Explore Views June 2007
Out and about The latest views from bmi destinations including Copenhagen, Esbjerg and Lille
Full steam ahead
TWO ORIGINAL WAYS TO EXPLORE SCOTLAND’S WEST HIGHLAND WAY
WANT TO EXPLORE bonnie Scotland but not sure where to start? Then how about taking on a challenge? The Caledonian Challenge (www.caledonianchallenge.com), on 16-17 June, sets off from Fort William (one-and-a-half hours from Inverness) and takes in some of West Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, all in the name of charity. You just need to be able to walk 54 miles non-stop in 24 hours and not blink an eye at the sight of the unsavoury sounding Devil’s Staircase.
Or take a leaf out of Harry Potter’s book and jump on the Jacobite Steam Train instead. Considered one of the greatest rail journeys in the world, it puffs its way through phenomenal West Highland scenery, or for those film fans among you, it is the train that takes you to Hogwarts. The 84-mile round trip includes views of Ben Nevis and Loch Morar. Its summer weekend schedule resumes on 30 June (www.steamtrain.info), so book your seat now.
…Al fresco shows
Dig out the picnic basket, dust off your rug and pray it doesn’t rain, as the best entertainment is now outside. The Royal Danish Ballet (www.kglteater.dk) pirouettes into the historic old Citadel, Copenhagen, from 2 June, as it embarks on its series of free performances.
Holland Park, London, (www.operahollandpark.com) is the setting for some wonderful singing – and not just from the resident peacocks – at this impressive opera festival. The season gets underway on 5 June with Verdi’s Nabucco, and you don’t have to worry about Britain’s unpredictable weather, as the performances are held under a large canopy.
It’s ships ahoy in Amsterdam at the Aqua Musica, on 29 June-11 July (www.aqua-musica.nl). Relax to classical music on a historic ship or in a nautical market – it’s sure to bring out the sailor in you.
Grand salute
Perfect drills will be on display as Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her official birthday on 16 June at Trooping the Colour in London (www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk). Soldiers from the Household Divisions put on a parade, followed by an impressive Royal Air Force display over Buckingham Palace.
The Presidential Regiment put their best foot forward every Saturday in the Kremlin, Moscow (www.moscow-city.ru), until October. Be amazed by the skill and colour of Russian military ceremonies in the capital’s grandest surroundings.
SPARKLING NAILS
Booking in for a manicure always meant factoring in a boring wait while nails dried. But the new Nails Inc Champagne Nail Bar in London’s Harvey Nichols (following on from its success in Manchester and Edinburgh) treats you to a complimentary glass of champagne with every treatment over £30. So mothers and daughters share quality time over the “shopaholic manicure”, exclusive to Harvey Nichols (£40), while career women use it as an excuse to multi-task while networking. We say just give yourself the afternoon off.
Nails Inc at Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, London, SW1; +44
(0)207 235 5000 extension 2553; www.nailsinc.com
Show and tell
Hot off the press come the latest designs to hit Britain and no medium is left unturned: you’ll find everything from Scottish castles to knitted tea cosies.
Scotland’s burgeoning design industry is being championed at The Scottish Show 2007 in The Lighthouse, Glasgow (www.thelighthouse.co.uk), where some of the country’s latest designers reveal the depths of their vibrant imaginations. If you want to decorate your home or even yourself, this is the place to find something just that little bit different while supporting local artists.
If it’s a stylish place to stay that you’re after, then pick up a copy of Hip Hotels UK by Herbert Ypma (£18.95) published by Thames & Hudson (www.thamesandhudson.com). This is the ultimate collection of the most exotic and beautiful retreats in the British Isles. Escape into a world of decadence and fantasy at the Hotel Pelirocco, Brighton (an hour from London); or be lord of the manor at Inverlochy Castle (an hour-and-a-half from Inverness), with its baronial interior and grand fireplaces.
Poodle cosy by Donna Wilson
UNDER THE STARS
FORGOT TO BOOK A HOTEL? NO PROBLEM; TODAY’S TENTS OFFER FIVE-STAR COMFORT
LOOKING FOR A ROOM with a different view? Then get a tent this summer as camping is enjoying a renaissance. Gone are the days of “roughing it”. Many campsites have been upgraded and now boast excellent facilities and tents have had a makeover. Comfort and style are now all the rage so tents feel like a home away from home. If you want to step away from the norm, though, there are some more unusual alternatives that will not only bring out your inner Ray Mears but also the Native American Indian in you.
ULTIMATE DWELLING
For centuries, nomads in Central Asia have been living in the most practical temporary dwelling available: yurts. These portable and easy-to-erect structures are ideal for camping. The yurt is insulated to keep you warm, but the sides can be rolled up to let fresh air in. On clear nights you can even leave the roof open and lie under the stars. Buy your own (www.woodlandyurts.co.uk) or head to one of the pre-erected yurt sites which are springing up in various idyllic settings from Devon (www.devonyurtholidays.co.uk) to Spain (www.yurthotel.com).
TOP TEEPEES
Want to camp in style at this summer’s various music festivals and enjoy the thrill of being able to find your tent among the throng? Then try a teepee. These conical tents were originally used by Native American Indians, who were always on the move and needed highly mobile homes as they crossed the Great Plains. Easy to assemble and designed to resist wind, teepees are waterproof and have a large communal space inside. Visit www.wigwamsam.co.uk for further information.
PITCH PERFECT
If you’d rather stick to what you know, make sure you step out with the latest in tent technology.
The Halo tent by Terra Nova (www.terra-nova.co.uk) is a spacious, rigid structure, which offers great stability and promises to accommodate your family in style, whatever its size. You can even add additional bedrooms once it has been pitched, so you won’t be caught out if you have unexpected guests.
