Destinations website. With everything from festive markets to live music and even an ice risk, Christmas is serious business in this Eastern-European destination. Alongside all of the typical offerings you’d expect from a Christmas market, there’s a huge Christmas tree on Ban Josip Jelačić Square and illuminated fountains, avenues of trees and lanterns as far as the eyes can see.

Top tip: Sample a baked štrukli from one of the many stalls, this local delicacy is like a delicious warm cheese pastry.


Cologne Christmas Market, Cologne, Germany

Dates: 25th November – 23rd December 2019

If you’re looking to source the true magic of Christmas feeling, then look no further than the Cologne Christmas markets. Attracting millions of visitors from all over the world each year, the markets are located beneath the beautiful Cologne Cathedral, with hundreds of stalls creating the aroma of baked apples and mulled wine and a huge selection of individually crafted artisan gifts on offer.

Top tip: After you’re all marketed out, head onto one of the Yuletide river cruises and see the enchanting Rhine lit up in all it’s glory.


Piazza Walther, Bolzano, Italy

Dates: 29th November 2019 – 6th January 2020

Opening its metaphorical doors for the 29th time, the Bolzano Christmas markets are a traditional spectacle to behold. Bolzano is well known for its family traditions and celebration of Christianity and the markets definitely reflect this. With over 80 exhibitors, a mini market dedicated to the children and a feast including the likes of festive roasted pork and sweet fritters, there’s something for everyone.

Top tip: Don’t miss the rustic recreation of the nativity underneath the main Christmas tree, complete with holy family, cow and donkey instead a real miniature stable.


Lille Christmas Market, Lille, France

Dates: 22nd November to 30th December 2019

Centre stage in the picturesque Place Rhiour town square you’ll find a giant Ferris Wheel adorned with fairy lights, signifying that Christmas has arrived. If traditional festivities are to your liking, then this is the place for you. With row after row of stalls adorned with handmade gifts and homemade treats, the atmosphere is certainly something to behold. Be sure to indulge in a glass or two of world-famous French wine to really get you in the spirit!

Top tip: Eurostar journeys are now available direct from London to Lille making this trip as easy as a quick weekend away.


Manchester, England

Dates: 8th November to 21st December

Manchester is well known for being one of the cities within the UK that seriously know what they’re doing when it comes to Christmas. The central hub of this particular market is centred in Albert Square, complete with the usual stalls offering hot chocolates and waffles galore. Not only this, the wintry wonderland is once again returning to Cathedral Gardens, offering a mythical beasts themed ice village complete with ice bar, rink and grotto.

Top tip: Make a full weekend out of your trip by setting up base in the beautiful and nearby Lake District. Within easy travelable distance to the markets, there’s a great selection of holiday cottages in the Lake District that offer open log fires and breath-taking winter views.


Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia

Dates: 15th November 2019 to 7th January 2020

This year’s theme is “the symbol of love” and this transcends throughout the many decorations within the Town Hall Square in Estonia. The already erected Christmas tree will be adorned with heart shaped decorations, as a symbol not only of the most heartfelt celebration of the year, but also the heart-shaped view that can be witnessed when viewing the Christmas Marketplace from above.

Top tip: Don’t miss one of the 3,000 performers that grace the centre stage each weekend leading up to the big day. With everything from singers to dancers, there’s a huge range of talent on display.