Latest news with #Edwardian-era
Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
UK's most beautiful railway station ranked in tiny fairytale village
In a ranking of the most beautiful railway stations in the country, this Edwardian-era gem in Wales with a stunning view of the River Dee has secured the top spot This railway station set in a picturesque village has ranked among the most beautiful in the UK. Located in Wales, this station topped the list with its impressive view - beating out architectural gems in Scotland and well-known hubs like St Pancras. Travel site, Love Exploring, has ranked the most beautiful railway stations in the UK of 2025, featuring a mixture of countryside gems and sleek city hubs. Of the 24 stations on the list, the top spot was secured by a little-known hub in Wales. Berwyn Station in Denbighshire is the most beautiful railway station in the UK, according to Yahoo. Despite being top of the list, you likely haven't heard of - let alone visited - this lovely stop. Known as 'The Station in the Gorge' Berwyn first opened in 1865 as part of the Llangollen Corwen Railway. It is situated between the A5 road and the River Dee. From the platform, commuters and locals can enjoy a beautiful view of the river as well as the surrounding Welsh countryside. The river can be crossed by the restored Chain Bridge, which leads to the town's Chain Bridge Hotel. The station itself is a half-timbered Tudor building designed to match the historic Chain Bridge Hotel. It closed to passengers in the 1960s but reopened in the 1980s, as part of the heritage Llangollen Railway. Berwyn stations was restored to its Edwardian glory by a group of dedicated railway volunteers. It was reportedly built for the convenience of locals and continues to be a popular hub for holidaymakers headed for Dee Valley. Llangollen Railway is the only standard gauge heritage railway in North Wales. The journey from Berwyn is a peaceful 10 miles travelling through some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales. The line is located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and remains close to the waters of the river for most of its stretch, gently weaving through the Dee Valley. The views from the carriages are a real treat, no matter the season. According to the official Llangollen Railway website, all the stations along the track are of a classic Victorian design and each station has been recreated in a 1950s Great Western colour scheme. In the heyday of railway transport, it carried people to the seaside on holiday and today it is a premier tourist attraction of North Wales. Visitors can travel to Glyndfrdwy, Carrog and Llangollen from Berwyn. There are also special journeys that take place annually to really enjoy the majesty of the area. One such journey is the Santa Special where visitors can ride on the Llangollen Railway steam train to meet Santa and his elves on board. A great idea for a family-friendly winter holiday. The most beautiful UK railway stations listed Berwyn Station, Denbighshire, Wales St Pancras International, London, England Cromford Station, Matlock, Derbyshire, England Oakworth Station, Keighley, West Yorkshire, England Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh, Scotland Ribblehead Station, Carnforth, North Yorkshire, England Grange-over-Sands Station, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, England Wemyss Bay Station, Renfrewshire, Scotland Great Malvern Station, Malvern, Worcestershire, England Glasgow Central, Glasgow, Scotland Shrewsbury Station, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol, England Kings Cross Station, London, England Stamford Station, Stamford, Lincolnshire, England Huddersfield Station, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England Nottingham Station, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England York Station, York, North Yorkshire, England Norwich Station, Norwich, Norfolk, England Cardiff Central, Cardiff, Wales Newcastle Central, Newcastle, England Paddington, London, England Whitehead Station, County Antrim, Northern Ireland Birmingham New Street, Birmingham, England Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool, England
Glasgow Times
28-06-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Dramatic pictures reveal how much Glasgow area has changed
One of my favourites is an image of the old railway bridge at 1551 Great Western Road in Anniesland (pictured). It was taken in August 1936 and shows workmen labouring in an open trench parallel to the main road. Part of its appeal is that, although elements of it have changed, the bridge itself - the brick of the retaining wall, so much of the view - is still recognisable in the same place today. The railway bridge partially obscures the tenements of Herschell Street which rise behind it. It also frames part of Great Western Road and showcases a developing Anniesland. This area was once a farm that was part of the Jordanhill estate and was based in both the counties of Lanark and Renfrew before it joined Glasgow. Its rural location, far removed from the city, gave rise to its local industries in the nineteenth century. These included farming, small-scale mining, brickmaking and quarrying. Great Western Road had reached Anniesland Toll (now Cross) by 1850 and the arrival of the North British Railway in 1886 and its new station in the area encouraged residential building on a larger scale. Buildings like Anniesland Mansions, on the outskirts of Anniesland Cross, particularly attracted the middle classes to move there. The Mansions were built between 1907 and 1913 and incorporated both Edwardian-era tenements and Anniesland Hall. The entire imposing sweep of tenements on this corner site would have been one of the Cross's most recognisable landmarks before its redevelopment in the twentieth century. Pulling back from the Cross and heading back towards the city centre, we travel forward in time to the late 1930s as we approach the impressive Art Deco façade of the former Ascot Cinema on Great Western Road. Ascot Cinema, February 1940 (Image: Glasgow City Archives) Designed by Charles McNair, this cinema eventually became a bingo hall in 1975. Finally, we return to the Cross and the building which now dominates its skyline: Anniesland Court. Rising above the Cross, it is a tower block built in the brutalist style. Built between 1966 and 1968, it's an example of Glasgow Corporation housing and is now a listed building. Anniesland Court (Image: Glasgow City Archives) Anniesland Cross itself is also worthy of note. While not as large as other crosses in Glasgow, it sprawls out over a considerable area. It's where several major roads meet including Great Western Road, Anniesland Road, Crow Road and Bearsden Road. This photograph of the Cross from around 1935 shows that this meeting of the roads has always been a complex network to navigate. Anniesland Cross, c1935 with public conveniences at far right (Image: Glasgow City Archives) Stranded in an island position in the midst of the Cross are Anniesland's former public loos which were built in the early 1930s. Glasgow Corporation officials struggled to find a suitable location for them before choosing this site. Ironically, they became very difficult for pedestrians to access after the Cross was redeveloped. While now closed as a public convenience, there have been attempts since then to reopen the building as a restaurant. Many of the commercial premises which helped to define Anniesland have now disappeared. For example, Castlebank Laundry, based in Anniesland Road, became a local landmark. Its distinctive yellow-painted vans were a common sight around the city, collecting laundry from clients and delivering it to the Anniesland premises for cleaning. Castlebank Laundry exterior (Image: Glasgow City Archives) Not a stone's throw away was Birrell's Factory producing the sweets which stocked the well-known confectioner's shops and stands in cinemas throughout Glasgow. Barr and Stroud, the optical instrument engineers whose business records are held by Glasgow University's Archives and Special Collections, had premises where the Anniesland Morrison's now stands. And the Top Hat Cafe on Great Western Road was, according to my aunt who used to work there, the place for teenagers in Anniesland to hang out during the 1950s and 60s. And why is the area called Anniesland? Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer. A popular theory suggests it may have been named after someone in the area called Annie. Another suggestion is that as parcels of land there were rented out annually, the area was called annual-land giving rise to Anniesland. What are your memories of Anniesland? Email or write to Ann Fotheringham, Glasgow Times, 125 Fullarton Drive, Glasgow G32 8FG.
Hamilton Spectator
13-06-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Patio tour: 8 excellent day trips to dinner, drinks and entertainment a short drive from Hamilton
Every road leads to something to see and a patio to enjoy this summer in southern Ontario. Take a day trip to a destination a short drive from Hamilton that celebrates the province's outdoor attractions and entertainment. Find stunning views and then drinks and food in the comfort of a local eatery on this day trip and patio tour: Patios on the rear of downtown Paris, Ont. restaurants, overlooking the Grand River. Hop on a raft and paddle from Paris to Brant Park with Grand River Rafting, and then head back upstream for a pizza overlooking the river. Capeesh is one of several restaurants with stunning river views. Have a beach day in Goderich. Beach Street Station no longer accepts trains. The former hub of CPR in Goderich now hosts up to 170 diners outdoors on the shores of Lake Huron. Have a pint of Beach Blonde Ale and some Perch Tacos, while listening to waves crash on the shore. The restaurant is steps away from Goderich's main beach, and a perfect end to a day at the lake. One of the province's geological wonders, the Cheltenham Badlands in Caledon. After taking in the geological wonder of the Cheltenham Badlands, head over to Spirit Tree Estate Cidery. An apple orchard with a wood-fired oven means excellent potential for sweet beverages and pizza in a spacious outdoor setting. Wishbone Brewing Co. in Waterford is the place for live music on Fridays and a variety of beers every day. With a patio overlooking Waterford Heritage Trail and ponds, the brewery is a perfect place to stop after a hike or a great or picnic in the park. Nearby, the century-old black bridge is a must-see lookout for views of the interconnecting ponds. Find the brewery, open Thursday to Sunday, next door to Waterford Antique Market. A couple walks down the Port Colborne promenade on West Street, as a cruise ship heads down the Welland Canal. Diners along the Welland Canal in Port Colborne might be tempted to pull out their phones for a photo of passing ships. The Fisherman's Platter at Canalside Restaurant seems like a natural fit. Walk the Port Promenade or bring bikes to ride along the canal. History buffs should pay a visit to the Historical and Marine Museum for a look at local history exhibits and an Edwardian-era tea room. Mount Nemo escarpment view in Burlington. Head out to Mount Nemo Conservation Area for a hike and some excellent escarpment views. Just up the road, find a 'casual upscale' patio at Loweville Bistro. The area is a golfer's dream with courses five courses nearby. A view of Turkey Point marsh from Long Point Eco-Adventures. Head out to Long Point Eco-Adventures Resort & Retreat Centre for immersive guided tours and a patio overlooking Turkey Point marsh. Guests can take a foraging for fungi 101 workshop and then split a crispy battered mushroom app while gazing out at local wildlife. The Cellar Pub patio overlooking the river in Elora. After a day of hiking the Elora Gorge or tubing the Grand, find a riverside patio to dine. Downtown Elora's Cellar Pub offers lunch and dinner and views of the river. Snack on an afternoon poutine or go Friday and Saturday for their prime rib special.
Edinburgh Live
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Antiques Roadshow expert delivers 'bad news' to guest over family jewellery
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Antiques Roadshow expert, John Benjamin, delivered some 'bad news' to two guests on Sunday's episode of the show. The latest edition of the hit BBC programme took place at Wollaton Hall in Nottingham, where local residents arrived to have their antiques and fine arts appraised by experts. As such, two guests brought their family's Art Deco jewellery to be valued and examined. At first, expert John was handed an antique tin but upon opening it he found a spectacular pair of drop earrings set in platinum and a sapphire ring. One of the guests explained that it was given to his mother by a friend of hers who had met a guy who spent a lot of time in France. (Image: bbc) However, expert John noticed a detail on both items of jewellery as he said: "Someone who has owned these in their history has taken them to a jeweller and said: 'I'm not sure if I like the fittings'. "So what they've done is they've removed the original fittings from the back and they've soldered on these long gold sort of posts with nine carat gold screw fittings at the end." Meanwhile, while talking about the ring, John explained: "Here's an interesting point, in the 1920s, when that was made, synthetic rubies and sapphires were beginning to appear on the market. "The sapphires on the shoulders in the ring are actually synthetic. They're not real. So, there we are." (Image: BBC) Giving a valuation, he added: "Here's the bad news, those drops, today, if they were having the original fittings on them. I think would be worth between £4,000 and £5,000. "But because the fittings have been changed, I think we've got to now drop that price to probably £2,500 to £3,000 simply because of a clumsy conversion." He added over the sapphire ring: 'The ring about £1500.' This prompted one of the guests to joke: 'How much is the box worth?' to which John quipped: 'Priceless, absolutely priceless the box!' Elsewhere on the show, art specialist Rupert Maas evaluated a monochromatic painting depicting Princess Daisy of Pless, an Edwardian-era high society figure. The owner recounted how her father came across the piece in Watford, snapping it up from a junk shop for just £13.50. Rupert went on to say: "You're going to be hanging it again, I hope, especially when I tell you what it's worth," before sharing the item's value of £2,000 to £3,000. The guest was visibly taken aback, expressing disbelief: "Really? Gosh! I was thinking you were going to say a couple of hundred," only for Rupert to admit it wasn't a fortune but certainly more than its purchase price. Antiques Roadshow continues on Sundays at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Edinburgh Live
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC Antiques Roadshow guest stunned as 'beautiful' item gets huge appraisal
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A guest on Antiques Roadshow was utterly gobsmacked when she discovered the true worth of a "junk shop" item on Sunday (June 1). Tonight's episode of the beloved BBC series unfolded at Nottingham's majestic Wollaton Hall, where local residents brought in their treasures to be valued by the programme's experts. During the episode, art specialist Rupert Maas evaluated a monochromatic painting depicting Princess Daisy of Pless, an Edwardian-era high society figure. "So, in a grand house like this, you need a very grand lady. And doesn't she look rather like a debutante? She's very beautiful," Rupert commenced. The owner recounted how her father came across the piece in Watford, snapping it up from a junk shop for just £13.50, reports the Express. "So I said, 'Yeah, go get it.' About 1974 this was. And then I've got it, and I'm afraid it's not anywhere at the moment," she confessed. Rupert noticed that the work of art was from 1902, after which the lady divulged further details about the princess, born in 1873. "On her first season in London, she met the Prince of Pless, the richest prince in Germany, and he asked her to marry him. She said, 'I don't love you,' and he said, 'It doesn't matter,'" recounted the guest. "And the Cornwallis-Wests, as she was then, were quite poor. They absolutely jumped at the chance. And he paid for the whole wedding. She was a real society lady." Tragically, the princess lost her first daughter, but soon after the portrait was finished, she became mother to three sons. Rupert detailed how the portrait came to be, attributing the work to Ellis Roberts, a London-based artist known for capturing society's elite within his exclusive circle. "He would work fast in charcoal and some white across the top and along the highlights, especially in the jewellery, but mostly it's charcoal and then smudged with the thumb just to give a subtlety in the modelling of the face and the lighting of it," the expert explained. "Quick but assured, and that's what's good about this. It's lively, straight from life." Rupert went on to say, "You're going to be hanging it again, I hope, especially when I tell you what it's worth," before sharing the item's value of £2,000 to £3,000. The guest was visibly taken aback, expressing disbelief: "Really? Gosh! I was thinking you were going to say a couple of hundred," only for Rupert to admit it wasn't a fortune but certainly more than its purchase price. Antiques Roadshow is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
