Britain

BRITAIN - The Official Magazine is the perfect choice for everyone with a thirst to know more about the UK's rich history and traditions. Each issue is a glorious surprise, packed with tales of kings and queens, heroes and villains and the stories behind our castles and cathedrals, stately homes and gardens, countryside and coastline.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Britain

YOUR LETTERS • Write to us with your thoughts on the magazine and memories of Britain

THE BULLETIN • Poppies at the Tower, a new pilgrimage trail, and festivities at Waddesdon Manor

PROGRESS & PAGEANTRY • Follow the route taken by Queen Elizabeth I on her West Country ‘progress’ to discover magnificent houses and heritage cities

GHOSTLY GUESTS • Our fascination with ghost stories goes back centuries, a tradition drawn on by Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol. What better time of year to visit some of our most atmospheric castles, country houses and inns, and delve into their dramatic tales of hauntings?

The perfect gift this Christmas

MAGIC & WONDER • The timeless tale of Peter Pan has enchanted children for generations, and the life story of its creator J.M Barrie has its own sprinkling of magic

HOMAGE TO THE Highlands • Andy the Highlander has a worldwide following, thanks to his hit videos dedicated to his beloved homeland. Andy’s new book is a love letter to Scotland’s extraordinary landscapes, history and folklore. Here, he tells us about three uniquely Scottish treasures

WIN A SPECIAL TRIP TO THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

A STITCH IN TIME • The Quaker Tapestry represents a remarkable community endeavour, stitching together significant events from past centuries. But how embroidered is its account of history?

THE KING’S SPEECH • Almost a century after a reluctant king’s first crackly radio broadcast, the royal Christmas message to the nation has become a well-established festive tradition

Bronte country & beyond • From the picturesque hilltop village of Haworth to the cultural hotbed of Bradford, this West Yorkshire tour captures each and every page of the Brontë sisters’ story

CHARLESTOWN • The historic harbour town of Charlestown offers the chance to step back to a bygone age

VOICES of ANGELS • The Wells Cathedral Choir, founded over a thousand years ago, breathes life into one of Britain’s most spectacular ecclesiastical building

LONDON LEGENDS • From Jane Austen connections to wartime secrets, choose a hotel with history for your next London stay

A day with … TOM PYE COSTUME & SET DESIGNER, ROYAL OPERA HOUSE • The acclaimed costume and set designer, who has worked across theatre, opera, ballet, film and television, tells us about his work on the ballet production of Cinderella at the Royal Opera House

Puddings & pies • Our foodie columnist tucks into the festive classics: mince pies and Christmas pudding