Latest news with #Elizabethan
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
'Breath of fresh air' UK village with hidden 'grand' castle and stunning wildlife
Helmsley, in North Yorkshire, is a "brejson of fresh air" with a number of stunning features that make it a perfect UK day out - and it has been voted as one of the best market towns in the UK Tucked away in the Dales, between Pickering and Thirsk, lies the charming market town of Helmsley. This North Yorkshire gem, steeped in history, is a "breath of fresh air" and an ideal summer day trip destination that "everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime". Visit North Yorkshire stated: "One of North Yorkshire's most popular market towns (officially - it won the Great British High Street Award's best market town category), Helmsley is somewhere everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. "Although if you go once, you are likely to go back time and time again - a visit to this picturesque place, which has so much going on, feels like a breath of fresh air." For those who love the great outdoors, there are numerous scenic walks nearby, including one that leads to the stunning Rievaulx Abbey. The abbey, one of the first Cistercian abbeys in England, was established around 1130 and its impressive arches still stand today. There are also fantastic cycling routes through the North York Moors National Park, which is essentially Helmsley's backyard, reports the Express. Visit Yorkshire added: "The Discovery Trail showcases local history on an easy loop, while cyclists can enjoy routes like the Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey ride and the challenging North York Moors Cycleway, passing through heather landscapes and hidden valleys on quieter roads. "One of the highlights is the Cleveland Way, a renowned national trail that starts in Helmsley." Those who enjoy a dip will be pleased to know that "If you fancy taking a dip to cool off, the town's open-air pool is a refreshing option in the summer months." In the heart of the town lies Helmsley Castle, which English Heritage describes as a "formidable medieval fortress, an Elizabethan mansion, a besieged Civil War stronghold and a Georgian romantic ruin." The castle boasts impressive stonework defences, including the towering east tower that still dominates Helmsley's skyline. If the castle's charm wears off, the surrounding rolling parkland, teeming with wildflowers and wildlife, is sure to keep visitors entertained. According to English Heritage, "The castle's west range was converted into an Elizabethan mansion, and some of its fine timber panelling and plasterwork has been conserved. Displays explore life in the castle through five centuries of war and peace." A Trip Advisor reviewer raved about the site, saying: "Given the castle looks like a ruin, was very pleasantly surprised with what we found. Lots of rooms as well as ruins to visit, with very informative and well placed information boards dotted around giving the full history and many uses of this grand old castle. Situated in wonderful Helmsley right next to the stunning walled garden, I would highly recommend a visit." A stunning walled garden filled with blooming flowers and pristine lawns awaits visitors in the vicinity. The local guide said: "Take a trip back in time at the town's castle, admire the stunning blooms and floral arches at the walled garden, marvel at spectacular birds of prey displays at the nearby estate, or wander stunning National Trust sites just outside of town." Shopaholics will revel in the medley of independent stores and chic boutiques like Holme Lea Country Interiors alongside inviting cafés, bakeries, delis, pubs, and restaurants. For those wishing to prolong their visit, there's no shortage of charming options ranging from quaint cottages to opulent spa hotels.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
Large bird that was hunted into extinction makes return to Scotland after 500 YEARS
It is described as 'one of the great modern conservation success stories' TAKING FLIGHT Large bird that was hunted into extinction makes return to Scotland after 500 YEARS Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A LARGE bird that was hunted into extinction is making a return to Scotland after 500 years. Cranes were once very common across the country, but disappeared in the Elizabethan era. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Cranes disappeared in the Elizabethan era around 400 years ago Credit: Alamy But Scotland's tallest birds are now making a comeback, with the number of species reaching a record-breaking high. The RSPB says the total UK population is now in excess of 250 breeding pairs. In Aberdeenshire, up to six breeding pairs have been recorded. It follows efforts by reserve teams and volunteers to restore and protect precious wetland habitats. The RSPB says over 80 per cent of the breeding population of Cranes are now found on protected sites. Standing at 1.2m high, the elegant birds are known for their "courtship dance" involving head bobbing, bowing and pirouetting. RSPB volunteer Ron Macdonald told STV News: "In 2012, we saw the first nesting pair recorded and since then we've seen around six or seven pairs in the north east. "The birds are doing particularly well in northern and eastern Europe, and they're now seeking out other sites with good food supplies where they can live. "I think it's one of the few good news stories around, because we see so many species in decline. "I think in recent years there's been a good partnership between farmers and conservation projects, and our government also has more policies for nature restoration, particularly when it comes to wetland and bog creation." RSPB share footage of partakers Big Garden Birdwatch James Silvey, Senior Species and Habitats Officer for RSPB Scotland, described the return of cranes as "one of the great modern conservation success stories". He added: "Cranes are still a very rare breeder in Scotland preferring quiet areas to raise their chicks. "Hopefully with time Cranes will become more common across our wetlands allowing more people to see these magnificent birds."
STV News
3 days ago
- General
- STV News
Giant bird once hunted to extinction returns to Scotland after 500 years
Cranes, once the centrepiece of grand medieval feasts, are making a remarkable return to Scotland nearly five centuries after they were hunted to local extinction. The bird species was widely eaten until the Elizabethan era, which also meant they were extensively hunted and disappeared from Scotland during the late 1500s. But fast forward nearly 500 years and the large birds are making a comeback. In Aberdeenshire, conservationists have recorded up to six breeding pairs. RSPB volunteer Ron Macdonald said: 'In 2012, we saw the first nesting pair recorded and since then we've seen around six or seven pairs in the north east. 'The birds are doing particularly well in northern and eastern Europe, and they're now seeking out other sites with good food supplies where they can live.' Cranes are the largest bird in Scotland, standing at around four feet tall. The RSPB say the species has hit record numbers across the UK with around 250 breeding pairs. In Scotland, efforts to restore wetland and peatland have helped to draw the birds back. Ron added: 'I think it's one of the few good news stories around, because we see so many species in decline. 'I think in recent years there's been a good partnership between farmers and conservation projects, and our government also has more policies for nature restoration, particularly when it comes to wetland and bog creation.' STV News Cranes were hunted to extinction in the 16th century The RSPB say the birds have now been seen in the Black Isle, Mull and in Moray where they are breeding pairs in the area for the first time this year. They believe the success of the crane's return to Scotland shows how other wildlife species can be supported too. James Silvey, Senior Species and Habitats Officer for RSPB Scotland, said: 'The return of this iconic species to Scotland is one of the great modern conservation success stories. 'The fact the birds recolonised naturally is a result both of an increasing European population and suitable habitat in the North East of Scotland where most birds are found. 'Cranes are migratory and can turn up in some odd places as they make their way to and from their breeding grounds. For example, in spring 2025 a bird was seen on Orkney! 'Cranes are still a very rare breeder in Scotland preferring quiet areas to raise their chicks. Hopefully with time Cranes will become more common across our wetlands allowing more people to see these magnificent birds.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
India Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Behind Shakespeare's genius: Famine hoarding, feuds and the fall of Globe Theatre
In the 21st century, romantic couples have found diverse ways to express their love. But during the Elizabethan era, sonnets were the most enduring way. Whether to please your loved one or a way to earn money, sonnets, especially the Shakespearean ones, had it all began as a token of affection between lovers eventually made its way to our school and college textbooks in the form of timeless dramas, plays and sonnets by from being a literary genius, behind the poetic rhythm and theatrical brilliance, stood a man who was as fiery, flawed and fascinating as any character he ever wrote. Shakespeare wasn't just a master of words -- he was also a bold risk-taker with a flair for controversy. This fiery aspect doesn't diminish his brilliance -- they make him human, perhaps making him one of the most extraordinary FIRST, REMEMBERED FOREVERThe first time Shakespeare's name appeared in print was not a very warm welcome to fame. In 1592, another writer mocked him by calling him an 'upstart crow,' which kind of labelled him as somebody who lacked originality, beauty and grace. And whatever good was left was merely borrowed Greene's Groatsworth of Wit, Robert Greene wrote: 'start Crow, beautified with our feathers, that with his Tygers hart wrapt in a Players hyde, supposes he is as well able to bombast out a blanke verse as the best of you: and beeing an absolute Iohannes fac totum is in his owne conceit the onely Shake-scene in a countrey.'Translated into simple English, this means: 'That upstart crow, dressed up in our feathers, thinks that with a tiger's heart hidden in a player's (actor's) body, he can write blank verse just as well as any of you. And being a total jack-of-all-trades, he believes he's the only real playwright worth talking about in the country.' (AI-generated image) Henry Chettle, who possibly edited and co-authored Greene's Groatsworth of Wit, in a later pamphlet called Kind-Heart's Dream (also 1592), wrote a public suggests that by 1592, Shakespeare was already being respected among his peers -- that such attacks caused discomfort among them. This also makes it difficult to determine whether the works of Shakespeare were original or FROM FOOD SHORTAGESFor four consecutive years between 1594 and 1598, England faced the harshest food crisis of the era. Failed harvests led to soaring grain prices, with the cost of wheat tripling in some of the to Famine Tales Archive, University of Exeter, 'England saw increased levels of vagrancy, destitution, and food riots, especially in the north and west where markets were less accessible. Anonymous parish register entries show that bodies of the displaced rural poor, who were mostly drifting south and east, were found under hedges, in barns, and on the roadside.'advertisementWhile the times were desperate for food because of crisis, some saw an opportunity to profiteer from the situation. Shakespeare bought grain in bulk and sold it for higher prices. This kind of hoarding made him wealthier, but it also made some people think he was an article published in the LA Times on April 1, 2013, E Scott Reckard wrote, 'In February 1598, Shakespeare was prosecuted for holding 80 bushels of malt or corn during a time of shortage.' (AI-generated image) Somewhere between the grain shortages and growing unrest, the hardships of famine found their way into Shakespeare's work. In King Lear, written during a time of rising poverty and political unease, he picks on themes like political instability and human the contrary, his retiring at the age of twenty-four with an enormous amount of wealth -- money he earned by hoarding grains -- raises a question about whether he actually felt the emotions he was writing RETIREMENT: THE BURNING OF GLOBE THEATREBy the time the Globe Theatre went up in flames during a 1613 performance of Henry VIII, Shakespeare was already a wealthy, middle-aged man, quietly retreating to a calmer life in Stratford, far from the misfiring cannon that set the thatched roof it wasn't that the burning of the Globe made up his mind about retirement, but it definitely acted as a spiritual indication of freeing himself from the early life of a before the Globe burned down, The Tempest, composed around 1610-11, appeared like Shakespeare's quiet the character of Prospero -- who gives up his magic and seeks peace -- many believe Shakespeare was symbolically stepping away from the stage. Like Prospero's final words sought freedom, Shakespeare too was ready to let go of his playwright persona and return to the calm of is the world's greatest writer, but these facts show a man who was also bold, cunning and very human. From hoarding grain to setting himself free from an identity that no longer served him, Shakespeare's life was as dramatic as any of his plays.-Article by Kashmik Singh Chouhan- Ends
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
The cheapest annual passes for top Irish attractions 1 hour from Dublin with €2.50 theme park deal & secret extra perks
FILLING those long summer holiday days can seem like an overwhelming task - and that's before you face into the costs. But there are plenty of ways to plan fun activities for the whole family without breaking the bank, and being savvy with annual passes could mean mega savings. 6 There are plenty of unique attractions you can visit within one hour of Dublin Credit: Emerald Park 6 Annual passes can help families save money on frequent visits Credit: Alamy 6 Dublin Zoo's annual pass includes some hidden extra perks Credit: Alamy Admission prices to some of Ireland's top attractions can prove eye-watering, but availing of annual passes for spots you will make use of frequently is among the simplest ways to cut costs. Here's our ultimate guide to making the most out of the summer holidays without blowing the budget. KILRUDDERY HOUSE, WICKLOW Kilruddery House in Bray, Co Kilruddery also offers a world-renowned 17th century garden, flowering woodland, cut flower gardens, a natural amphitheatre area, long ponds and a walled garden - so there's plenty to explore across a fun day out. During the garden's open season, visitors can avail of a house tour of the 17th-century home, which was remodelled and extended in 1820 in the Elizabethan style. The stunning estate back to 1534, when Sir William Brabazon of Leicestershire secured the ownership of the Abbey of St Thomas, whose lands included Kilruddery. There's loads of activities on offer for children at Kilruddery, including weekly craft workshops, a treetop adventure park and a guided walking tour of the estate plus there's a farmers' market every Saturday Exact date Irish theme park opens two new roller coasters with 59 with upside tracks and speeds of 90km/h - There are three 12-month memberships on offer for families: Bronze €80 Killruddery membership - one guest allowed along with the member Silver €100 Killruddery membership - three guests allowed along with the member Gold €120 Killruddery membership - five guests allowed along with the member Children under four-years-old go free when accompanied by an adult. Members can also avail themselves of free and discounted events in the annual event programme. DUBLIN ZOO One of Ireland's top family attractions is home to more than 400 animals - and it's always a big hit with visitors. Dublin Zoo offers activities for everyone in the family to enjoy with exciting Plus there's always new additions to see - like the Zoorassic Trail, featuring over 40 types of animatronic dinosaurs, such as a Brachiosaurus that's 65 feet high. The zoo is home to animals from right across the world from Asia to America to Africa, plus a family farm and the popular Sea Lion Cove. The Dublin Zoo annual pass pays for itself in three visits and offers unlimited adventures at the zoo for a year plus early-bird access to seasonal events. But annual pass-holders also get free entry to the popular Fota Wildlife Park in Cork and one visit a year to Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire and Paignton Zoo in Devon - all included in the price of their Dublin Zoo membership. A family pass to Dublin Zoo costs €245 -working out at €4.70 per week - and allows you to visit the Zoo with one of the following combinations: Pass-holder + three adults Pass-holder + two adults + two children Pass-holder + one adult + four children Pass-holder + six children Or you can get an individual pass for €175 that allows you to enter Dublin Zoo with one of the following combinations: Pass-holder + one adult Pass-holder + two children OPW HERITAGE CARD The OPW Heritage Card gives you unlimited access to some of the country's most iconic landmarks. And with over 90 places to visit, it's perfect for family days out all year round. Some of the top spots include Dublin Castle, Malahide Castle, Farmleigh, Iveagh Gardens and the Blasket Centre. The Office of Public Works said: "From ancient monuments to monastic hideaways, imposing castles to revolutionary battlegrounds, Ireland's heritage has something to offer everyone. "Follow in the footsteps of thousands of voyagers on a journey into Ireland's epic past." A family pass is priced at just €90, working out at just €1.70 per week. You can also opt for an adult card which costs €40 or a child/student pass which is just €10. AIRFIELD ESTATE Airfield Estate is another brilliant day out for adults and kids of all ages. The capital's only working farm and gardens are located just minutes from Dundrum Town Centre. And there are plenty of animals to see, with sheep, pigs, goats and chickens all living on the grounds. Children will love watching cows being milked or helping to collect eggs during their visit. And a family pass for €170 - €3.20 per week - allows unlimited visits throughout the year. Airfield bosses said: "As an Airfield Estate Annual Membership, you'll have the freedom to explore everything we have to offer – as often as you like! "Whether it's hands-on activities for the kids, peaceful walks through our stunning gardens, or seasonal events and workshops, there's always something new to discover. "We're dedicated to making every visit special, and we're constantly improving to ensure you and your family have the best experience every time you come back." EMERALD PARK Thrillseekers will love Emerald Park in Ashbourne, Co Visitors can ride two top-class rollercoasters, take a walk on the wild side at Lemur Woods or check out new land Tír na nÓg - an ancient ruin full of mythical adventures and secret passages. The legendary Cú Chulainn Coaster, Ireland's first and For young kids, there are also attractions such as Nissan Driving School, petting There are also shows on the Emerald Park schedule every day, including The Show by Robert Fossett and a 5D Cinema experience, ideal for rainy days. Yearly membership prices start from €130 - working out €2.50 per week - and are only valid during the advertised park opening times. People can select one of the following passes: One person all access membership - €130 Two person all access membership - €260 Three person all access membership - €380 Four person all access membership - €500 Five person all access membership - €620 Six person all access membership - €730 One recent visitor said: "I've been a frequent visitor here over the last six or seven years and I have to say, our most recent visit on Sunday May 4 was the best yet. "There were minimal waiting times for rides, the longest we waited was 20 minutes. "The kids had a great time, getting off the ride and going straight back on it again. "They went on all rides they wanted numerous times." FINGAL HERITAGE MEMBERSHIP This amazing membership grants you access to the top three attractions in North One of the attractions included is the popular Malahide Castle & Gardens - a magnificent medieval castle with an 800-year heritage, with landscaped grounds and botanical gardens. Visitors can tour a castle and travel through 800 years of history or step into a world of wonder at the Butterfly House, surrounded by lush tropical plants and home to hundreds of exotic Families can wander into a world of enchantment on the magical fairy trail, uncover hidden fairy houses, and discover whimsical creatures and surprises you face at every turn. Another attraction included in the membership is the wonderful Newbridge House & Farm in the heart of Donabate. Visitors can step back in time and discover the captivating history of the house during the three centuries of Irish history while exploring the traditional and rare breeds of Irish And they will have the opportunity to feed and pet the stunning animals by booking the farm tour. And the Casino Model Railway Museum in Malahide is also included in the membership, where visitors can step into a world of miniature railways and rich railway history. There are fantastic guided tours where people can uncover the life and legacy of Cyril Fry and his meticulous craftsmanship for the train models. The family membership is priced at €150 and grants access to three attractions for two adults and up to three children. There's also memberships for an adult for just €80, students and seniors for just €60 and joint seniors for €90. DREAM POINT EXPERIENCE Dream Point Experience at the Dublin Docklands is a brand new attraction, located near Dublin's 3Arena, easily accessed via the Red Luas line. From the moment visitors step through the doors, they're transported into a magical world where imagination takes flight and joy is contagious. There are five rooms to explore, including the ball pit where visitors can dive into a sea of 250,000 sparkling pearl-coloured balls or the inflatable room where they can touch giant 10-foot inflatables that light up with magical colours. They offer an exclusive membership for frequent visitors, which offers special perks such as early access to new experiences and seasonal events. There are three memberships for 12 months that any type of family can opt for: Dream Explorer Membership €177.45 - two standard entry tickets per month (weekday only) Dream Creator Membership €313.95 - four standard tickets (valid any day) Dream Weaver Membership €397.95 - unlimited weekday visits for up to six people (excludes weekends & public holidays) Each member gets a free cookie and ice cream per visit, while parents are eligible for discounts for retail and cafe space. A visitor said: "It was a wonderful experience! Our little one loved all of the interactive lights and sounds. There's plenty of rooms and each one is so unique. "The staff were so friendly and we could take the buggy around easily, which was a big help. We will certainly be returning for more fun!" And if that's not the whole summer covered, check out our guide to the 6 Malahide Castle & Gardens is a great day out for families - and is included in the OPW heritage card Credit: Getty Images - Getty 6 Emerald Park has endless entertainment options for all age groups Credit: Emerald Park 6 There are fantastic guided tours at the Casino Model Railway Museum Credit: Alamy
