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This article provides a curated list of iconic British buildings, including castles, palaces, and stately homes, that offer visitors a glimpse into the country's rich history and culture. Each location is described, highlighting its unique architectural features and historical significance. The article also suggests nearby sites to stay for those interested in exploring these attractions. The list includes Buckingham Palace in London, Glamis Castle in Angus, Warwick Castle in Warwickshire, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, Hampton Court Palace in Surrey, Castle Howard in North Yorkshire, Powis Castle in Welshpool, Arundel Castle in West Sussex, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, and Kensington Palace in London. [Extracted from the article]

PHOTOSTHE WEEK'S MOST INSPIRING READER PHOTOSGALLERYHUMMINGBIRD STRETCHBARB D'ARPINO"A male hummingbird at sunset taking a moment to stretch while guarding his territory."https://bit.ly/44HqL0tSUBMARINE RESCUE SERVICEDOM HAUGHTON"Taken at El Cotillo, Fuerteventura, in the Canary Islands. The rock reminded me of a partially submerged submarine, hence the title."https://bit.ly/3AtIfBeTINTAGEL COASTSIMON WEEKS"Taken from Tintagel Castle, on the Tintagel Island peninsula in North Cornwall, UK.PHOTO (COLOR)PHOTO (COLOR)PHOTO (COLOR)PHOTO (COLOR) [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on capturing historic castles, providing insights into their historical significance and photographic opportunities they offer. Topics include composition techniques for landscape orientation, lens selection for various perspectives, and considerations for lighting and exposure, especially during sunset or artificial lighting scenarios.

This article from PhotoPlus provides advice on including buildings, specifically castles, in landscape photography. The author suggests using a Canon EOS camera with a wide or telephoto lens and a sturdy tripod. They also recommend shooting in black and white to enhance the contrast and using long exposures to create a more professional look. Additionally, the article provides tips for correcting converging verticals in post-processing. Overall, the article aims to help photographers improve their composition and capture stunning landscape images. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the evolution of Disney's Illusion games, including titles such as Castle of Illusion, World of Illusion, Land of Illusion, Legend of Illusion, and Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion. Developed by Sega and Disney, these games faced challenges in adhering to Disney's standards while maintaining the character of Mickey Mouse. Each game introduced new mechanics and environments, capturing the Disney magic. The positive reception of Power of Illusion led to renewed interest in earlier titles, such as Castle of Illusion. The article also discusses the development of Disney Illusion Island, which focused on platforming abilities and aimed to capture the feeling of playing a cartoon. Overall, the Illusion series remains popular and well-received. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on blues guitar legend Joe Bonamassa and his reflections on self-doubt and an unusual life ahead of a performance in a French castle. Topics discussed include Bonamassa's early musical journey and struggles with insecurities; his passion for collecting guitars and musical memorabilia; and also mentions about the sense of responsibility he feels towards his audience and his artistry.

The article focuses on the Satsuma Rebellion in Japan, which occurred from February to September 1877. Topics include the discontent among the Shimazu samurai clan due to government policies; the siege of Kumamoto Castle and the rebel leader Saigo Takamori; and the final battle at Shiroyama hill in Kagoshima.

REGULARSFor more than 850 years, Burg Eltz has stood on top of a 70-metre rock in Western Germany. This fog-draped castle is made up of eight towers that peak at 35 metres tall, and the bastion is surrounded by over 300 hectares of the Eltz Forest. Although Burg Eltz is home to many turrets, the medieval castle has never endured any conflict, unlike so many others across Europe. [Extracted from the article]

Super Smash Bros is a popular video game series that features Nintendo characters battling each other. The final encounter in the game involves facing off against a giant gloved hand called Master Hand, who has a variety of powerful moves. The game was first released in 1999 and has since had multiple sequels. While the toy theme was dropped after the first game, Master Hand has remained a constant threat throughout the series. [Extracted from the article]

Narin & Portnoo is a golf course located in County Donegal, Ireland. The course has a rich history, dating back to 1905, and has undergone renovations to enhance its layout and design. The course offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape and water. It is known for its fast links putting surfaces and its location in the dunes. The course features a variety of holes, including a par-3 11th that plays over a pit and a front nine that borders a beautiful beach. Overall, Narin & Portnoo is a scenic and welcoming destination for golfers. [Extracted from the article]

Consultant doctor Philip Dale, despite a busy week at Leighton Hospital in Crewe, won a BE90 section at Epworth riding Harthill Harry, owned by his partner Scott Rowley. Philip managed to fit in a cross-country school with Harry amidst his work schedule, thanks to the support of his team. This is Harthill Harry's first season eventing, and he has had a successful year so far with seven clear rounds across country. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Woman & Home describes the author's winter weekend trip to the Cairngorms in Scotland. The author and their partner were drawn to the area for its natural beauty, whisky distilleries, and cozy hotels. They stayed at Fonab Castle in Pitlochry and Douneside House in Tarland, both of which provided a luxurious and comfortable retreat after their daily excursions. The couple enjoyed walks through the countryside, visited Blair Athol distillery, and had the opportunity to feed and interact with the Cairngorms reindeer herd. They also explored Balmoral Castle and indulged in seafood at the Fish Shop in Ballater. The article provides recommendations for other attractions, dining options, and accommodations in the area. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the creation of a new C64 game called Timo's Castle by programmer Roman Werner from Team Pixelbrei. The game was inspired by an email from Timo Weingärtner, who expressed his dream of being part of developing a C64 game. Roman collaborated with creator Chris Murray and musician Benni 'Nordischsound' Dibbert to complete the game. Timo's Castle features challenging platform paths, entertaining action, and a mix of household items. The game also includes clever details such as doorways with symbols, dynamic enemies, and changing screens. [Extracted from the article]

This article from ImagineFX features an illustration created by Marin Le Tourneau, a second-year concept art student from France. The illustration is based on the movie "Howl's Moving Castle" by Hayao Miyazaki and was created using Photoshop. Marin aimed to capture the colors and shapes of the Ghibli style in their artwork, and although they faced challenges with composition and brushstrokes, they found the process rewarding. The article provides a link to Marin's profile on The Rookies website for further exploration. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the experience of playing the game "Return to Castle Wolfenstein," specifically focusing on the satisfaction of shooting Nazis and destroying their medieval suits of armor. The author describes the impressive animations of the game, including the collapsing armor and the reactions of the Nazi characters when shot. While the game may be considered outdated by today's standards, the fast-paced combat and engaging gameplay still make shooting Nazis enjoyable. The article includes a humorous mention of shooting a Nazi captain in the crotch. [Extracted from the article]

"KNIGHTMARE" is a video game for the ZX Spectrum that is based on the popular TV show of the same name. The game combines arcade segments with more strategic rooms, capturing the essence of the show. It features a rendition of the Knightmare theme and enjoyable in-game tunes. While some questions may be obscure and certain rooms challenging, the game is overall enjoyable, even for those who didn't watch the show in the 1980s. [Extracted from the article]

The European Eventing Championships will return to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire in September 2025, marking the 35th anniversary of the event. This will be the second time Blenheim hosts the event, with the last time being in 2005 when Zara Phillips (now Tindall) won individual gold. The eventing championships were at risk of not happening, but now it is confirmed that they will take place alongside showjumping and para dressage championships in Spain and the Netherlands, respectively. [Extracted from the article]

A brave gardener has started trimming a castle’s enormous hedges in a task that has been called “the world’s toughest gardening job”. Senior gardener Dan Bull will spend eight weeks trimming the 16-metre-high hedges at Powis Castle in Wales, which are among the largest in the country. “It’s a bit scary when we first start cutting them,” said Bull, but he added, “I have got used to it.” Bull and his team use a crane to reach the top of the hedges, and the gardener says he feels “a great sense of achievement” when the job is finished.Huge hedges at Powis Castle. [Extracted from the article]

Time for youREALITY BITESIsolation Island by Louise Minchin (£20, HB, Headline)No stranger to a reality show, having taken part in I'm a Celeb…, it's clear Minchin knows her subject matter. As we are transported to an isolated castle in Scotland, the scene is set. A crumbling fortress, 10 celebrities, high-stake prizes, gruelling conditions — and a murder. We delve into each character's life as the plot twists and turns. A whip-smart whodunnit.PHOTO (COLOR) [Extracted from the article]

The Complete Donington Collection is a five-LP box set that includes Dio's historic Castle Donington performances. The set features both the 1983 and 1987 shows, with the former being the standout performance. The tracks from the 1983 show, which took place months after the release of Holy Diver, showcase Dio's exhilarating concert chemistry and include iconic songs like "Stand Up And Shout." While the mix of the 1987 show is not as strong, the guitar work on songs like "The Last In Line" is still impressive. Overall, this box set offers vintage-metal magnificence and is a luxury purchase for fans of Dio. [Extracted from the article]

The Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF) in Florida will celebrate its 25th anniversary in January 2025. The festival will feature a lineup of renowned wineries, including Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair, Petrus, Château Léoville Las Cases, Antinori, Gaja, Dominio de Pingus, Colgin, and Domaine Serene. The event will include winemaker dinners, tastings, cuisine by award-winning chefs, and a live auction with luxury lots and experiences. Ticket packages start at $17,500 per couple. Please note that the information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. [Extracted from the article]

Chateau Changyu Tinlot, located in Yantai, Shandong, is a winery named after Robert Tinlot, the former Director General of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine. The winery was constructed in 2013 with the goal of producing wines with exceptional aging potential. The estate has 66.7 hectares of vineyards, mainly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, divided into 36 plots. The winery focuses on showcasing the local terroir and uses five yeast strains, including three indigenous strains bred by Changyu. The wines are aged in French barriques and sealed with 49mm corks for increased ageability. Only 10% of the harvest is used for the estate's flagship red wine. [Extracted from the article]

Chateau Changyu Afip, located in Miyun, Beijing, is a prominent estate known for its wines that have been served at numerous Chinese state banquets and events. The estate, completed in 2007, features a grand hillside château, a museum, an underground cellar, and a surrounding town designed to resemble a French village. With 73 hectares of vineyards, the estate primarily cultivates Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes, benefiting from the region's calcareous gravel soils and continental monsoon climate. The estate's wines have received recognition, such as the Platinum-winning A8 Chardonnay at the 2021 Decanter World Wine Awards. Chateau Changyu Afip is also a popular tourist destination, offering conferences, dining, and accommodation options throughout the year. [Extracted from the article]

Copower Jade is a winery located in the Yongning subregion of China. The winery was inspired by Uluru (Ayers Rock) in central Australia and is owned by JIAO Xuding and Lily Zhang. The couple's journey in the wine industry began with a visit to a friend's family château in Bordeaux, which sparked their dream of owning a winery. They decided to build their own winery in Ningxia, China's emerging wine region, and planted 84 hectares of vines from scratch. The vineyard includes 12 varieties for commercial production and 26 for experiments. In addition to wine, the couple has a passion for collecting natural stones, which are displayed as artworks throughout the winery and featured on wine labels. The winery offers different ranges of wines, including an entry-level range named Magma, an oak-aged Cellared range, and a premium Reserve range that features unique stones handpicked from the owners' collection. Copower Jade is seen as another gem in the couple's collection that they hope to preserve and pass on. [Extracted from the article]

TOTAL FILM BUFFREEL SPOTS BEHIND THE CAMERAWHAT? The resplendent English home of the man who proposes to Sylvia, aka Mary’s mom, in Three Men and a Little Lady. Missing their gals, the titular guys descend. WHERE? Broughton Castle, near Banbury, Oxfordshire GO? The manor house, gardens (and tearoom!) are open much of the year, and available for private bookings. Also features in Shakespeare in Love and The Madness of King George.PHOTO (COLOR) [Extracted from the article]

Young Frankenstein, directed by Mel Brooks, is a horror comedy that pays homage to James Whale's Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. The film follows Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, played by Gene Wilder, as he continues his grandfather's work of reanimating the dead with the help of Igor, played by Marty Feldman. The movie incorporates elements from Whale's original films, such as grave-robbing, lightning-fueled experiments, and a torch-bearing lynch mob. Young Frankenstein is known for its one-liners, visual gags, and ribald innuendo, but also stands out for its period-specific monochrome photography and impeccable production design. Despite the decline in Mel Brooks' later career, this early work in screen comedy still holds up and is highly regarded for its affectionate spoofing of the source material. [Extracted from the article]

"This is one of my four book cases! Some of my favourite books are on here. I love reading the Guinness World Records — it never gets boring and I always seem to find something I'd never noticed before!" AJ, aged 9.Send a picture of your shelf showing the book titles clearly and tell us why you love them. Ask an adult to send it to hello@theweekjunior.co.uk with your name and age.aged 9. [Extracted from the article]

Celebrated author Diana Wynne Jones would have turned 90 years old last month. In one of her most famous novels, Howl's Moving Castle, the main character, Sophie Hatter, is turned into an old woman by the evil Witch of the Waste. To untangle the spell, Sophie must work with Howl, a dark wizard who lives in a mechanical moving castle. In 2004, Studio Ghibli turned the novel into a very successful and popular animated film. [Extracted from the article]

Within The Ruins, a Massachusetts quartet, has released a sequel to their comic book-influenced album, Phenomena. The album, titled Phenomena II, features 11 cuts of prime progressive metalcore and draws inspiration from Marvel and DC superheroes and villains. The band's unique sound is characterized by orchestral arrangements, distinctive roars, and soaring tracks reminiscent of Superman. Within The Ruins aims to expand and evolve their music, and Phenomena II showcases their ability to look backwards while leaping forwards. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses pet-friendly road trips in the UK, highlighting The North Wales Way as the top choice. The route offers beautiful scenery, beaches, walking routes, historic landmarks, and dog-friendly pubs. The article also mentions other routes suitable for caravanning, woodland adventures, urban camping, summer sunsets, riverside life, national park camping, and beach views. Additionally, the article briefly mentions a decline in demand for electric cars in Europe, but notes that the new Labour Government plans to reintroduce a ban on combustion vehicles by 2030. The article concludes by mentioning a guide to the best stays along the National Cycle Network in the UK. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a concert held at Cardiff Castle featuring the bands Manic Street Preachers and Suede. Despite the bad weather, both bands delivered impressive performances, showcasing their extensive catalogues of classic songs. The article highlights the enduring appeal of the bands and the nostalgia they evoke for the middle-aged audience. The concert was a sold-out event and received positive reviews, with the audience enthusiastically singing along to the familiar tunes. The article also mentions the special guest appearances and the emotional connection the audience had with certain songs. Overall, the concert was a successful and memorable event for the attendees. [Extracted from the article]

Archaeologists excavating at an ancient castle in Turkey discovered three bronze shields and a bronze helmet dating back 2,700 years to the Kingdom of Urartu. The Kingdom of Urartu, also known as the Kingdom of Van, was renowned for its metalwork and military prowess. The martial artifacts were found within a temple complex dedicated to Haldi, the chief god of Urartu, at Ayanis Castle near Lake Van. The site has yielded numerous bronze artifacts in the past, making it a significant Urartian site in Turkey. [Extracted from the article]

This article highlights three interesting events from the past week. Firstly, Hellmann's released a mayonnaise-scented cologne called "Will Levis No. 8," which was developed with input from Tennessee Titans' quarterback. Secondly, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree offering assistance to foreigners who want to move to Russia and escape neoliberal ideas. Lastly, customers at an arcade in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania found a live groundhog among the stuffed animal prizes in a mechanical-claw game, but the animal was safely released. [Extracted from the article]

Blair Castle International Horse Trials has concluded its 35th and final event, but a new international fixture has been announced at Scone Palace in Perthshire. The event will take place in the parklands and adjacent Perth racecourse from August 21-24, 2025, featuring classes up to CCI4*-L. Scone Estates CEO Brian Stevenson expressed excitement about working with British Eventing to deliver another world-class event, while William Murray, Viscount Stormont of Scone Palace, highlighted the historical significance of the parkland as a venue for eventing. The announcement has been well-received, with participants and organizers expressing gratitude for the legacy of Blair Castle and looking forward to the new event at Scone. [Extracted from the article]

Ludlow Racecourse in Shropshire, England has received approval from the Shropshire Council to host 71 caravans and motorhomes on its grounds. The new site will be located between the racecourse and the railway line and aims to enhance the visitor experience by providing convenient access to local attractions while maintaining the area's natural beauty. The location is considered ideal due to its proximity to good transport links and popular tourist spots. The addition has three years to begin construction and offers a unique option for visitors exploring the scenic Shropshire region. Additionally, a survey conducted by the Camping and Caravanning Club found that 32% of city-based children have never been camping, prompting the Club's new president, Hamza Yassin, to launch an initiative to help families connect with nature. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Woman's Own magazine provides a selection of recommended books for readers looking to relax and unwind. The first book, "The Trap" by Ava Glass, follows UK agent Emma Makepeace as she tries to stop an assassination plot at the G7 summit in Edinburgh. The second book, "The Perfect Place" by Amanda Cassidy, tells the story of Elle Littlewood, a home interiors influencer with a dark past who will do anything to protect her brand. Lastly, "How to Overcome Trauma and Find Yourself Again" by Dr Jessamy Hibberd offers a seven-step program to help readers work through trauma and find inner peace. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "Cloud Castles" discusses the Norwegian band Sunface and their latest album. The band, known for their cosmic stoner rock sound, took four years to release their debut album and have now released their follow-up, Cloud Castles. The album is described as an enchanting record that combines elements of early Baroness, experimental Black Sabbath, and world music influences. It incorporates African and Middle Eastern influences, with the use of instruments like djembe, congas, and tabla. The article praises the album for its dreamy and magical qualities. [Extracted from the article]

"In Stars And Time" is a 2D adventure game developed by Adrienne Bazir under the pseudonym Insertdisc5. The game follows the protagonist, Siffrin, who gets caught in a time loop after dying in the first corridor of a castle. The goal is to reach the highest floor of the castle, defeat the King, and break the curse. The game features turn-based battles, challenging combat, and a focus on the emotional experience of time loops. While the gameplay may be lacking, the writing and characters are well-developed, making it an enjoyable experience. [Extracted from the article]

Millie Bobby Brown, known for her role in Stranger Things, stars in a new fantasy film called Damsel. The film follows the story of a princess named Elodie who, instead of a happily ever after, is thrown into a dragon's lair as a sacrifice. Elodie decides to fight for her life and escape the dragon's lair, aiming to return to the castle of her treacherous family. Robin Wright also stars in the film as Elodie's sinister mother-in-law. Damsel will be available on Netflix starting March 8th. [Extracted from the article]