Experience
Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising
Located in London's Notting Hill, the Museum of Brands is an awesome romp through the history of consumer culture. The museum is the brainchild of Robert Opie, who decided at the tender age of 16 to never throw anything away. His collection is testimony to the art of the packaging and product designers of the past century; from Heinz Turtle Soup (real or mock varieties) and Kelloggs Ricicles, to iconic children's games and household products, even cars. The Museum has over 12,000 items some dating as far back as Victorian times.
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City of Seaplanes
If you find yourself in Glasgow city center with a hankering for fresh seafood, Loch Lomond Seaplanes will fly you to the beautiful Scottish West Coast to get your fill. If you're inclined to hop on a crowded tourist bus, and are looking for the more luxurious options in Scotland, Europe's first city seaplane service might be a good bet. It has been featured on CNN and has already caterered to newly minted celebrity client, Susan Boyle. The planes can take off and land anywhere where there is water and, of course, at airports. The key offerings, however, are the dinner flights to Oban, lunch escapes, and aerial tours of Scottish scenery.
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It's a Date!
If you're visiting London, then one great (if brave!) way to get an insiders view of the city is to go on a date with a local. Everyone will have their own ideas what constitutes a good dating activity, but if you are more inclined towards the 'let's do stuff' rather than 'let's drink a lot' end of the scale, then there are plenty of options. As I write this, the weather is so bad you can basically skate on the pavement, but assuming climes are balmier, then ice skating at Somerset House is great fun. A trip down Regent's Canal in a riverboat is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon, as is wandering around Greenwich Park Observatory.
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Do Something
That people who Do things, can inspire the rest of us to go and Do things too. Based on this premise "The Do" lectures in West Wales were started. The lectures are all about getting a handful of speakers together in one place, in the hope that they may inspire you to go DO something. A Do lecture is one that will give you practical tools, a different point of view, new ideas, and plain old inspiration from speakers whose accomplishments range across science, business, the environment, film, technology, politics, and more. Their only instructions are to give the talk of their lives.
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Finding the Bar
In East London, try your best to find Lounge Bohemia's 50's-style singers and Czech literature covered menus. Before you arrive at the door on Great Eastern Street be sure to call ahead as visits are by appointment only (011 44 7720 707 000). Finding the modern speakeasy, Barts, is probably a bigger challenge, since it's hidden behind an unlabelled black door in a building which is entered through another building first. Lastly, the Jabberwaokcy inspired Callooh Callay's house bar is just the half out if. In a corner wardrobe, you'll find the other glitzier half with its own decadent look and cocktail bar.
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Getting Away From It All
Experience Britain's remotest pub, the Old Forge Inn, or the remotest restaurant, The Doune, in Knoydart in the Highlands. The Old Forge Inn won a 2008 Best Independent Pub award in Scotland for its dedication to serving delicious, local seafood and its impromptu live music sessions. To get there, catch the ferry from Mallaig to Inverie. You can't take your car, but walking or, for the more adventurous, mountain biking, is the better way to take in the stunning landscape. Those in the know stay in either the luxury Knoydart Lodge or the cosy Gathering B&B.
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Circus Tabú
The UK's leading contemporary circus company, No Fit State, has been described by The Guardian as: "Cirque du Soleil without Disney and the disinfectant..." Based in Cardiff, the company's 45 performers combine acrobatics with state-of-the-art mixed media effects. The 2009 touring tabú performance explores the question: why is it that humans choose the dark side? Or is it the dark side that chooses us?
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A Full Night's Sleep...Or Not
Boutique bed and breakfast in London, 40 WiNKS, is being hailed as London's most stylish boutique hotel. It's the creation of acclaimed interior designer David Carter. The interior is impeccably styled and many rooms have been the site of fashion and celebrity shoots. 40 WiNKS was launched to help give photographers, stylists, art directors, and designers somewhere fun and different to stay when they are in fashionable East London. Call ahead for details and reserve early as there are only two rooms.
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Free Wheelin Through Scotland
Scotland is a vast and beautiful country with a dramatic landscape that's best experienced on the open roads and sweeping, bending lanes. Trike Tours Scotland offers three wheel drives through spectacular country scenery, big cities, or even the isles of Mull and Skye. Feel the breeze as a 1600cc muscle engine powers you through the landscape. For the even more adventurous, you can also do it on two wheels.
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Railway to Heaven
At 3,560 Snowdon is the highest mountain in England and Wales. It is renowned for its spectacular scenery and legends that claim the mountain to be the burial place of the giant ogre Rhita, who was vanquished by King Arthur. The rack and pinon railway is the best way to take leisurely advantage of the view. On clear days you can see as far as the Isle of Man. And for the weather-beaten travelers that make the ascent, the newly recreated café offers a high tea above all others.
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Shop like a Celebrity
Okay, so this is how celebrities shop. You hit Selfridges in London-the stars know that from jams to jewelry it's all top-notch. With the aid of the best stylists in town, you cruise the store, picking out the items you'd like to have delivered to your private room in Personal Shopping. Because jeans are so frustrating to buy and try on, go to Bodymetrics for a scan of your body that captures over 200 measurements and creates the world's most custom-fit denim. Next you head to MetalMorphosis for a killer tattoo (henna and temporary available for the faint of heart). Finally, it's time to channel your inspiration (calling Lennon) at Psychic Sisters and pop the question: When will I get my big break?
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Get Quirky at Funny Festivals
England is known for its world-renowned music, art, and literature festivals, but the country also plays host to a large assorted of quirky events. The World's Biggest Liar Competition is a very popular contest to find the best 'tall-storyteller' to award the title of 'The Biggest Liar in the World'. Contestants travel great distances to pit their oral skills against an elite field of fibbers. Contestants must tell their 5-10 minute tall tales in front of the judges and the audience. More wacky events include pancake races, garlic festivals, and even mayor-weighing.
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