Latest news with #BeatrixPotter
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Rare Peter Rabbit 50p coin sells for more than whopping 5,000 times its value – here's how to check if you have one
It is part of a collection celebrating the famous author Beatrix Potter HOP TO IT Rare Peter Rabbit 50p coin sells for more than whopping 5,000 times its value – here's how to check if you have one A RARE 50p coin has sold for more than £2,500 because of its unusual design. The coin, which was sold on eBay, was part of a batch of special Peter Rabbit coins produced by the Royal Mint in 2018. Advertisement 1 Coin hunters should check to see if their 50p Peter Rabbit coin matches the one above While most Peter Rabbit 50p coins contain the lettering "The tale of Peter Rabbit" on one side, this 2018 coin – which was sold on the online auction site in March this year – has only the markings "Peter Rabbit". Coin hunters should check their collections to see if they have snatched up one of the treasures. Experts such as Coin Checker say such small details can "dramatically" increase the price of rare coins for dedicated collectors. It comes after another Peter Rabbit coin was put up for sale for a whopping £25,000 because of a tiny error. Advertisement One eagle-eyed collector, who lives in Dereham, quickly noticed theirs looked different from the rest. As the eBay listing explained, there was a bizarre "lump of metal" stuck to one of the character's feet. In the latest listing to catch the eye of collectors, the seller outlined on ebay what makes this Peter Rabbit 50p coin "iconic". They wrote: "Crafted with precision in the United Kingdom, these coins boast the iconic symbolism that collectors and enthusiasts alike seek. Advertisement "The year of issue varies across the collection, offering a time capsule of Britain's numismatic artistry. "The rarity of these coins makes them an exceptional find for any serious collector or admirer of British tradition." The rarest and most valuable 50p coins in circulation Much like how the Beatrix Potter coin is a commemorative item, similar rarities will often be desirable for collectors. It'll always depend on who you're looking to market your coin to when it comes to sell, as the amount buyers are willing to pay will vary from one to the next. Advertisement One literature fan might be keen to spend hundreds just to get their hands on it, while another might only see the coin as worth its face value of 50p. How to check if you have a rare coin If you think that you might have a rare coin then it's worth checking with an expert to see if yours could sell for a hefty price tag. The most valuable coins are usually those with a low mintage or an error. These are often deemed the most valuable by collectors. You can check how much the coin is selling for on eBay by searching the full name of the coin, selecting the "sold" listing and then toggling the search to "highest value". It will give you an idea of the amount of money that the coin is going for. But it's not always the case that a coin has sold for the amount is was listed for. Coins are really only worth what someone else is willing to pay for them. Sometimes, collectors are willing to pay more for a coin if they need it to complete a set. Some key things to look out for on other coins, that might help you drive up the price too, would be a low mintage or an error that's apparent on the design. If a coin has a high mintage figure then it's a bit easier to find one in your own wallet, but then it's not as sought after or rare. You can check how much a coin will typically go for on eBay though. Advertisement Sometimes a coin may not have sold for the amount it was listed for, and fakes circulate online too, so keep this in mind.
Time Out
3 days ago
- Time Out
Golden Seed: Modern tea atelier in Singapore specialising in quality Chinese teas
It's a weekday afternoon and Millennia Walk has a peaceful air. Most of the little human activity here is from office folk getting a quick caffeine fix, or Japanese housewives stocking up on groceries at Meidi-Ya. There's the occasional group of students chit-chatting over desserts at the handful of cafés, but things are generally quiet. Often overshadowed by its larger, buzzier cousin Suntec City just across the road, this modest two-storey mall isn't a regular haunt for most despite being smack in the middle of Singapore's CBD area – so chances are, you've missed out on its newest gem, Golden Seed. But this zen tea atelier is definitely worth your attention. Golden Seed specialises in Chinese tea, but it isn't at all like your typical traditional teahouse. Instead, it's sleek, modern and filled with natural light, with a clean and minimalistic white-and-neutral colour scheme. You might even mistake it for a luxury skincare parlour or interior designer's office if you're zipping by in a hurry – it's sneakily camouflaged in plain sight alongside the mall's high-end furniture, fashion and beauty boutiques. A large bar counter flanked by heavyset pillars takes up most of the area by the entrance, and this is where your brews are prepared by Golden Seed's tea baristas. Wander further in for various seating configurations: A long marble island with a mini moss garden stretching across its middle; a communal wooden table with benches; window seats suitable for lone patrons; and a cosy set-up against the wall with small round tables, perfect for pairs or foursomes. The window seats are supposed to come with fountain views, but the water feature was unfortunately boarded up for some maintenance work during our visit. There's also a semi-private VIP room where events like workshops and corporate sessions can be held. This, too, offers views of the fountain on usual days. Golden Seed currently offers two types of tea appreciation sets: Tea Journey Awakening ($36 per person) which is suitable for those new to the art of tea, and a more premium Grand Tea Experience ($88, for up to two persons) for those with a more discerning palate. Each category comes with a decent selection for you to choose from; The former has more familiar flavours like da hong pao and long jing, while the latter has less common varieties like pu er that's been aged for over 20 years, and 'horse meat' oolong. Don't worry, it doesn't actually contain horse meat and is named after its place of harvest. Each set is paired with complimentary seasonal tidbits, which could include anything from nuts to mini cakes and Taiwanese-style pineapple tarts. We especially enjoyed the Japanese purple sweet potato mochi, though sharing proved to be a little tricky as it already came in a rather small bite-sized piece. The books on the shelves are all for your browsing pleasure, so don't be shy to pick one up and leaf through its pages as you sip on your brew. We spotted a Beatrix Potter art book, a collection of Dior fashion illustrations, and informative tea journals amongst the titles. There's no seating time limit, so take all the time you need to relax, especially during non-peak hours. In fact, you're more than welcome to hop on over with your laptop and spend an afternoon working here. Some might find the tea here on the expensive side, and we won't disagree. However, we were told that the pricing is as such due to the high quality of the tea leaves, which are personally sourced from China by the owner. The leaves are meant to be brewed multiple times per sitting, so it's not a 'one and done' deal and you'll be able to make the most out of your order with hot water refills. And of course, the tranquil environment is also a real treat that's hard to come by in this ever-busy part of town. If you'd like to bring the experience home, pick up something from Golden Seed's retail corner. Other than beautifully packaged loose leaf tea, there's also drinkware like teapots and teacups and specially curated gift sets for sale. Golden Seed is located at Millenia Walk (#01-72) and opens daily from 11.30am to 8.30pm. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are recommended. Find out more and make a reservation via its website and Instagram page.
The Independent
6 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
The country walk bucket list: All the most beautiful rambles in and around the UK
As spring turns to summer (and the sun hopefully dons his fascinator, if not quite his hat), it's the ideal time to enjoy the great outdoors on a country ramble. There are idyllic walks all around the UK, from blustery coastal trails to steep mountain hikes. With something to suit whatever your fitness level, here's our selection of some of the best. Lake District It's hard to pick just one walk in Cumbria's paragon of loveliness, the Unesco-listed Lake District, which is chocca full of jaw-dropping vistas. For an easy yet highly gratifying afternoon, take a stroll around Derwentwater in Keswick – a much more peaceful, compact lake compared to its better-known neighbour, Windermere. Flat paths lead through ancient woodland and along the shores of the lake on a 16km jaunt that is nicely punctuated by beauty spots to share a picnic or pubs to reward yourself with a pint. If you have time, stop by Lingholm Estate – once Beatrix Potter's holiday home, it now offers luxury self-catering accommodation, a restaurant with walled garden and the chance to walk an alpaca around the grounds … South Downs This range of chalk hills is iconic walking country, offering 1,600sq km of land from Hampshire to East Sussex to explore. It would be a shame to head this far south without seeing the sea: starting at Birling Gap, head along the coast, taking in views of the Seven Sisters clifftops while following the South Downs Way. Finishing at Cuckmere Haven, the 6km walk should take a couple of hours to complete (although extending it to reach the Cuckmere Inn for sustenance is recommended). Capital Ring For those who can't quite make it out of the city, there is a solution. London's Capital Ring Walk offers some picturesque options, all accessible by public transport. This giant, circular 126km trail is split neatly into 15 sections; one of the greenest and longest is Wimbledon to Richmond (section 6). Starting at Wimbledon Park station, it runs through Wimbledon Park, Wimbledon Common and the sublime Richmond Park (look out for the freely roaming deer!) before finishing at Richmond station. The route is 11km and largely flat – it should take two to three hours. Wye Valley The Wye Valley Walk is an epic marked footpath following the River Wye and straddling England and Wales. The 225km-long trail can be tackled in different sections over the course of a week; but if you've not got that, a particularly handsome section starts at Chepstow Castle and finishes up at the haunting ruins of Tintern Abbey. The 10km route includes woodland, a steep climb of the 'Eagle's Nest' and phenomenal river views. Oh, and there's a decent pub at Tintern, The Anchor. The Cotswolds This huge Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers 2,038sq km and stretches across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, and parts of Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. The Cotswold Way is a well-known trail to tackle, running more than 160km from Chipping Camden to Bath. Set aside seven to 10 days if planning to take on the whole thing, or alternatively do the circular trail from Chipping Camden at the start of the walk (a 7km romp around shaded woodlands) or the linear 'journey's end' section, starting in Lansdowne and finishing up at the majestic Bath Abbey (10km). Yorkshire Three Peaks This 39km scramble, taking around 12 hours, isn't for the faint hearted – but it is one heck of a challenge. Yorkshire's three highest peaks – Pen y Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – form part of the Pennines. Starting at Horton in Ribblesdale, the ascent up Pen y Ghent starts gently enough, before becoming increasingly steep and requiring the use of hands towards the end. Pick up the Ribble Way on the way down before joining the Pennine Journey path to the top of Whernside. Descend, join the Dales High Way and zig zag to the top of the final peak, Ingleborough, boasting 360-degree views of the dales. The Highlands There are countless beautiful walks in the Scottish Highlands. The 16km route from Loch Shiel to the dramatic mountain pass of Beinn a'Chaorainn has an extra touch of magic though – it starts at the Gothic church in Glenfinnan before making its way past Glenfinnan Viaduct, best known for playing host to the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. The rest of the route takes in mountain peaks, rivers, bothies and valleys. Well, variety is the spice of hike… While spring brings warmer weather it also marks the start of the hay fever season. If you're one of the 18 million people affected in the UK, it makes sense to try to help prevent the symptoms of hay fever. A single dose of Pirinase Hayfever Relief For Adults 0.05% Nasal Spray in each nostril once a day could help relieve sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy and watery eyes. Find out more here, or click here to buy online
The Herald Scotland
27-05-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Kate Middleton and I love the Lake District - here is where to visit
The first is Catherine, the Princess of Wales, who made a recent 'secret visit' to Lake Windermere, praising the restorative power of the great outdoors. Speaking to a group of Scouts, she described the Lakes as 'a place to balance and find a sort of sense of peace and reconnection in what is otherwise a very busy world.' She added that the region offered her a 'very spiritual and very intense emotional reconnection.' Read more Those sentiments resonated with me completely. Repeated visits to the Lake District have helped me truly appreciate the wellness boost that comes from being outside for hours on end, whether wandering through the area's labyrinth of walking trails, ambling beside a lake, or simply being in the moment, soaking in the sheer beauty of the scenery. Then there's Beatrix Potter, literary genius, conservationist, and total Lake District devotee. Though born in London and first smitten with the countryside as a nine-year-old during a family Scottish holiday, it was the Lakes that truly captured her imagination. They inspired her much-loved tales of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and friends – characters who continue to delight children worldwide, with global book sales exceeding 250 million. Peter with the waxworks model of Beatrix Potter (Image: P Samson) Potter's success translated into remarkable real-world impact. As her books flourished, she reinvested her earnings from the books and the cleverly marketed merchandise into buying up swathes of land and an impressive property portfolio around Windermere and Derwentwater. Upon her death in 1943, she bequeathed around 4,000 acres of prime Lake District land and 14 farms to the National Trust helping to preserve much of the landscape we enjoy today. Whenever I return from my Lake District trips, friends often say, 'You do the big hikes, don't you?' My answer? Not always. You don't need to be super fit or kitted out in hiking gear to enjoy the area. There are walks for all levels. A gentle half-hour stroll along the banks of Derwentwater from Keswick centre can be just as rewarding as a summit scramble. When I first started exploring the fells, I'd puff and pant for Scotland. But I've progressed, and so far, I've proudly ticked off about 10 of the 214 Wainwrights — the iconic peaks catalogued in Alfred Wainwright's beloved Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. Only 204 to go! But in a place like this, there's no rush. Peter at the summit of Catbells Peak (Image: P Samson) For something flatter, the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path is a scenic and accessible route. Just over three miles each way, it's perfect for walkers, cyclists, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters. Originally a railway line opened in 1864, the route features old bridges and tunnels, and informative boards that detail its industrial heritage. The Threlkeld Coffee Shop makes a perfect halfway pit stop, and if you prefer not to walk both ways, a local bus can take you back to Keswick. Speaking of buses, the open-top double-decker service between Keswick and Windermere is a gem. For just £3 each way, you can enjoy sweeping views of lakes and hills from the breezy top deck — a budget-friendly way to see the area's sights and rolling landscapes. Back in Keswick, I indulged in a nostalgic visit to the Derwent Pencil Museum. As someone who remembers the thrill of opening a fresh tin of coloured pencils on several Christmas mornings, this was a true trip down memory lane. The museum - entered via a replica graphite mine - tells the story of how pencils became a global staple. One fascinating exhibit reveals how WWII pilots used pencils containing hidden maps. Visitors receive a pencil to complete a fun museum quiz. Bassenthwaite Lake (Image: P Samson) Keswick itself makes a great base for exploring. With its range of independent shops, cafes, regular street markets and an excellent Booths supermarket, it's both charming and convenient. From here, it's also easy to reach other Lake District favourites such as Ambleside, Grasmere, Buttermere and, of course, Windermere by car or bus. Foodies will also find plenty to love and devour. Cumbria boasts the highest number of Michelin stars outside London, including the famed three-starred L'Enclume in Grange-over-Sands, about an hour and 15 minutes from Keswick. I've yet to visit, but the Michelin Guide describes it as serving up a 'special brand of culinary alchemy.' One, perhaps, for a future trip. A particularly magical stop is the village of Near Sawrey, about an hour away - Beatrix Potter's cherished retreat. She once described it as 'nearly perfect a little place as I ever lived in,' and it's easy to see why. With rolling hills and timeless charm, it feels almost untouched by the modern world. It's not hard to imagine Beatrix walking those lanes in search of inspiration or in the fields tending to her flock of award-winning Herdwick sheep. To me, the Lake District really is picture-perfect and if blessed with good weather verging on the idyllic. Thanks to Potter's vision and generosity, so much of it has been lovingly preserved for everyone to enjoy. Every time I visit, I silently toast her and the enchanting world she created. Her stories may be fictional, but her impact on this landscape is wonderfully real. TRAVEL NOTES Peter drove from Glasgow to Keswick in around 2 hours and 20 minutes. He stayed at Elmcot Cottage, a two-bedroom, well-equipped self-catering property with garden and off-street parking for two cars (a real Lake District perk). Seven nights from around £600, booked via
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lake District farmhouse that inspired Beatrix Potter for sale
A Lake District farmhouse that inspired some of Beatrix Potter's illustrations is up for sale for £1,200,000. Skelgill Farm, located in the Newlands Valley near Keswick, is described by Davidson & Robertson, the estate agent as a "rare and unique opportunity." Beatrix Potter was a frequent visitor to the area and was captivated by Skelgill Farm, which sits beneath Catbells. Beatrix Potter was a frequent visitor to the Newlands Valley, where the farmhouse is situated (Image: Supplied) Potter used the farmhouse as inspiration for 'Little Town Farm' in her book 'The Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle'. The six-bed property sits on the edge of Catbells. The listing describes Skelgill Farm as suitable for use as a family home, an additional dwelling, or as a business. It is situated a few minutes from the A66 and the town of Keswick. The surrounding fells offer "exclusive views" across Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake, and, on clear days, Scotland. The property's location provides access to outdoor shops, independent boutiques, galleries, restaurants, pubs, outdoor activity centres, schools, and the Theatre By the Lake. The estate agent also highlights the property's proximity to several well-known Lake District locations. Drives to Crummock Water and Buttermere can be made over Honister Pass, and Thirlmere, Grasmere, Ullswater, and Windermere are also accessible. Internally, Skelgill Farm features an entrance hallway with wooden floors and doors, leading to a living room, library/games room, downstairs cloakroom, kitchen, and a staircase with under stairs storage. Living room, with wood flooring, marble fireplace and a woodburning stove (Image: Supplied) The living room has wood flooring, a marble fireplace with slate hearth, and a woodburning stove. A room on the ground floor is currently being used as a pool and games room, but the estate agent notes it could also serve as a second sitting room or library. This room features three recessed bookcases, a flagged floor, and a fireplace. Kitchen, with slate flagged floor, wall and base units, and an Aga cooker (Image: Supplied) The kitchen is described as a "well-proportioned, twin aspect traditional farmhouse kitchen" with a slate flagged floor, wall and base units, and an Aga cooker. A window seat offers views across the gardens. There is also a utility room with stable door access from the garden, which the estate agent says could serve as a pantry, utility, or boot room, with space for laundry appliances and access to the rear garden. The property's second lounge, currently being used as a games room, complete with pool table (Image: Supplied) Upstairs, the property has six bedrooms. The main bedroom is a dual aspect double room with painted beams and window seats, situated next to the family bathroom. Several bedrooms feature cast iron fireplaces, skylights, and wooden floors. One of the property's six bedrooms (Image: Supplied) There are two bathrooms on this floor, including one with a bath and electric shower. The estate agent says that the windows are "mostly double glazed" and the slate roof was recently replaced by the current owners. Outside, Skelgill Farm has a wraparound garden and a glass greenhouse. To the front, a gravel driveway provides parking for two or three cars. Further land and buildings may be available by separate negotiation, according to the listing. Interested parties should call Davidson & Robertson on 01312 684624.
