Latest news with #CharlesDickens'
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
I live near one of the UK's 'best beaches' but there's a nicer one 10 minutes down the road
It's less than two hours from London and often features in top 10 lists — but I think it's overrated. Last week, The Times released a list of what it says are the 50 best beaches in the UK. The list was wonderfully varied, with sandy and shingle beaches and more rural locations featured. Living in a seaside town in Kent, I am incredibly passionate about some of my local beaches. Deal, Kingsdown and Folkestone are some of my favourites. Scanning the list, I was intrigued to see which Kent beach would feature in the 'South England' section, if any at all. I was disappointed to find Margate was the only beach to feature. It's not a particularly bad beach — but it is the most overrated. Margate is a trendy, buzzy town that is particularly popular among Londoners who travel down on a Friday evening for a weekend by the sea. And who can blame them? In theory, Margate has everything you could want: a sandy beach, plenty of good bars, restaurants and pubs, boutique shops and a trendy art scene, with the Turner Contemporary being particularly popular. The town is also known for Dreamland, an amusement park and music venue where the Sugababes, Olly Murs, Madness, and McFly will perform this year. One of the town's main attractions is its sandy beach and traditional seaside amusements, which are always good fun, even if you're not one for coin pushers and claw machines. However, when I last visited, I couldn't help feeling quite underwhelmed. I was met with piles of rubbish, a lingering sewage-y scent wafting through the air and a group of drunken men who proceeded to shout lewd remarks at me and my husband as we headed back towards the train station. The town felt rundown, unkept and the wrong side of 'gritty'. I left feeling disappointed, and in all honesty, I haven't dared to go near the beach since. Even the stunning sunset reflected across the beach in the evening couldn't change my mind. Rather than heading to Margate this summer, I'd highly recommend the quaint seaside town of Broadstairs, which is located just 10 minutes away. Broadstairs has several beaches, with Viking Bay and Botany Bay being the most popular. Viking Bay has beautiful golden sands, beach huts, and a fantastic tidal pool. It's the perfect spot to kick back and relax or enjoy a leisurely walk. Further up the coast, the secluded Botany Bay offers beautiful views of the white cliffs and chalk stacks. It's usually quieter than Viking Bay and is more suited to those who want to explore rock pools or hunt for fossils. Joss Bay is also a popular spot with steep chalk cliffs and golden sands that stretch for 200 metres. It's also the best beach in Thanet for surfing. Broadstairs itself is charming with an olde-worlde feel that can only be experienced in a handful of ungentrified seaside towns in the UK. Fishermen's cottages can be found in the heart of the town, as well as a 1950s ice cream parlour and plenty of quaint pubs. Broadstairs was known to be Charles Dickens' favourite spot for a holiday - and it's easy to see why. Next time you're heading to the Kent coast, give trendy Margate a miss and instead give this charming town a try, you won't be disappointed.
New York Post
16-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Stately London mansion tied to one of Charles Dickens' most scandal-ridden characters has listed for $25M
This house has seen the best of times — and the worst of times. A stately London mansion tied to one of Charles Dickens' most infamous fictional financiers has hit the market with a roughly $25 million asking price — and a far less tragic fate than its original owner or his literary doppelgänger. Located in Marylebone on Harley Street, the seven-bedroom townhouse spans more than 8,600 square feet across five floors and is being marketed by Beauchamp Estates, according to a press release. Advertisement The Grade II-listed property pairs period architecture with contemporary comforts, including a private spa, a plunge pool and a home cinema — amenities that place it 'a world away from anything remotely Dickensian,' said Jeremy Gee, managing director of Beauchamp Estates. 15 A grand seven-bedroom townhouse on London's Harley Street with ties to Charles Dickens' 'Little Dorrit' is up for sale for roughly $25 million. Beauchamp Estates/Tony Murray Photography 15 A cover of the work. Open Road Media Advertisement Originally built between 1822 and 1825 by architect John White Jr., the red-brick Georgian building features sash windows, a fanlight entrance and an ornamental balcony overlooking a first-floor terrace. Inside, the home offers expansive reception rooms, a formal dining room and a designer kitchen with sleek cabinetry and a central island. Amenities occupy the lower ground level, including a mosaic-lined swimming pool, a mirrored gym, a steam room and a wine cellar. A private lift connects multiple levels, from the service quarters to a penthouse suite with vaulted ceilings. 15 The Grade II-listed property occupies 8,600 square feet. Beauchamp Estates/Tony Murray Photography Advertisement 15 The townhome was built between 1822 and 1825. Beauchamp Estates/Tony Murray Photography 15 The mansion was once owned by John Henry Deffell, a financier and East India Company director whose fraudulent schemes and dramatic downfall reportedly inspired the character of Mr. Merdle in Dickens' 1855 novel. Beauchamp Estates/Tony Murray Photography But its most intriguing asset might be its former owner — and the scandal that came with him. According to historical records from University College London, the townhouse was first occupied by John Henry Deffell, a wealthy merchant, socialite and director of the East India Company. Advertisement A prominent investor with interests in India and Jamaica, Deffell attracted aristocratic followers who entrusted him with their fortunes. When many of those investments collapsed as fraudulent in 1847, Deffell fled Marylebone and died by suicide — a story covered by the London Gazette and the Morning Chronicle. Among the readers of those papers was a young Charles Dickens, then working as a journalist at the Morning Chronicle. 15 The home spans five stories. Beauchamp Estates/Tony Murray Photography 15 Amenities in the residence include a health spa with a swimming pool, a plunge pool, a steam room, a sauna and a gym, plus a private cinema and a wine cellar. Beauchamp Estates/Tony Murray Photography 15 Period features like tall sash windows, a fanlight entrance and a first-floor ornamental balcony remain intact. Beauchamp Estates/Tony Murray Photography Scholars believe that Deffell's downfall helped shape the character of Mr. Merdle in Dickens' 'Little Dorrit' — a lauded merchant and London power player whose financial empire draws in scores of eager investors before unraveling into scandal. In the novel, Merdle resides in a grand Harley Street home with his socialite wife and ultimately takes his own life when his schemes collapse, dragging the Dorrit family into ruin. The parallels between fiction and fact are striking, with Harley Street itself serving as both literal and symbolic backdrop. Advertisement Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, who held several titles between 1852 to 1874, reportedly read 'Little Dorrit,' and condemned the area's wealthy merchants and referred to the street as a 'flat, spiritless' enclave — a critique likely sharpened by the fact that his political rival William Gladstone lived nearby, according to the release. 15 Living spaces include a full-floor principal suite, a penthouse-level studio, and entertaining areas with oak parquet flooring and designer kitchen finishes. Beauchamp Estates/Tony Murray Photography 15 The formal dining room. Beauchamp Estates/Tony Murray Photography 15 The lower level amenities space. Beauchamp Estates/Tony Murray Photography Advertisement Today, the property is anything but lackluster. The interior has been extensively modernized with lifestyle-driven upgrades, including a ground-floor kitchen and a sitting room that open to a private patio garden, as well as a principal suite with a marble-clad bathroom and sculptural freestanding tub. The top level houses a full penthouse apartment, while the lower level includes staff quarters and service rooms. 'This magnificent Victorian mansion on London's Harley Street is one of the grandest townhouses in Marylebone and one of only a few houses on the street with a private swimming pool,' Gee said in a statement. Advertisement 15 One of seven bedrooms. Beauchamp Estates/Tony Murray Photography 15 An ensuite bathroom. Beauchamp Estates/Tony Murray Photography 15 A study. Beauchamp Estates/Tony Murray Photography 15 A rooftop terrace. Beauchamp Estates/Tony Murray Photography Advertisement Rosy Khalastchy, director and head of Beauchamp Estates' St. John's Wood and Marylebone office, highlighted the home's blend of history and prime location. 'This immaculately presented Marylebone mansion is located at the north end of Harley Street, which is highly sought after since it provides easy access to the wide open spaces of adjacent Regent's Park and the shops, restaurants, cafes and other amenities of Marylebone High Street,' she said. 'The principal rooms have magnificent proportions and beautiful finishes and alongside the grand staircase there is a passenger lift running from lower ground to third floor.'
Glasgow Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
The Muppet Christmas Carol coming to SEC Armadillo Glasgow
The Muppet Christmas Carol will be performed live in concert with a full orchestra at the SEC Armadillo. The beloved holiday film will be screened on Wednesday, November 27, accompanied by a live performance of its original score. READ MORE: Retail giant set to open huge new Glasgow store with freebies Tickets go on presale Thursday, May 8, at 10am, with general sale beginning Friday, May 9, at 10am via The show brings Charles Dickens' festive classic to life through the Muppets' signature humor and heart. Kermit the Frog stars as Bob Cratchit, while Michael Caine plays the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Gonzo, portraying Dickens himself, narrates the tale alongside Rizzo the Rat. READ MORE: Mysterious Stormtrooper patrols streets in surprise visit The film also features fan favourites Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig, and Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim. As Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, he is guided on a journey of redemption and self-discovery, culminating in a heartwarming reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. The original score, composed by Miles Goodman, features songs by Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy winner Paul Williams, bringing unforgettable warmth and joy to this timeless tale.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
The 'family-friendly' Essex town named one of the country's best places to live
A town in Essex has been crowned one of the best places to live in the country. The Daily Mail has shared the report by Garrington Property Finders, highlighting the top 21 places to live across England and Wales. The annual report ranks 1,447 cities, towns and large villages of 5,000-plus residents. It uses five criteria to help with the ranking, these being: Natural beauty Wellbeing Heritage Schools and jobs Value for money The top 21 places to live revealed - and third place features houses for just £150,000: How does YOUR home rank among 1,500 cities, towns and villages in England and Wales? — Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) April 7, 2025 The Mail notes how locations with a higher average property price perform better on Garrington's report. For the full story, head to the Daily Mail website. One place in Essex made the list, and that was Chigwell, and it even broke the top 10, ranking as the ninth best place to live. It was described as an "attractive choice for those seeking a family-friendly environment with access to excellent schools, parks and central London". Chigwell gained the most marks for house price quality and value, as well as natural environment. The list reads: "Falling within London's commuter belt, it benefits from good transport links with a Central Line tube station stopping at Bank and Tottenham Court Road. "One of the quaintest corners is Chigwell Village where you'll find plenty of period properties, shops, restaurants and green spaces." Visit Epping Forest notes Charles Dickens' depiction of Chigwell, describing it as "the greatest place in the world". Recommended reading: Why these three south Essex areas are among the best places to live in UK This south Essex village with a windmill is one of the best places to live in 2025 Essex town with 'rich culture' crowned the best place to live in the UK for 2025 It adds that the town boasts "elegant Georgian houses, pretty weather-boarded cottages, 12th-century St Mary Church, complete with an intact Norman doorway, and Chigwell School". The website also recommends combining a visit to Chigwell with nearby Buckhurst Hill. The nearby spot was a filming location for The Only Way is Essex.
The Independent
13-04-2025
- General
- The Independent
Why not try these cracking wines this Easter?
I am not religious, but I find Easter utterly joyous, and I'm going to call it: I think it's better than Christmas. Please don't misunderstand me – I'm not a grinch. I adore Christmas and all its warmth and excess. But Easter is just a bit more laid back. Your diary isn't rammed back to back with 'pre-Easter' catch-ups. Instead, your social calendar can just remain calm and measured – as blissfully busy, or not, as you like. You don't haemorrhage your meager savings in gift-buying either. A Lindt chocolate bunny will leave you with enough change from a fiver to buy a bag of Mini Eggs or a Creme Egg – all three of which are a happy tick from me. And, in an entirely unscientific survey amongst friends, it seems I'm not alone. Many cited how much more 'relaxing' it was, that the bonus two days of bank holidays feel more indulgent than those at Christmas, and that if you have family stresses, there is minimal expectation to actually spend any time with them. It's a holiday that you can very much do on your own terms, without the pressure to please anyone else. And I haven't even mentioned the time of year that it takes place. It's the northern hemisphere's moment of absolute promise. I don't know about you, but the fizzing energy of spring is utterly intoxicating. I can't get enough of the sense of hope that's in the air (even through the mire of the two T's, Trump and tariffs). I find it fascinating that Easter never had the 19th-century makeover in the way that Christmas did. Why did one become the symbol of secular 'family time', a respectable moment for the burgeoning middle class, and the other just fade away? I think it's largely attributable to the fact that Easter didn't receive the literary freshening that Christmas did. If you think about it, many of our notions about Christmas are rooted in 19th-century novels, such as Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, and Clement Clarke Moore's The Night Before Christmas. Prior to that, both Christmas and Easter were admonished by puritans with one particularly joyful New England preacher, Cotton Mather, saying, 'the feast of Christ's nativity is spent in revelling, dicing, carding, masking, and in all licentious liberty... by mad mirth, by long eating, by hard drinking, by lewd gaming, by rude revelling!' That all sounds rather excellent to me. I like to think we can bring a little of this 'mad mirth' to Easter, too, but in a beautifully laid-back, chocolate egg-fuelled way. See, it is a time for feasting and merriment, but entirely in a way that suits you. But what to drink at such a time? I'm recommending a couple of whites with a little touch more body and depth, but still lifted and enjoyable. And for the reds, if you're having some form of roast lamb, you can jump beautifully from deeper reds such as a châteauneuf-du-pape, through to lighter examples like the juicy mencia from Ribeira Sacra, northern Spain, which is – for me – one of the most exciting wine regions in the world. Specially Selected Godello, Baron Amarillo, Spain, 2024 Available at Aldi (in-store only), £9.99, 13.5 per cent ABV From Bierzo, a region bordering Galica and Castilla y Leon in north-western Spain, this is Spain's most northernly wine producing region. It is green, wet, and whipped by the Atlantic ocean. Godello is a grape variety native to this area. Think ripe stone fruit such as apricots, a lovely citrus kick and wafts of springtime blooms – reminding me of early morning springtime walks full of lovely scented freshness. The Society's Exhibition Chenin Blanc, South Africa, 2022 Available at The Wine Society £14.50, 13 per cent ABV I don't use the phrase 'legendary winemakers' lightly, but it's an accurate description of Chris and Suzaan Alheit, the talented duo behind this outstanding wine. Located in Hemel-en-Aarde, translated as meaning 'heaven on earth', near Hermanus in South Africa, this is a stunning dry farmed old bush vine chenin blanc and I just love it. It has strips of lemon rind alongside a soft, honeyed edge and something that reminded me of vanilla french toast. It's generous, but not overpowering thanks to lively acidity, and just leaves you feeling a little bit decadent and sumptuous, one to wow your guests, and is outstanding value for money. Ponte da Boga Mencía, Ribeira Sacra, Spain, 2023 Available at The Wine Society £11.95, 12 per cent ABV If you love pinot noir, gamay, lighter syrah and sangiovese (indeed my list could go on), then you must try mencia – actually, scrap that, everyone should try mencia. A beautiful red grape from northern Spain that delivers in flavour, but shows great restraint in alcohol level. This has a bright red cherry nose with a lively floral note too, but it's not just flowers and fruit here – it has a luxurious smoothness to the tannins and an energetic pepperiness. Keep an extra bottle or two of this kicking about, as I think your guests will love it. M&S Clocktower Marlborough Southern Valleys Pinot Noir Available in-store at M&S and online via Ocado, £15, 13.5 per cent ABV A solid pinot noir, made by Wither Hills, a respected producer in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. Think muddled black cherries, blueberries and black currants, with a soft sprinkle of cinnamon spice. The tannins are fine, and there's good acidity to keep everything upbeat. A fine accompaniment to a leg of lamb. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Le Moulin Teyroud, France, 2023 Available at Aldi (in-store only), £9.99 from 14–20 April (usual rrp £16.49), 14.5 per cent ABV If you're craving something a little fuller, you can't go wrong with this classic châteauneuf-du-pape, especially at this offer price. An opulent and intense, but not heavy, grenache dominated red with ripe red plums, morello cherries, smooth edged tannins and the hint of something a bit more savoury. You can thank me later for introducing you to this great value, little-known, sweet red wine, which is ideal for pairing with Easter eggs, and all things chocolate. Serve this chilled (it'll keep in the fridge well), and revel in its dried figs, concentrated dates and inky blackcurrant goodness as you indulge in your chocolate stash.
