HomEzine Current Issue

CALENDAR OF SELECTED EVENTS
JUNE-SEPTEMBER 2011
Festivals, Holidays, Country Fairs, Sporting Events,
Theater, Cultural Gatherings, and Special Performances
Happening Near HOME AT FIRST Lodgings throughout
BRITAIN, IRELAND,
& SCANDINAVIA
Information about HOME AT FIRST’s travel program to:
LONDON ENGLAND SCOTLAND WALES IRELAND SCANDINAVIA

NOTE: For many of the LONDON events listed, HOME AT FIRST guests at the
Apartments at St. Katharine’s Marina and at The Brewery Apartments
will take public transportation from the Tower Hill Underground Station,
8-10 minutes walk from St. Katharine’s Marina and 10-12 minutes
walk (or a 5-minute bus ride) from The Brewery.

–ONGOING DURING JUNE-SEPTEMBER–

Ongoing daily
LONDON, ENGLAND - THE TOWER OF LONDON: “Prisoners of the Tower”
HOME AT FIRST’s London guests can’t miss visiting their famous neighbors who were incarcerated and may have met their violent and often gruesome ends at the Tower of London. This special exhibition focuses on the best-known prisoners, including explorer Sir Walter Raleigh, Queen Anne Boleyn, Queen Catherine Howard, Lady (& Queen for a few days) Jane Grey, Nazi leader Rudolph Hess, and terrorist traitor Guy Fawkes, among others.

THE TOWER OF LONDON AT THE TRAITOR'S GATE.
Photo © Home At First

LOCATION: The Tower of London is just west of the Tower Bridge between the River Thames and Tower Hill Underground Station north of the river.
ADMISSION: £20/adult, £17/seniors & students (16 & up), £10.45/child (5-15), £55/family (up to 2 adults & 3 kids).
OPEN: Tu-Sa: 9AM-5:30PM; Su-Mo: 10AM-5:30PM. Last admission: 5PM.
GETTING THERE: walk 10 minutes traffic-free from HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON apartments at St. Katharine’s Marina or 12 minutes (with minimal traffic) across the Tower Bridge from HOME AT FIRST’s apartments at The Brewery.
MORE INFO, see: TOWER OF LONDON

Ongoing, evenings from 9:30PM-10:05PM
LONDON, ENGLAND - THE TOWER OF LONDON
“The Ceremony of the Keys”
700-year-old ceremony of the locking of the main gate of the Tower of London carried out each evening by the Chief Yeoman Warder of the Tower accompanied by an escort of guards. Passes are essential and must be obtained
in advance upon written application. Tickets for this ancient ceremony are available to the public, free of charge.

Applications should be made in writing to:
Ceremony of the Keys Office
Tower of London
London EC3N 4AB Great Britain

Do so at least two months in advance (three months for June-August). List number and names of those wishing to attend, date requested & acceptable alternatives, and enclose a self-addressed envelope, together with a minimum of two (prepaid) International Reply Coupons (buy these at your post office). No phone, e-mail, or fax orders will be accepted.

Yeoman of the Guard at The Tower of London's Main Western Gate. Photo © Home At First.

YEOMAN OF THE GUARD at
THE TOWER OF LONDON'S
MAIN WESTERN GATE
Photo © Home At First

LOCATION: The Tower of London main (western) entrance.
ADMISSION: free!
GETTING THERE: walk 10 minutes traffic-free from HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON apartments at St. Katharine’s Marina or 12 minutes from HOME AT FIRST’s apartments at The Brewery.
MORE INFO, see: CEREMONY OF THE KEYS

Ongoing, daily from 10AM-6PM
LONDON, ENGLAND - THE MUSEUM OF LONDON
Nine Free Galleries Cover a Half-Million Years of London
London’s best museum offers nine galleries with permanent exhibitions covering the human history of London chronologically from about 450,000BC through Roman times, the medieval period through the Tudor Dynasty, the Civil War, Great Fire and Bubonic Plague of the 17th century, the expansion of London during the growth of the Empire, the twentieth century World War years, up to the modern age when London became a world city.
LOCATION: Museum of London, 150 London Wall, London EC2Y 5HN.
ADMISSION: Free.
GETTING THERE: From HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON apartments walk 5-12 minutes to the Tower Hill Underground Station. Take the Circle Line north 9 minutes to Barbican station, then walk 9 minutes to the museum.
Total transit & walking time: 23-28 minutes.
MORE INFO, see: MUSEUM OF LONDON

The Museum of London covers all aspects of London's long history including the City's rich architectural history. Shown is London's 13th century church of St. Helen's of Bishopsgate with its 21st century skyscraping neighbor, the Swiss Re "Gherkin". Photo © Home At First.

The Museum of London
covers all aspects of
London's long history
including the City's rich architectural history.
Shown is London's 13th
century church of St.
Helen's of Bishopsgate
with its 21st century skyscraping neighbor,
the Swiss Re "Gherkin".
Photo © Home At First

Ongoing daily at 11AM & 2PM
CANTERBURY - SOUTHEASTERN ENGLAND
“Guided Walking Tours of Canterbury”
One of England’s most historic towns and a UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site — still graced with its medieval walls, half-timbered houses, narrow lanes, and great cathedral — Canterbury may be easily explored on foot, and best explored with a knowledgeable guide. Canterbury Guild of Green Badge Guides offers 90-minute walks departing from Canterbury Visitor Information Centre opposite Canterbury’s landmark gothic cathedral.
LOCATION: Canterbury is approximately 90 minutes SE of London by train.
TICKETS: £6/adult, £5.50/students, £4.25/kids under 12, £16/family (up to 2 kids). No advanced booking is required.
GETTING THERE: Trains operate approximately 4 times hourly. Departures are from both Charing Cross and Victoria stations in London. For guests at HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON apartments both stations are easily

Medieval Canterbury Cathedral
dates from 1070 on an earlier
cathedral site (602AD). The great
gothic church is part of the World
Heritage Site of Canterbury.
Photo © Home At First

reached by tube from Tower Hill Underground Station: take any westbound District or Circle Line train to Embankment or Victoria). Walk from Canterbury station into town less than ten minutes.
MORE INFO, see: CANTERBURY WALKS

Ongoing daily from 10AM
NORTHERN COTSWOLDS - WARWICKSHIRE, WESTERN ENGLAND
“Events at Medieval Warwick Castle”
          England’s greatest show castle offers a variety of events:
• Kingmaker’s Medieval Banquet: July 9, August 20.
• Castle Interiors (daily): Explore the grandly furnished public halls, state rooms, and private
   apartments of Warwick Castle.
• The Castle Grounds (daily): Explore the conservatory & peacock garden, the original Norman
   castle mound, the Victorian rose garden, the River Avon and its island menagerie.
• The Trebuchet & Ballista, the Artillery Fort, and the Towers & Ramparts (daily): Warwick’s own
   massive catapult is modeled on the medieval siege machines that once flung rocks, manure,
   and dead pigs across castle walls. Warwick’s Artillery Fort shows how cannons were used to
   protect the castle at the end of the Middle Ages.
• Merlin - The Dragon Tower (daily): based on the popular show, the fictional adventures of
   Briton's greatest medieval magician include an encounter with a monstrous dragon.
• Warwick Dungeon (daily): Warwick’s newest attraction recreates the medieval dungeon from
   the time the Great Plague ravaged Warwick in 1345. The haunting, live-action experience is
   not for the faint hearted. An additional charge applies.
• The Pageant Playground (daily): great fun for the youngest members of the family.
• The Princess Tower (daily): up the spiral stairs to the chambers of medieval princesses.
• Ghost Tour: spooky tales about real former inhabitants of Warwick Castle told in the Central
   Courtyard at 12 noon through July 22.
• Flight of the Eagles Show: eagles and vultures swooping from the castle ramparts at 12:30PM
   and 2:30PM daily through July 22.

THE ORIGINAL 11TH CENTURY NORMAN CASTLE HILL: ETHELFLEDA'S MOUND VIEWED FROM A LATER TOWER AT WARWICK CASTLE.
Zach Elwell Photo © Home At First

LOCATION: in Warwick, about 45 minutes NE of HOME AT FIRST’s Northern Cotswolds cottages in an around Chipping Campden. (Hint: you may want to combine a visit to Warwick Castle with a visit to nearby Stratford-upon-Avon,
Shakespeare’s home town.)
GETTING THERE: From HOME AT FIRST’S NORTHERN COTSWOLDS cottages, drive north on the B4632 to Stratford, then follow the A439 north to the A46 and the A429 into Warwick. Watch for signs for the castle.
OPEN DAILY: 10AM-6PM.
CASTLE ADMISSION: £21/adult, £16.20/seniors, £15/child 4-16, £72/family (2
   adults plus up to 2 kids).
CASTLE + DUNGEON ADMISSION: £26.40/adult, £22.20/seniors, £21/child,
   £103.20/family.
CASTLE + MERLIN & DRAGON TOWER ADMISSION: £24.60/adult,
   £19.80/seniors, £18.60/child, £91.20/family.
WHOLE KINGDOM ADMISSION: £29.40/adult, £25.78/seniors, £24.40/child,
   £122.40/family.
PARKING: Car lot parking from £5-£8.
MORE INFO, see: WARWICK CASTLE

Ongoing Daily
YORK CITY - NORTH YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND: “Yorkwalks”
Guided walks through interesting parts of the medieval walled city of York offer exercise, culture, and entertainment. Standard walks offered at 10:30AM and 2:15PM daily from the menu of “Roman York”, “Secret York”, “Essential York”, and the popular “Snickleways” tours of York’s narrow back alleys. At evenings

	and other times Yorkwalks offer rare opportunities to see parts of York never open to the public, like their “Inaccessible & Hidden York: Graveyard, Coffin, & Crypt Tour”, “Historic Inns and Pubs Tour”, and “Choccy & Sweetie Tour”. Who wouldn’t want to wear sensible shoes on their next visit to Olde Yorke? LOCATION: Museum Garden Gates, Museum Street, York. GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST NORTH YORKSHIRE guests drive 30-60
	30-60 minutes to York. Park outside the city gates (MEDIEVAL CENTRAL YORK has very little parking) and walk or take a shuttle bus into the old city. ADMISSION: £5.50/adults, £5/students, £4/kids 5-15. Supplement charged for any tours requiring entrance to York Minster. MORE INFO & COMPLETE SCHEDULE: YORKWALK

Sunday Evenings in July & August 7–9PM
BALQUHIDDER, CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Balquhidder Summer Concert Series”
Weekly Sunday evening classical music concert at Balquhidder Church, a beautiful Highlands setting in the home of Rob Roy MacGregor. 26th season of this popular summer concert series in Balquhidder village.

PROGRAM:

• July 10: Djordje Gajic, virtuoso accordion.

• July 17: Camerata Ritmata - guitar, piano, bass, percussion.

• July 24: Tim Dean & the RSAMD singers.

• July 31: Alba String Quartet.

Balquhidder's classic Highlands church:
site of its annual summer concert series
and final rest of Rob Roy MacGregor.
Photo by Mike Mullen © Home At First.

• august 7: Bella Tromba trumpet quartet.

LOCATION: Balquhidder village is nestled in one of Nature’s prettiest valleys, flanked by the celebrated Braes o’ Balquhidder, within the confines of Scotland’s Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. The historic cemetery of the Balquhidder Church includes the gravesite of noted Scottish patriot/rascal Rob Roy MacGregor.
GETTING THERE: some HOME AT FIRST CENTRAL SCOTLAND guests can easily walk to Bal-quhidder Church. Others must drive 3-25 minutes from their Central Scotland cottages.
ADMISSION: £8/adult, £7/seniors/students, children under 15 free.
MORE INFO, see: BALQUIDDER CONCERTS.
MORE ABOUT: THE BALQUHIDDER GLEN.

Daily to July 31 2011 - 10AM-6PM
LONDON, ENGLAND – THE TATE BRITAIN
“The Romantics”
Special exhibition examining the revolution in painting that accompanied simultaneous revolutions in literature and music to redefine the ways artists interpret their worlds. These revolutions — usually combined as a common movement called "Romanticism" — essentially invented modernism by granting artists the permission to inject emotion into their work and to reject the hoary tradition of art as the

JMW Turner - "Sun Setting over a Lake" (1840) - Tate Britain Collection.

JMW TURNER'S "SUN SETTING OVER A LAKE" (1840)
From the Tate Britain Collection

pursuit of purely rational intellectual realism. Several painters will be represented by major works, including the classical romantic John Constable, the proto-impressionist romantic JMW Turner, and the proto-expressionist romantic William Blake.
LOCATION: Tate Britain Museum, Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG.
ADMISSION: Free.
GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON guests walk 5-12 minutes to the Tower Hill Underground Station, then take the District or Circle Line west 10 stops to Victoria, then change to the southbound Victoria Line and go 1 stop to Pimlico station. Walk east 8 minutes to the Tate Britain Museum on Millbank Street along the Thames River. Total transit & walking time: 30-40 minutes.

Alternatively, walk to the Tower Pier (by Tower of London) and board a westbound Thames Clipper commuter service boat (operating frequency: every 20 minutes from 6AM-1AM) for the 9-minute river sailing to Bankside Pier. Change at Bankside for the Thames Clipper Tate-to-Tate service to Millbank Pier, a 20-minute sailing (operating every 40 minutes, 10AM-5PM). The Thames Clippers, like the Underground, London Transport buses, and Docklands Light Rail, is covered by your Oyster Card London transportation pass.
MORE INFO, see: TATE BRITAIN

Daily July 23-Oct. 3 2011 9:30AM-6:30PM

LONDON, ENGLAND

“Buckingham Palace Open to the Public”

During these two-plus months when the Royal Family is at their Scotland residence (Balmoral Castle) and elsewhere, significant portions of their London residence, Buckingham Palace, are open to the public, for a fee. Guided tours tramp through the Royal Mews — the palace stables — and through nineteen state rooms — decorated

BUCKINGHAM PALACE VIEWED FROM THE MALL
Photo: Andrew Holt

with paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto, and with fine English and French furniture — elegant spaces used to receive and entertain guests on British state and ceremonial occasions. See what it means to “live like a king” (or the Queen).

LOCATION: Buckingham Palace is in London’s West End at the intersection of Green Park, Hyde Park, and St. James’s Park.

GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON guests take the Underground to Green Park station or St. James’s Park station, then walk through the park south or west respectively to Buckingham Palace. Total journey time: 30 minutes door-to-door.

ADMISSION: £17.50/adults, £16/seniors & college students, £10/kids 5-16, £46/family (up to 3 children). Children under 5: free.

OPEN: 9:30AM-6:30PM daily July 23-October 3 (last entrance: 4:15PM)

MORE INFO: BUCKINGHAM PALACE OPEN TO VIEW

July 24 - August 4, 2011
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
“Copenhagen Summer Festival”
Twelve classical music concerts (some with free admission) will occur over twelve days. Performers will include established and rising stars.

LOCATION: Performances at Charlottenborg Festsal (Assembly Hall) on Kongens Nytorv square just steps from Home At First's Copenhagen, DENMARK lodgings.

Copenhagen Summer Festival.

COPENHAGEN SUMMER FESTIVAL
Photo: Visit Denmark

GETTING THERE: from HOME AT FIRST’s nearest COPENHAGEN lodgings at NYHAVN, walk two blocks west to Kongens Nytorv square.

ADMISSION: See PROGRAM for ticket prices. Some concerts are free.

OPEN: Concerts Daily at 4:30PM.

MORE INFO: COPENHAGEN SUMMER FESTIVAL

Mid-August through September

SWEDEN - Swedish Traditions

“Crayfish Parties & Sour Herring”

As summer winds down the Swedes break out two traditional foods. Watch for these during the second half of August throughout Sweden. You may (or may not) wish to join in.

• CRAYFISH PARTIES: once celebrated only by the aristocracy, outdoor crayfish parties now draw everyone to picnic tables by paper lantern light. The crayfish (like small lobsters)

SWEDISH CRAYFISH PARTY FOR ONE.
Photo © Home At First

are consumed cold with strong cheese, beer, and schnapps.

• SOUR HERRING (SÜRSTRÖMMING): Last spring’s (or last year’s) catch of Baltic small herring has been festering salted in tin cans until the cans themselves swell from the fermented fish. Dedicated connoisseurs of sour herring anticipate the late-August “premiere” of this year’s rotting crop. Most often in thin-bread sandwiches with butter, onions, and potato slices. Note: open the herring cans outdoors under water or risk ruining the indoor atmosphere with an unforgettable putrefying fish smell.

WHERE: These food traditions are practiced throughout SWEDEN.

Tuesday August 23 2011 7:30AM-6:00PM
ENGLAND'S LAKE DISTRICT
“Hawkshead Agricultural Show”
Traditional country agricultural fair with animal judging (horses, ponies, dogs, sheep, children's pets, domestic ducks, and wild birds), craft and floral displays, baking competition, and local products stalls. Expect fun events for children and adults. Expect concessions for candy, cake, clothing, and crafts. Food and bar concessions, too.

CRAFT SHOP, HAWKSHEAD, ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT.
Photo © Home At First

LOCATION: Hawkshead Hall Farm, 1/4 mile
north of Hawkshead, Cumbria LA22 0NN, England.
GETTING THERE: Hawkshead is the principal town of HOME AT FIRST’S ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT. Local guests should take the B5285 (Main Street, Hawkshead) north from the town 1/4 mile to the intersection with Loanthwaite Lane (where the B5285 turns left for Coniston). Stay on the Loanthwaite Lane a short distance to the Hawkshead Hall Farm, on the left of Loanthwaite Lane.
ADMISSION: £2-£6.
MORE INFO, see: HAWKSHEAD AGRICULTURAL SHOW
MORE ABOUT: ENGLAND'S LAKE DISTRICT

Ongoing, daily at different times

LONDON, ENGLAND

THEATRE: “What’s On This Summer?”

• “The Railway Children”: classic Edith Nesbit 1905 children’s story of three children facing life on their own after their father has been falsely imprisoned. Cleverly staged with a real steam locomotive on the now-unused tracks and platforms of the former Eurostar terminal, platforms 20-24 at Waterloo International Station, near Waterloo tube. Through Sept. 4.
Rating: Family.

• “Phantom of the Opera”: long running Gothic

ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE IN LONDON.

     musical at Her Majesty’s Theatre,
     Haymarket near Piccadilly Circus tube. Rating: Family.
• “The Mousetrap”: Agatha Christie’s record-running mystery at St. Martin’s Theatre,
     Covent Garden. Leicester Square tube. Rating: Family.
• “The 39 Steps”: silly, enduring thriller at Criterion Theatre, Jermyn St., near Piccadilly
     Circus tube. Rating: Family.
• Shakespeare on Stage — at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, by the
     Tate Modern Museum on the South Bank, London SE1. Nearest Underground: South Bank:
     Southwark Tube; North Bank: Mansion House Tube or Cannon Street Tube (cross the
     Millennium foot bridge).

    • “All's Well That Ends Well”, a romantic comedy challenging the notion that love
          conquers all. Shakespeare at his most fun. Runs through August 21.
    • “As You Like It”, the play that supports the claim that Shakespeare invented the
          situation comedy. Gender-bending slapstick comedy of youth vs. age and love vs. power.
          Runs through August 26.

• “Hamlet”, Shakespeare’s great tragedy about responsibility, fear, power, and self.
Shakespeare at his best. Runs through July 9.

• Shakespeare + Nureyev = "Romeo & Juliet" the Ballet: staged at The
Coliseum, St. Martin's Lane between Charing Cross and St.-Martin-in-the-Fields Church.,
New Globe Walk, South Bank, by the Tate Modern museum of art. Through July 17.

Tube: Embankment or Charing Cross.

• “Wicked”: musical prequel about the witches of “The Wizard of Oz” at the Apollo Victoria
Theatre, 17 Wilton Rd. Victoria tube. Rating: Family.

• “Betty Blue Eyes”: The story of a black-market porker being raised on the QT to
     celebrate the 1947 wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Britain's bleak economic
     post-war situation seems unlikely grist for riotous comedy, but a cast of outrageous
     characters makes this hard-times musical more fun than prosperity. At the Novello Theatre,
     on the Aldwych by the Strand. Temple tube (closed Sundays) or Covent Garden tube.
       Rating: Family (tweeners and up).
• “The Lion King”: blockbuster with spectacular staging at the Lyceum Theatre,
     21 Wellington St. at the Strand. Temple tube (closed Sundays). Rating: Family.
• “Les Miserables”: Victor Hugo’s story about the tragedies of life and indomitable human
     spirit continues its long run (since 1985) to continuous critical acclaim. Queen’s Theatre,
     Shaftesbury Ave., Soho, between Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross Road.
     Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus Tube. Musical. Rating: older teens & adults.
• “Yes, Prime Minister”: The hit Britcom of the 1980s has been updated for the hi-tech
     2010s, with a new, but distinguished, cast. Performances from July 6 at the Apollo Theatre,
     Shaftesbury Ave.
     Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus Tube. Musical. Rating: older teens & adults.
• “Billy Elliot, the Musical”: Musical adaptation of the movie about a sensitive boy from
     a British mining town who wants to be a dancer. The story is something of a parable about
     post-industrial society, only sweeter and lighter. Elton John’s music is perfect. At the Victoria
     Palace Theatre, Victoria Street opposite Victoria Station. Victoria tube, then cross Victoria St.
     Rating: tweeners and up (due to swearing).
ADMISSION: Full-priced tickets from£5-£100 (not cheap, but often better than Broadway).
TICKETS: Order your tickets in advance on-line via LONDON TOWN. Pick them up at the theatre on the day of performance. Discount tickets available!
GETTING THERE: From HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON apartments walk 5-12 minutes to the Tower Hill or London Bridge Underground Station, then take the District, Circle, or Jubilee Line west.
• Covent Garden and South Bank Theatres: Within 10 minutes are most of the tube stops
   convenient for Covent Garden and South Bank theatres (Mansion House, Temple,
   Embankment, Southwark, Waterloo, Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus).
• For West End theatres in Soho: From Tower Hill tube take the District Line 6 stops & 10 minutes
   to Embankment station. From London Bridge tube take the Jubilee Line west to Waterloo. At
   Embankment or Waterloo, change to the Northern Line (direction Edgeware) and travel north to
   Leicester (“Lester”) Square or to Tottenham Court Road.
• For West End theatres near Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus: From Tower Hill tube take the
   District Line west 6 stops and 10 minutes to Embankment. From London Bridge tube take the
   Jubilee Line west to Waterloo. At Embankment or Waterloo change to the Bakerloo Line north
   to Piccadilly Circus or to Oxford Circus.
• For theatres near Waterloo station: From Tower Hill tube take the District Line 6 stops and 10
   minutes west to Embankment station, then change to the Northern Line south one stop to
   Waterloo. From London Bridge tube take the Jubilee Line west one stop to Southwark tube or
   two stops to Waterloo tube.
• Total transit & walking time from Tower Hill or London Bridge Underground Stations to almost
   any theatre in London’s six principal theatre regions (Barbican, South Bank, Covent Garden,
   Soho, Oxford Circus, Sloane Square): less than 30 minutes.

Ongoing – Weekdays only 10AM-5PM
LONDON – The Bank of England Museum
“The £ in Your Pocket”
One of the fun, free, funky museums of London. It doesn’t sound like it would be, but this museum is great fun for kids of all ages. Ongoing April 17 through October: special exhibition of “The Pound in Your Pocket” – the story of British money and, specifically, of monetary inflation. Doesn’t sound like a subject your kids would enjoy, right? The museum—using jigsaw puzzles, balloons, gold bars, old coins, and touch-screen computers—sees to it that they will!
LOCATION: Bank of England Museum, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH.
GETTING THERE: From HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON apartments walk 5-12 minutes to the Tower Hill Underground Station, then take the District or

the pound in your pocket image

LEAVE IT TO THE FINANCIAL CAPITAL OF
LONDON TO MAKE BANKING FUN FOR KIDS!
Courtesy The Bank of England Museum

Circle Line west 1 stop & 2 minutes to Monument station, then walk 5 minutes through the maze of tunnels following signs for Bank station. Emerge from Bank Underground, walk across the street to the Royal Exchange, with its colonnaded portico, and walk up Threadneedle Street one-half block. Cross Threadneedle Street at Bartholomew Lane. Walk up Bartholomew Lane on the left (west) side of the street. The Bank of England Museum entrance is mid-way up the block, and poorly marked on the left side. Total transit & walking time: less than 20 minutes.
ADMISSION: Free!
OPEN: Mo-Fr 10AM-5PM. Closed weekends and bank holidays.
MORE INFO, see: BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

– JULY 2011 –

Wednesday July 6 2011 5:30-9:30PM
CENTRAL SCOTLAND - KENMORE
“Kenmore Highland Games”
Unusual mid-week evening games in a beautiful setting on the east end of Loch Tay. Heavyweight events including hammer throwing, sheaf tossing, caber tossing, shot-putt, and throwing the 101-pound Tirine Stone, as well as tug-o-war, track and field events, and a grueling hill race. Traditional highland dancing and bagpiping will occur throughout the games along with fun events for children and adults. Expect concessions for candy, cake, clothing, and crafts. Food and bar concessions, too.
LOCATION: Sports Field, Kenmore village.
GETTING THERE: Kenmore is the northeastern corner of HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND. Local guests should take the A827 northeast from Killin along Loch Tay to its eastern

Highland Games Shot Putter. Photo © Home At First.

HIGHLAND GAMES
SHOT PUTTER.
Photo © Home At First

end at Kenmore village and watch for signs.
ADMISSION: £5/adults, children free.
MORE INFO, see: KENMORE HIGHLAND GAMES
MORE ABOUT: CENTRAL SCOTLAND

Sunday July 10 2011 11:30AM-5:30PM
CENTRAL SCOTLAND - STIRLING
“Stirling Highland Games”
Traditional Sunday afternoon games in a beautiful setting just west of Stirling. Heavyweight events, as well as tug-o-war, running events, Scottish wrestling, and a haggis-eating contest. Traditional highland dancing and bagpiping will occur throughout the games along with fun events for children and adults. Expect concessions for candy, cake, clothing, and crafts. Food and bar concessions, too.

Stirling Games Pipe Band. Photo courtesy Stirling Highland Games.

STIRLING HIGHLAND GAMES PIPE BAND.
Photo courtesy Stirling Highland Games

LOCATION: North Kersebonny (west of Stirling and just west of the M9).
GETTING THERE: Stirling is the southern edge of of HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND. Local guests should take the A84 south past Doune to the M9 Craigforth roundabout. Take the Pilmuir Road south from the roundabout to Kersebonny Road. Turn left on Kersebonny Rd. Follow Kersebonny Rd. to the site of the Highland Games just south of the A811 (Dumbarton Rd) intersection.
ADMISSION: £8/adults, £4/seniors/students-17/older, children free.
MORE INFO, see: STIRLING HIGHLAND GAMES
MORE ABOUT: CENTRAL SCOTLAND

evening steam train on the gwr railway — with fish & chips dinner included!
Photo Jack Boskett, courtesy The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

Saturday July 23 2011 7-9:30PM
COTSWOLDS - GLOUCESTERSHIRE, WESTERN ENGLAND
“The Cheltenham Fryer - Fish & Chips and Steam”
Enjoy a traditional English evening meal on a traditional English steam train in the midst of traditional English countryside. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway (GWR) special train departs Winchcombe station at 7PM and cruises through classic Cotswolds scenery for Cheltenham. The train returns to Winchcombe station at about 9PM. The train will have a buffet car (diner) serving hot and cold drinks including local specialty brews: Rail Ale and Track Cider as well as GWR's own select wines. Be sure to sign up early (before departing the US) for this popular event.
LOCATION: Winchcombe station is about one mile northeast of ancient Winchcombe town, on the B4078 Greet Road, 10 miles north of Cheltenham and 5 miles south of Broadway.
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS MANDATORY: Best way is to CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ON-LINE.
ADMISSION: £20/person, includes train fare and fish & chips dinner. Drinks available for sale in the buffet car.
GETTING THERE: Drive about 40 minutes north from Tetbury, home to HOME AT FIRST’S SOUTHERN COTSWOLDS cottages. From HOME AT FIRST’S NORTHERN COTSWOLDS cottages in and around Chipping Campden, drive 20 minutes south.
MORE INFO, see: GWR RWY FISH CHIPS AND STEAM

Saturday July 23 2011 12:30-5:30PM
CENTRAL SCOTLAND - LOCHEARNHEAD
“Balquhidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre Highland Games”
Traditional Saturday afternoon Highland Games held in the land of clans MacGregor, McLaren, MacNab, Stewart, and Campbell at a beautiful setting on the west end of Loch Earn. Heavyweight events including hammer throwing,
caber tossing, shot-putt, weight over the bar, tug-o-war as well as track and field events, and a grueling hill race. Traditional highland dancing and bagpiping will occur throughout the afternoon along with fun events for children and adults. Expect concessions for candy, cake, clothing, and crafts. Food and bar concessions, too.
LOCATION: Games Park, Lochearnhead village.
GETTING THERE: Lochearnhead is in the middle of HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND. Local guests should take the A84 or A85 to their intersection at Lochearnhead village, and

Piper at Highland Games. Photo © Home At First.

HIGHLAND GAMES PIPER.
Photo © Home At First

follow signs to the Games Park by Loch Earn.
ADMISSION: £5/adults, children free.
MORE INFO, see: LOCHEARNHEAD HIGHLAND GAMES
MORE ABOUT: CENTRAL SCOTLAND

Saturday-Sunday July 23-24 2011 12N-4PM each day
ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT: BOWNESS, LAKE WINDERMERE
“Windermere Air Show”
Summer aerial festival at the Air Base at Glebe by Bowness on Lake Windermere. Events include performances by historic Spitfires, Hurricanes, and a Lancaster bomber from the Battle of Britain, Britain’s Red Arrows military precision fighter unit, wing walkers on biplanes, hot air balloons, plus static displays of jets, helicopters, and other airplanes on both days.

Windermere Air Show action. Photo courtesy Windermere Air Show.

WINDERMERE AIR SHOW.
Photo courtesy Windermere A.S.

LOCATION: The Air Base at Glebe at Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, NW England.
GETTING THERE: the pier at Bowness is just across the lake 5 minutes) by ferry from the pier at Near Sawrey, itself only 5-minute drive from HOME AT FIRST’S LAKE DISTRICT lodgings between Sawrey and Hawkshead. On the eastern shore of the lake, drive less than ½ mile to the T-intersection with the A592. Turn left on the A592. After something more than ¼ mile, take the first left turn onto Glebe Road. Follow Glebe Road the short distance to the site of the air show. Parking: £5-£6.
ADMISSION: £7/adults, £2.50/children 5-15.
MORE INFO, see: WINDERMERE AIRSHOW
MORE ABOUT THE ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT

Saturday July 23 to Monday Aug. 1 2011
CO. DONEGAL, NORTHWESTERN IRELAND
“Mary from Dungloe Festival”
Annual festival of traditional Irish culture in the small town of Dungloe in western County Donegal. Events differ each day and include such attractions as a golf tourney, duck racing, a gala ball, bingo, and a soapbox derby. The internationally recognized high point of the festival is the crowning of this year’s “Mary of Dungloe” on Sunday July 31. The best other day for

MARYS AND FRIENDS FILL DUNGLOE'S STREETS .
Photo courtesy Mary from Dungloe International Festival.

visitors is likely Thursday, July 28, with street corner entertainment, dancing, live music, and Irish crafts on display. SEE PROGRAM.
LOCATION: Dungloe is about 60 miles NW of Donegal town near the rugged northwestern coast of Ireland.
GETTING THERE: From HOME AT FIRST'S NORTHWESTERN IRELAND lodgings in/around Donegal, take the scenic N56 about 90 minutes northwest to Dungloe.
ADMISSION: to some events. Free to the street entertainment.
TIMES: Numerous events daily. Most days schedule runs from morning into evening.
MORE INFO, see: MARY FROM DUNGLOE

Weds-Sat July 27-30 2011 10AM–10PM
CHULMLEIGH, DEVONSHIRE, SOUTHWESTERN ENGLAND
“Chulmleigh Old Fair”
Ancient west country fair held each year since 1253. Fair, sheep show, flower show. Different events each day, e.g.: Wednesday is country market day; Saturday features fancy dress and street entertainment.
LOCATION: Chulmleigh is just east of the A377, about 45 minutes north of HOME AT FIRST’S COTTAGES IN DEVONSHIRE.
GETTING THERE: Take the A386 north from Yelverton to the A3072 east. Take the A3072 east to the A377 at Copplestone. Take the A377 NW to Leigh Cross, then the B3096 (Leigh Road) east 1 mile to Chulmleigh village.
ADMISSION: most events are free!
MORE INFO, see: CHULMLEIGH OLD FAIR
MORE INFO ABOUT TRAVEL TO DEVONSHIRE

Friday-Sunday July 28-31 2011
SCARIFF, CO. CLARE, CENTRAL IRELAND
”Scariff Harbour Festival”
Annual open-air, four-day street fair in this pleasant, hillside town on the west shore of Lough Derg in eastern County Clare. Expect local arts, crafts, canoeing and kayaking, storytelling, and music ranging from traditional Irish (music and dancing) to jazz. Mostly music Thursday and Friday. Music plus Family Day on Saturday. Sunday's finale includes music, walks, boat tours of the river and lake, fishing competition, sky-diving

Scariff Harbour Festival, Lough Derg, Central Ireland. Photo courtesy Scariff Harbour Festival.

Scariff Harbour Festival,
Lough Derg, Central Ireland.
Photo courtesy Scariff Harbour Festival.

exhibition, and a garden fair.
LOCATION: Scariff, across the middle of Lough Derg, Central Ireland’s largest lake, from Garrykennedy, Co. Tipperary.
GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST'S CENTRAL IRELAND residents drive the R352 15 minutes north from Killaloe at the bottom of the lake, or 50 minutes south of Portumna at the top of Lough Derg.
ADMISSION: All events free except for one concert.
MORE INFO, see: SCARIFF HARBOUR FESTIVAL

Friday-Sunday July 29-31 2011
BALLYSHANNON, CO. DONEGAL, NORTHWESTERN IRELAND
“Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival”
Ballyshannon’s 34th Folk & Traditional Music Festival showcases traditional Irish music in venues and on the streets throughout the town.
LOCATION: Ballyshannon, County Donegal, NORTHWESTERN IRELAND.
GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST DONEGAL area guests drive south on the N17 from Donegal town about 20 minutes to Ballyshannon. HOME AT FIRST SLIGO area guests drive north on the N17 about 30 minutes to Ballyshannon.
ADMISSION: Free afternoon performances daily! Evening concerts €25-€30/person.
MORE INFO, see: BALLYSHANNON FOLK FESTIVAL

BALLYSHANNON FOLK & TRADITIONAL
MUSIC FESTIVAL POSTER.
Poster Art by Barry Britton.

Saturday-Sunday July 30-31 2011
Daily 11AM–5PM
SOUTHERN COTSWOLDS — GLOUCESTERSHIRE, WESTERN ENGLAND
“The Berkeley Skirmish: Medieval
Weekend at Berkeley Castle”
Historic Berkeley Castle hosts Britain’s most spectacular medieval festival, The Berkeley Skirmish, featuring jousting, falconry, archery and battles, medieval crafts stalls, and medieval music. Explore the castle and mingle with knights, jesters, minstrels, lords, ladies and lepers. Berkeley Castle is no show castle operated like a theme park, but a private residence that has been the home

Jousting at Berkeley Castle's
Medieval "Skirmish".
Photo Pat Patrick Courtesy The Berkeley Skirmish

of the Berkeley family since Norman times (since the year 1117). Its appearance remains largely unaltered since medieval times. It will be open to visit on Sunday, July 31 (only) for a separate admission price.
LOCATION: Berkeley Castle is about 30 minutes drive west of HOME AT FIRST’S COTTAGES IN THE SOUTHERN COTSWOLDS at Tetbury.
GETTING THERE: from Home At First’s cottages in Tetbury, South Cotswolds, take the A4135 west to the B4066 to the A38 at Dursley, then the A38 south about ¾ mile to the B4066 leading west (left) for Berkeley. In less than a mile you reach the entrance for Berkeley Castle on the left as you enter the town of Berkeley.
          From HOME AT FIRST’S COTTAGES IN THE NORTHERN COTSWOLDS, drive the A44 NW to the A46 near Evesham. Take the A46 SW to Junction 9 of the M5 near Tewkesbury. South on the M5 motorway and exit onto the A38 south at Junction 13. Take the A38 south past Dursley, then the B4066 west 1 mile to Berkeley Castle entrance just before entering the town of Berkeley.
ADMISSION TO THE BERKELEY SKIRMISH (does not include entry to Berkeley Castle):
     • At the gate: £12/adult, £7/child 5-14, £32/family (up to 2adults+2 kids).
     • In Advance: £10/adult, £5/child, £26/family.
ADMISSION TO BERKELEY CASTLE (does not include entry to the Berkeley Skirmish):
     • July 31 only: £9.50/adult, £7.50/seniors/students, £5/child 5-14,
     £24/family (up to 2adults+2 kids).
MORE INFO, see: BERKELEY SKIRMISH
MORE ABOUT HOME AT FIRST’S COTSWOLDS

Saturday-Sunday July 30-31 2011 Daily 12 Noon–5PM
CENTRAL SCOTLAND - CALLANDER: “Callander World Highland Games”
Major two-day (Saturday & Sunday) afternoon Highland Games held on the southeastern edge of Callander. Men's and women's heavyweight events including hammer throwing, caber tossing, shot-putt, sheaf toss, hammer throw, Atlas stones, as well as police dog competition and a children's highland games. Traditional highland dancing and bagpiping will occur along with fun events for children and adults. Expect concessions for candy, cake, clothing, and crafts. Music tents, food and bar concessions, too.

LOCATION: Sawmill Field, Keltie Bridge, Callander.
GETTING THERE: Callander is south-central in HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND. Local guests should take the A84 south through Callander. Sawmill Field is just outside of town on the right (south) side of the A84. The games' parking lot (£2) is reached before leaving Callander across from the Dreadnought Garage by the Myrtle Inn.

International competition at the two-day Callander World Highland Games. Photo courtesy Callander World Highland Games.

INTERNATIONAL STRONGMEN AT THE CALLANDER WORLD HIGHLAND GAMES.
Photo courtesy Callander World Highland Games

ADMISSION: £8/adults, £5/seniors/students/children 5-15.
MORE INFO, see: CALLANDER HIGHLAND GAMES
MORE ABOUT: CENTRAL SCOTLAND

– AUGUST 2011 –

Monday, August 1, 2011
NENAGH, CO. TIPPERARY, CENTRAL IRELAND
“North Tipperary Agricultural Show”
The Irish equivalent of a rural American county fair. Animals (especially horses, cows, and sheep), farm machinery displays, and lots of competitive events from show jumping to baked goods to flower arranging to kids costumes to dogs’ obstacle course racing to the wonderful “most suitably dressed lady” contest. Expect lots of fun, great local color, food (& drink, this is Ireland, after all) stands. If you want to see the rural Irish at play, this is the place to go. And you won’t see another tourist there!
LOCATION: Nenagh Fair Grounds is on the N52 road just north of Nenagh town.
GETTING THERE: From HOME AT FIRST'S CENTRAL IRELAND lodgings in/around Nenagh, take the N52 north from Nenagh about 1 mile direction Borrisokane. The show grounds are on the west side of the N52.

A champion's Blue Ribbon being
pinned at Nenagh's ANNUAL North
Tipperary Agricultural Show.
Photo © Home At First.

Parking is on the east side of the N52.
ADMISSION: €10/adults.
MORE INFO, see: NORTH TIPP FAIR

Wednesday August 3 2011 10:30AM-5:30PM
KILLIN, CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Killin Highland Games”
Wednesday afternoon Highland Games held at the northeastern gateway to Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park at a beautiful setting on the west end of Loch Tay. The games parade leads from Killin’s landmark bridge by the Falls of the Dochart at 1:00PM to the official greeting in Breadalbane Park in the town center at 2PM. Expect events including: piping competitions, dancing competitions, world strongmen events, open hill race, children’s races, tossing the caber, fly fishing demonstration and casting competition, side shows & amusements. Expect concessions for candy, cake, clothing, and crafts. Food and bar concessions, too.
LOCATION: Breadalbane Park, Killin.
GETTING THERE: Killin is the northernmost town of Home At First’s Central Scotland. Guests staying in Killin can walk to the games. Other HOME AT FIRST CENTRAL SCOTLAND guests take the A84/A85 north across Glen Ogle Pass to the A827 at Lix Toll. Right on the A827 3 miles into Killin. Follow signs

Piper at Highland Games. Photo © Home At First.

HIGHLAND GAMES PIPER.
Photo © Home At First

on Main Street once across the Killin bridge.
ADMISSION: £5/adults; seniors & children £3.
MORE INFO, see: KILLIN HIGHLAND GAMES.
MORE ABOUT TRAVEL TO CENTRAL SCOTLAND.

Wednesday to Monday August 3-8 2011
FEAKLE, CO. CLARE, CENTRAL IRELAND
“Feakle International Traditional Music Festival”
The bars, streets, and community hall of Feakle village host five days of music, song, and dance with concerts, céili's, workshops, lectures, recitals, singing, and trad music sessions. Consult the festival web site for performance type, time, and venue.
LOCATION: Feakle, eastern County Clare due west of Lough Derg, about 1.5 hours west of

TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC IS PLAYED IN ALL
SORTS OF VENUES IN FEAKLE DURING THE FESTIVAL.
Photo courtesy Feakle Music Festival.

Home At First’s Central Ireland lodgings.
GETTING THERE: Drive south along Lough Derg from HOME AT FIRST'S CENTRAL IRELAND cottages. Cross the River Shannon at Ballina-Killaloe. Turn north in Killaloe and follow the western shore of Lough Derg through Tuamgraney to
Scariff. Turn left (west) in Scariff on the R461 5 miles to Feakle village.
ADMISSION: some performances free. Others charge up to €25/adult.
MORE INFO, see: FEAKLE FESTIVAL

August 5-7, 2011 10:30AM-5:30PM daily
COTSWOLDS - OXFORDSHIRE, WESTERN ENGLAND
”Jousting at Blenheim Palace”
The palatial home of the Dukes of Marlborough and the Churchill family — including British Prime Minister Winston Churchill — is the backdrop for a medieval jousting tournament. Mounted knights will clash twice each day in the park and the South Front of the palace during this three-day tourney. Falconry will also be exhibited,

Knights preparing for the jousting
tournament at Blenheim Palace.
Photo Courtesy Blenheim Palace

and visitors can try their hand at archery.
LOCATION: Blenheim Palace is in the eastern COTSWOLDS just SW of Woodstock (and NW of Oxford) just about 25 miles southeast of HOME AT FIRST’S NORTHERN COTSWOLDS cottages in and near Chipping Campden and about 32 miles northeast of HOME AT FIRST’S SOUTHERN COTSWOLDS cottages in and near Tetbury.
GETTING THERE: From the Northern Cotswolds, drive SE on the A44 to Woodstock. From the Southern Cotswolds, drive northeast from Tetbury on the A433 to Cirencester. Then take the B4425 NE to Burford and the A40 east to
Witney and the A4095 NE to the A44 near Woodstock. From Woodstock follow the brown signs leading to Blenheim Palace.
ADMISSION: for Jousting & Gardens—£11/adults, £8/seniors/students, £5.50/children 5-16, £28/family. NOTE: Additional charge for access to the Palace.
MORE INFO, see: JOUSTING AT BLENHEIM PALACE

Friday to Friday, August 5-12 2011
CENTRAL IRELAND
“43rd Annual Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival”
Regional Irish country fair featuring old time vehicles, with a Sunday parade of vintage cars, engines, horses and carriages, marching bands, jugglers and clowns, and street theater. The 43rd annual antiques and fine arts fair features costume and shop window competitions, candlelight nights in local pubs, historical walking tours, film nights and live theater, free daily children’s events, vintage and modern sports events, photography competition,

Costumed parade figure at the Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival parade. Photo courtesy Birr Vintage Week Festival.

PARADE FIGURE AT THE BIRR VINTAGE FESTIVAL.
Photo courtesy Birr Vintage Festival

pub competitions, donkey derby, barman’s race, live music, and a fireworks display. Dozens of events are scheduled daily. CONSULT THE SCHEDULE to determine the best day for your visit. Combine with a visit to the most impressive Birr Castle Gardens.
LOCATION: Birr, County Offaly, about 30 minutes north of HOME AT FIRST’s Central Ireland lodgings.
GETTING THERE: From HOME AT FIRST'S CENTRAL IRELAND cottages, drive north from Nenagh on the N52 30 minutes to Birr.
ADMISSION: many events free.
MORE INFO, see: BIRR VINTAGE WEEK

Friday to Sunday, August 5-14 2011
CO. KILKENNY CENTRAL IRELAND
“Kilkenny Arts Festival”
Major arts festival featuring international artists. For the 38th year the festival will feature theater, jazz, classical music, literature, visual art, traditional Irish music, and street performances. Kilkenny is a small city with a large history, especially in the form of its great Norman castle, itself the site of several scheduled classical music performances.
LOCATION: Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, about 1.5–2 hours east of HOME AT FIRST'S CENTRAL IRELAND lodgings.
PROGRAM & ADMISSION: See FESTIVAL PROGRAM PAGE.
GETTING THERE: Drive east from Nenagh via Borrisoleigh, Templemore, Templetuohy, Johnstown, and Freshford direct to Kilkenny. This delightful cross-country route is rural and beautiful in an understated Irish way — more poetry than drama.

Kilkenny Castle seen from across
the River Nore in center Kilkenny
town. Some festival events take
place at the grand palace/castle.
Photo © Home At First.

MORE INFO, see: KILKENNY ARTS FEST

Ongoing August 5–27, 2011
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
“Edinburgh Military Tattoo”
This is the show that puts the bomb in bombast. Like your culture punctuated by cannonade? Prefer castles and fireworks and the smell of cordite to opera and ballet? Overlapping the Edinburgh Festival is the (almost) nightly
outdoor martial noisefest at the imposing castle at the top of the town. Usually sold out well in advance of the performances, but some few leftover tix may be available even up to the last minute. (HOME AT FIRST

The Edinburgh Tattoo takes place with the
Edinburgh Castle as its dramatic backdrop.
Photo courtesy Edinburgh Tattoo

helps its guests secure tickets, but plan to book early!)
LOCATION: Edinburgh Castle.
GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST’S EDINBURGH guests can take the bus or taxi or walk to performances. HOME AT FIRST'S GLASGOW guests can take the train and be in Edinburgh in an hour. HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND guests can drive to Stirling or Dunblane and park & ride the train into central Edinburgh. Don’t drive into Edinburgh this month!
ADMISSION: Lots of different prices — starting at £23 — depending upon seat, performance time, and date. See web site for availability (if any) and prices.
MORE INFO, see: EDINBURGH TATTOO

Ongoing August 5 – 29 2011
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
“Edinburgh Fringe Festival”
The other side of the looking glass. Running almost
concurrently with the Edinburgh International Festival (see below), the Fringe Festival has largely outpaced its older, more staid counterpart in recent years as an attention-getter and trend setter that has introduced many up-and-comers to the world’s of music, dance, theatre, music and (especially) comedy. Think of it as a 3-week long Mardi Gras with crass.
LOCATION: Performances in more than 200 locations throughout Edinburgh.
GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST’S EDINBURGH guests can take the bus or taxi or walk to

The Edinburgh FRINGE FESTIVAL HAS EVERYONE
NOT PERFORMING AT THE LIKE-TIMED EDINBURGH
FESTIVAL OR AT THE EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO.
Poster courtesy Edinburgh Fringe Festival

performances. HOME AT FIRST'S GLASGOW guests can take the train and be in Edinburgh in an hour. HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND guests can drive to Stirling or Dunblane and park & ride the train into central Edinburgh. Don’t drive into Edinburgh this month!
ADMISSION: Over 1,000 performances daily, each priced separately, some quite inexpensively, others not so. Advance tickets on sale starting in June. Tickets still available to many shows on the day of performance.
MORE INFO, see: EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL

Ongoing August 12 – September 4 2011
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
“Edinburgh International Festival”
Arguably the best long-playing urban cultural festival in the world. Dance, theatre, music, and opera performed by internationally ranked artists. Think of it as a 3-week long Mardi Gras with class. (HOME AT FIRST helps its guests secure tickets, but plan to book early!)
LOCATION: locations throughout Edinburgh.
GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST’S EDINBURGH guests can take the bus or taxi or walk to performances. HOME AT FIRST'S GLASGOW guests can take the train and be in Edinburgh in an hour. HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND guests can drive to Stirling or Dunblane and park & ride the train into central Edinburgh. Don’t drive into Edinburgh this month!
ADMISSION: Over 120 performances, each priced separately. Some discounted tickets available from £2. Reduced price tix available for seniors, students, and
latecomers.
MORE INFO, see: EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

ONE OF THE WORLD'S GREAT URBAN
CULTURAL FESTIVALS, EDINBURGH'S
ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
SHOWCASES WORLD-CLASS MUSIC,
THEATRE, DANCE, AND OPERA FOR
MOST OF A MONTH IN VENUES
THROUGHOUT EDINBURGH.
Photo of The Scottish Chamber
Orchestra by Paul Hampton/eif.co.uk

evening steam train on the gwr railway — with fish & chips dinner included!
Photo Paul Stratford, courtesy The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

Saturday August 13 2011 7-9:30PM
COTSWOLDS - GLOUCESTERSHIRE, WESTERN ENGLAND
“The Cheltenham Fryer - Fish & Chips and Steam”
Enjoy a traditional English evening meal on a traditional English steam train in the midst of traditional English countryside. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway (GWR) special train departs Winchcombe station at 7PM and cruises through classic Cotswolds scenery for Cheltenham. The train returns to Winchcombe station at about 9PM. The train will have a buffet car (diner) serving hot and cold drinks including local specialty brews: Rail Ale and Track Cider as well as GWR's own select wines. Be sure to sign up early (before departing the US) for this popular event.
LOCATION: Winchcombe station is about one mile northeast of ancient Winchcombe town, on the B4078 Greet Road, 10 miles north of Cheltenham and 5 miles south of Broadway.
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS MANDATORY: Best way is to CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ON-LINE.
ADMISSION: £20/person, includes train fare and fish & chips dinner. Drinks available for sale in the buffet car.
GETTING THERE: Drive about 40 minutes north from Tetbury, home to HOME AT FIRST’S SOUTHERN COTSWOLDS cottages. From HOME AT FIRST’S NORTHERN COTSWOLDS cottages in and around Chipping Campden, drive 20 minutes south.
MORE INFO, see: GWR RWY FISH CHIPS AND STEAM

Saturday August 13 2011 9AM-5PM
ABERFELDY, CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Atholl & Breadalbane Show & Highland Gathering”
Saturday Highlands show featuring horse and pony classes, cattle, sheep and Clydesdale horses, heavyweight Highlands Games events, highland dancing, piping and much more. Accessible to the disabled.
LOCATION: Wade Park, Aberfeldy, Central Scotland 30-60 minutes east north east of HOME AT FIRST’s Central Scotland lodgings.
GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND guests should take the A84 north to Lochearnhead, then the A85 north (direction Crianlarich). Five miles north of

Highland dancers at the Atholl & Breadalbane Gathering at Aberfeldy. Photo courtesy Atholl & Breadalbane Gathering.

HIGHLAND DANCERS AT
THE ATHOLL &
BREADALBANE GATHERING.
Photo courtesy Atholl &
Breadalbane Gathering

Lochearnhead, turn right on the A827 at Lix Toll. Drive 25 miles through Killin, along Loch Tay, and through Kenmore and on to Aberfeldy. As you enter Aberfeldy, turn left on Taybridge Rd (B846) and cross Wade’s Bridge to reach Wade Park on the north side of the River Tay.
ADMISSION: £7/adult, £3/senior, £2/junior.
MORE INFO, see: ATHOLL & BREADALBANE GATHERING

Monday August 15 2011
KENMARE, CO. KERRY, SOUTHWESTERN IRELAND
“15th Traditional Irish Fair & Festival”
Traditional country fair in the wonderful Irish town of Kenmare, midway between Glengarriff and Killarney. Expect a gathering of clans, farm animals, plenty of food, concession stands, and music.
LOCATION: Kenmare is a vibrant, handsome Irish town in southern County Kerry 5-45 minutes from HOME AT FIRST'S

Colorful Kenmare, County Kerry, Southwestern Ireland. Photo © Home At First.

COLORFUL KENMARE, SOUTHWESTERN IRELAND.
Photo © Home At First.

SOUTHWESTERN IRELAND lodgings in & near Kenmare, Glengarriff, and Bantry in Counties Kerry and Cork.
GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST’s Kenmare guests need only drive into town (2-5 minutes). From Bantry and Glengarriff drive north to Kenmare 30-40 minutes on the N71. Kenmare is the southern gateway town of the scenic Ring of Kerry and the Killarney National Park.
ADMISSION: free.
MORE INFO, see: KENMARE IRISH FAIR

Tuesday through Sunday August 16-21 2011

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

“Stockholm’s Culture Festival”
Stockholm’s fifth annual August festival is big (500 events), varied, accessible, and mostly (99%) free. Music of all kinds, comedy, guided walks (many in English), children’s events, the world’s longest book table, film, food, and fun.
LOCATION: Venues throughout Stockholm.
GETTING THERE: walk or take a tram from HOME AT FIRST'S STOCKHOLM lodgings.
ADMISSION: most events free.
OPEN: various times daily.
MORE INFO: STOCKHOLM CULTURE FEST PROGRAM

Wednesday-Sunday August 17-21 2011
CENTRAL IRELAND
”Terryglass Arts Festival”
Annual four-day festival of visual arts, dance, theatre, music, poetry, film, storytelling, and performance. Sign up for any of dozens of workshops teaching skills from making mobiles to circus performing. Concert Friday night. Open-air disco and fireworks at the quay Saturday night. Free Irish music night at the town hall Sunday at 8PM. EVENTS PROGRAM.

Terryglass village, Co. Tipperary, Central Ireland. Photo © Home At First.

TERRYGLASS VILLAGE, CENTRAL IRELAND.
Photo © Home At First.

LOCATION: Terryglass village on the northeastern shore of Lough Derg in North Tipperary.
GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST'S CENTRAL IRELAND guests drive north on the N52 to Borrisokane, then follow signs 6 miles west to Terryglass village.
ADMISSION: Workshops and performances from €0 to €35 per person. Tickets available at the door.
MORE INFO, see: TERRYGLASS ARTS FESTIVAL

Thursday-Sunday August 18-21 2011 from 12:30PM
BLAIR ATHOLL, CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Blair Castle International Horse Trials & Country Fair”
One of the premier equestrian events in Britain is located in one of Scotland’s most scenic castle estates.
LOCATION: Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Perthshire, 45-75 minutes east north east of HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND lodgings. From Killin take the

Competitive show jumping is one of the many equestrian events to occur at the annual Blair Castle Horse Trials. Photo courtesy Blair Castle Horse Trials.

SHOW JUMPING IS ONE OF THE MANY EVENTS TO OCCUR
AT THE ANNUAL BLAIR CASTLE HORSE TRIALS.
Photo courtesy Blair Castle Horse Trials

A827 east northeast to the A9, then the A9 north through Pitlochry 6 miles to Blair Castle on the B8079.
ADMISSION: Tickets: Th-£11, Fr-£13, Sa-£16, Su-£13; Children under 12 free.
PARKING: £5.
MORE INFO, see: BLAIR HORSE TRIALS.

Saturday August 20 2011 1:30-5PM
KINLOCH RANNOCH, PERTHSHIRE, CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Kinloch Rannoch Highland Games”
Highland Games in a sensational Scottish setting — the drive alone is worth the trip. Attractions include heavyweight Highlands Games events, piping, dancing, children’s races, track and field, hill race, concession stands, and tug o’ war. Dancing commences at 1:30PM. Teas and barbecue available from noon.
LOCATION: Kinloch Rannoch Village Park,

PIPE BAND AT KINLOCH RANNOCH WITH
SCHIEHALLION PEAK IN THE BACKGROUND.
Photo courtesy Rannoch & Tummel Tourism

Kinloch Rannoch, Central Scotland.
GETTING THERE: Kinloch Rannoch is about 35 miles northeast of Killin. HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND guests should take the A84 north to Lochearnhead, then the A85 north (direction Crianlarich). Five miles north of Lochearnhead, turn right on the A827 at Lix Toll. Drive through Killin, then follow directions of the scenic route to Kinloch Rannoch via Glen Lyon and the thatched village of Fortingall to Tummel Bridge and, finally, to Kinloch Rannoch on Loch Rannoch. Plan on 90 minutes to drive the scenic 35 miles from Killin. Plan to return more directly via the A827 along Loch Tay from Kenmore.
ADMISSION: £3/adult, £2/seniors & kids; plus £1/parking.
MORE INFO, see: KINLOCH RANNOCH GAMES.

Sunday August 21 2011 10:30-5:30PM
CRIEFF, PERTHSHIRE, CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Crieff Highland Gathering”
Traditional Highland Games including cycling, running, solo-piping, highland dancing, pipe bands, tug-o-war and heavyweight events (including tossing the caber). Disabled access. Crieff (pop. 6,000) is a large market town 20 miles east of Lochearnhead on the edge of the Highlands.
LOCATION: Market Park, Crieff, Central Scotland.
GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND guests should take the A85 east from Lochearnhead 20 miles to Crieff. In town, turn right on the A822 (Burrell St.). Drive south 3/8 mi.

SHOT PUT RECORD HOLDER GEOFF CAPES,
A FAMILIAR FACE AT THE CRIEFF GAMES.
Photo courtesy Crieff Highland Gathering

Watch for signs for the games site.
ADMISSION: £9/adult, £5/seniors & children.
MORE INFO, see: CRIEFF HIGHLAND GAMES.

Saturday August 27 2011 7-9:30PM
COTSWOLDS - GLOUCESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND
“The Cheltenham Fryer - Fish & Chips & Steam”
Enjoy a traditional English evening meal on a traditional English steam train in the midst of traditional English countryside. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway (GWR) special train departs Winchcombe station at 7PM and cruises through classic Cotswolds scenery for Cheltenham. The train returns to Winchcombe station at about 9PM. The train will have a buffet car (diner) serving hot and cold drinks including local specialty brews: Rail Ale and Track Cider as well as GWR's own select wines. Be sure to sign up early (before departing the US) for this popular event.
LOCATION: Winchcombe station is about one mile northeast of ancient Winchcombe town, on the B4078 Greet Road, 10 miles north of Cheltenham and 5 miles south of Broadway.
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS MANDATORY: Best way is to CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ON-LINE.
ADMISSION: £20/person, includes train fare and fish & chips dinner. Drinks available for sale in the buffet car.
GETTING THERE: Drive about 40 minutes north from Tetbury, home to HOME AT FIRST’S SOUTHERN COTSWOLDS cottages. From HOME AT FIRST’S NORTHERN COTSWOLDS cottages in and around Chipping Campden, drive 20 minutes south.

A summer evening departure from Gotherington Station on the GWR. Photo Andrew Bell, courtesy The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.

A SUMMER EVENING DEPARTURE
FROM GOTHERINGTON STATION.
Photo Andrew Bell, courtesy
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

MORE INFO, see: GWR RWY FISH CHIPS AND STEAM

Drumming an island rhythm and attracting a crowd at the Notting Hill Festival. Photo courtesy thenottinghillcarnival.com.
DRUMMERS ATTRACTING ATTENTION AT THE NOTTING HILL FESTIVAL.
Photo courtesy thenottinghillcarnival.com

Sunday & Monday, August 28—29 2011
LONDON, ENGLAND - “Notting Hill Carnival”
A shocking reminder to many Americans that the British Empire in the Western Hemisphere did not come to an end at Yorktown in 1781, the West Indian (largely Jamaican) themed Notting Hill Carnival is London’s biggest, baddest festival of the summer — and the largest street festival in Europe. Expect the West Indies culture to take over this section of west London for two days: music, food, costume, dance, drink, and spliff. If you are going to London to discover Londoners, expect to meet West Indians, Asians (East Indians and Pakistanis), and other immigrant minorities from former Empire outposts who have made Britain into a society as diverse as America.
LOCATION: the Notting Hill section of London, just west of Kensington Gardens and Bayswater, just north of Kensington.
GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST LONDON guests should take the Circle Line tube clockwise to Notting Hill Gate or Bayswater stations, then follow the crowds, the noise, and the smells to the festival.
ADMISSION: free.
OPEN: not much happens before 10AM, but a lot happens thereafter until late in the day.
MORE INFO: NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL

– SEPTEMBER 2011 –

Ongoing from September 2 2011
LISDOONVARNA, CO. CLARE, WEST CENTRAL IRELAND
“Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival”
The biggest singles event in Europe and one of the oldest festivals in Ireland takes place annually in this little village on the northwestern edge of The Burren in County Clare, western Central Ireland. Several inspired local pubs actively encourage a receptive

PROSPECTING FOR GOLD AT LISDOONVARNA IRELAND.
Photo matchmakerireland.com.

atmosphere among partner-seekers with music and dancing day and night (from 11AM until late—see the Published Program) during the month-long affair.
LOCATION: Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, about 90-120 minutes from HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL IRELAND lodgings.
ADMISSION: of course. Did you think meeting your ideal mate could happen without cost?
MORE INFO, see: MATCHMAKING FEST

Saturday, September 3 2011 9:30AM-5:30PM
BRAEMAR, CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“The Braemar Gathering”
Traditional Highland Games with numerous uniformed pipe & drum bands, light & heavy field events, running (including a hill race), tug o’ war, solo piping, Highland dancing, and craft and trade stands. Setting is close to Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Scottish residence. Expect an appearance by the Queen and other Royals. Disabled access. Braemar is 85 miles east-northeast of Killin in the heart of the Cairngorm Mountains.
LOCATION: The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, Braemar, NE Central Scotland.
GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND guests should take the A85 east from

Queen Elizabeth II receiving a gift of posies at the Braemar Gathering as Prince Charles looks on. Photo courtesy braemargathering.org.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II RECEIVING POSIES
AT THE BRAEMAR GATHERING AS
PRINCE CHARLES LOOKS ON.
Photo courtesy braemargathering.org

Lochearnhead 20 miles to Crieff. In town, turn left (north) on the A822. Drive northeast to Dunkeld. From Killin, Home At First guests should take the A827 east to the A9, then drive south 8 miles to Dunkeld. At Dunkeld, take the A923 12 miles east to Blairgowrie. In Blairgowrie, turn left (north) on the A93. Follow the A93 30 miles across the high Glenshee Pass to Braemar.
ADMISSION: £10-£40/adult, £2/children 5-13.
PARKING: £10/on grounds; free outside of grounds
MORE INFO, see: BRAEMAR GATHERING.

Steam train on the GWR Railway on a glorious early autumn day -- with fish & chips dinner included!
Photo Paul Stratford courtesy The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

Saturday September 3 2011 7-9:30PM
COTSWOLDS - GLOUCESTERSHIRE, WESTERN ENGLAND
“The Cheltenham Fryer - Fish & Chips and Steam”
Enjoy a traditional English evening meal on a traditional English steam train in the midst of traditional English countryside. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway (GWR) special train departs Winchcombe station at 7PM and cruises through classic Cotswolds scenery for Cheltenham. The train returns to Winchcombe station at about 9PM. The train will have a buffet car (diner) serving hot and cold drinks including local specialty brews: Rail Ale and Track Cider as well as GWR's own select wines. Be sure to sign up early (before departing the US) for this popular event.
LOCATION: Winchcombe station is about one mile northeast of ancient Winchcombe town, on the B4078 Greet Road, 10 miles north of Cheltenham and 5 miles south of Broadway.
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS MANDATORY: Best way is to CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ON-LINE.
ADMISSION: £20/person, includes train fare and fish & chips dinner. Drinks available for sale in the buffet car.
GETTING THERE: Drive about 40 minutes north from Tetbury, home to HOME AT FIRST’S SOUTHERN COTSWOLDS cottages. From HOME AT FIRST’S NORTHERN COTSWOLDS cottages in and around Chipping Campden, drive 20 minutes south.
MORE INFO, see: GWR RWY FISH CHIPS AND STEAM

Sunday September 4 2011 10:30AM-5PM
BLAIRGOWRIE, PERTHSHIRE, CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Blairgowrie Highland Games”
Bagpipes call the opening of Blairgowrie’s traditional Highland Games at 10:30AM. These games have all the favorites: heavy events, running (including a 4-mile hill race), tug o’ war, piping, Highland dancing, and craft and trade stands. Handicapped accessible.
LOCATION: Bogles Field, Blairgowrie, Central Scotland, 55 miles east of Killin.
GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND guests should take the A85 east from Lochearnhead 20 miles to Crieff. In town, turn left (north) on the A822. Drive northeast to Dunkeld. From Killin, Home At First guests should take the A827 east to the A9, then drive south 8 miles to Dunkeld. At Dunkeld, take the A923 12 miles east to Blairgowrie. In Blairgowrie, turn right on the A93, then right again on the B947 (Essendy Rd.) direction Lethendry.

Highlanders spotted at the Blairgowrie Highland Games. Photo courtesy Blairgowrie Highland Games.

HIGHLANDERS SPOTTED AT THE
BLAIRGOWRIE HIGHLAND GAMES.
Photo courtesy
Blairgowrie Highland Games

ADMISSION: £6/adult, £4/seniors & children 5 and up,
£16/family. Free Parking.
MORE INFO, see: BLAIRGOWRIE HIGHLAND GAMES.

Friday-Sunday Sept. 9-11 2011
TULLA, CO. CLARE, CTL. IRELAND
“Tulla Traditional Music Festival”
Three days and nights of traditional Irish music with workshops, sessions, concerts, and céili’s. The best daytime action usually occurs Sunday with an 11AM mass in Gaelic with trad music, a noontime vocal session, and a 12:30PM recital at the Tulla Courthouse.

St. Patrick's pipe band parading on home streets in Tulla, Co. Clare, as part of the Tulla Traditional Music Festival. Photo courtesy Tulla Trad Music Festival.

ST. PATRICK'S PIPE BAND PERFORMING IN TULLA, ITS HOMETOWN.
Photo courtesy Tulla Trad Music Festival

LOCATION: Tulla is in southeastern County Clare, west of Lough Derg and mid-way between Killaloe and Ennis.
GETTING THERE: From HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL IRELAND cottages, drive from Killaloe north on the R352 to Tuamgraney, then continue on the R352 west toward Ennis. At the R462, turn north into the town of Tulla.
ADMISSION: Many events free. Some workshops and concerts may have admission charges of up to €10/person.
MORE INFO, see: TRAD AT TULLA

Saturday & Sunday Sept. 10-11 2011
LONDON, ENGLAND
“The Mayor’s Thames Festival”
London’s grand, historic waterway, the River Thames, is the focus of an annual two-day festival that occurs on, alongside, and spanning the river between Westminster Bridge (by Parliament) and Tower Bridge (by HOME AT FIRST’s London apartments at St. Catherine’s Marina and The Brewery). Open-air dining (including on the traffic-free Southwark Bridge Saturday from noon to 10PM), music, dancing, a parade of boats, guided walks, entertainment from schmaltzy to avante garde welcomes tens of thousands

Morris dancers entertaining Thames Festival
throngs by London's City Hall by the Tower
Bridge (background) just 10 minutes walk
from Home At First's London apartments..
Photo by Barry Lewis, courtesy The Thames Festival

of strolling guests to both riversides and its road and foot bridges. The festival culminates with a massive fireworks display shot from river barges anchored between Blackfriars Bridge and Waterloo Bridge Sunday evening after dark.
LOCATION: Along the Thames River between Tower Bridge and Westminster Bridge. Most events to occur on the south side of the river.
GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST LONDON guests need only walk from their apartments to the nearby riverside, then along the Thames Path (north side) or the Jubilee Walkway (south side) to see the action.
ADMISSION: Almost every event is free.
MORE INFO, See: THAMES FESTIVAL.

Saturday-Sunday Sept. 10-11 2011
THE CURRAGH, CO. KILDARE, CENTRAL IRELAND
“Horseracing at the Curragh”
Classic end of season Irish horseracing festival featuring the classic Irish Field St. Leger Stakes race Saturday (1st race: 2:15PM), and the Blandford Stakes major family day at the races Sunday (1st race: 2:15PM). Two days of lively entertainment centered on Ireland’s passion for horses.

Thoroughbred racing at Kildare's legendary Curragh racetrack is always a major event on the Irish sporting calendar. Photo courtesy The Curragh.

RACING AT THE CURRAGH IS A MAJOR IRISH SPORTING EVENT
PROVIDING A GLIMPSE OF IRISH CULTURAL TASTES.
Photo courtesy The Curragh

LOCATION: The Curragh Racecourse, near Kildare, County Kildare. Combine with visit to the nearby Japanese Gardens and the Irish National Stud.
GETTING THERE: From HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL IRELAND cottages, drive northeast approximately 90 minutes to Kildare on the N7 (M7). At Kildare, exit the highway and follow signs for The Curragh.
ADMISSION: basic entry fees shown; other package prices available: MORE INFO.

     • Saturday: €20/adult, €10/senior/youth; child accompanied by paying adult:
      free; family of 2 adults + up to 3 children: €35.
     • Sunday: €15/adult, €8/senior/youth; child accompanied by paying adult:
      free; family of 2 adults + up to 3 children: €25.
MORE INFO, see: RACING AT THE CURRAGH

Sunday-Monday September 11-12 2011
GLENTIES, CO. DONEGAL, NORTHWESTERN IRELAND
”Glenties Harvest Festival & Autumn Fair”
Glenties’ Harvest Festival & Autumn Fair is a traditional event of the season in this beautiful setting in the interior mountains of County Donegal, with animal sales, street markets, a carnival, and street entertainment. Parade on Sunday. Monday is Harvest Fair Day. Combine with a visit to the nearby beautiful, rugged Donegal coast.
LOCATION: Glenties, County Donegal.
GETTING THERE: HOME AT FIRST NORTHWESTERN IRELAND guests drive west from Donegal on the N56 to Mountcharles, then north on the R262 to Kilrean, the east on the N56 to Glenties. Journey time: under an hour from Donegal town.

ADMISSION: Free!

MORE INFO, see: GLENTIES AUTUMN FAIR

Saturday & Sunday Sept. 17-18 2011 9:30AM-5PM
LONDON, ENGLAND
Open House Weekend at The Bank of England & Its Museum
A rare opportunity to tour through one of the financial pillars of the world, The Bank of England, and its fun, funky museum: 30 minute tours of the bank plus open-ended fun for kids of all ages in the bank’s museum. The bank is open today as part of London’s Open House Weekend, celebrating noteworthy architecture of the city.
LOCATION: Bank of England Museum, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH.

THE STODGY BANK OF ENGLAND HAS A FAMILY-
FRIENDLY, FREE MUSEUM. BOTH ARE OPEN TO
PUBLIC VIEW ONLY ONE WEEKEND EACH YEAR,
Courtesy The Bank of England Museum

GETTING THERE: From HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON apartments walk 5-12 minutes to the Tower Hill Underground Station, then take the District or Circle Line west 1 stop & 2 minutes to Monument station, then walk 5 minutes through the maze of tunnels following signs for Bank station. Emerge from Bank Underground, walk across the street to the Royal Exchange, with its colonnaded portico, and walk up Threadneedle Street one-half block. Cross Threadneedle Street at Bartholomew Lane. Walk up Bartholomew Lane on the left (west) side of the street. The Bank of England Museum entrance is mid-way up the block, and poorly marked on the left side. Total transit & walking time: less than 20 minutes.
ADMISSION: Free!
OPEN: 9:30AM-5PM each day.
MORE INFO, see: BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

Saturday Sept. 24 2011 from 11:30AM
GALWAY CITY, CO. GALWAY,
WEST CENTRAL IRELAND
”Galway Oyster Fest”
Home of the Guinness World Oyster Championship with non-stop entertainment that features:

• Festival Parade starts at Hotel Meyrick on Eyre Square, 11:30AM in central
Galway: bands and street entertainers;
parade of bands, vintage cars, oyster
openers, and visiting dignitaries; leading through Galway's Latin Quarter to the

Readying a tray of Galway festival oysters.
Photo courtesy Galway Oyster Festival

festival tent at Galway’s harbor for oyster tasting at 1PM. Free admission.

• Festival Marquee at the harbor 12N-5:30PM: Guinness, oysters, smoked salmon and an excellent seafood or cold meat lunch are served; Guinness World Oyster Opening Championship at 1PM; Guinness Best Dressed Lady Competition at 2PM; Irish Music and Dance — 3PM-5:30PM music and song and the crowning of the World Oyster Opening Champion. Admission: €80/prs.

LOCATION: Galway city, approximately 90-120 minutes west of Home At First’s Central Ireland cottages.
GETTING THERE: From HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL IRELAND cottages, drive north on the N52 from Nenagh to Borrisokane, then take the N65 northwest to the N6 near Loughrea, then follow the N6 west into Galway.
MORE INFO, see: GALWAY OYSTER FEST

Sunday September 25 2011 from 1-5PM
WEST CENTRAL IRELAND
“Traditional Harvest Day Bunratty Folk Park”
Traditional 19th century harvest events occur today from 2-5PM at Bunratty Folk Park, Ireland’s supreme open-air museum. Watch the farmers demonstrating the art of threshing with the vintage threshing machine. Also see the traditional arts of bread baking and butter making. The Bunratty village schoolmaster greets children with their customary sod of turf for the tiny schoolroom fire. Musicians and Strawboys will be performing around the Folk Park during the

Farm implement by a thatched farm building at the Bunratty Folk Park, near Shannon Airport, County Clare, Central Ireland. Photo © Home At First.

FARM IMPLEMENT BY THATCHED BUILDING AT
BUNRATTY FOLK PARK, COUNTY CLARE.
Photo © Home At First.

afternoon. Traditional stories will be told by Bunratty’s resident storyteller. The village policeman will see to order in his 19th century uniform.
LOCATION: Bunratty Folk Park & Bunratty Castle are just off the N18, near Shannon Airport and about 12 miles south of Ennis, County Clare.
GETTING THERE: From HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL IRELAND cottages, drive from Killaloe south on the R463 through O’Briensbridge and on to Ardnacrusha and the N18 west of Limerick city. Take the N18 motorway west to the Bunratty exit. This trip is easily combined with a visit to Quin Abbey and visits to CRAGGAUNOWEN PRE-HISTORIC SITE, KNAPPOGUE CASTLE, as well as a stroll through charming central Ennis town. See details in HOME AT FIRST’s “Ireland Activity Guide”, available exclusively to HOME AT FIRST guests traveling to IRELAND.
ADMISSION: Normal Bunratty Folk Park admission rates.
MORE INFO, see: BUNRATTY HARVEST DAY

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HomEzine
VOLUME XIi, NUMBER 1, SUMMER 2011