House of travel UK & Ireland Brochure 2017 | Page 9

Fossick in the
markets The Royal
connection Entertainment
for all
In London, Portobello Market is
world-famous but larger than most
people expect, Borough Market is a
foodie’s haven and Camden Market,
adjacent to the lock, is anything but
main stream. If you like cool and
kooky, you’ll love it here. Regional
farmers’ markets pop up the length
and breadth of the UK; Hampshire’s
Winchester Farmer’s Market is the
UK’s biggest and a firm favourite of
Rick Stein. Kings, princes, dukes, duchesses
and a Queen so cool she’s 90 years
old and still rocking heels, the Royals
are much loved in the UK; now more
than ever. Walking down Pall Mall to
see Buckingham Palace is always a
grand affair; the wide road and flags
make for quite a dramatic lead-up. Whatever the day or season you
won’t have to travel too far before
stumbling across an event, festival or
celebration, it’s virtually impossible
to get bored in Blighty.
If you’re heading north, don’t miss
Cumbria’s Orton Market, famed
for its cider and award winning
Kennedys’ chocolate shop.
In Scotland, Edinburgh’s Saturday
market is held quite majestically
under the shadow of the city’s
dazzling castle, and if you’re
Ireland-bound, it’s all about ‘farm to
fork’. With fantastic dairy, seafood
and of course a plethora of home
brews, much of Ireland’s produce is
locally sourced and sold.
Observing the Changing of the
Guard, whereby the Queen’s Guards
are relieved by a new batch of
sentries, is always an exciting event.
Taking place most days at 11.30am,
the guards, their finery, groomed
horses and a thumping brass
band, are an absolute spectacle.
Historic Royal Palaces also include
Kensington Palace, where Will and
Kate stay when they’re not residing
in Anglesey, and the Queen’s
summer abode, Balmoral Castle.
If it’s the predecessors you’re
into, Hampton Court is where the
notorious Henry VIII spent much of
his time.
The famed West End is London’s
hub for theatre, opera and ballet, but
entertainment exists everywhere.
Seek niche music sessions in far flung
corners of Ireland and backstreet
dives in Glasgow, or join in with the
chants at an atmospheric football
match. They’re not lying when they
say football is like religion here, and
you’ll always find a good crowd and
a robust meat pie at half time.
Gardening enthusiasts shouldn’t miss
the Chelsea Flower Show, sporty
types will revel in the Wimbledon
tennis, especially when tensions get
heated on Centre Court, and if you’re
looking to acquire some laughter
lines, Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival will
ensure you’re laughing from noon
until night.
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