Beautiful Britain | For everyone who loves Britain

Beautiful Britain | For everyone who loves Britain http://www.beautifulbritain.net News for Beautiful Britain | For everyone who loves Britain en-gb Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:26:11 +0000 Copyright: (C) This England Publishing Ltd 15 Beautiful Britain Winter 2009 (Beautiful Cardigan Bay, Dramatic Dartmoor, Historic Cranborne Chase, Sir Simon Jenkins ) 3550 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:26:11 +0000 The new winter issue of Beautiful Britain magazine is out now and features some of the most magnificent landscapes of Britain. We visit dramatic Dartmoor, the picture-book coast of the East Neuk of Fife, we cross the English Channel to the gem of Guernsey, we tour the great sweep of Cardigan Bay and take in the lovely Shropshire hills and the rolling downland of Cranborne Chase. We also talk to Simon Jenkins, chairman of <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk" target="_blank">The National Trust</a>, about the organization's work preserving some of these beautiful places. And we meet a couple who have started a successful business creating delicious preserves, reedcutters on the East Anglian Broads, and the people preserving our industrial heritage in Ironbridge. As you’ve come to expect, the latest issue of Beautiful Britain magazine is brimming with great photographs and the best writing. So if you haven’t got your copy of the new spring issue yet, get in touch now on +44 (0)1242 537902, or <a href="/product/?pid=7825">order through the Shop</a> on this website. <a href="single.htm?ipg=9621">View the full contents and sample articles from this issue here</a>. <a href="/sites/151/single/9621/The_Great_Moor.pdf" target="_blank">The Great Moor </a> Local writer Sue Viccars and renowned landscape photographer David Entrican are our guides to the mean, moody and magnificent Dartmoor National Park. <a href="/sites/151/single/9621/A_Man_of_Trust.pdf" target="_blank">A Man of Trust </a>The National Trust’s chairman, Sir Simon Jenkins, talks to Dan Roberts about the challenges facing Britain’s largest conservation organization and its future. <a href="/sites/151/single/9621/Cradle_of_Industry.pdf" target="_blank">Cradle of Industry </a>This year Ironbridge has been celebrating 300 years since Abraham Darby I first smelted iron using coke in 1709. We learn about the history of Ironbridge Gorge. <a href="/sites/151/single/9621/Soul_Preserves.pdf" target="_blank">Soul Preserves </a>Lorraine Harrison meets John and Mary Stratton, who run a successful small business creating fine preserves in Sussex. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=3550 Can You Place It Competition - Winter 2009 3549 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:23:30 +0000 Our regular Can You Place It Competition from the <a href="/single.htm?ipg=9621">Winter 2009</a> issue of Beautiful Britain magazine is now available on our website and open to anybody worldwide to enter. All you need to do is name the building with a remarkable history pictured, and you could win one of three gift subscriptions to Beautiful Britain. The first three correct answers selected by the Editor on or after the closing date of 28 February 20109 will win. <a href="/contact.htm?ipg=7540">Click here to find out more</a>. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=3549 Beautiful Britain Autumn 2009 (Autumnwatch’s Simon King, Britain’s Best Piers, Exploring the Somerset Levels, Tyneside Revival) 3088 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:41:07 +0000 The new autumn issue of Beautiful Britain magazine is out now and features some of the best of British wild places and wildlife. From the wild Highland glens to the sweeping estuaries, from the high upland moors to the dramatic coasts of Wales, from the wide-open West Country to the marshes of the south-east. These are all places we explore in this issue, and they are all homes to a vast range of wildlife. One man who has done so much to bring Britain’s wildlife into our homes is nature film-maker and presenter of BBC’s <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/autumnwatch/" target="_blank">Autumnwatch</a>, Simon King. He talks about his love of wildlife and his favourite British wildlife spectacles exclusively in the new autumn issue. We also meet Paul Lister, the owner of an estate in the Scottish, whose ambition is to create a wilderness reserve, we discover the wildlife in an unexpected corner of the south-east of England on the Isle of Sheppey, and we continue our series on British Wildlife by learning about the Bottlenose Dolphin. On top of all that, we visit the rejuvenated Newcastle and Gateshead, explore the magnificent Peak District national park, tour Laugharne, the Carmarthenshire home of Dylan Thomas, reveal the timeless beauty of the Somerset Levels, meet the inhabitants of the picture-book English village of Milton Abbas, and celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great lexicographer Dr Johnson. As you’ve come to expect, the latest issue of Beautiful Britain magazine is brimming with great photographs and the best writing. So if you haven’t got your copy of the new spring issue yet, get in touch now on +44 (0)1242 537902, or <a href="/product/?pid=7825">order through the Shop</a> on this website. <a href="single.htm?ipg=9336">View the full contents and sample articles from this issue here</a>. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=3088 Can You Place It Competition - Autumn 2009 3087 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:36:08 +0000 Our regular Can You Place It Competition from the <a href="/single.htm?ipg=9336">Autumn 2009</a> issue of Beautiful Britain magazine is now available on our website and open to anybody worldwide to enter. All you need to do is name the collection of remarkable buildings pictured, and you could win one of three gift subscriptions to Beautiful Britain. The first three correct answers selected by the Editor on or after the closing date of 30 November 2009 will win. <a href="/contact.htm?ipg=7540">Click here to find out more</a>. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=3087 Beautiful Britain Summer 2009 (Alan Titchmarsh, The Pomp of the Proms, The North Cornish Coast, The Great City of York) 2629 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:52:38 +0000 One of the great events of the British summer, the BBC Proms is a season-long festival of concerts that bring the wonders of great music and musicians to the masses, is always a special treat. And, I'm glad to say, it is one that shows no signs of flagging in popularity. In this issue we meet some of the people, including director Roger Wright, who continue to make the Proms such a successful and internationally renowned event. This year also sees the 250th anniversary of the birth of that great Scot, Robert Burns, and Scotland has been celebrating in style. Burns was someone who also felt a great attachment to music, even admitting that he barely wrote a poem without hearing a tune in his head. And like the music at the Proms, Burns's poetry reaches through the years and across the miles, uniting all of us through the expression of shared emotions. Also in this issue, we visit the glorious North Cornish coast, travel by canoe down the River Wye, visit the great City of York and meet the ever-popular broadcaster, writer and gardener, Alan Titchmarsh. As if that wasn't enough, we've packed in a tour of Northumberland's national park, explored the beautiful world of the wild orchid and visited the mysterious stones of Calanais on the Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides. As usual, the summer issue of Beautiful Britain magazine is brimming with great photographs and the best writing. So if you haven't got your copy of the new spring issue yet, get in touch now on +44 (0)1242 537902, or order through the Shop on this website. <a href="/single.htm?ipg=8996">View the full contents and sample articles from this issue here</a>. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=2629 Recommended Books for Summer 2009 (Discovering London’s Buildings, Wainwright, Robert Burns and Discovering Welsh Gardens) 2628 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:48:41 +0000 <a href="/product/?pid=28738">Discovering London’s Buildings</a> by John Bold, Tanis Hinchcliffe and Scott Forester Only £18.50 including UK p&p This book presents an easily accessible approach to understanding and exploring London's immensely diverse architecture, with 12 carefully thought out walks and chapters on the history of a vast range of buildings. Extensively researched and illustrated, the book provides a unique view of London's buildings from the past to the present, from the ordinary to the magnificent. <a href="/product/?pid=28739">Coast to Coast with Wainwright</a> by Alfred Wainwright Only £23.50 including UK p&p This is a new edition of the classic photographic book containing Wainwright's walk from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. The route passes through three National Parks: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, all areas of outstanding beauty. The text has been fully updated and many of the magnificent photographs have been retaken by the renowned Derry Brabbs. <a href="/product/?pid=28740">Robert Burns: A Life</a> by Ian McIntyre Only £8.50 including UK p&p Originally published to mark the 200th anniversary of Robert Burns's death and now revised and re-released for the 200th anniversary of his birth, Ian McIntyre's portrait of the great poet is meticulously researched and beautifully written. McIntyre takes an objective look at the intricacies of Burns's life, within the context of his time, and the legacy of his poetry. This correctly can be called the definitive Burns biography. <a href="/product/?pid=28741">Discovering Welsh Gardens</a> by Stephen Anderton Only £17.50 including UK p&p Stephen Anderton and photographer Charles Hawes take the reader on an intriguing tour of 20 of Wales's most interesting gardens. Anderton is the perfect guide, describing each garden in his own entertaining style with his unique take on the state of garden design in Wales. Charles Hawes's wonderful photographs are the perfect accompaniment. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=2628 Can You Place It Competition - Summer 2009 2622 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:20:09 +0000 Our regular Can You Place It Competition from the <a href="/single.htm?ipg=8996">Summer 2009</a> issue of Beautiful Britain magazine is now available on our website and open to anybody worldwide to enter. All you need to do is name the distinctive building pictured, and you could win one of three gift subscriptions to Beautiful Britain. The first three correct answers selected by the Editor on or after the closing date of 31 August 2009 will win. <a href="/contact.htm?ipg=7540">Click here to find out more</a>. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=2622 Recommended Books for Spring 2009 (Lewis Hamilton, The Gardens At Kew, Constable Portraits and Walk Britain’s Great Views) 2246 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:59:18 +0000 <a href="/product/?pid=22323">Lewis Hamilton: My Story</a> by Lewis Hamilton Only £18.50 including UK p&p This is the fully updated ‘celebration edition' of Lewis Hamilton's account of his remarkable motor racing career to date, including his success in 2008, becoming the youngest ever Formula One World Champion. It is an inspiring read, reminding the reader of the dedication needed to reach the pinnacle of this demanding sport, as well as shedding light on what life is really like in the spotlight. <a href="/product/?pid=22324">The Gardens At Kew</a> by Allen Paterson Only £23.95 including UK p&p Allen Paterson charts the history of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew from private pleasure ground to public park and to internationally important institution. Beautifully illustrated with photographs of the garden today and archive illustrations from the Kew collection, this fascinating book, published in association with Kew, is the perfect way to celebrate the Gardens' 250th Anniversary this year. <a href="/product/?pid=22325">Constable Portraits: The Painter and His Circle</a> by Martin Gayford and Anne Lyles Only £18.50 including UK p&p Launched to coincide with the National Portrait Gallery's exhibition (5 March-14 June), offering a new perspective on John Constable's less well-known work as a portrait painter, this is an accessible yet scholarly book. It successfully argues that Constable's portraits should finally be given the credit that they deserve. <a href="/product/?pid=22326">Walk Britain’s Great Views</a> by The Rambler's Association Only £13.50 including UK p&p Drawing on its matchless knowledge of Britain's footpath network, the Rambler's Association has chosen 50 of Britain's best views, and devised walking routes to do them justice. The views cover the full cross-section of British landscapes, from remote beaches to city skylines. All the spots and walks have been carefully chosen and described to make it easy to find a view to inspire you. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=2246 Visions of Britain: Olympus photography competition winners! 2245 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:20:03 +0000 In the <a href="/single.htm?ipg=8591">Spring 2009</a> issue we announce the winners of Beautiful Britain's photography competition, <a href="/single.htm?ipg=7505">Visions of Britain</a>, supported by <a href="http://www.olympus.co.uk/" target="_blank">Olympus Cameras</a>. We were amazed by the large number of high-quality entries we received, and the judges found it very difficult choosing the winners. First prize went to Jon Baker for his beautiful photographs of misty landscapes. Jon has won an <a href="http://www.olympus.co.uk/consumer/dslr_digital_slr_e-420_18938.htm" target="_blank">Olympus E-420 D-SLR</a> camera worth £379.99, and we shall be publishing more of Jon's photographs in a future issue. <a href="/single.htm?ipg=8596">See all the winning entries here</a>. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=2245 Beautiful Britain Spring 2009 (Lewis Hamilton, Kew Gardens' 250th Birthday, The Heart of Wales by Train, The Beautiful Black Isle) 2243 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:46:34 +0000 After a long, cold winter, it's reassuring to know that spring is just around the corner, so why not celebrate with the new 2009 spring issue of Beautiful Britain magazine. Packed with lots of ideas for things to see and do this spring, our latest issue is again filled with fascinating features on places, people and wildlife from all around Britain. In this issue, we talk to Britain's exciting new motor racing champion, Lewis Hamilton. We meet the winners of our Visions of Britain photography competition. The standard of entries was very high, as you'll see from the winners' photographs, many of them influenced by the great British landscape. And they follow a long line of artists, writers and poets - and now photographers - who have also been inspired by the British countryside. It was perhaps the painter Constable who did the most to elevate our appreciation of the landscape to its current level in the popular consciousness, and we've been to visit the area of the English countryside - around Flatford Mill - most associated with the great man. We're even offering two tickets for the price of one for anyone wishing to visit a new Constable exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, featuring Constable's portraits. Just cut out the coupon in this issue and take it along to the Gallery. The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are celebrating their 250th anniversary this year, and so we've been to talk to Kew's director and some of the people behind the scenes who carry out the Gardens' vital work. This issue is also brimming with lots of other articles that try to communicate the essence of the British landscape: from the heart of Wales, Rutland and the Lancashire coast, to the magnificent Black Isle in Scotland, to name a few of the places that we visit. We hope you find that they inspire you just a little too. As usual, the spring issue of Beautiful Britain magazine is packed with great photographs and the best writing. So if you haven't got your copy of the new spring issue yet, get in touch now on +44 (0)1242 537902, or order through the Shop on this website. <a href="/single.htm?ipg=8591">View the full contents and sample articles from this issue here</a>. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=2243 Can You Place It Competition - Spring 2009 2242 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:43:35 +0000 Our regular Can You Place It Competition from the <a href="/single.htm?ipg=8591">Spring 2009</a> issue of Beautiful Britain magazine is now available on our website and open to anybody worldwide to enter. All you need to do is name the ancient monument pictured, and you could win one of three gift subscriptions to Beautiful Britain. The first three correct answers selected by the Editor on or after the closing date of 31 May 2009 will win. <a href="/contact.htm?ipg=7540">Click here to find out more</a>. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=2242 Beautiful Britain 2009 Calendar – The perfect Christmas stocking-filler for your friends and family 1922 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:14:42 +0000 The <a href="/product/?pid=7540">2009 Beautiful Britain calendar</a> features 14 glorious landscape photographs from England, Scotland and Wales and includes clear day and date information. This beautifully-designed calendar is the perfect Christmas stocking-filler for your friends and family. Only £4.50 including UK p&p http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=1922 We're searching for your favourite places in Britain 1920 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:22:54 +0000 We’re launching a search for your favourite places in Britain. Why not tell us the most special place in your life and why it’s so important to you? You could end up being featured in our magazine and winning a prize. E-mail a brief description of your favourite place and why you think it’s so special to the Editor at <a href="mailto:editor@beautifulbritain.net">editor@beautifulbritain.net</a>, headed ‘Favourite Places’. Please include your address. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=1920 Recommended Books for Winter 2008 (Darwin's Garden, Mckie's Gazetteer, Entirely up to You, Darling and Bill Oddie's How to Watch Wildlife) 1919 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:12:01 +0000 <a href="/product/?pid=17158">Darwin's Garden: Down House and the Origin of Species</a> by Michael Boulter Only £15.50 including UK p&p The Natural History Museum's Michael Boulter is the expert guide to the history of Charles Darwin's garden where he would unlock the complexities of natural selection and began work on his masterpiece On the Origin of Species. Boulter unfolds an unforgettable portrait of the formation of one of England's greatest thinkers and his relationship with the place he loved.  <a href="/product/?pid=17159">Mckie's Gazetteer: A Local History of Britain</a> by David McKie Only £27.50 including UK p&p McKie's Gazetteer is an enthralling guide to Britain's undiscovered historical and geographical gems. David McKie tells a host of stories of Britain's most intriguing, fascinating, enigmatic and simply bizarre history from every corner of the country. The result is a book of discoveries, and a real pleasure to dip into as a basis for exploring Britain's unique and diverse heritage. <a href="/product/?pid=17161">Entirely up to You, Darling</a> by Richard Attenborough and Diana Hawkins Only £18.50 including UK p&p Richard Attenborough, amongst his many achievements, is a noted and entertaining story-teller. This latest book, co-written with his long-tome publicist and assistant, is a frank and funny account of their unlikely partnership and his extraordinary life as film star, director, producer, company chairman and campaigner. An unmissable read! <a href="/product/?pid=17162">Bill Oddie's How to Watch Wildlife</a> by Bill Oddie, Stephen Moss and Fiona Pitcher Only £11.50 including UK p&p A tie-in to the BBC TV series, this informative book offers practical advice to everyone wanting to learn more about Britain's wildlife, including the best places to visit, how to see some of Britain's best-loved species, and things you can do for each month of the year. The book also provides guidance on field craft and equipment and lists helpful addresses and websites. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=1919 Can You Place It Competition - Winter 2008 1914 Mon, 08 Dec 2008 01:23:09 +0000 A regular feature of the Beautiful Britain magazine is now on our website and open to anybody worldwide to enter. All you need to do is identify this remarkable structure, and you could win one of three gift subscriptions to Beautiful Britain. The first three correct answers selected by the Editor on or after the closing date of 28 February 2009 will win. <a href="/contact.htm?ipg=7540">Click here to find out more</a>. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=1914 Beautiful Britain Winter 2008 (Sir Richard Attenborough, Burghley House, Charles Darwin, St. Pancras Station) 1913 Sun, 07 Dec 2008 22:21:41 +0000 The new <a href="/single.htm?ipg=8324">winter 2008 issue of Beautiful Britain magazine</a> is now available, and is filled with fascinating features on the places, people and wildlife from all around Britain. In this issue, we meet a number of people who make a real difference to our society through their lives and work helping others or by preserving wildlife, buildings or the landscape. Sir Richard Attenborough has had his fair share of ups and downs and he talks to Dan Roberts about his life and his many achievements. We meet Miranda Rock, who is preserving the family home, Burghley House, for future generations. We learn about the Building Skills Bursary Scheme, which funds the training of those who maintain our built heritage. We also meet Alastair Maclennan who nurtures wildlife as well as livestock on his farm in the Cairngorms. We visit Charles Darwin's home in Kent to learn about his life and discoveries. Naturally, we've visited many other corners of Britain as well, including the Gower in Wales, the Norfolk Broads and more. Finally, our featured charity in this issue is Winston's Wish, an organization founded by Julie Stokes to help Britain's children and their families cope with the loss of loved ones. Please do support them. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. As usual, the magazine is packed with great photographs and the best writing. So if you haven't got your copy of the new winter 2008 issue yet, get in touch now on +44 (0)1242 537902, or order through our website. <a href="/single.htm?ipg=8324">View the full contents and sample articles from this issue here</a>. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=1913 Recommended Books for Autumn 2008 (Bristol, Hadrian's Wall, Snowdonia and Charles Rennie Mackintosh) 1665 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:20:11 +0000 <a href="/product/?pid=15532">Bristol: City on the Edge</a> by Neil Menneer and Tim Mowl Only £12.99 including UK p&p Tim Mowl provides a very personal and entertaining portrait of Bristol, highlighting the paradoxes that have created the city of today. He describes its history, from its enterprising, sea-going exploits and industrial dynamism to its fusion of classicism and Romanticism, finance and art. Neil Menneer's brilliant photographs capture a city at its very best. It is a book that never disappoints. <a href="/product/?pid=15533">Hadrian's Wall</a> by Derry Brabbs Only £12.99 including UK p&p Hadrian's Wall stretches across northern England, from one coast to the other, a monument to the force and strength and, ultimately, failure of the Roman army. Leading landscape photographer Derry Brabbs takes us on a tour of the full length of the Wall. His magnificent photographs are accompanied by informative text on each of the major sites of interest along the Wall and nearby. <a href="/product/?pid=15534">Private Views of Snowdonia</a> by Steve Lewis, with a foreword by Bryn Terfel Only £17.99 including UK p&p Produced in collaboration with the Snowdonia Society, Private Views of Snowdonia offers a very special portrait of one of the most breathtaking of Britain's National Parks. Accompanied by Steve Lewis's dramatic photographs, the book features 30 essays by people who live there, all communicating a thoughtful and inspiring love of their land and its way of life. <a href="/product/?pid=15535">Charles Rennie Mackintosh</a> by Alan Crawford Only £7.50 including UK p&p Praised as a pioneer of the Modern Movement and hailed as a master of Art Nouveau, Mackintosh has left an impressive legacy. Alan Crawford's meticulously researched and fascinating biography of the great Scottish designer, architect and artist is the definitive guide to C.R.M.'s life and works. The book is the perfect accompaniment to a tour of the buildings on the Mackintosh Trail. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=1665 Beautiful Britain Autumn 2008 (Michael Palin, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Snowdonia, Hadrian’s Wall) 1505 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:44:25 +0000 The new <a href="/single.htm?ipg=7947">autumn 2008 issue of Beautiful Britain magazine</a> is out now, with fascinating features on the places, people and wildlife from all around Britain. It’s a sobering thought that the British landscape, with its network of rolling fields, hedgerows and islands of woodland (excepting conifer plantations), appears by and large to be so similar to the countryside that our Neolithic ancestors created with their tools, livestock and bare hands. How hard they must have fought – with each other, with the weather and with invading armies – to shape it, nurture it and protect it for themselves and for future generations.  We live surrounded by history and the ghosts of our ancestors. In this issue we read some of their stories, from Bristol to Hadrian’s Wall, from the gardens of Sheffield Park in Sussex to the coasts of Kent, and even on the seas, on a paddle steamer. As important as exploring our past is exploring new horizons, something very familiar to Michael Palin who met up with Mark Tully for our exclusive interview at a place close to his heart, the London Transport Museum. We also find out about the Cropwell Bishop Creamery and their special Stilton cheese, the beauties of the Snowdonia National Park, the legacy of architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and so much more. As usual, the magazine is packed with great photographs and the best writing. So if you haven’t got your copy of the new autumn 2008 issue yet, get in touch now on +44 (0)1242 537902, or order through our website. <a href="/single.htm?ipg=7947">View the full contents and sample articles from this issue here</a>. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=1505 Help us find ‘Hidden Britain’! 1504 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:37:46 +0000 We’re launching a search for places to feature in our new series of articles called ‘Hidden Britain’. Why not tell us about the places that are special to you and that are tucked away, far from the beaten track? For instance, they can be ancient ruins, a range of hills, a beach, a forest, or a stately home. They can be interesting places, full of history or wildlife, or they can simply be beautiful. E-mail a brief description of your chosen place and why you think it’s so special to the Editor at <a href="mailto:editor@beautifulbritain.net">editor@beautifulbritain.net</a>, headed ‘Hidden Britain’. Please include your address. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=1504 New Photography Competition! 1224 Fri, 16 May 2008 10:27:07 +0000 VISIONS of BRITAIN in association with Olympus This summer, Beautiful Britain is launching a significant new photography competition, supported by Olympus and open to all keen photographers. The winner will see their photographs published in a future edition of Beautiful Britain, and will also win an Olympus E-420 D-SLR worth £379.99. The rules are simple: you can enter a portfolio of a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 photographs on any subject relating to the people, landscape, culture, buildings or wildlife of Britain. All of your photographs should be linked by a single, unifying ‘theme’ (just like Andrew Wing’s British Beach Huts in the new summer issue, for instance), but the choice of that theme is up to you. Photographs will be judged on their aesthetic appeal and originality, with a preference given to photographs taken in natural conditions and that are not digitally altered. The winning photographs will, in the opinion of the judges, represent a special vision of beautiful Britain. The competition will be judged by top photographer Laurie Evans, Michael Freeman (the leading photographer and author of many popular photography books) and beautiful britain’s own Art Director, Lisa McCormick. The competition is open to anyone, amateur or professional, of any age and of any nationality. The closing date for all entries is 30 September 2008. The winners will be announced in the next spring issue, which will be published on 27 February 2009. Competition Prizes The winner’s photographs will be published in the spring 2009 issue of Beautiful Britain. The winner will also receive an E-420 D-SLR camera kit, courtesy of Olympus. The second prize winner will win an Olympus SP-570uz camera. Three other runners-up will each receive an Olympus Mju 1030sw. There will also be prizes of Michael Freeman’s latest book, 101 Top Digital Photography Tips for all four runners-up. Olympus E-420 This ultra-light, ultra-compact D-SLR is a perfect travel companion. With Live View for simple image composition, the E-420 produces stunning results and includes a 14–42mm lens. Olympus SP570uz With a 20 x optical zoom for breathtaking close-ups this 10-megapixel camera captures your creativity through wide-angle perspectives to high-action moments. Olympus Mju 1030sw Mju 1030sw. Shockproof to 2m, waterproof to 10m and freezeproof, this 10-megapixel camera is ideal for outdoor activities, holidays or just taking great shots. Rules for submitting entries Photographs can be in colour or black and white, and can be submitted for judging as prints or digital files (on CD), by post only, to the address below. However, if your entry is successful in reaching the final stages of the competition, we will contact you for high-resolution originals to ensure that the images will be publishable at printing resolutions. For digital files: images must have been taken on a sufficiently high resolution camera so they can be reproduced in at least 300 dpi at A4 size. For analogue: original mounted slides will be requested. We regret that we will not be able to return any entries. You must be the sole author and owner of the copyright for all images entered. By entering your images into the competition, you grant to Beautiful Britain magazine a non-exclusive licence to reproduce the images for any purpose in connection with the competition. Send your entries, to arrive no later than 30 September 2008, to: Visions of Britain Photography Competition, Beautiful Britain, PO Box 52, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 1YQ. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=1224 Beautiful Britain Summer 2008 (Cowes Week, Lake District, Diana Quick) 1210 Mon, 12 May 2008 17:17:49 +0000 The new <a href="/single.htm?ipg=7475">summer 2008 issue of Beautiful Britain magazine</a> is out now, with fascinating features on the places, people and wildlife from all around Britain. There’s nothing we Britons like half as much as messing about in boats. Or by the sea. Or on the river. So it is no accident that Beautiful Britain returns again and again to our scenic coasts and majestic rivers. And our latest summer issue is no exception – we take a look at the north-west coast of Scotland, visit that spectacle of sailing – Cowes Week – on the Isle of Wight, talk to a photographer about his fascination for beach huts and interview a fisherman with a passion for Britain’s rivers. Perhaps this love of all things watery lies deep in our blood. After all, water has been a source of protection, sustenance, transport and trade for our island nation in the past. And yet water can also be a source of heartache, as many discovered during the floods this time last year. Mark Holdstock has met some of those affected and reports his findings, including the effects of building on flood plains. On a related theme, Fiona Reynolds, the National Trust’s Director General, writes on the need to preserve our green spaces. We also visit the City of Ely, in the Cambridgeshire Fens, broadcaster Eric Robson takes us on an exclusive tour of his beloved Lake District, Libby Purves interviews the actress and writer Diana Quick, we find out about Britain’s beautiful butterflies, and Stephen Lacey takes in a delightful garden on the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales. As usual, the magazine is packed with great photographs and the best writing. So if you haven’t got your copy of the new summer 2008 issue yet, get in touch now on +44 (0)1242 537902, or order through our website. <a href="/single.htm?ipg=7475">View the full contents and sample articles from this issue here</a>. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=1210 Spring has sprung! 891 Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:12:15 +0000 The new <a href="/single.htm?ipg=7002">spring 2008 issue of Beautiful Britain magazine</a> is out now, we’ve tried to capture something of the sense of optimism generated by springtime in Britain, by exploring our magnificent countryside, by learning about nature and our heritage, and by meeting enthusiastic and talented people. Mark Tully has met the ever-popular author Bill Bryson, to talk about his life and his love of the British countryside. Tom King has been for a ride on the Bluebell Railway in Sussex. Saved from destruction by locals in 1960, this glorious line is still being supported by volunteers today. Stephen Lacey has enjoyed a garden paradise in Norfolk, the result of Lynda Tucker’s many years’ hard toil. We also learn about the Historic Houses Association. Other fascinating people in this issue include: Alan Burbidge, who writes about his love of the sounds of nature; stone carver and letterer, Fergus Wessel; and architect Daniel Wright, who contributed to the design and construction of the magnificent Welsh Assembly building in Cardiff. In our regular explorations of the British landscape, we’ve visited Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, the Dorset coast and many other beautiful and historic places. As usual, the magazine is packed with great photographs and the best writing. So if you haven't got your copy of the new spring issue yet, get in touch now on +44 (0)1242 537902, or order through the Shop on this website. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=891 Winter's here! 639 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 20:01:32 +0000 It seems like only yesterday that we were putting the finishing touches to our first winter issue and yet here we are again, with Christmas just around the corner. For our latest issue we’ve assembled a varied range of fascinating features to keep you entertained on the long, dark evenings. Tom King has been for a walk along the enchanting Suffolk Coast and Deborah King has been to discover the riches of an intriguing house in North Wales. We also explore the peaceful Vale of Belvoir, the varied delights of Exmoor and the dramatic beauty of the Cheviot Hills. Mark Tully has met the engaging entrepreneur, Lord Karan Bilimoria, and broadcaster Jamie Crick has toured the favourite haunts of the composer Edward Elgar to celebrate 150 years since the great man’s birth. We’ve also learned all about the work of the Landmark Trust. As usual, the magazine is packed with great photographs and the best writing to keep you occupied by the fireside. So if you haven't got your copy yet, get in touch now on +44 (0)1242 537902, or order through the Shop on this website. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=639 Treat yourself this Christmas! 513 Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:48:05 +0000 Subscribe to Beautiful Britain now for only £16 and we will send you a free 2008 Beautiful Britain calendar OR we will send you your first issue absolutely FREE. You decide! Simply go to our on-line Shop or call our subscriptions line on +44 (0)1242 537902, order your subscription and choose your special gift today. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=513 Christmas gift subscription offer 512 Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:42:35 +0000 Treat your friends and family to Beautiful Britain this Christmas! Enter a gift subscription to Beautiful Britain for a friend or relative and you can be sure that they will think of you each time they receive a new issue. For only £16 (£19 overseas, by air) you can give them presents that will delight them throughout the whole of next year. Our extra gift to you: for each gift subscription you take out, we will send you a special illustrated card, so that you can let your gift recipients know that you have ordered the magazine for them. And your extra gift to them: in addition, we will send each of your gift recipients a FREE copy of the 2008 Beautiful Britain Calendar. Visit our on-line Shop for details. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=512 New Autumn Issue! 511 Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:38:19 +0000 Newly-fallen leaves on a freshening autumn day are one of the magical signs of the turning of the year. In the autumn issue of Beautiful Britain out now, we visit the Cotswolds and enjoy the very best of the season's colours with a special photo feature. Autumn is also the climax of the cider-making year and we have been to visit the Heck family in Somerset. They have been making cider in the traditional way for six generations. Duart Castle has been standing on the Isle of Mull in Scotland for as many centuries. Sir Lachlan Maclean, current head of Clan Maclean, shows us around. Like Duart, the New Forest in Hampshire is many hundreds of years old. Tom King explores the Forest for the first of a major new series of articles on our National Parks. We also visit the Welsh town of Portmeirion, which didn’t exist at all before 1925, by which time The Caravan Club, featured in our Enthusiasms slot, was well into its second decade. Sir Mark Tully has been to meet Baroness Boothroyd and Simon Arron spent some time with Charles Morgan, whose family firm still makes wonderful sports cars in Worcestershire. Also in our autumn issue, Stephen Lacey visits Kathy Brown, to walk round the garden she has created at Stevington in Bedfordshire, two Scottish crofters invite us to their home on Shetland and David Else explores the wonderful coastline of North Yorkshire. Whether or not you are able to enjoy the blessings of the open air as the days shorten, we hope you will enjoy turning over the leaves of this autumn issue. Order your copy now by visiting our Shop on this website. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=511 Good News! 435 Thu, 23 Aug 2007 11:18:15 +0000 The warehouse has now been completely cleaned and is being restocked. Orders are again being despatched and we hope to have resumed our usual rapid service for all orders by the end of August. Many thanks to everyone for their cooperation and support during this time. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=435 Floods Affect Beautiful Britain Warehouse 401 Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:51:14 +0000 No doubt you will have heard the news items about the floods during July. Our autumn issue was ready to print when the rivers burst their banks. We would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the hundreds of thousands affected by the flooding. We share their present trials in the most literal sense: our warehouse in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, is under five feet of water, a great deal of stock has been lost and there are few of our staff who have not been personally affected. Please continue to send us your orders and subscription renewals but bear with us if we are a little less prompt than usual in fulfilling them! As with lots of people, it will be many weeks before things are back to normal but we will hope to count on your support in the months ahead. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=401 Summer Issue 293 Fri, 01 Jun 2007 19:16:49 +0000 This month sees the publication of the summer issue of Beautiful Britain. It contains a great selection of articles and dozens of wonderful photographs from across the length and breadth of Britain. In this issue we travel to the north coast of Wales, to a charming village in Cumbria and up the rickety staircase inside the spire of Salisbury Cathedral. We visit an English vineyard that we understand is causing a little alarm in France, go on tour in Scotland with Queen Victoria, explore Wolsey Lodges (one of Britain’s best-kept secrets, in our view) and tramp up the northern half of the Pennines We also meet two people in very different jobs in London (the Director of the British Museum and a wigmaker), and hear from Libby Purves what opportunities a very little money can provide in sub-Saharan Africa (‘What’, you may ask, ‘has that got to do with Britain?’ ‘Meet Peter Ryan,’ is the answer.) As usual, there’s a lot else besides, from what must be, mile for mile, the most diverse and interesting country on the face of the earth. We hope you enjoy this issue, and the delights of summer. If you are not yet a subscriber - and at only £16 (£19 overseas) for a complete year’s issues what could be more enjoyable or better value! – why not join the many thousands who have already ensured that Beautiful Britain is delivered to them as soon as it comes off the press? Simply click on ‘Magazine’ on our home page and follow the link to ‘Subscribe online now’. We look forward to welcoming you as a regular reader. http://www.beautifulbritain.net/news/item.htm?pid=293