Castles and palaces around the world are structures of grandeur, might and beauty.From the flamboyance of Germany's fairy tale-Neuschwanstein Castle to the gothic, Dracula-inspiring Bran Castle, perched high in the craggy peaks of Romania's Carpathian Mountains; Tokyo's Imperial Palace, previously home to samurai warriors to Ireland's Blarney Castle, where 'the gift of the gab' will be granted to any who kiss its stone, the world's castles and palaces are steeped in...

Open your senses and your mind to the uplifting practice of mindfulnessMindfulness has been a buzzword for a while now, but it can be hard to know exactly what it entails and how to practise it. If you're not sure how to get started or could do with a refresher, this little book is here to help. Within these pages, you will find a variety of practical tips and uplifting advice on how to introduce more mindfulness into your life, as well as a range of beautiful quot...

Spooky, gruesome, weird but true things about one of the world's greatest cities come alive in The A-Z of Curious London. Discover London's tiniest house, a 4,000-year-old mouse made from Nile clay, and have a giggle at things people leave on London's transport (including false teeth, a human skull and a park bench - yes, really.) Why did a dentist keep his dead wife on view in a shop window? Where did a shopkeeper murder 150 customers? Which Queen showed her boso...

Scotland’s diverse landscapes, extensive coastline and mix of cultural and historic influences are reflected in its rich food and drink heritage. The country is famous for porridge and other oat foods, haggis, grouse and whisky, but there is much more to Scotland’s food and drink than these foodstuffs. There are many interesting dishes that deserve to be celebrated and the huge variety of local produce stretches far beyond Forfar bridies, Arbroath smokies, Fochabers gingerbread and Montros...

Assorted strange phenomena abound in Scotland – witches, wizards, fairies, sea monsters, yeti-type creatures, UFOs and a plethora of female spirits called glastigs and caoineags who appear in various forms. There are bewitching grey, white and green ladies, naughty poltergeists, unwanted love children, kilted bagpipers, bloodstained clansmen and abstract, floating columns of light. Alongside everyday ‘spooks’ are ethereal drummers, phantom vehicles, spectral dogs and horses and a ghost wit...

Invent verb; to produce or contrive something previously unknown by the use of ingenuity or imagination. The world would be a much poorer place without our great British inventions – from catseyes to crossword puzzles, tarmac to telephones, steam engines to shorthand, British inventors have led the world with their ingenious (and sometimes slightly insane) ideas. The Brits are a creative lot: entrepreneur Hubert Cecil Booth invented the ‘Puffing Billy’, the first powered vacuum cleaner; Jo...

Exploring West Yorkshire's History - is a journey through the wonderfully varied landscape of West Yorkshire, and examines its rich history through contemporary colour photographs and words. Many of the areas we will explore throughout our journey have been designated Areas of Outstanding Beauty. West Yorkshire is a place of history and legend, with its many ruined castles and abbeys. Moving from its ancient origins to its modern day splendour, the guide invites you to discover one of the ...

The name Chislehurst literally means ‘a stony place in the woods’. A somewhat appropriate name to keep in mind as Joanna Friel explores the secrets of Chislehurst. Evidence of Chislehurst’s rich heritage can be seen embedded throughout the streets of this district, highlighting that Chislehurst remains a special place of distinctive character. It is, indeed, no ordinary suburb. Using vast knowledge of the area, Joanna Friel provides her readers with a brilliant look into the secrets of the...

The official companion to the second season of the PBS/Masterpiece drama Victoria by award-winning creator and screenwriter Daisy Goodwin.Airing in the Downton Abbey slot on PBS/Masterpiece last January, Victoria captivated millions of viewers, eclipsing Downton's first-season viewership and leaving its audience eager for the series's next season, which will focus on Victoria and Albert's passionate and tempestuous marriage.This official ...

A loving and hilarious—if occasionally spiky—valentine to Bill Bryson’s adopted country, Great Britain. Prepare for total joy and multiple episodes of unseemly laughter.Twenty years ago, Bill Bryson went on a trip around Britain to discover and celebrate that green and pleasant land. The result was Notes from a Small Island, a true classic and one of the bestselling travel books ever written. Now he has traveled about Britain again, by bus and train and re...

Beyond the Gatehouse is a lighthearted, witty but factual biographical account of the eccentric lifestyles of the builders and residents of some of England's best-known country houses.Extraordinary buildings require extraordinary people, and over the centuries our historic houses have produced more than their fair share of oddballs. Insulated from the outside world by vast wealth, rolling acres and the social status that a title implies, aristocrats have a...

Did you know?In 1884 the Circle Line opened and was described in The Times as 'a form of mild torture which no person would undergo if he could conveniently help it.'According to one psychologist, Tube commuters can experience greater levels of stress than a police officer facing a rioting mob or even a fighter pilot going into a dogfight.Underground trains have only twice been used to transport deceased people in coffins: William Gladston...