December 4, 2007
This year the National Maritime Museum is laying on a list of Christmas events for the whole family. The list of events in summary is as follows (some events cost extra).
Card making every day until the 16th December
Christmas Carvery - Turkey, Glazed Ham and seasonal veggies 3rd to 24th December
Muppet treasure Island, looking for hidden treasure 16th December
Meet Father Christmas in his Falmouth grotto and get a gift 22nd to 23rd December
Children get in free with a paying adult over the weekend of 22nd to 23rd December
There are more events on their web site, have a look here for more information - National Maritime museum
September 30, 2006
‘Treasure Trails’ are pleased to announce the launch of their latest trail.
Just 2 years after the flood that devastated Boscastle, Steve and Teresa Ridd have produced a trail that is a little different from their normal murder mystery tours to offer something special that reflects Boscastle and its unique history
‘Boscastle is a beautiful place in a stunning part of the County.’ says Steve, Treasure Trails Managing Director. ‘The recovery work that has been done here since August 2004 is amazing.’
The new Trail, the 48th in the Treasure Trails catalogue, takes people around the medieval harbour and up into the surrounding hills, finding clues to the location of a hidden treasure on a mysterious Caribbean island.
‘The trail is one of our more strenuous,’ remarked Teresa, ‘but we wanted to show people both sides of Boscastle – not just the harbour area.’
Treasure Trails were delighted to be invited to take part in the Boscastle Food, Arts and Crafts Festival and will launch the new trail at the Festival on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October.
Steve and Teresa Ridd can be contacted for more information on 01726 884604 or by email info@treasuretrails.co.uk
September 26, 2006
Are you mad about cycling? Recent studies show that you are not alone. In fact, cycling is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with Cornwall being named as one of the most idyllic places to experience a cycling holiday. So, why are so many people taking to two wheels?
The most obvious answer that springs to mind is that people are cycling to keep fit and help the environment. A closer look, however, reveals something else: an increase in cycleways and routes. Over the last decade people and charities alike have been working hard to ensure that Britain become a cycle-friendly nation. Not only providing cycle lanes that run alongside roads but also traffic free cycleways. One of the most well-loved cycleways which has come to life in the last few years is the Camel Trail in Cornwall.
The British countryside certainly doesn’t get much more breathtaking than the wonderful Cornish landscape and the Camel Trail presents the perfect place to begin an exploration of the fruits Cornwall has to offer. The Camel Trail is a well-loved cycleway, which spans a wonderful piece of Cornish countryside over a distance of 17 miles from Padstow to Poleys Bridge. With approximately 350,000 users per year the Camel Trail is loved by locals and holidaymakers alike as an idyllic way to appreciate Cornish beauty at its best. Established as a cycleway in 2001, this cycleway follows the path of a disused railway line which was built in 1834 and linked London to the south west part of the country.
Cyclists who are intending to use The Camel Trail will find that they are able to hire their bikes from a variety of cycle shops along the cycleway and throughout the general area; including Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin. From this wonderful cycleway you will be able to discover a whole host of wildlife and enjoy the wonderful scenes as they unroll before your eyes. Furthermore, if you choose The Camel Trail for your cycling holiday in Cornwall you will have the time to explore all the little villages and towns along the way.
About The Author: For perfect country cottage holidays Cornwall WebCottages - a user-friendly, easy-access directory
September 23, 2006
Saturday 7th October 2006
Join fungi expert, Michael Jordan, for a walk around the National Trust’s Cotehele Estate this Saturday afternoon (7th October).
The 2-hour walk will be spent searching for interesting fungi around the estate, and will be followed by light refreshments in the Edgcumbe Arms.
The Devon-based walk leader presented TV’s Mushroom Magic series, is an author and an important member of The Association of British Fungus Groups.
The walk begins at 2pm. Please meet by The Shamrock on Cotehele Quay and wear stout footwear. Cost – adults £4 (NT members £3), children £2. Booking is preferable, though not essential – 01579 351346.
September 10, 2006
Why were bats the first to invent “designer babies”?
How many midges does a Pipistrelle bat eat in one night?
How can a Tiger moth know that a bat is coming?
You can find out the answers to all of these questions - and a lot more besides – on Saturday 23rd September as we enjoy an evening watching Bats at Capel Tor, near Horsebridge.
Visit this wonderful stretch of the Tamar that is superb for bats. Learn how bats have evolved, join in with games, and enjoy hot soup whilst watching the bats swoop towards the river.
Organised by the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team, and led by local botanist and conservationist Martin Summers, look out for moths, too, as we celebrate National Moth Night. Owls and glow worms have been seen on previous walks.
The fun begins at 7:00pm. Please wear sensible footwear and clothing. Suitable for children aged 7 years and above (to be accompanied by adult). Dogs welcome, but must be kept on leads. Please bring torch.
Cost: Adults £2, Children 50p, payable on the night.
Booking is essential on this popular event, please book early to avoid disappointment – 01579 351163, info@tamarvalley.org.uk
Join the Calstock Footpath Society this Saturday afternoon (16th September) for a 2-mile walk around Cadson Bury, a hill fort site near Callington, owned and managed by the National Trust.
Enjoy magnificent views from its peak and recognise the reason for its defensive position on the lower reaches of the River Lynher.
Please meet at 2:00pm at the National Trust car park, found in small lane immediately west of Newbridge on the A390 approx 1 mile from Callington, towards Liskeard. For further information on this FREE walk, please call June on 01822 833422
September 1, 2006
Experience and enjoy the peaceful river Lynher, on the latest event designed to help you make the most of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The 3-hour trip aboard a gaff-rigged South West sailing boat, will take you along this deserted tributary that was once a busy waterway.
Sailing will take place between the 16th and 20th September (dates/times according to tides). Cost: £20 per person (maximum of 6 per group). For more information, or to secure your place on one of these dates, please contact TamarSail on 01752 840599 or email: info@tamarsail.co.uk.
For a FREE events programme, highlighting guided walks and other events that are taking place throughout the Tamar Valley for the remainder of the year, please contact 01579 351681 or email: info@tamarvalley.org.uk and ask for a copy of The Valley.
August 31, 2006
EVENT LOCATION:
Chambercombe Manor
Chambercombe,
Ilfracombe,
Devon,
EX34 9RJ
EVENT DATE:
Saturday 28th October 2006
PRICE:
£65.00 per person:
Which includes: the ghost hunt itself / and a 2-course meal (including vegetarian option), tea and coffee all night and even breakfast as well. An incredible offer and an opportunity not to miss this Halloween!
See our Booking Information Page for more details of how to book for this event. Places are limited SO BOOKING EARLY IS ADVISED.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
One of the most widely acknowledged haunted properties in the country, being investigated by us for the very first time………….at Halloween; and you have the opportunity to join us for a really special night, one never to be forgotten!
We are proud to announce Haunting Experiences at Chambercombe Manor a location we have long wanted to confirm an event at – With supper and dessert, tea and coffee all night and even a breakfast, all you need to do is to last the night! Don’t miss it! Given the location and time of year (Halloween in case you hadn’t noticed)! As we are expecting demand to be high. and as we have limited places, bookings will be on a strictly first come first served basis, we will regrettably not be able to guarantee holding places open after the 7 day period unless they are paid and confirmed.
An all night ghost hunt in both the manor and it’s grounds awaits you after supper and introductions and equipment/dowsing workshops. We have exclusive access to all relevant areas including the Tudor Room, Victorian Room, Main Hall, Kitchen and grounds. This is the real deal and you will have the opportunity to both conduct investigations as a group using real equipment and for the really brave only…….lone vigils!
All this and you can help the good cause of The Anthony Nolan Trust as well…………….what else could you be doing this Halloween Weekend?
THE MANOR:
The manor itself is mentioned in the Domesday book and is set in a secluded valley giving the impression that you could almost be there at that point in time! Set in a fabulous four acres of grounds which we will have the opportunity to fully explore and it features eight rooms furnished with period furniture from Elizabethan to Victorian Times. We have the detached Lady Jane Tea Rooms and toilets for our use all night as base facilities, so you can be assured of comfort throughout the event.
Having fallen from grandeur to being used as a farmhouse for many years, the manor passed to the National Trust in the 1970’s. The paranormal has been well documented over recent years, with several other investigations being held here and it’s recent attention in the media having just featured in Most Haunted’s latest series. Surely such attention cannot be unfounded…………..dare you join us on our first investigation of the many ghosts reported here………this Halloween?
For more information about the Manor itself visit:
http://www.chambercombemanor.co.uk/
THE SCHEDULE:
We will have access to as many areas of historic or paranormal interest as possible.
You have the opportunity to be to be part of our team for the event and investigate the paranormal under our expert guidance and continual supervision. This may include the use of scientific equipment such as Electro Magnetic Field Meters; Laser Thermometers; Audio and Filming Equipment; Ultra Sound Listening Devices; Negative Ion Detectors and so on. We also instruct you in the art of dowsing for information. We also advise you on the paranormal and keep you occupied at all times.
Above all – this will be fun and exciting that’s why most people come back to our events more and more!
19:30 - 20:00 ARRIVALS followed by a MEAL – menu will be sent in advance! Please do not arrive earlier and we will try to commence the meal promptly at 20:00.
21:30 (approx): THE EVENING BEGINS – AN INTRODUCTION TO THE LOCATIONS, THE PARANORMAL OCCURRENCES – AND HOW THE NIGHT’S INVESTIGATION WILL RUN!
· INTRODUCTION:
· Focusing on haunted locations. This will include a brief resume of paranormal activity and the relevant history of the venue.
· Contributions from a range of renowned paranormal researchers and experts.
· The investigation - time spent in small teams in each of the haunted locations. You will be split into small groups and given the chance to spend plenty of time in all the relevant places and to conduct separate vigils in the most active places. You may also be given equipment to use!
· The night is staffed by very experienced professionals who conduct and lead the proceedings.
· 4:00- 6:00a.m. either final vigils or an opportunity to discuss findings and photos
· 6:00am approx Breakfast!
· END OF NIGHTS EVENTS – Congratulations you made it!
Please note you will be expected to stay awake and no accommodation is provided - Thank you.
Please also read our event details page.
Please Note: Unfortunately there is no photography and videoing allowed by guests inside the manor itself. However digital cameras and camcorders will be available for each group to use, so orb catching is still on the menu!
THE EXPERTS:
In attendance will be Ian Addicoat / William Brunning / Stuart Andrews
and other experts, details to follow.
THE GHOSTS:
Paranormal activity is said to be widespread at Chambercombe Manor, some of the main claims reported over many years include:
· The ghost of an old lady has been seen by a window, and others are reported who just walk past you………
· The ghosts of children have both been sensed and seen throughout the manor.
· A ghostly crib reported to have rocked of its own accord many times.
· A particular set of stairs is known for having inexplicable feelings about it, someone has even been pushed down them by an invisible force.
· The spirit of a man, thought to be a previous owner who is unhappy with the upsurge in the manor’s visitors, is said to walk up and down in a particular room.
· People have previously reported receiving electric shocks and experiencing poltergeist activity from a certain room.
· Phantom smells frequently manifest, but we don’t want to suggest to you what they are……better that if you smell something on the night tell us and then we’ll tell you.
· Many other spirits (including animals) have been heard, sensed or witnessed throughout the manor and grounds…….too many to list and we don’t want to give too much away! The following quote from the manor’s website allows you some details of what to expect……
Legend has it, as is expected from a house of such antiquity, that Chambercombe Manor is said to be haunted. The Haunted Room adjoins that used by Lady Jane Grey. It is said that the tenant in 1865 was making some repairs to the roof when he discovered the outline of a window for which he could not find a room corresponding. Investigation led to the finding of a chamber between Lady Jane Grey’s room and the one adjoining, in which on the remains of a handsome bedstead lay the skeleton of a woman. She was supposed to be a titled lady visiting relatives at Chambercombe who was shipwrecked in a storm on the rocks at Hele. She was found and brought to the Manor and placed into the room where she later died. The jewellery she was wearing was taken by the occupants of the Manor and the room sealed off from the outside world. The room has no entrance to it now, but a section of the partition has been removed and one is able to see into the chamber.
If you have any further questions:
E-mail: info@hauntingexperiences.co.uk
Haunting Experiences Halloween Special
Dare you walk the path of darkness this Halloween?
EVENT DATE:
Friday 13th October 2006
GENERAL INFORMATION:
This is a fantastic opportunity to investigate one of the most Paranormally active places we have ever encountered, where one of our more questioning investigators saw a ghostly figure. You may not have heard of this place yet but you soon will. Join us on a special date: Friday The 13th. This is likely to be a night not to forget! READ ON…
BOOKING EARLY IS DEFINITELY ADVISED.
PRICE:
only £59.00 per person:
Which includes: The ghost hunt itself and a three course meal.
See our Booking Information Page for more details of how to book for this event.
Haunting Experiences proudly introduces Camelot Castle, another special and exclusive location. We have the active areas solely for investigating the paranormal.
This may be a once in a lifetime chance! Those who wish to book please do so a.s.a.p. and we ask for the full £59.00 within 10 days of a firm booking being made! We can then create a reserve list - once places are full!
Please enquire about latest availability before you book as places are based on remaining availability!
| SPECIAL OFFERThe owners of the Camelot Castle, Tintagel are offering special rates to any of our guests who would like to book a room for after the event.They are offering couples a room for £45 which will include breakfast.
Rooms would need to be booked directly with the hotel: http://www.camelotcastle.com/camelothotel.htm
Suggestion: Why not arrive on Saturday afternoon - spend some time ambling around picturesque Tintagel taking in its natural beauty and atmosphere and then spend Sunday visiting the medieval ruins of Tintagel Castle and Merlin’s Cave or perhaps pop over to stunning Boscastle.
Please quote ‘Haunting Experiences’ when booking the following night. |
CASTLE CAMELOT:
With its towering cliffs and wild seas and legends of King Arthur, Tintagel has always been a dramatic place but never more so than now, for when John Mappin and Ted Stourton bought the old King Arthur’s Castle Hotel and turned it into Camelot Castle it was the beginning of something new, majestic and a truly magical atmosphere.
Built in 1899 by architect Silvanus Trevail the enormous granite hotel stands facing into the wind while waves crash relentlessly against the cliffs and seagulls fly round the forlorn ruins of another, older, castle further along the peninsula. This is the medieval Tintagel Castle - said to be the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur - and both castle and king have inspired countless artists, writers and poets down through the centuries all over the world.
Some people believe that the energy at the hotel is unique. It is one of the most naturally beautiful places in the country but it is the mythology clinging to it that makes it a magnet for artists of all sorts and always has done. Tennyson wrote Idylls of the King on the cliffs in front of Camelot Castle. Turner painted here, J B Priestley and A A Milne wrote here and Elgar composed his Second Symphony in Room 103. Famous sportsmen, film stars and top supermodels have all stayed here, while Kate Winslet of Titanic fame bought the cottage just below the hotel - and shares a ghost with them, that of a Victorian engineer who used to look after the hotel’s electrical supply.
The film, based on an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula, staged for Broadway simply entitled ‘DRACULA’ in 1979 was made partly on location at Camelot Castle at Tintagel and on the South coast at St Austell Bay. This starred such names as Frank Langella, Laurence Olivier and Donald Pleasence and is regarded by many as a ‘Gothic Masterpiece’. Many of the locals at Tintagel had their heads shaved for the graveyard scenes and a real Wolf was kept in a cage in the grounds, for filming.
For more information on Camelot Castle please visit: http://www.camelotcastle.com/camelothotel.htm
THE SCHEDULE:
We will have access to as many areas of historic or paranormal interest as possible.
You have the opportunity to be to be part of our team for the event and investigate the paranormal under our expert guidance and continual supervision. This may include the use of scientific equipment such as Electro Magnetic Field Meters; Laser Thermometers; Audio and Filming Equipment; Ultra Sound Listening Devices; Negative Ion Detectors and so on. We also instruct you in the art of dowsing for information. We also advise you on the paranormal and keep you occupied at all times.
Above all – this will be fun and exciting that’s why most people come back to our events more and more!
The full schedule will be sent nearer the time but as a guide:
20.00: ARRIVALS followed by a splendid THREE COURSE MEAL
21.30 (approx): THE EVENING BEGINS – AN INTRODUCTION TO THE LOCATION, THE PARANORMAL OCCURENCES AND – ALSO HOW THE NIGHTS’ INVESTIGATION WILL RUN!
Typically followed by:
· A tour of the location, focusing on haunted locations. This will include a brief resume of paranormal activity and the relevant history of the venue.
· Contributions from a range of renowned paranormal researchers and experts.
· The investigation - time spent in small teams in each of the haunted locations. You will be split into small groups and given the chance to spend plenty of time in all the relevant places and to conduct separate vigils in the most active places. You may also be given equipment to use!
· The night is staffed by very experienced professionals who conduct and lead the proceedings.
· 4.00am breakfast and de-briefing
· 5.00am Typically - END OF NIGHTS EVENTS
Please note you will be expected to stay awake and no accommodation is provided. Thank you.
Please also read our event details page.
THE EXPERTS:
In attendance will be Ian Addicoat / William Brunning / Stuart Andrews & other experts.
THE GHOSTS:
Camelot Castle is an exquisite hotel, perfectly capturing the atmosphere and legend of Tintagel. The Paranormal Research Organisation has carried out an investigation here with some fascinating results and what many feel to be genuine evidence of the paranormal.
A summary of their report can be viewed by clicking this link:
http://www.paranormalresearch.org.uk/reportcamelotcastlehotel060106.php
Here are just a few strange occurrences that have been reported over the years…
· The most well attested sighting is that of a ghostly male figure spotted numerous times over the years. This is believed to be that of the former electrician of Castle Camelot. People have witnessed this figure making his way down from the hotel to his home, now Kate Winslet’s house. The figure simply disappears!
· The late night porter was sat on his chair in the office when suddenly he saw the doors swing open and a man walk into the building and head for the toilet. He assumed it was a guest but got worried when he didn’t come out. On investigation he opened all the doors and strangely there was no one to be seen. A little un-nerved he went back to his seat and as he was sitting down the man walked out. He rushed out after him but the car park was empty. The car park itself is very large so there was nowhere for the man to go - the man simply vanished without a trace.
· The Hotel boasts some fantastic views. One of the views looks over to the historic Tintagel Castle. Here people have witnessed shadowy figures amongst the ruins, which is said to be King Arthur and his loyal Knights. A little way down on the shore is a cave where sightings of a ghost have been witnessed, believed to be that of the once powerful wizard ‘Merlin’.
· During The Paranormal Research Organisation investigation many strange occurrences were reported with no natural explanation found, which included sightings, eerie sounds, smells and unexplained equipment failure at key moments! These occurrences along with other events witnessed here will be revealed in more detail on the night to minimise auto suggestion.
If you have any further questions:
E-mail: info@hauntingexperiences.co.uk
August 24, 2006
Explore a Lost Village and discover Creatures of the Night… in the
Tamar Valley.
The Tamar Valley Programme of Events continues this week (week
beginning 28th August 2006) with four activities to choose from,
helping you to enjoy, and learn more about, the Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty.
This Thursday morning (31st August), Paul Rendell leads a circular
walk exploring life in the lost village of New Quay and Morwell Woods
(near Morwellham). Please wear stout footwear and bring a packed
lunch. Cost for this walk is £2 adults, 50p children, payable on the
day. The walk begins at 10:30am and finishes at 1:30pm.
The following evening (Friday 1st September), discover the wonders of
night-time flying creatures with the aid of bat detectors and moth
traps. Martin Summers will lead this Creatures of the Night event on
Kit Hill, starting at 7:30pm and finishing at approximately 11:00pm.
Cost - £2 adults, £1 under 16s/over 60s (to include a cup of soup),
payable on the night.
On Saturday (2nd September), join in with the fun that begins at
2:00pm – Minerals, Moths & More. Morwellham provides the venue for an
afternoon’s stroll along a nature trail learning to recognise the
abundance of flora and fauna that lives there, including reeds and
orchids. Discover medicinal uses of many plants, and folklore, or
make your own collage of things that are found along the walk. Martin
Summers will explain the geology of the area (including the formation
of granite and why the Tamar and Tavy have such steep, gorge-like
sides so close to the sea) and examine the mineral pile on site.
Following soup, an evening of Bat & Moth Watching can be enjoyed. The
programme is as follows – you are welcome to join in with all, or
parts, of the programme;
· Nature & Geology Walk: 2pm – 5pm
· Soup (and geological activities for children): 6-7pm
· Bat & Moth Watch – 7pm til late
Cost: Adults £2, Children 50p, payable on the day
A 2-mile Lowland Amble around Kit Hill Country Park is on offer on
Sunday afternoon (3rd September). The Countryside Wardens will help
you discover the wonders of the Western Heath and learn about local
history. Please note, the terrain is rough and uneven. There is no
charge for this walk, that begins at 2:00pm and aims to finish at
4:00pm.
For all events, booking is ESSENTIAL. Please call the Tamar Valley
AONB team on 01579 351163 or email info@tamarvalley.org.uk (office
hours Monday-Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm) to secure your place and for
details of where to meet.
Please wear sensible footwear and clothing. Bring a torch and wrap up
warm for the evening events. Under 16s must be accompanied by a
responsible adult.
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