Check out the podcast below for an insight into some of Europe's most beautiful Christmas destinations and much more. I'm leading the podcast, along with special guests Andrew McHarg and Hannah Hayesmore.
See the original script below. This had to be tweaked to fit the less scripted and more spontaneous conventions of a radio features bulletin.
Intro.
Hello! Amy Moore here, Editor of
WINOL’s very own travel and adventure magazine, bringing you a rather
Christmassy themed podcast to listen to in your car, at work, or even in the
comfort of your own home, as the chilling winter season is daringly upon us.
For those of you who are planning a quick getaway over the Christmas holidays, I have a countdown of some of the most beautiful destinations around the world and coming up; is Winchester really the ‘Christmas Capital’ of England?
For those of you who are planning a quick getaway over the Christmas holidays, I have a countdown of some of the most beautiful destinations around the world and coming up; is Winchester really the ‘Christmas Capital’ of England?
Top 3 Christmas Destinations.
France
I recently travelled to Meaux in
France where I was taken on a two day educational tour of the battlefields of
World War One, from the modernized exhibits of the (bear with me on this) ‘Musée
de la Grande Guerre’ (that’s translated as ‘Museum of the Great War’) built on
the battlefields of the Marne, to an educational coach tour that exposed
visually stunning memorials dedicated to each and every soldier’s heritage. If
you are very much into your history, I’d highly recommend this.
Norway
At this time of year the snow may
be thick, the ice slippery and the temperatures usually dropping to somewhere
in the minus’ but Norway offers a Christmas experience unlike any other. I
visit here every year with my family to the cultural heart of Bergen, eating at
Peppes Pizza (the only place I've seen that actually serves steak and chips as
a topping) with the local fish market that offers the occasional slice of
smoked whale meat. A miniature gingerbread city is available to view at a
small cost and for those of you who are looking for more of a cultural experience, travel
further outland and save money on that Christmas tree by perhaps chopping down
your own.
Cardiff
The 50th anniversary
of Doctor Who has been and gone, but you can still relive the memory of earlier
episodes in Cardiff; the cultural capital of Wales. Have a cuppa in a cafe
above its waters, take a boat ride to the other side of the bay or
perhaps even invest in a little retail therapy within its mass shopping malls. The Doctor
Who Experience is right around the corner, with an additional shrine to its
spin-off series Torchwood further inviting Whovians from far and wide. The city
centre boasts thriving nightlife, with Wales’ cultural heritage reflected in
Cardiff Castle, where you can experience an array of historical re-enactments.
It’s a destination ideal for couples, friends and families alike.
Intro.
Now here’s an interesting
discussion point. Winchester has been branded (for the fourth year running) the
‘Christmas Capital’ of England, but why?
Winchester and “Christmas
Capital” debate.
Arguably over the years,
Winchester has been host to a range of festive events and activities seeing tourists far and wide flock to get a taste of
the experience, but I can’t say I view it as one of my top Christmas
destinations. Perhaps it’s because I’ve lived here for almost three years so it
has that kind of familiarity to me, but I’ve only ever witnessed the Christmas
lights switch on once, visited the Christmas Market a couple times and haven’t
even set foot on the Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink. To be honest, I’m more
inclined to go back to my home town of Brighton and skate amongst the Pavilion.
I find there is just so much more of Winchester to
see throughout the year, not just at Christmas.
Outro.
Perhaps that’s me just being a
regular scrooge, but let me know what you think by hash tagging #winchestercapital
to join the debate or follow us on twitter @AdventureWINOL to hear more.
Intro.
It’s officially less than a month
until Christmas and I have to admit, Winchester does its best to encourage
people to get into the Christmas spirit with the city hosting a range of
festive events tailored to the occasion.
Top 5 Christmas
Events in Winchester.
Christmas Lights Switch On
On 14th November,
Winchester high street was illuminated to celebrate the start of the festive
season. Completed every year with additional market stalls to browse alongside unique
boutiques and live music to accentuate its lively and vibrant setting.
German Christmas Market
Open until 21st
December, a mock-style German Christmas Market houses around 100 rustic chalets
situated alongside the Cathedral. As well as having the high street at your
disposal, perhaps pop down for some handmade and antique Christmas gifts.
Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink
An open air ice rink is available
that uses real ice to recreate an exhilarating skate, inviting both a visually
stunning and beautifully tranquil setting within the Cathedral grounds. If you
find you don’t have time to visit, fear not, as it’s sticking around over New
Year.
Lantern Parade
Marking the start of Advent,
Winchester’s very own Lantern Parade once again illuminates the high street,
following right down to the Cathedral. People who participate are attendees of
Lantern Making Workshops that are available from the end of October through to
the end of November.
Theatre Royal and Marwell Zoo
For groups in particular, Marwell Zoo is
offering children a visit to the elves in their toy factory with the added
opportunity to decorate their own stocking. Similarly, the Theatre Royal will
be host to the renowned fairy tale of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves’ so come
on down for some festive family fun.
Well, that’s all
from me. Thank you for listening and goodbye.
No comments:
Post a Comment