Journal
Oxford - Harry Potter, Narnia and Lord of the Rings
Oxford has always been a fabulous place to visit with it’s “dreaming spires”, stunning architecture and the oldest university in Britain (founded 1167). Now, there is a new attraction – film connections.
The Harry Potter films are partly filmed in Oxford. In the first film, Christchurch (founded in 1546 by Henry VIII) was the setting for Prof. McGonagall meeting the first years on the stairs (where that Neville lost his toad) before entering the Dining room. In fact, Christchurch dining room was the inspiration for Hogwarts Dining Room. Hagrid dragged a Christmas tree across the Quad, and the Quiddich cups were displayed at the top of the stairs.
Christchurch has more literary connections however – Charles Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll lived at Christchurch for over 40 years – he was a mathematics Don here. Dodgson used to entertain Dean Liddell’s daughter, Alice with stories. Much of the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland came from the characters and the decoration at Christchurch.
I watched with interest the latest Harry Potter film, The Goblet of Fire. Scenes such as Draco Malfoy being turned into a weasel and Harry, Hermione and Ron having an arguement were filmed in the cloisters of New College (founded in 1379 – it was new at the time!). The dining hall where the Goblet of Fire was kept is the New College dining room.
Other literary connections to Oxford include CS Lewis and JRR Tolkein. Both of these gentlemen were Dons here at Oxford and used to meet on Thursday evenings at “The Eagle and Child” pub, to discuss their latest works. Their social group was called “The Inklings” – as in little inks. A modest name indeed for such esteemed writers. Their photographs and names can be seen above their seats in the pub.
Oxford is one of the very best places to visit – either for a daytrip on it’s own, or you can include Stratford Upon Avon and a beautiful drive through the Cotswolds, where you will see the picturesque villages with thatched cottages. Another idea is that you twin Oxford with Windsor Castle.
Driving time from London 1.5hr.
Heather Davies on Jan 20, 00:40 in London Living #
Christmas in London - Late openings
We have some special late openings happening this Winter, most notably the late opening of The Tower of London and of Hampton Court Palace.
The Tower of London have some special late night entrances with private tours with the yeoman warders.
Hampton Court has got an exciting series of lantern lit haunted tours with the resident costumed guides.
Heather Davies on Nov 29, 16:04 in London Living #
Christmas in London - Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree and Carol Singing
On the 29th November at 6pm the lighting of the traditional Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree will take place. The ceremony will be attended by the Mayor of Oslo. Each year since 1947, the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square has been the traditional gift to the people of London from the people of Norway. It is given by Oslo, the Norwegian capital, as a token of gratitude for Britain’s support of Norway during World War II.
The Norwegian Spruce usually stands over 25metres high and remains in Trafalgar Square until Twelfth Night (6th January). It will provide a focus for carol singing from 3rd December until 24th December by a variety of groups collecting a a range of good causes.
There are Carol Concerts throughout London during this festive season, I would like to make particular note of the following:
St Paul’s Cathedral
St Martins in the Field
Hampton Court Palace
Westminster Abbey
Heather Davies on Nov 29, 14:11 in London Living London Living #
Christmas in London - Ice Skating in London
After the success of temporary outdoor ice skating rinks in the past few years, more of our famous landmarks have joined in the skating revelry.
Christmas at Kew (26 November 2005 – 2 January for festival / 15 January 2006 for ice-rink)
This year Kew Gardens is hosting London’s largest festive ice-rink, located among the trees in front of the majestic Temperate House. Christmas activities for children include Father Christmas, a carousel and horse and carriage rides. Other events include late night openings with Christmas shopping and carol concerts with mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
Address Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens) Kew Richmond
Telephone: (020) 8332 5655
Opening Times: Mon-Sun 1000-2200.
26 Nov 2005 to 15 Jan 2006
Prices: Adult from £10.00 Child from £7.00 Concessions from £8.00 Family (2 adults 2 children) from £28.00
Other wonderfully picturesque places include:
Natural History Museum
The Tower of London
Somerset House
Royal Naval College, Greenwich
Hampton Court Palace
Most do need to be booked in advance – see the links for further details.
Ian Seckington on Nov 29, 13:47 in London Living London Living #
Christmas in London - Southwark Frost Fair
We are approaching the festive season and London as ever is providing us with some interesting and unique attractions. Mostly, these seem to be based around ice and night time tours.
So to kick things off we have a rather unique festival happening in Southwark. We are having the 3rd annual “Frost Fair” which will be held outside Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The event will be a lastminute shoppers delight with food, wine and high quality gifts stalls – concentrating on crafts.
The main feature will be an impressive real ice slide, running 35 metres (115ft), a first for London! This will be accompanied by a lantern procession to open the event and Olympic ski simulation which together with marquees, street entertainment, ice sculpting and an ice bar, will all be lit up by the enchanting Frost Fair lights.
The Frost Fair originates from the freeze of 1564 when the people of London took to the ice for a carnival on the water. They would have coach races, puppet plays, cooking and tippling. This became an annual event and the last Frost Fair was held in 1814, almost 200 years ago. Bankside is now home to an annual Frost Fair Carnival once again.
Southwark Frost Fair 16th-18th Dec 2005 FREE! Fireworks 7:30pm-7:45pm.
Friday 16th December 4pm – 10pm
Saturday 17th December 10am – 10pm
Sunday 18th December 10am – 6pm
The slide open on the day of the Frost Fair 16th December until 4th January 2006.
- The slide costs £3 for 2 slides
- There is no need to book in advance
- Participants go down it on an inflatable “tube” (rubber ring)
- There are four lanes and at least two people can go down at once.
Opening times
The slide is open outside the Tate Modern Sun-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri and Sat 10am-10pm (closed on 25th December).
Heather Davies on Nov 29, 13:21 in London Living London Living #