https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jdIMX2KLV4 Before we dive into the mysteries of the Masquerade and the hunt for the Golden Hare, I figure I'll start it up with a thematically related anecdote: I recently discovered a series called Inside No. 9, and it's an exquisite anthology series. I'd be writing columns about the series like I do Black Mirror if not for the fact that, … [Read more...] about The Hare-Raising tale of Kit Williams’ “Masquerade”
Gloucestershire
Weird British Christmas 2016: Christmas every day, helping the homeless, and a German Christmas Card
The end is nigh... at least for 2016. And even Christmas hasn't been immune to the melancholy that's pervaded this year. Among British celebrities who have died this Christmas period alone, we've got Rick Parfitt of Status Quo, Watership Down author Richard Adams, Royle Family star Liz Smith, and George Michael kicking it on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day of this year. … [Read more...] about Weird British Christmas 2016: Christmas every day, helping the homeless, and a German Christmas Card
Travels in Britain: Where We Stayed On Our Recent Trip to the Midlands and Dorset
We always like to post about where we stayed on our travels. This acts as a review of the places so people can reference later on for their own trips. We stayed at three different places, in three very different parts of the country. We stayed in two hotels and a self-catering cottage, all very different experiences. We should note that Anglotopia funded our stays at these … [Read more...] about Travels in Britain: Where We Stayed On Our Recent Trip to the Midlands and Dorset
Britain’s Least Wanted XIV: The long-awaited return of stories from the dregs of British crime.
In honour of the release of Sherlock's new Christmas special, and my actually finding the time to search through two months of weird news stories, I bring tidings of new tales of the sort of crimes people don't often see on television. The Case of the Pram-Pushing Parent. It's always fascinating to find stories about crimes that make absolutely no sense whatsoever. I'm sure … [Read more...] about Britain’s Least Wanted XIV: The long-awaited return of stories from the dregs of British crime.
Britain’s Least Wanted Unlucky XIII: Matchstalk Batmen and Matchstalk Bins and Signs
In honour of my discovery that the complete Sherlock is on Netflix Instant, here are a few stories of weird British Crimes. The Case of the Troublesome Troubador If you're in any way curious about the title I gave to this column. It's a reference to one-hit wonder Brian and Michael and their one hit "Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs," a tribute to painter L.S. … [Read more...] about Britain’s Least Wanted Unlucky XIII: Matchstalk Batmen and Matchstalk Bins and Signs
All For a Weird Cause: Brits doing weird things for charity
Sometimes, people do things that can only be called bizarre just to raise awareness for a cause that may only be tangentially related to their actions. Case in point: The Ice Bucket Challenge. What exactly does throwing ice water over your head have to do with Lou Gehrig's Disease? Well, nothing, really. But, for whatever reason, it looks like there's been a rise in stunts like … [Read more...] about All For a Weird Cause: Brits doing weird things for charity
Great British Gardens: Hidcote Manor Garden – A Hidden Garden of Eden in Gloucestershire
Hidcote Manor Garden was built in the early 20th century by the Anglo-American Lawrence Johnston. The garden is in The Cotswolds and is famous for its numerous garden ‘rooms’, enclosed by clipped hedges and containing a wide variety of both common and exotic plants. The design had a strong influence on garden design for the rest of that century. The Story of Hidcote We … [Read more...] about Great British Gardens: Hidcote Manor Garden – A Hidden Garden of Eden in Gloucestershire
Great British Houses: Dyrham Park in Gloucestershire – The House Made Famous by The Remains of the Day
Large and grand homes dot the English countryside. However, one mansion in particular is enriched in baroque design elements. Dyrham Park is nestled within a deer park, located near an ancient village in South Gloucestershire, England. The house itself is located within parkland that measures 274 acres. If you have a passion for historical landmarks, then continue reading for … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Dyrham Park in Gloucestershire – The House Made Famous by The Remains of the Day
Sunday Photo: A Lovely Photo of The Old Mill in Lower Slaughter in the Cotswolds For Your Desktop Wallpaper
One of the highlights of our last trip was a visit to the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, we had the pleasure of visiting Lower Slaughter (sadly, a sick toddler prevented a trip to Upper Slaughter). Before we had to get Anglotopia Jr to bed to get better, I snapped this photo of the Old Mill. Last used as a commercial mill in the 1950's, the mill is now a Tea Room, Shop and … [Read more...] about Sunday Photo: A Lovely Photo of The Old Mill in Lower Slaughter in the Cotswolds For Your Desktop Wallpaper
Sunday Photo: A View Down the Valley Towards Dyrham Park – Famous for Remains of the Day – For Your Desktop Wallpaper
We had the pleasure of visiting Dyrham Park last January during our last trip to Britain. We really love the Gloucestershire Cotswolds and this house is a highlight when visiting the area. It was closed for the season when we visited, so we almost had the grounds to ourselves. As we walked down the hill, I kept thinking that the house looked really familiar to me. I … [Read more...] about Sunday Photo: A View Down the Valley Towards Dyrham Park – Famous for Remains of the Day – For Your Desktop Wallpaper
Weird Britain: Strange Cat News About Britain
I have an insane amount of stories in my weird news queue. And at the moment, no less than seven stories in that queue involve cats. So, I've decided to reject one as not being really weird, and go and write them into an article. So, here goes. And, for what it's worth, two of these stories involve crime. Narnia, Britain's first "Cat Cafe" opens. Here's one for pet owners who … [Read more...] about Weird Britain: Strange Cat News About Britain
An English Christmas Trip: Trip Planning Update – Where We’re Staying On Our Upcoming Trip and How We Booked
It's been more than a month since my last post about our upcoming trip to Britain. Planned for December we will be experiencing a traditional English Christmas in Dorset, so I thought it would be a good chance to catch everyone up on how our plans are coming along. We're very excited, we've got just over 100 days to go until we leave for our trip. There's a lot to do between … [Read more...] about An English Christmas Trip: Trip Planning Update – Where We’re Staying On Our Upcoming Trip and How We Booked
Brit Books: Exclusive Excerpt from Americashire – Memoir About Marrying a Brit and Moving to the Cotswolds
Editor's Note: The following in an excerpt from Americashire, a new book by Jennifer Richardson about marrying a British man and then moving to the beautiful Cotswolds. She's kindly offered us this excerpt. Check out her book - it's a lot of fun Chapter Eight: The Strange Customs of the English at Play - Americashire - Jennifer Richardson On the first sunny Saturday morning … [Read more...] about Brit Books: Exclusive Excerpt from Americashire – Memoir About Marrying a Brit and Moving to the Cotswolds
Diamond Jubilee Trip Diaries: Day 3 – Blenheim Palace and an Oxfordshire Narrowboat Tour
We awoke after a restful night's sleep. I woke up before everyone else and took the opportunity to sneak out and explore the grounds of the hotel before everyone else woke up. The grounds surrounding the Old Swan and Minster Mill Hotel are simply beautiful. The inn that the hotel was converted from dates back to 1445 and the place oozes history and charm. It was recently … [Read more...] about Diamond Jubilee Trip Diaries: Day 3 – Blenheim Palace and an Oxfordshire Narrowboat Tour
Diamond Jubilee Trip Diaries: Day 2 – Exploring the Oxfordshire Cotswolds Properly – Burford, Wildlife Park, Filkins and More!
We all awoke well rested despite our 2am trip to Tesco, though we did wake a little later than we would have liked. With a packed itinerary, any time lost sleeping was one more thing we couldn't do that day. We had a great send off from the Oxford Hotel. As part of your stay, they provided a delicious hot breakfast buffet with more than you can possibly eat and it certainly … [Read more...] about Diamond Jubilee Trip Diaries: Day 2 – Exploring the Oxfordshire Cotswolds Properly – Burford, Wildlife Park, Filkins and More!
Diamond Jubilee Trip Diaries: Day 1 – Leaving for London and our Arrival in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds
It had been just over a year since I'd been to Britain for the Royal Wedding and it had seemed like a million years ago. I couldn't wait to be back again. This time, I wouldn't be going alone. My wife would be joining me as well as our 15 month old son. Cue the 'You took a 15 month old to Britain? On an airplane? You brave soul.' It actually wasn't that bad. But first, we … [Read more...] about Diamond Jubilee Trip Diaries: Day 1 – Leaving for London and our Arrival in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds
Great British Gardens: 10 of the Most Famous Gardens in Britain
The famous phrase ‘An Englishman’s home is his castle’ perfectly describes the pride English people take in their homesteads. Perhaps there should be a phrase describing how highly English people (and Welsh, Irish and Scots people) adore their garden too. Here is a selection of ten of the most famous British gardens – ones many of us would love to visit. 1. The Blue Peter … [Read more...] about Great British Gardens: 10 of the Most Famous Gardens in Britain
History: Sudeley Castle celebrates the Queen’s 500th birthday
Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire is to celebrate the quincentenary of a remarkable English queen. Katherine Parr was the last of Henry VIII’s six wives. Born in 1512, she married Henry in 1543 and after his death in 1547 she married Lord Seymour of Sudeley. She lived and died at Sudeley Castle, where she is buried in the chapel. The 2012 Katherine Parr festival at … [Read more...] about History: Sudeley Castle celebrates the Queen’s 500th birthday
Top 12 English gardens – Gardens in England Worth a Visit
1). Hidcote is one of Britain’s most popular gardens, located in the Cotswolds, and notable for its miles of sculptured hedges, as well as its formal outdoor “rooms”. Created in the early 20th century by the American Lawrence Johnston, it is in an area full of great gardens – including one just across the road, Kiftsgate. 2). The Eden Project in Cornwall is one of Britain’s … [Read more...] about Top 12 English gardens – Gardens in England Worth a Visit
Video: Discover The Secrets of the Highgrove Estate
Highgrove is The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall's family home in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. The house and its garden are run in an environmentally sustainable way, including an organic gardening system. The garden is open from April to October. For further information, please visithttp://www.highgrovegardens.com … [Read more...] about Video: Discover The Secrets of the Highgrove Estate
Modern sculpture in the open air in Cirencester England
An outdoor show of contemporary sculpture called Fresh Air 2011 takes place at Quenington Old Rectory, Cirencester from 19 June to 10 July. Visitors will be able to see around 200 works by 100 sculptors working in bronze, glass, stainless steel, stone, ceramic, marble, wood, fabric, plastic, resin and multimedia. Quenington Old Rectory is the Cotswold home of art collectors … [Read more...] about Modern sculpture in the open air in Cirencester England
Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas in 2007 in a closet in Chicago. Anglotopia is for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Join us as we explore Britain and everything it has to offer!
