Find out where to experience the stunning scenes from the show for real - minus the dragons and swordplay...
Game of Thrones season three is almost upon us (first episode airs April 1, Sky Atlantic), but have you ever wondered where the moody landscapes, fortresses from King’s Landing or the castle in Winterfell actually are? Believe it or not, most of these 'fantasy' landscapes can actually be experienced for real… Iceland Scenes north of the wall were filmed in the icy northern hemisphere. Iceland’s active glaciers and blizzards provide the backdrop for the scenes when Jon Snow leaves the wall and ventures into white walker territory. Particular points of interest include the Hofdabrekka Heath and Svinafellsjokull calving glacier in Skaftafell for blue ice sculptures, mountain ridges and the mountains known as the Frostfangs in the series. Visit Iceland with Radio Times Travel, click here to find out more Scotland Early scenes of House Stark, and Winterfell capital of the north, were filmed at Doune Castle, in central Scotland (the same place Monty Python’s Holy Grail was shot). This 14th-century atmospheric castle has a dramatic 100-foot high gatehouse and courtyard to explore inside. Visit Scotland with Radio Times Travel, click here to find out more Malta The old capital of Mdina is where King's Landing is filmed. It's possible to experience the dramatic medieval walled city for real, via boat rides along the coast. Close-by, Fort Manoel is where the Sept of Baelor was filmed and Eddard Stark falsely confesses to treason to protect his children. The actual structure has an equally fantastical back-story – St. John ordered the Knights of Malta to build it in 1723, with a marble domed structure and seven crystal towers with bells in each. Well worth a closer look. Visit Malta with Radio Times Travel, click here to find out more Croatia Dubrovnik and Lokrum Island is the setting of Qarth, the wealthy city ruled by the ‘pureborn’, which Daenerys stumbles upon on during her trek through the desert. Part of the filming was done at the Benedictine monastery, a place filled with mysterious legends – monks apparently cursed it after the French invaded. Meanwhile, the colossal gates of Qarth were filmed in the Dubac quarry, near Dubrovnik. Visit Croatia with Radio Times Travel, click here to find out more Morocco The deserty scenes from the city of Pentos (in the pilot episode), and where Daenerys Targaryen (the Mother of Dragons) marries Khal Drogo, were filmed around Marrakech and Ouarzazate. The area is no stranger to big productions, either. Lawrence of Arabia and Babel were also filmed here, as were scenes from Gladiator, The Passion of Christ and Kingdom of Heaven. Visit Morocco with Radio Times Travel, click here to find out more Northern Ireland The rolling green hills of County Antrim are the setting for the Dothraki Sea, where Daenerys and her people ride on horseback and set up camp. This is also where the direwolves are first found and the location of the beheading scene in the first episode – when Ned Stark slices off a deserter’s head with his sword. To book a holiday with with Radio Times Travel click here to find out more
Top of the Lake: Discover the New Zealand setting behind the drama
Where to find the scenic locations in Elisabeth Moss’ harrowing series set in an end-of-the-world paradise...
Forget bungee jumping, skiing and snowboarding, the area in and around Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island takes on a striking somber tone in Top of the Lake, which is currently being repeated on BBC2 ahead of series two. Written and directed by the Oscar-winning Jane Campion (The Piano, Portrait of a Lady), the six-part mini-series follows the disappearance of Tui, the pregnant 12-year-old daughter of a local drug king, played by Peter Mullan (War Horse, Trainspotting). Detective Griffin (played by Elisabeth Moss of Mad Men) obsessively investigates this case, and while searching for the girl she uncovers parts of herself she'd hidden away. As the character’s layers are peeled back, and twisted events unfold, the menacing mountains, long open roads, dense forests and bottomless lakes remain consistent, untouched and pure in the backdrop. “The landscape is always innocent,” Jane Campion told us when the series first aired in 2013. “I think that’s such a beautiful remembrance in a story. No matter how crazy they get, the landscape is untouched. I think humans are mad and moody.” Filmed around Queenstown and the town of Glenorchy, it’s easy to visit the vast untamed scenery from the show. “It really is a frontier and it’s gorgeous,” added Campion. “It’s sort of the end of the world, there’s nowhere after that except mountains and wilderness and tracks… it’s a very healing and awesome environment.” Here's where to experience the setting for real, minus the drug lords and threatening locals... Moke Lake Otherwise known as Paradise in the series, this plot of land owned by the Mitchams is taken over by a group of eccentric women living in some kind of strange wellness retreat slash rehab centre where they sleep in shipping containers. This is also where Matt Mitcham, and his sons Luke and Mark, ‘deal’ with the real estate agent. The incredibly stunning location is dwarfed by looming mountains and the adventurous can hike around the area, swim in the fresh lake or go kayaking, boating or fishing. There are also camping spots nearby, but don’t expect any facilities – except long drop loos. Lake Wakatipu This silent, still spot is where we see Tui try and submerge herself in the water before a woman finds her and takes her to a clinic. It’s also the third largest lake in New Zealand, and has an unusual rise and fall in water levels. An old Māori legend claims that the lake has a taniwha (mystical being) sleeping in it. When the taniwha breathes in the water level drops and when the taniwha breathes out the water level rises. Bob's Cove is a good place to see the water rising and falling in front of your very eyes. Skippers Canyon Just north of Queenstown, a bike chase takes place through Skippers in the series. This 13-mile gorge and old gold mining area is full of history. Producer Philippa Campbell explains: “We hired boats from one of the original mining families, who still live there, to take us to a location”. Tourists can take in the scenery on a thrilling jetboat tour though Top of the Lake territory or go for the sedate option – a relaxing walk that the miners did 140 years ago in the Sainsbury gold claim, and then a gold panning session. The Dart Valley The Dart Riverbed is where the search party stretches out to look for Tui after she goes missing. Producer Philippa Campbell says: “The undergrowth of moss and fern is unique in these beech forests.” It’s possible to take a Funyak Safari down here, these blow up boats tours also meander past Lord of the Rings shooting locations. Lower Beach Street This scenic residential street, which faces the giant Lake Wakatipu, was used as a shooting location for the show, and the nearby Coronation Drive was also featured as was the bottle store on Shotover Street. Although the series paints a picture of a bogan town filled with roughneck degenerates and villains, the actual town is completely different. Queenstown is full of friendly adventurous locals, backpackers and great bars and restaurants. Southern Alps This humbling snowy range is also featured in the series during the many aerial shots, like when Detective Griffin goes in search of Tui in a helicopter. The highest peak reaches to 3,754 metres and is covered with glacial valleys and lakes. In the summer, guides do bike tours of the dense natural region, and in the winter there’s plenty of ski and snowboarding opportunities, plus helicopter rides for those looking to put their feet up.
Discover the real Grantchester - from punting to pubs
James Norton, Robson Green and producer Diederick Santer tell us about their favourite things to do in the Cambridgeshire village
Based on the novels of James Runcie, ITV drama Grantchester is set in the picturesque Cambridgeshire village of the same name, on the River Cam. Harking back to postwar Britain, the series follows the adventures of inquisitive vicar Sidney Chambers (James Norton) and his friend, gruff police officer Inspector Geordie Keating (Robson Green). Norton is very familiar with the area, having studied at Cambridge University just a couple of miles away. “It was a fortuitous coincidence,” he says. “I studied theology at Fitzwilliam College, and Sidney also studied theology at Cambridge. It was lovely to go back, it’s sort of a home from home.” Robson Green also took to village life. “The place has all those kind of clichés, it’s picture-postcard and there really is birdsong in the meadows," he says. "I loved filming there. It’s got a real sense of place and there’s just something, obviously, quintessentially English about Grantchester and Cambridge." It sounds idyllic, but where to start? Norton, Green and series producer Diederick Santer recommend five jolly things for a visitor to do... Punt along the Cam “You can punt from Cambridge all the way up to Grantchester,” says Norton. “If you can, do it with James,” laughs Green. “He’s the greatest guide ever. One afternoon, he took me for a punt – I never thought I’d say that! He told me about his time in Cambridge and what he did and the kind of shenanigans he got up to while he was studying there. I could have listened to him for ages.” Picnic in the Grantchester Meadows “We use the Meadows every time we see Sidney cycling through the green, flat landscape", says Santer. "There’s a song by Pink Floyd called Granchester Meadows, so we’re not the first people to have noted their beauty. It’s the ideal sort of place for a picnic.” Choose from dozens of cottages in Cambridgeshire Click here to seach our cottage website Time for a drink “There are three pubs in Grantchester,” says Norton. “Each has different locals and its own little community. The Blue Ball Inn has this ancient game where you swing a hook from one side of the pub to the other.” Santer is partial to a pint in the other local drinking spots. “I’d recommend the Green Man and the Red Lion, too,” he says, “and the Orchard Tea Garden. There has been a tearoom on this site since the 19th century, more than 120 years ago. There are these lovely deckchairs and you can sit there among the apple trees and order ginger ales and a Stilton ploughman’s. It’s a lovely setting. Sometimes we’d sit in the corner of the tearooms, planning the future of fictional Grantchester, while real Grantchester kind of carried on.” Watch a cricket match "It’s a really lovely place to watch cricket,” says Green. “There’s a beautiful cricket pitch in the village and in the last week of filming [series one] the village challenged the film crew to a match," says Santer. “James and Robson were our opening batsmen.” “I got four runs!” Green interjects. “Our kind of rag-tag team of assistant directors and electricians and actors took on the might of Grantchester village,” Santer continues. “We did OK, but we did lose.” Get on your bike “Station Cycles is right by the railway station in Cambridge and is the place to hire a bike,” says Santer. “This is what we would do when we were storylining the series. We’d get off the train, go into Station Cycles, hire bikes, cycle to Grantchester and sit in tearooms, as if we were in a story in the show.” Grantchester is on Sundays on ITV at 9pm Choose from dozens of cottages in Cambridgeshire Click here to search our cottage website
Visit the real Nashville - the country music capital of the world
The Tennessee city hums with live music night and day – and don’t miss Elvis’s piano
If you enjoy country music drama Nashville – created by Callie Khouri, writer of the film Thelma & Louise – you’ll know that most of the action is filmed in the city in Tennessee dubbed the “country music capital of the world”. But where do you go in and around Nashville to soak up the sounds that inspired legends such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson? BROADWAY Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, The Stage, Layla’s Bluegrass Inn, Legends Corner and The Second Fiddle are but a handful of the honky-tonk bars that light up central Nashville with their flashing billboards and live music. Many of the bars are decorated with old photographs of southern music greats and artists play all day and all night. The buskers are pretty good, too: songwriters arrive in the city in a Stetson, guitar in hand, hoping to be discovered – and as everyone is playing for tips, they soon know if they’re dreaming. COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM A shrine to country music, this enormous museum contains more than 3,000 stage costumes, a room of gold and platinum country records, plus items including Johnny Cash’s guitar, Bill Monroe’s walking stick and Elvis’s gold-leaf Cadillac. Special videos are dedicated to artists including Taylor Swift, and now there’s even a Nashville cabinet, for fans of the TV show. If you time it right, you might get to see a live performance. See the website for upcoming shows: countrymusichalloffame.org Radio Times Travel offer: Music Cities USA, 16 days from £1,899pp GRAND OLE OPRY Known as “the show that made country music famous”, this unassuming concert venue has hosted some of the biggest names in country, bluegrass, folk and gospel – performing in a show first broadcast 90 years ago live on the radio. Artists ranging from Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton to Carrie Underwood and Garth Brooks have performed here. You can book tickets for the live show at opry.com THE BLUEBIRD CAFÉ A bit further out of town, in the suburbs, lies the famous Bluebird Café, where River Phoenix and Sandra Bullock starred in 1993 film The Thing Called Love. Scenes from Nashville were also filmed at the Bluebird (Rayna Jaymes, played by Connie Britton, right, performs No One Will Ever Love You there in series one). There are only 90 seats in this non-profit-making venue, but there are two shows every night and if you can get in, it’s well worth it. Previous performers here have included Garth Brooks, Faith Hill and LeAnn Rimes, and there are regular open-mic nights if you fancy singing at the Bluebird yourself. Elvis Presley's Memphis, New Orleans and Nashville, 9 days from £1,099pp JACK DANIEL’S DISTILLERY An hour and a half ’s drive from Nashville, in Lynchburg, visitors can take a tour of the home of bourbon whiskey – founded in 1866, it’s the oldest registered distillery in the USA. Guides reveal the secrets of how the brown stuff is made (it’s to do with the local water and sugar maple used to make the charcoal, apparently). But don’t expect to taste more than a few samples here, because Lynchburg is in a dry county. However, you can purchase a bottle on the way out and drink it back in Nashville. Go to jackdaniels.com/visit ELVIS AND RCA STUDIO B Known as “the home of 1,000 hits”, this little recording studio saw all the action between 1957 and the 1970s, when it was run by RCA Records. This is where Elvis Presley recorded more than 200 tracks, Dolly Parton cut I Will Always Love You, and artists from Roy Orbison to the Everly Brothers made discs. Artists throughout the years have said that the acoustics are incredible in this humble building on music row. Elvis would stand on a sweet spot to sing. You may well get goosebumps when you step inside, see Elvis’s piano and listen to his first cut of Are You Lonesome Tonight? THE PARTHENON Inside Nashville’s Centennial Park there is a 42ft statue of Athena and a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, built for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition to represent the pinnacle of classical architecture. Inside the Parthenon is the city’s art gallery, with a permanent collection of paintings by 19th- and 20th-century American artists and various temporary exhibits. For opening hours, see nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Parthenon.aspx Nashville returns on Thursday 25th August at 10pm on Sky Living Radio Times Travel offers Elvis Presley's Memphis, New Orleans and Nashville, 9 days from £1,099pp. Discover the world of WC Handy, Robert Johnson, 'Fats' Domino, Chuck Berry, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton and, of course, Elvis Presley. We'll take an unforgettable journey through America's musical heartland, heading from the cradle of the blues and Dixieland Jazz to the undisputed capital of Country Music - Nashville! Click here for more details and to book. Music Cities USA, 16 days from £1,899pp. Join us to visit Hitsville's Motown Museum, Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the BB King Museum in Indianapolis. Pay your respects at the King's opulent mansion - Graceland - and the hit factory that is Memphis' Sun Studio, and experience music on every street corner in Nashville Tennessee - the centre of the country music world and unique, unforgettable New Orleans. Click here for more details and to book. View all holidays to the Deep South
Simon Reeve's top things to do in the Caribbean
The intrepid traveller goes beyond the glorious beaches and finds a castle in the sky, flying boats, voodoo and a marijuana farm in his new BBC show...
Simon Reeve’s exotic new documentary (Sunday 8.00pm BBC2) series sees him explore the furthest reaches of the Caribbean. “Yes, there are glorious beaches and there are dreadlocked locals offering you drinks with rum in them, but the Caribbean is a more interesting and bigger place than the stereotypes suggest,” says Reeve. Starting in the Dominican Republic and ending in Jamaica, this three-part series takes Reeve to Haiti, Puerto Rico, Barbados and Colombia. “The idea always was to travel around the Caribbean Sea, not just the beautiful islands. It’s also about travelling up the Caribbean coast of South America and Central America, with resulting adventure and jeopardy.” Buy-one-get-one-free on cruises with Radio Times Travel This is, after all, a presenter who has hung out with biker outlaws in Australia, investigated terrorism and traversed some of the most hostile places on the planet. Even after recounting how he donned a flak jacket and joined police in the Dominican Republic on a drugs bust in the show, Reeve remains an enthusiast for travel. “One of the greatest surprises, since I’ve been going on these journeys, is just how warm and welcoming most of the world is. It’s not as terrifying as people imagine,” he urges. “People are generally friendly and hospitable and don’t want to do you any harm. I’d take my family to almost all the places I go to for work.” Part of his son’s education (Jack, aged four) will include showing him the realities of life, along with the pristine tourist attractions that we see in places like the Caribbean. “I think he’ll benefit enormously from knowing that there are parts of the world where fresh water doesn’t come out of the tap,” says Reeve. Opening his eyes to the way the rest of the world lives evokes a sense of responsibility in the intrepid presenter. “We all need to take a longer-term view of who we are, what we want to be and what we want to bring to our planet and ourselves instead of devouring the resources of Mother Nature and sucking our brains dry with social media," says Reeve. Between searching for lion fish in Barbados and visiting a sky-high shantytown in Venezuela, he's keen to reveal that there's more to desperately poor Haiti than meets the eye. “One side of the country is not really known.” He climbs 3,000 metres to an almighty fortress in the north of the country, offering spectacular views of the verdant valley below. View oEmbed on the source website Buy-one-get-one-free on cruises with Radio Times Travel “Haiti has a very bad reputation, and a lot of it is utterly unfair,” claims Reeve. “It genuinely does result from a European annoyance that Haiti fought for and won independence from France. Haiti became the first free black nation in the modern world. The European powers collectively never forgave it – they demonised Haitians and voodoo. “Yes, there is a lot of corruption and suffering there, but there’s stuff to celebrate as well. It’s important to incorporate that into the story of the country.” Reeve urges people to get out of their comfort zones and see the world. “The most interesting and memorable experiences happen when you push yourself just a little bit further. That can be just trying a dish that you’ve never eaten before, or going somewhere where you’re going to have a raw and memorable experience. Life is so short and you’ve really got to rack up as many memora- ble experiences as you can.” SIMON REEVE'S TOP THREE CARIBBEAN TREATS 1. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC In episode one of the series, a vertigo-stricken Reeve is persuaded to go in a flying dinghy at Punta Cana beach. He ends up rather enjoying the experience. “It’s is a two-person dinghy with a very large wing and an engine attached to it,” explains Reeve. “It zips along the sea at high speeds and goes straight up into the air.” 2. BARBADOS “Go to the Oistins Fish Fry and ask them for some barbecued lime fish. Delicious.” In this rustic setting, the sounds of Bob Marley, the Platters, Jimmy Cliff and Jamaican ska play in the background while locals eat and play dominoes. There are craft items for sale, too, including art, pottery and woodcarvings. 3. HAITI “Climb up to the Citadel Laferrière in Nord,” says Reeve. “This whop- ping fortress sits on top of a 3,000- metre mountain in Northern Haiti.” Constructed in 1820, it remains the largest fortress in the Americas, and was built by Haitian slave rebel leader Henri Christophe. “It is, quite frankly, one of the wonders of the world.” Buy-one-get-one-free on cruises with Radio Times Travel
10 best things to see at the Edinburgh Fringe 2015
Stories about women in prison, cricketer Freddie Flintoff, a man who can’t stop eating, 20 foot tall fibreglass chickens and other shows that have caught our eye…
The epic performance extravaganza that is the Edinburgh Fringe festival is back with another few thousand shows, hailing from dozens of countries, and performed all over Scotland’s bonnie capital during the month of August. Choosing what to go and see can be exhausting, and you don’t want to miss the one everyone is talking about. Here are some of the wacky, popular and experimental shows we're going to see, hopefully you'll be there too… 1. Hair Peace Victoria Melody, creator of the critically acclaimed one-woman, one-dog hit Major Tom, returns to the fringe with a study of the international business of human hair. Told with Victoria’s trademark charm and humour, this performance delves into the unregulated industry of human hair extensions. On her travels to research the roots of her hair, Victoria meets with hair dealers in rural Russia, a real life baddie and a contestant on India’s version of Celebrity Big Brother. See it at: Pleasance Courtyard, Pleasance Below, 1pm – 2pm, Aug 8 – 31 August Visit Edinburgh with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details 2. Nina Conti: In Your Face Stand-up comic and ventriloquist Nina Conti hardly needs an introduction, having won a British Comedy Award, stormed Live at the Apollo, Russell Howard’s Good News, Sunday Night at the Palladium and made a Bafta nominated film – all without even moving her lips. Her Edinburgh show will be utterly improvised each night. See it at: The Assembly Rooms (Venue 20), 12.45pm, Aug 21 3. Key Change One for Orange is the New Black fans, this hard hitting play depicts the portrayal of women in prison. Using only a few chairs, a ghetto blaster and four rolls of masking tape, it was devised with women from the now closed Her Majesty’s Prison YOI Low Newton, near Newcastle, and was originally toured to male prisons. See it at: Northern Stage at Summerhall (Venue 26b), 12.30pm, Aug 8-11, 13-18, 20-25, 27-30. Visit Edinburgh with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details 4. Blam Energetic Danish theatre troupe Neander brings us four bored office workers who recreate classic blockbuster movies in their workplace in a show packed full of stunts and daring physical feats. Ricky Gervais said it’s “one of the greatest, most exciting and brilliant shows" he's ever seen – and he knows something about Office entertainment. See it at: Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33), 5.55pm, Aug 5-11, 13-17, 19-23, 25-31 5. Underbelly Circus Hub This year, circus is centre stage – it’s the first time a major venue will be dedicated to this style of performance and there will be two circus tents on the Meadows. Expect everything from Limbo from Australia (a troupe of contortionists, musical performers and sword eaters) to French acrobatic daredevils La Meute, and UK hit Bromance (using movement and a Cyr wheel to tell the story of close but non-sexual relationship between two men). See it at: Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows, Middle Meadow Walk, EH9 9EX 6. Freddie Flintoff: 2nd Innings To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of a victorious 2005 Ashes team, the English cricketer will share his memories of that long hot summer, and some secrets from his beloved game. Joined on stage by comedy writer and producer Clyde Holcroft, his podcast partner in crime, there will be some Elvis and couple of googlies, plus an honest, unscripted insight into the world of this sporting legend. See it at: Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33), 4pm, Aug 27-29 7. Adam Riches is Coach Coach Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Adam Riches is set to take a new direction with his latest show Coach Coach, which features a cast of 11 and tells the story of the ultimate High School Sports Coach. Inspired by classic sports movies, audiences are invited to cheer on their favourite Volfsball team as the Queen Dome Centaurs battle the Courtyard Lizards for the glory of the Yakult Cup. There will be comedy, drama, hamstrings and maybe, just maybe, a last-minute Hail Mary from a member of the audience to win the game and save the show. See it at: Pleasance Dome (Venue 23), 9.45pm, Aug 5-30 8. The Red Chair Told in rich and saucy Scots dialect, The Red Chair is the cautionary tale of a man who cannot stop eating, the woman doomed to cook his meals, and their invisible child. During the show, audiences are invited to try tasty nibbles, and even drink a dram of whisky to oil the way... See it at: Summerhall Demonstration Room, 10am, 24 – 30 Aug 9. The Outsider Evoking the visual style of silent films by Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton in a contemporary format, The Outsider is a fantasy for grown-ups, written and performed by magician and actor Janne Raudaskoski. The show follows a man, an outsider, as he wanders onto earth and bumps into modern humanity, with stunning '4D' special effects. The performance uses new technology specially created by Raudaskoski, which enables him to perform the roles of forty different characters. See it at: New Town Theatre, 5.30pm, 6 – 30 Aug 10. Sarah Kendall: A Day In October Australian comic Sarah Kendall has been winning praise for her new storytelling and observational comedy style which eschews traditional stand-up’s piecemeal anecdotes in favour of an hour-long narrative exploring life, death, and 20 foot tall fibreglass chickens. See it at: Assembly George Square Studios (Venue 17), 6.45pm, Aug 5-16, 18-31 Visit Edinburgh with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details
The real Forrest Gump attempts to run the length of the UK
Sean Conway on his new Discovery show and the UK's top walking and cycling trails...
A few years ago, Sean Conway sold his business for a pound and vowed never to base his decisions on money ever again. “I want to add life to my days rather than days to my life,” explains the former photographer who cycled the length of Britain in 2008, swam the length of Britain in 2014 and in a new Discovery Channel show attempts to run the length of Britain — despite never having done a marathon before. Conway swapped his mundane career taking pictures of bankers and schoolkids for adventure. “You don’t need as much money to be happy as you think you do,” he says, adding that he now lives on a Second World War gunboat on the River Severn. It's a future he never dared to imagine when he was growing up. “I didn’t think I was any good at sport. I’m quite short — I’m only 5ft 8 — I’m quite light, I’m quite small. I didn’t really have much confidence in my ability as a kid.” Contending with snow, wind, hail and rain, Conway set off running from John o’ Groats to Land's End. With his long ginger beard and retro shorts it’s no wonder he’s gained the moniker ‘the real Forrest Gump’ – locals even ran some of the way with him at different points, like in the movie. “Forrest Gump just woke up one day and thought ‘I want to go for a run’. I kind of like that philosophy. It’s quite easy to visualise that myself… I want to have fun with it; life’s too short to take yourself too seriously.” If you're inspired by Conway's journey, try one of his five favourite trails... The Great Glen Way Passing sea lochs, moors and farmlands, this breathtaking 73-mile route stretches from Fort William at the northern end of the West Highland Way to the City of Inverness along the Great Glen Fault. “It’s cycle-able too,” explains Conway. “Most of it is a road or a wide path that’s been renovated over the past couple of years by Scottish Tourism. You may see a few deer en route – they were sort of my crowd waving me on.” Book a country cottage with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details The West Highland Way Starting in Milngavie and finishing in Fort William, the 96-mile route passes Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond, Glen Falloch and climbs the Devil’s Staircase. “It’s very rugged and very rocky,” remembers Conway. “Some hardcore mad people do take mountain bikes along it, but it’s mainly a walking route. It can be done over five days, and in Scotland you can legally camp anywhere in the wild, but every 20 miles there’s a hotel. It really is spectacular.” UK canal and river systems A staggering 2,000 miles of canal snake through Britain’s countryside and towns. “I managed to go a couple of hundred miles from Manchester to Bristol on the canals,” explains Conway. “It was really amazing following the Severn Way. I love boats and the waterways; there is just such incredible engineering that’s gone into building these waterways. There are longer lengths of canal in Birmingham than there are in Venice. Once you are on the canals you are off the roads and it’s generally safer when running.” Haweswater Lake The Haweswater reservoir in the Lake District’s valley of Mardale is the only place walkers can spot a golden eagle in the UK. It’s also surrounded by the region’s distinctive rolling hills and varied hues. Journeying south to Kentmere feels “like you are away from everything,” says Conway. "At Kentmere you go really high up and it’s really windy… it’s so peaceful and dramatic; I love landscapes that are quite difficult.” South West Coast Path This whopping great path spans 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. “It’s pretty amazing,” says Conway, “I just did the northern bit – past Newquay and through Cornwall. There are loads of old tin mines, which are pretty spectacular. The cliffs are hilly and it’s quite a challenging run, which makes it more rewarding. When you go up, you see the amazing scenery, you’ve got all the elements and it’s a proper adventure.” Watch Sean Conway attempt to run the length of Britain at 9pm on Thursday 25th June, on Discovery Channel. Book a country cottage with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details
From Dorne to Meereen: Where was Game of Thrones filmed in Andalusia?
Location manager Naomi Liston explains why Andalusia is a perfect setting for the HBO show
Fantasy epic Game of Thrones has long spurred its more dedicated followers to set out on pilgrimages to the show’s filming locations. “The locations really do bring the viewer into the kingdoms,” explains Northern Ireland and Spain location manager Naomi Liston. “They are hugely important in storytelling terms.” Seville, the flamboyant capital of Andalusia, features in series five, where the historic Royal Alcazar doubles for Dorne Palace and gardens, home to the seat of House Martell. Fans will recall seeing Jaime Lannister attempting to rescue his daughter Myrcella (who didn’t actually want to be rescued) while she was wandering through its intricate Moorish architecture. Request a holiday brochure from one of our partners “It was just so incredible that we were able to work within this wonderful building that you felt had almost been built for Game of Thrones,” says Liston. Originally developed by Moorish kings, the ornate arches in the Alcazar’s Courtyard of the Maidens are the setting for House Martell’s Water Gardens. Walk around this World Heritage Site and it’s easy to imagine you’re in the hidden walled settlement of Sunspear, containing miles of narrow alleys, hidden courts and noisy bazaars as described in the books by George RR Martin. One of the most dramatic scenes of the latest series was filmed an hour outside Seville in the little Andalusian town of Osuna. More than 550 extras, plus the show’s cast and crew, took over the local bullring, the Plaza de Toros, which was used to represent a Daznak fighting pit, and staged a tumultuous Meereen battle scene. “We had to do a lot of what we call ‘fire burn’,” says Liston. “This is when you set stuntmen on fire. We had to do around 18 of them!” Although the scene is only four minutes long on screen, it took 14 days to shoot. “We used these enormous flamethrowers for the special effects,” recalls Liston. “It was a massive scene – great fun to shoot.” View oEmbed on the source website Incidentally, if you are interested in the history of bullfighting, it’s worth heading 80km south of Osuna to Ronda, whose Plaza de Toros is one of the oldest in Spain; visitors will find the blood-stained costumes of famous bullfighters such as Jesulín de Ubrique at the Museo Taurino, and in July spectators can watch opera performances from the stands. Between shoots, the actors stayed in Seville at the Alfonso XIII hotel, named after the Spanish king who enjoyed a feast in one of its six grand banqueting halls in 1929. Over the years, the rich and famous have enjoyed the property’s baroque-style courtyard and Mudéjar-style sweeping arches, decorative brickwork and wrought-iron features. Sadly, the cast couldn’t stay long: “We had to keep moving the cast from hotel to hotel. When we got to Spain it was like looking after One Direction,” Liston laughs. “There were people camping outside the hotels. I had to put extra security on.” Luckily, the crowds died down in sleepy Osuna, and the cast and crew could explore the narrow cobbled streets, beautiful buildings and try some of the restaurants dotted around the town: actress Emilia Clarke, who plays queen Daenerys Targaryen (known as the Mother of Dragons), celebrated her birthday here last October. “The show has definitely boosted tourism numbers in Northern Ireland,” says Liston, “and I’m sure a small town like Osuna will be feeling the benefit of more Game of Thrones tourists coming to visit.” Request a holiday brochure from one of our partners
Mark Gatiss: Mapp and Lucia writer EF Benson "didn't base Tilling on Rye... it is Rye"
In unseen footage Anna Chancellor, Steve Pemberton, Miranda Richardson and Mark Gatiss chat about filming in the charming Sussex town
The BBC's hit comedy Mapp and Lucia, based on the novels by EF Benson, follows two small-town busybodies in the 1930s. "Lucia is dominant, snobbish and phoney," says Lucia actress Anna Chancellor, in unseen footage taken behind the seen while shooting in Rye. "I like being a double act," she continues. "I love it," adds Miranda Richardson, who plays Mapp in the series. Lucia and Mapp go head-to-head in a humorous battle for social glory in the fictional seaside town of Tilling. Benson wrote the humorous stories when he lived in Lamb House (now managed by the National Trust), and drew inspiration from the town of Rye while penning his stories. "One of the chief pleasures we've had in doing this job is getting the access to Rye, the properties all around the church square, and especially to get access to Lamb House," explains series writer Pemberton (below). "One of my favourite days was filming in streets by Lamb House. I was sitting in the garden by myself, in the amazing garden at the back of Lamb House and this is where he would have sat when he was writing these characters and stories." Meanwhile, Sherlock writer Mark Gatiss, who plays Major Benjy in the series, believes the historic Sussex town is the spitting image of Benson's Tilling. "He didn't base Tilling on Rye, it is Rye," exclaims Gatiss, "You can actually follow your way around his description. It was fantastic to go there and identify all the different houses." Gemma Whelan, who stars as the free-spirited, bohemian Irene Coles in the show, met locals who could find doppelgangers of Benson's characters in town. "A lady came up to me in the cafe and said 'I can name the current Mapp and Lucia in the town now,'" she jokes. Mapp and Lucia is available on BBC iPlayer until January 28. Visit Rye with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details
Game of Thrones filming boosts Dubrovnik tourism numbers
Doubling for King’s Landing in HBO’s epic fantasy series, the historic Croatian city received a record number of visitors last year
The figures are in, and Dubrovnik is firmly on the map for UK travellers, helped by the fact it prominently features in HBO's hit fantasy series Game of Thrones. Filming tours now take place all over the old city, guiding fans around the real King’s Landing and spots from the show including the Red Keep and the setting of the Purple Wedding. “[Game of Thrones] filming has led to a rise in the popularity of Dubrovnik as a tourist destination,” explained Sandra Milovčević from Dubrovnik Tourist Board. Dubrovnik’s tourism authority has published a Game of Thrones map to make it easier for visitors to track down the exact locations from each Game of Thrones scene. Tiny lanes and stone houses untouched by the modern world snake through the city, and St Dominica Street is of particular interest. This is where many Game of Thrones market scenes, and City Watch or 'Gold Cloaks' scenes, plus the murders of King Richard's illegitimate sons take place. “Dubrovnik is a great city that welcomes visitors all year around," urges Milovčević. "The combination of its cultural and natural heritage makes it a unique destination on the Croatian coast that leaves each visitor enchanted." Meanwhile, six hundred metres off Croatia's mainland, in the beautifully blue Adriatic Sea, tourists will find the city of Qarth, otherwise known as Lokrum island, where Daenerys Targaryen gets a frosty welcome from the Spice King. In reality, its just as mysterious, this fascinating place dates back to 1023 and legend holds that Richard the Lionheart sheltered here, after his ship was wrecked when he was returning from the Crusades. Scenes from the highly-anticipated season five of the HBO fantasy series has also been filmed in Dubrovnik's old town, plus Croatia's second-largest city Split and the neighbouring settlement of Žrnovnica. Plus, scenes have been shot at Šibenik's St. James Cathedra, rumoured to be the House of Black and White in Braavos, the headquarters of characters the Faceless Men, who have the ability to physically change their appearance. Game of Thrones season five is set to air in April 2015. Visit Croatia with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details
London to get its very own world of Westeros
A Game of Thrones exhibition will open at London's O2 arena next month
Visitors to London's new Game of Thrones exhibition will have to pledge their allegiance to a Great House before entering the show. Choose between the families of Stark, Arryn, Lannister, Greyjoy or the Night's Watch before you enter, then peruse 70 original artefacts from the series, including the yet-to-be released season five. Guests will also get the chance to sit on the hallowed Iron Throne and experience a simulation of The Wall, via an Oculus Rift virtual device. Wearing a 3D machine on your head, the 'Ascend the Wall' programme places you in a carriage scaling the 700 foot wall of ice. Meanwhile, there will be selfie opportunities aplenty; photo stations with images of the main characters will be set up around the exhibition, so you can put yourself in pivotal scenes and share them on Facebook. The only catch? You have to be a Sky TV subscriber or SkyTV subscriber's guest to go along. The seven-day event will take place at The O2, London, between 9-12th February and 15-17th February 2015. Find out more at Sky Atlantic. Game of Thrones season five will be released in early 2015. Book an overnight stay in London with Radio Times, see here for more details
Keith Allen jets off to the Canary Islands for BBC1 sitcom Woody
Filming begins on a topical new comedy also starring Kayvan Novak and Bradley Walsh
The BBC’s brand-new six-part comedy Woody has begun filming in the Canary Islands. It follows an undercover reporter who is forced to go on the run after being framed by his corrupt newspaper editor. Fonejacker star Kayvan Novak plays the luckless journalist, who flees to Spain – actually Gran Canaria – only to bump into his former colleague Brutus (Bradley Walsh). The latter is now running a bar on a fictional Spanish island, and is the only person Woody can trust not to expose him. Rather than holing up and hiding out, the pair set about solving crimes and mysteries around town. Kayvan Novak certainly sounds chuffed with his new role: "So here I am in the sun, solving crimes and pretending to be a pirate, a hypnotist and a lady croupier. I thought life couldn't get any better,” said Novak. “Then I saw Bradley Walsh drive by on a jet ski wearing nothing but a dressing gown. I love this place." The supporting cast includes Jamie Demetriou (Scrotal Recall), Emma Pierson (Up The Women), and Alan Williams (Starlings) and Keith Allen (The Comic Strip), with cameos from Paul Kaye (Pulling), Jack Dee (Lead Balloon), Clive Swift (Keeping Up Appearances) and Simon Day (The Fast Show). The scripts have been penned by the very capable Neil Webster (A League of Their Own), Charlie Skelton (Argumental) and Ben Palmer (The Inbetweeners Movie). Bradley Walsh commented from the set: "My goodness what a blast it is filming Woody. With a very funny script, brilliant cameos from the likes of Keith Allen and Paul Kaye as Señor Big and Frederico Mercury, what's not to like? I'm loving every second of working with the brilliant Kayvan Novak. It's a hoot from dawn to dusk!" Producer and writer Neil Webster added: "We're delighted to be making this huge, silly, sunny show for BBC1… We're aiming to bring a lot of warmth into viewers' homes week after week." Woody will air on BBC1 in early 2015 Visit the Canary Islands with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details
Director Gary Shore guides us around the mystical backdrop of his dark fantasy horror starring Luke Evans
Luke Evans (Fast & Furious 6) stars as Vlad the Impaler in Universal’s new big budget horror-fantasy- action flick, Dracula Untold (released today in UK cinemas). The movie follows the pre-story of the Prince of Darkness, and takes inspiration from the real 15th-century Transylvanian prince, who was taken hostage as a teenager by Ottoman Turks and trained in combat. “[Dracula Untold] is unique within the Dracula mythology,” explains first time director Gary Shore, who chose to shoot his high-octane movie in Game of Thrones territory. In Northern Ireland, not far from where he grew up (in the Republic of Ireland) “the natural landscape of the environment was perfect,” explains Shore, “the Jurassic rocks on the coastline just spectacular, it’s quite unique. Between them and the protected forest areas, there was so much range we could use when shooting. The reason we didn’t shoot in more locations was because we didn’t need to.” He explains where we can visit scenes from the movie, and reveals secrets from filming... Giant’s Causeway The world famous Causeway stones double as a fictional mountain in Transylvania. With a little CGI help, this is where Vlad finds the helmet of a Turk in the water. "They’re on the hunt to try and find where these Turks are,” explains Shore. “I wanted the mountain itself to feel more fantastical, and have a different DNA from any regular mountain, so Giant’s Causeway presented a great opportunity… I never thought I would get the chance to shoot a film here." While many productions would have choses as secluded, calm spot and added effect later, Shore contended with the wind and ocean. "I wanted the feel of the Causeway," he says. "We shot there for a day by these massive waves. The sun came out during the shoot and it was just spectacular,” remembers Shore. "The hexagonal shapes of these 15 million year old stones are an incredible sight. Also for me, it was a tip of the hat to Devil’s Mountain, which featured in Close Encounters." Tollymore Forest Known as a key filming spot for Game of Thrones, Shore knew this area long before HBO's fantasy series came about. “They shoot a lot of the Game of Thrones series here, so people might recognise it. I certainly recognised locations from Game of Thrones season four, but it’s such a big area and there's loads of opportunities for hiking and camping, and climbing," says Shore. “We were able to shoot a number of scenes in this beautiful forest,” he continues. “Particularly this one scene where the Janissaries attack Vlad’s people and Vlad. We were here for about four nights shooting under forest canopy, we ended up going in and making it our own for a few days, it was a lovely experience,” says the director. Visit Northern Ireland with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details Mount Stewart The Italian Garden at this National Trust site played the grounds of Dracula’s castle, yet you may only see snippets of this great site in the final movie. “We initially shot the opening of the film at Mount Stewart. But sadly, most of it ended up on the cutting room floor [and will likely feature in deleted scenes] – but it is a stunning location,” urges Shore. “We shot there for a day and went to the spectacular gardens open to the public. However, the beautiful kind of circled rose area in the garden is in the film, but only very briefly in a dream sequence. It’s a place with a lot of history, a lot of world leaders, dignitaries and politicians would go there and party back in the day. I’m sure the walls could tell a few stories,” he laughs. Divis and the Black Mountain Situated in the heart of the Belfast Hills, this spectacular archaeological landscape is not only home to atmospheric stone tracks, walkways and varied wildlife, it was also home to Luke Evans and the film crew of Dracula Untold, for a few days at least. “Divis Mountain was a very wild place,” says Shore. "We spent a lot of time trying to build a pathway across the mountain that the horses and carriages could run over,” he explains. “When we were shooting up there it was spectacular, it was like shooting a western and I loved it, very much. The only indication of modernity was a couple of radio towers in the background; other than that we were just looking at the cows,” says Shore. “People can go walking around here, when we were shooting Gerry Adams was walking his dog, he came past and said hello to some of production team.” Visit Northern Ireland with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details Wolfhill Quarry “Vlad and his brutes attack a Turkish camp in this abandoned quarry in the movie,” says Shore. “It’s not the prettiest of sites, but I love the manmade environment. It was incredible when we shot here because we were shooting within a cloud, the cloud formation had just come down, we arrived there in the morning and began shooting the climax of the movie in this big Turkish camp – you couldn’t see five metres ahead of you, it was just pure fog and clouds. It ended up working to our advantage because it gave us that mood and tone that something bad could happen,” says director Shore. “It turned out looking spectacular and I’m glad to say – pretty much everything you see on screen is what we shot there, it’s a truly spectacular place.” Visit Northern Ireland with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details
5 spots to visit from David Tennant’s What We Did On Our Holiday
Producers Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin guide us around the Scottish setting of David Tennant's new film
David Tennant and Rosamund Pike star as a dysfunctional couple on the brink of a divorce in What We Did On Our Holiday (released today in UK cinemas). Ahead of their impending break up, the couple venture to Scotland with their kids in tow, to play happy families for grandpa (played by Billy Connolly)'s birthday. The hilarious observational comedy is set in against a stunning Scottish backdrop, which producers Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin promise was not created using CGI... “All the colours in the landscape and in the beach shots was God – or whatever you choose to believe in,” says Hamilton. “The great thing about when the mountains meet the sea like that is that you get wonderful lighting effects. Luckily, some of them were happening while we were turning over. They’re not enhanced.” Hamilton and Jenkin reveal where to experience the incredible settings for real... Gairloch “Here you'll find the beach where the children spend a lot of time with their granddad,” says Hamilton. “We found the wonderful beach in the film, thanks to a relation of Andy’s, who pointed us in the right direction," says Jenkin. "We went on a recce around Scotland in February and saw a lot of wonderful beaches on that coast. That’s our most spectacular location,” he reveals. Visit Scotland with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details Loch Katrine “This is the beautiful loch we see in one scene when Billy Connolly is talking to his grandson,” says Hamilton. “It’s a sensible drive from Glasgow [around 45 minutes] and has a lovely restaurant at one end. Plus there is a boat called The Lady of the Lake, named after the poem by Sir Walter Scott, which goes up and down the loch,” he says. “You can also hire bikes to cycle round, and there are lots of walks” says Jenkin. Drymen “The house where we filmed isn’t open to the public, but the beautiful area is north of Glasgow and around Loch Lomand,” says Jenkin. "We were lucky enough to be there in a heatwave. At weekends when we weren’t filming, we’d hire a bicycle and go swimming in the loch. We really enjoyed our time there. There are small restaurants and music on in the evenings.” Visit Scotland with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details Blair Drummond Safari Park “This is a bit like the Scottish Longleat,” says Jenkin. “There are lots of animals there. We were wandering off to look at a shot and the keeper was shouting at us, because we were approaching a heard of buffalo. Fortunately, he called us back in time." “We couldn’t move the ostriches to us, so we moved to the ostriches, near Stirling," says Hamilton. "To our knowledge this is the only place in Scotland that has ostriches." “We were happy they said yes," jokes Jenkin, "or we’d have to have done the scene with puppets." Glasgow “It doesn’t feature prominently in the film, but we spent some time in Glasgow, as a base,” admits Jenkin. “It’s certainly a city with an awful lot to do. You might not recognise it from the film, as we were doing things like filming in restaurant toilets in the city, filming a house and pretending it was in London, and creating traffic jams in a car park just off the motorway.” “The atmosphere is really good in Glasgow, it’s a really lively city," continues Hamilton. "It's really friendly and worth a visit. If you want a good curry it's probably the best place to go.” Visit Scotland with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details
Three skiers to traverse the globe looking for snow in unusual destinations
Extreme Sport Channel's Travellers with Skis will take us to lesser known skiing destinations including Dubai, Greece, Turkey, Morocco and the Canary Islands. Guide Jan-Erik Blomberg reveals more...
Freestyle skiers Jan-Erik Blomberg (Blumi), Jani Nygård and Arto Majava will be our guides for a new skiing travelogue on Extreme Sport Channel. The twist? They venture to places most people don't realise you can actually ski in. The threesome spend New Year on skis in The Canary Islands, discover snow in Turkey, hike the Atlas mountains in Morocco and discover a world class slope in Greece. The 18-part Travellers with Skis series will make anyone with a sense of adventure salivate on their couch at the incredible panoramas, hypnotic skiing and adventures of these three Finnish chaps. We catch up with one of the daredevils on screen Jan-Erik Blomberg... How is Travellers with Skis different from your standard skiing film? I’d been doing this ski-style magazine shows for ages. I got bored of doing short films, events and interviews and I found a way to evolve it, as I grew the show grew. During the first season, we toured around places that you don’t usually expect to find snow. Places like the Canary Islands, Morocco, Dubai and Lebanon. I wanted to show that side of the world. The core idea is that even though we don’t have the same background or a common language, we can speak through skiing. Also we wanted to show skiing in a way that we are proud of. The skiing has to be of certain level, and we have to go to places to allow us to get to a certain level. Visit Dubai with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details The conditions are different everywhere you go, how dangerous does it get? The idea is that everyone comes back alive. Usually we are worried about avalanches, but in Morocco we were more worried about sliding down icy faces. We have to consider the different conditions, what kind of snow we get. If it’s wet, how much snow is there. There are a lot of things to think of but we have been doing it for ages, so it comes naturally. When I was in Colorado the conditions were very dangerous, there were a lot of people dying that winter. Meanwhile, in Bulgaria, I met some skiers and I told them that the conditions were dangerous, but they didn’t listen and one of them died a few days after in an avalanche. In Lebanon, we learned that the snow wasn’t stable enough to ski, so we went a bit mellower with our skiing, but another group triggered an avalanche and died. You need to use your head. It’s not a bad decision not to go out. What do you get out of the sport, what keeps you searching out new destinations and coming back for more? Skiing is beautiful and being in nature is beautiful. It’s not about an adrenaline rush. For me, it’s about exploring who I am. How I relate to nature and these conditions, and it’s about improving my skills. What did you enjoy most about making this show? The realisation that I was actually in these places. That’s the beauty of travelling. For this show, sometimes we were in warm places and sometimes we were in cold climates and sometimes we were in both. California, for example, has a beautiful green landscape and snowy mountains. What’s your advice to people who are inspired by what they see? Go out and make your dreams come true. But explore the weather patterns first, so you know what kind of conditions you are going into. I hope after watching, people will want to go and experience the world. Watch Travellers with Skis at 8pm, April 5 on Extreme Sports Channel Visit the Atlas mountains with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details Follow @RTTrav
I’m a Celebrity 2013: 7 places to try bushtucker trials
Think you could do better than a star in the jungle? Follow our travel guide to eating scorpions and swimming with crocodiles
Next week (9pm, November 17, on ITV) we’ll see another bunch of stars descend on Australia’s Gold Coast, where they’ll live in the jungle for weeks and try to survive scary bushtucker trials in a bid to be crowned king or queen of the jungle. Walking a rickety bridge, eating a rotten egg or plunging into crocodile–infested water may look easy while sitting in the comfort of your own home, but could you actually do these challenges for real? Read on for places around the world to try I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here-style challenges: Swimming with crocs, Darwin, Australia In 2008, Simon Webb from Blue had to complete a trial in a tank of water, despite being petrified of it. He had to collect stars while Oscar fish, eels and crocodiles got in his way. In Australia, it’s possible to see what the singer went through as he swam with the vicious reptiles. At the Cage of Death, you can spend 15 minutes up close to these massive reptiles while they circle the cage and try and get in. See here for more details: crocosauruscove.com Visit Australia with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details Eat testicles, Illinois, USA In 2011, The Only Way is Essex star Mark Wright and comedian Freddie Starr were given a bowl of turkey testicles to eat in a ‘Greasy Spoon Café’ challenge. Later, in 2012, politician Nadine Dorries had to eat lamb's testes. If you’d like to try some animal gonads – it’s surprisingly easy. They’re considered a delicacy by many cultures, who think swallowing ball sacks aids fertility (we'll take their word for it!). In Spain, they are called ‘bull's eggs’, in America they are called ‘mountain oysters’ and in the Middle East they may be on the menu as ‘lamb fries’. In Byron, Illinois, there's even an annual turkey testicles eating festival, where bikers get together and show off their manhood by eating as many deep fried bollocks as they can for charity. See here for more info turkeytesticlefestival.com Visit Illinois with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details Get up close to deadly snakes, Bangkok, Thailand Slithery snakes feature heavily in the I’m a Celeb challenges. In 2004, we watched as the fearless journalist and broadcaster Janet Street Porter got bitten three times while pushing snakes out of the way to get stars and win the celebrities nine meals in the jungle. In 2010, we also saw Lembit Opik and Shaun Ryder get bitten as they put their hands in snake-infested boxes to try and retrieve valuable stars. And, in 2011, we watched singer and X Factor mentor Sinitta screeching as she tried to retrieve bangles off the back of a giant snake. At Bangkok’s Snake Farm at the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, visitors can get up close to a Malayan pit viper, a banded krait and a king cobra. Here, visitors can see snakes in vats, watch deadly snake shows (the snake milking is particularly bizarre), and even handle snakes on certain days. saovabha.com Visit Thailand with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details Walk a high wire, UK In 2004, All Saints star Natalie Appleton, who is scared of heights, had to attempt to cross a 200ft high wire as part of a bushtucker trial. After crying for her mum while suspended on the wire, Appleton had to be revived with oxygen after the challenge. Think you can do it better? Go Ape is the place. There are 29 tree top adventures in Britain where you can release your inner Tarzan and walk rope bridges suspended between trees and cross wires suspended 1000 metres in the sky. See goape.co.uk Visit the great British countryside with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details Eat rotten eggs, London, UK In 2009, TV chef Gino Di Campo found himself one of the last three celebs left in the jungle, during the last two days he had to eat a bunch of disgusting foods. The first jungle delicacy was a century egg. These rotten chicken, duck or quail eggs are mixed with clay, ash, salt and rice hulls kept for several months until the are green and grey. Mark Wright also had to swallow one of these in 2011 – his retching says it all. You can try these revolting concoctions in London at Mr Kong's, Chinatown (phone ahead as they have to order them in). mrkongrestaurant.com Visit London with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details Jump from a cable car, Queenstown, New Zealand In 2011, scaredy cat Sinitta got voted in to do the ‘cable cartastrophy’, suspended above a deep jungle valley she had to search the creepy crawly-infested container for 11 stars. When the buzzer went off, the bottom dropped away and she bunjy jumped into the valley. In New Zealand, it’s possible to fall from the same height (and more) at the Nevis Bunjy. Those who dare can dive off a platform suspended 134 metres in the air and freefall for 8.5 seconds, and then bounce back up. bungy.co.nz Visit New Zealand with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details Eat cockroaches, Beijing, China These horrid morsels have played a vital part in the the history of I'm a Celebrity... challenges. Contestants have eaten them, bathed in them and sleept in them. In Shangdong province, a farm in Qufu breeds these critters by the factory-load. There are 22million cockroaches here at any one time, which are then shipped to various parts of the country and the world, so people can eat them as a nutritious protein-filled snack. Some scientists believe that cockroaches may unlock the secrets to curing illnesses and ailments like stomach pains, sunburn and cancer (although we’re not entirely convinced). Eat them, plus other creepy crawlies including scorpions and newts, at Wangfujing Street’s night market in Beijing. Visit China with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details Follow @RadioTimes
Shetland season 2 - discover the islands behind Douglas Henshall's crime drama
Set in Scotland’s remote northern region, BBC’s hit murder mystery series will return in 2014. Here’s where to experience the best of those moody landscapes for real…
To the west of Norway, more than 100 islands make up the Shetlands. Dramatic cliffs, raw farmland scenes and massive lochs await those tough enough to endure the area’s sub-arctic temperatures. But which isle is for you? For walkers: Northmavine Here visitors will find Ronas Hill, Shetland’s tallest mound – it reaches 1475 feet. Climb to the top for a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, unusual alpine foliage, an incredible view of freshwater lochs, little crofting settlements and the untamed hilly landscape beneath. For bizarre landscape and beer: Unst Britain's most northerly inhabited island is seriously chilly. However, those willing to wrap up like an Inuit will encounter some geological wonders – including a sub-arctic, stony desert. This four-acre lunar-like area is made up of little fragments of rock and some of the rarest plants in Britain. More importantly, you can warm up at the Valhalla Brewery, where they brew six tasty ales. For golfers and gardeners: Scalloway Known as 'The Ancient Capital', Scalloway was the government’s base until the 18th century. There’s plenty of historic sites to peruse, including Earl Patrick Stewart's Scalloway Castle, known for its large dungeon where witches in the 17th century were locked up before their trials. For those wielding golf clubs, the Tingwall Valley is the place to go. The colourful meadows here are home to various types of orchid; enjoy them from the two local courses. RT Travel Offer: Scottish Highlands and Islands, 6 nights from only £565 For nature lovers: Lerwick The Shetlands' waters are a haven for mammals. In these bitterly cold seas it possible to spot killer whales, white-sided dolphins and minke whales. Lerwick Harbour is a sure bet for grey and common seals. Hop on a wildlife tour boat from the harbour, and get up close to the blubbery beasts as they swim alongside the vessel. For bird watchers: Foula Zoologists flock to this ‘Special Protection Area’ to see the world's largest colony of great skuas – the pirates of the bird world. Watch as this aggressive species hassles other birds and robs them of their prey. They share their territory with kittiwake gulls, arctic terns and red-throated divers. Take your binoculars and head to the cliffs. Kame, at 1,200 feet, is Britain's second-highest sea crag. Puffins and black and while guillemots can be found near this sheer drop.
Sir Richard Branson breaks kitesurfing record at Hayling Island
The Virgin tycoon joined 317 participants to create the largest parade of kitesurfers
Sir Richard Branson led a record-breaking parade of 318 kitesurfers at Hayling Island Golf Course last weekend to create the largest group of people to simultaneously take part in the activity. The 63-year-old Virgin CE is no stranger to kitesurfing world records; he remains the oldest person to kitesurf across the English Channel. However, he explained that this latest challenge was particularly beautiful to watch. “When you see the beauty of all these kites up in the sky, it's magnificent [and] this is more than has ever happened before." The record-breaking event was set up to raise money for the RNLI, plus charities Snow-Camp, which helps inner city young people and Virgin Unite, which offers healthcare aid to Africa. Branson believes that another bunch of kiters are likely to beat the record next year: "Kiters are always up for a challenge and so I suspect next year there will be 600 kiters, and the year after that 900, and so on,” he said. Although the sport is often classified as an extreme sport, it’s actually quite safe with the right instruction, Branson claimed. "The most perilous aspect of this is kites getting tangled up in the sky [but] it's really, relatively, very safe,” he explained. "I'd recommend it to anybody, just being out on the sea, blown by the wind, bouncing across the waves." Sir Richard Branson was also the first man to cross the Atlantic and the first to cross the Pacific from Japan to Arctic Canada in a hot air balloon. Go on holiday with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details
David Walliams dons his wetsuit again at Blenheim Palace lake
The Little Britain star joined Olympic swimmers for a British Gas SwimBritain event at the royal World Heritage Site in Oxfordshire
To encourage the nation to get back into the water this summer, British comic David Walliams took the plunge in a mass swimathon at Blenheim Palace’s Great Lake. “My previous swim challenges were a test of endurance and stamina, but taking part in British Gas SwimBritain reminds me of why I love being in the water,” said Walliams. This Oxfordshire event marked the first of a month filled with British Gas SwimBritain events. Meanwhile, Ellie Simmonds kicked off the series in Coventry on Saturday August 31 and London 2012 medallist Becky Adlington represented in Sheffield. Visit Oxfordshire with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details SwimBritain events will take place across the country at 10 pools and one open water location, and SwimBritian coaching will be available in 100 pools around the UK. The initiative aims to encourage half a million more people to swim regularly by 2015. “It’s such a refreshing way to escape the stresses of everyday life and doing a team challenge gave me a real boost – we were all cheering each other on and there was a real sense of comradery, so it was a completely different experience to my previous swims,” said Walliams. Visit Oxfordshire with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details Paralympic swimmers Keri-anne Payne, Duncan Goodhew, Cassie Patten and Graham Edmunds joined the comic at the event. Open water silver medallist Keri-anne Payne explained: “Many people don’t realise how much of a workout swimming is – a gentle half hour swim can burn over 200 calories – and the British Gas SwimBritain series gives you a chance to get friends and family involved too, which makes it so much more enjoyable.” Swimming events across around the country will take place until September 29. To sign up visit swimbritain.co.uk Visit Oxfordshire with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details
The winner of World’s Coolest Car Park has been announced (yes, that is a thing) - to celebrate we list our favourite on-screen concrete spaces…
You don’t often hear the words “car park” and “cool,” in the same sentence. But a new design award has shoe-horned them together to celebrate the architects behind these much-needed concrete spaces. In case you’re interested, the car park at 1111 Lincoln Road in Miami has been crowned World’s Coolest Car Park by DesignCurial/FX Magazine, beating thousands of entrants around the world. Meanwhile, a fancy French design called Park de Celestins in Lyon claimed second place, and a UK design on Charles Street in Sheffield – known as the ‘cheese grater’ by locals due to it’s creative jagged cubed exterior – was thrid. See here for the full list and images. If you're in the area, why not pop along for a look up close? For now, we celebrate these wonderful achievements by remembering some of the best movie car park scenes of all time: [warning: some clips contain violence]: 1. Get Carter murder View oEmbed on the source website Many scenes from the legendary 1971 gangster flick, directed Mike Hodges, were shot at Trinity Square in Gateshead. In this one, Jack Carter (Michael Caine) throws Cliff Brumby (Bryan Mosley) off the top of the multi-storey. Although the real car park has been demolished, bits of the original building are still around. Fans bought pieces of rubble from the site when they heard it was being torn down. 2. Highlander sword fight View oEmbed on the source website Connor MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) faces off against fellow immortal Fasil in the car park beneath New York's Madison Square Gardens. A sword fight to the death sees Fasil lose his head and Connor experience the unique sensation known as The Quickening. There can be only one! 3. Death Proof foot fetish View oEmbed on the source website As the Gear Head Girls from the movie take a pit stop at a supermarket the wide-angle camera shows off the iconic muscle car of Quentin Tarantino's grindhouse tribute and the film changes from colour into black and white. During the black and white scene, psychotic Stuntman Mike notices that Abernathy (Rosario Dawson) is taking a nap in the back of the car with her feet sticking out of the window – Mike wanders over to get a cheap kick. He creepily strokes her foot and then licks his finger, before she realises what's going on. Visit the Deep South with Radio Times Travel, see here for our global holidays 4. Kill Bill Pussy Wagon The Bride (played by Uma Thurman) in the first instalment of Tarantino's kung fu film, wakes to find herself in hospital having been abused by the staff while she was in a coma. After getting revenge on perpetrator Buck, she steals his car keys, makes her way to the hospital car park via wheelchair, finds a yellow truck with 'Pussy Wagon' splashed across the back and gets in. Here, using mind over matter, she attempts to get her paralised legs to work "Wiggle. Your. Big. Toe." she says. 5. Twilight: Bella realises Edward is not human View oEmbed on the source website The car park outside Forks High School is where Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) realises that Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) has super powers. She's standing at her car as a van skids through the car park on frozen ice. Before it crashes into her, Edward speeds over from the other side of the car park and stops it. Go on holiday and visit a famous car park with Radio Times Travel, see here for our global holidays
Olympic diver Tom Daley to star in new ITV travel show
The bronze medalist will visit Thailand, Japan, Australia, Morocco and New Zealand in his new backpacking series
Olympic diver Tom Daley has bagged himself a new ITV gig, travelling around the globe, backpacker-style, with his friend Sophie Lee. After getting a bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics, Daley appeared as a coach on ITV’s celebrity diving show Splash! In his new show, the 19-year-old will travel on a budget to Thailand, Japan, Australia, Morocco and New Zealand. Daley will visit hostels, take overnight train journeys and do thrill seeking activities such as bungee jumping along the way. He will also meet up with The Saturdays singer/ songwriter Mollie King en route. After competing in the world diving championships in Barcelona last month, where he came sixth, the sports personality explained that he’s looking forward to having a break from his normal routine. “I can't wait to get away on my trip,” said Daley. “Diving and training are my first love, but I am looking forward to a break from the norm and discovering more about places I've never had the chance to explore before. And to do it all with my best friend will be amazing." ITV director of digital channels Angela Jain explained Daley’s journey has enthralled the UK public. "Tom's career as a diver has captivated the nation. "We hope this show will give people the chance to see the teenager behind the trunks as he enjoys his global backpacking adventure." Visit Thailand, Japan, Australia, Morocco and New Zealand with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details
The World’s End: where to find the real pubs from the movie
The highly anticipated sci-fi comedy film was shot in working boozers, so we’ve mapped out exactly where to sink a few cold ones in the footsteps of Simon Pegg and Martin Freeman…
Looking for an excuse to get well-lubricated of an evening? We’ve found a belter. The premiere of ultimate pub crawl movie The World’s End takes place in London tonight, and the film is released in cinemas across the UK next week (July 19). Written by Simon Pegg (Spaced) and Edgar Wright (Sean of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), the story follows five old chums, who reunite in a town called Newton Haven to do the ‘Golden Mile’ – an epic pub crawl of 12 pubs and 60 pints. They attempted the same feat 20 years before, but never made it to the final pub on the list – The World’s End. Despite some of them having well-trained, middle-aged beer guts, it’s not going to be easy. Something weird’s happened to the town and these five aging anti-heroes become mankind’s only hope for survival. The town of Newton Haven from the film doesn’t actually exist, however, it is possible to enjoy a pint of bitter or larger in some of the real locations from the film shot in Hertfordshire’s Welwyn Garden City and Letchworth Garden City. Follow our trail of real boozers from the movie below, minus the aliens... The Peartree The first pub on the movie's epic pub crawl is The First Post, which was filmed right here at The Peartree. It doesn't sell ale, but it does sell larger (Fosters and Carling) to start you off on your journey. There’s also live music at the weekends, a beer garden and a pool table. Dive right in. Find it at: Hollybush Lane, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4JJ Visit the UK's pubs by booking a trip with Radio Times Travel, see here for details The Doctors Tonic Up next in the film – The Old Familiar, which was shot at this nice little boozer in the town centre. Expect typical pub grub plus IPA and Old Golden Hen on tap. Find it at: Church Rd, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6PR The Cork This bar doubles as The Famous Cock in The World’s End. Here they pour four proper ales for the hardy, inlcuding London Pride, Adnams, Pedigree Bitter and Bombardier Real Ales. Find it at: 9 Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6AW Three Magnets A trusty ‘spoons pub managed to get on the list of filming locations, and this very reasonably-priced watering hole doubles as The Trusty Servant in the flick. Interestingly, the building was once a Brooker's Store in the 1920s, selling high steet hardware. Find it at: 8-20 Leys Ave, Town Centre, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3EW Visit the UK's pubs by booking a trip with Radio Times Travel, see here for details The Colonnade Find stone floors, real fireplaces and top-notch Cask Marque-accredited ales in this historic building, which became the Two Headed Dog in the movie. They pour London Pride and Green King IPA at the bar. Find it at: Station Rd, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3AN The Arena Tavern On the Broadway, this rundown haunt doubles as Simon Pegg’s King's Head. They have regular guest ales and, in true dive bar-style, rock karaoke on Sunday nights plus regular local live bands playing amped up, distorted riffs. Find it at: 3 Arena Parade, Town Centre, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3BY The Gardener's Arms If you’ve made it this far, to the final pub on the list – The World’s End – you thoroughly deserve a celebratory pint. Although, don’t expect drunken escapades or a similar explosive finale to the film, many come to this sedate little art deco boozer for its carvery and unlimited ice cream – a solution to your impending hangover perhaps? Find it at: Wilbury Hills Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 4LG Visit the UK's pubs by booking a trip with Radio Times Travel, see here for details
Brit wins leg of Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series
Death defying Gary Hunt takes gold in Portugal - see some spectacular dive pictures here…
Last weekend, ten daredevils completed life threatening jumps off a 27-metre platform for the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Portugal. British diver Gary Hunt claimed gold in the heat, by completing a perfect backdrop into the ocean. Hundreds of spectators packed into boats at Vila Franca do Campo islet offshore from São Miguel in the Azores, cheered on Southampton-born Hunt, who was the youngest diver in the competition. Hunt was thrilled with his performance: “I am ecstatic!" said the athlete, “I have been trying really hard. It has just been so tough this season. “My last dive was good, I saw some nines up there and it felt like I went through the water nicely.” The next stop in the competition is at Lake Garda, Northern Italy, in two weeks time. Visit Lake Garda with Radio Times Travel and catch the next cliff diving heat, see here for more details RESULTS STOP 3, AZORES 1. Gary Hunt | UK | 481.05 2. Orlando Duque | COL | 451.70 3. Jonathan Paredes | MEX | 431.00 4. Artem Silchenko | RUS | 429.40 5. Michal Navratil | CZE | 402.90 6. Andy Jones (wildcard) | USA | 402.55 7. Blake Aldridge | UK | 388.55 8. David Colturi | USA | 376.70 9. Steven LoBue | USA | 295.40 10. Mat Cowen | UK | 267.90 11. Anatoliy Shabotenko | UKR | 251.90 12. Jorge Ferzuli (wildcard) | MEX | 254.00 13. Eber Pava (wildcard) | COL | 245.40 14. Kent De Mond (wildcard) | USA | 136.80 564 View oEmbed on the source website Visit Lake Garda with Radio Times Travel and catch the next cliff diving heat, see here for more details
The Hangover III: visit the locations from the trilogy
Want to experience the places that Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha visit for real? Follow our guide to Bangkok, Las Vegas and Mexico for the ultimate stag do... what could possibly go wrong?
The Hangover III is released today (May 23). After two quiet years without wild nights out, strippers, kidnappings and roofies, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) end up back together for one more adventure. With Leslie Chow (Ken Jeong), Jade – the stripper (Heather Graham) from the first movie – plus new character Marshall (John Goodman) in tow. Since the first two movies, stag dos the world over have trawled the planet looking for an equally wild time. We’ve tracked down the best locations from the trilogy in both Las Vegas and Bangkok, so you can follow in the footsteps of the Wolfpack… In the first movie, the Wolfpack wakes in a haze to find a baby and a tiger in their hotel room. In some kind of twisted déjà vu, the cast end up here again in The Hangover III. While it’s not possible to book the exact same villas from the trilogy, the hotel does offer a special ‘Hangover’ package. You can opt for the Forum Tower Emperor Suite – it has two bedrooms, bathrooms, a powder room and nearly 3,000 square feet of space to cause mayhem in. Hire a silver 1969 Mercedes Benz convertible (like the one in the film) and take a drive out to the Nevada desert, where the Wolfpack meet Mr Chow and swap cash for Doug in the first movie. They also end up threatened by gangsters here again in The Hangover III. Angry gangsters aside, that distinctive mountain backdrop is quite spectacular. Visit Las Vegas with Radio Times Travel, see here for more info Little White Wedding Chapel While the Best Little Wedding Chapel from the film is fictional (it was temporarily built for the movie on Las Vegas Boulevard in a car park), it’s possible to visit a remarkably similar chapel right opposite. The 24-hour Little White Wedding Chapel is located at number 1301 on the same street. Surrounded by motels, sex shops and strip clubs, this unique chapel has a drive up wedding window, and is the very same place that Michael Jordan wedded Juanita Vanoy at 2.30am in 1989. It’s also where Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, and Britney Spears and Jason Alexander tied the knot. Not far from here you can also see Paris Hotel’s Eiffel Tower, as seen in the Hangover III. In The Hangover II Stu (Ed Helms) is getting married in Thailand. The calm before the storm starts with beautiful scenes of a resort, beside the Andaman Sea, on the pristine island of Krabi. Here we see the characters arrive in the grand lobby of the Sheraton, plus footage on the beach at the Ritz. This truly beautiful island offers opaque waters and views of the limestone karsts in the distance. Visit Thailand with Radio Times Travel, see here for more info In a desperate attempt to remember what they did the night before, Stu, Allen and Phil go to Ching Mei temple to meditate. While Ching Mei is not a real place, the setting is. The footage was taken at Ancient Siam – known as the world’s largest outdoor museum. Here visitors will find dozens of replicas of Thailand's famous buildings, from gothic Buddhist temples to Thai mansions – some are scaled to the exact size of the originals. If you’re looking to spice things up, there’s also a Crocodile Farm near by. The third tallest building in the city is where a helicopter flies overhead and Mr Chow gets arrested in the Hangover II. The SkyBar, complete with gold-domed roof, offers panoramic views over the hectic, constantly evolving city. To honour the film, the building’s Lebua hotel also has a Hangover Suite large enough for a party, naturally. Visit Bangkok with Radio Times Travel, see here for more info In the last film Phil, Stu, Alan and Mr Chow have a clandestine reunion in the Mexican border town of Tijuana. The scenes were not actually filmed in Mexico but in the dusty border town of Nogales, Sonora Arizona. The production team filmed around the Mexican-flavoured Morley Avenue area, transforming three blocks and 50 storefronts into Tijuana, complete with border crossing sign ("Tijuana – the most visited city in the world,") and buildings with signs like "Banco y Credito de Tijuana". Stop here to sit on the same bench where we see Mr Chow in the movie. The building behind the bench is the exterior of the flophouse where Mr Chow is holed up. Make your way to the real Tijuana via an atmospheric seven-hour desert drive west along Highway 8. Visit Mexico with Radio Times Travel, see here for more info See the trailer for the movie here: View oEmbed on the source website Images courtesy of Arnold C, Larry D. Moore
Robert Downey Jr to film The Judge in Massachusetts this June
The Iron Man star will shoot his new comedy drama, with Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester, in historic Shelburne Falls village next month
New Warner Bros. comedy drama ­The Judge will be filmed in Massachusetts next month, and star Robert Downey Jr, Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl), Billy Bob Thornton (Armageddon), and Vera Farmiga (Safe House, The Departed). Downey Jr plays a lawyer who goes to his mother’s funeral and discovers that his father – the town’s judge – is suspected of murder. The Shelburne Board of Selectmen approved a filming permit and local production schedule at their meeting last week. Visit Boston and New England with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details It’s been reported that the current production schedule includes shooting in the historic village and at Baker Pharmacy, the old Mole Hollow Candle Co. building and on Bridge Street between May 31-June 17. “As head of the Massachusetts Film Office, I want to thank you so much for how you’ve welcomed these folks,” said MFO Director Lisa Strout to the Selectmen, reported The Recorder. “We’re really excited about this one, “I can see this, as a lure for tourism over time,” continued Strout. Further notes reveal details of a scene where Downey Jr’s character goes to his mother’s funeral, apparently Bridge Street will be filled with a funeral procession and be sprayed with water to appear as if it’s raining. It’s also been speculated that shooting will take place from a helicopter overhead. Other scenes from The Judge will be shot in Boston. The movie is due for release in 2014. Visit Boston and New England with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details
Jo Whiley answered your questions in a live webchat
Radio Times readers asked the BBC DJ questions on music, travel and life right here in a live web chat
She's been a Radio 1 DJ for nearly two decades, championed dozens of artists and has hosted Glastonbury numerous times. As well as moving to Radio 2 she's recently partnered up with American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card, and shares her wisdom on travelling throughout her career in a live web chat with Radio Times readers, plus more about dealing with mud at a festival, and rubbing shoulders with music giants like Adele, Mick Jagger and Arctic Monkeys. Here's what she said... Jo Whiley: Hello everyone, looking forward to receiving your questions! Sam M: Have you ever thought about releasing a record yourself? Jo Whiley: Hey Sam. Really that would be the worst idea in the world and not something you'd want to hear. It would sound like a lame Billy Bragg tribute act. My singing voice is that bad. Anne: Any tips for dealing with mud at a festival? Jo Whiley: Hi Anne - Baby wipes and bin bags, that's what saves the day at a rainy festival where it all becomes one giant mud bath. And a sturdy but fashionable pair of wellies, of course. Sue Davis: You must have had a lot of really late nights over the years, and with all that travelling, how have you managed to stay so young and juggle a family? You must have a good moisturiser, super mum? Jo Whiley: The travelling and the late nights are the fun part of my life! Holidays are my reward for working hard. The secret to juggling the family life thing and work is that I have an incredible family and great friends who drop everything to help out with the kids. Trying to look half decent means cutting down on the Jack Daniels consumption, swimming, sleeping and yes, a good moisturiser definitely helps! Rob Green: Jo, do you ever get nervous chatting to those mega bands? And which artist has given you the biggest jitters? Jo Whiley: Hi Rob - definitely get the jitters talking to bands – pretty much every time. Probably the most scared I've been recently was interviewing Mick Jagger because he's so like err... FAMOUS! It was almost surreal – like interviewing a cartoon character. But you only get nervous cause you want it to be great. He was actually incredibly friendly and down to earth. Tom: Of all the bands you've championed on your shows over the years, which one has been your favourite? Jo Whiley: Afternoon Tom - It's one of the best parts of the job, watching a band go from strength to strength and become universally loved and acclaimed. I really enjoyed seeing Arctic Monkeys take off - they were so exciting when they first emerged. I'm looking forward to seeing them at Glastonbury this year. Adele, too. Her rise to superstar status has been incredible to watch. I still remember doing a show from her flat and she showed me where she kept her Brit awards. In her toilet! Frankie: When you present glasto, do you sleep in a tent, a hotel or a wigwam? Jo Whiley: Hi Frankie. It varies depending on the weather and my work schedule. Sometimes a campervan - that's where my family stay. But sometimes I'll admit to sloping off to get a shower and a good night's sleep at a nearby hotel. Forgive me... Alan: What do you think about the increasing crossover between TV and radio stars? Should people stay specialists - or is it OK to be multimedia broadcasters? Jo Whiley: Alan - Hi. I think there are some people who are masters of TV, there are some who are masters of radio and there are some who can do both. But I think people naturally have an affinity with one medium more than the other. You know if you're a TV beast or a radio animal. I hope that makes sense... Amelia: How much has your musical taste changed since you started your career? and what's your favourite band/artist at the moment? Jo Whiley: Hey Amelia - I'm not sure my tastes have changed that wildly. I've always been open to all kinds of music. I hate musical snobbery. I've always loved acoustic singer songwriters and bands but I've always loved hip hop too. I'm not so much into house and rave was never my thing. Currently loving John Grant. His new album Pale Green Ghosts is wonderful. Marika Hackman is great. Half Moon Run sound promising. Laura Mvula's album is fantastic.. Lloyd: If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and who with? Jo Whiley: Hi Lloyd - ta for your question... If I could jump on a plane right now I would bundle up the whole family and head to Australia. I know it'd be long haul but i'd load up on films and music and we'd have a magnificent adventure. I'd love to go snorkelling and scuba diving and explore the barrier reef. To discover the world beneath the surface of the water with my kids - sharing that experience with them is something I definitely want to do in my lifetime. Tim: Hi Jo - What are your top three albums of all time? Jo Whiley: Hi Tim - ask me this again tomorrow and you'll obviously get a different answer, but today I shall say – Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy, Saturday Night Fever soundtrack and Damien Rice's 'O'. Music Man: Where is the best music festival in the world? Jo Whiley: Glastonbury, obviously! However, I have always wanted to go to the following more exotic festivals: Coachella, Benicassim and Fuji Rocks – from what bands tell me, the latter is a truly magical festival to play. Stewy: What's your secret for staying upto date with current music? Jo Whiley: Stewy - Hey! I think we're all in the same boat - all of us who work in radio and the music industry. You just keep listening to the music you get sent whether that's in the post, via twitter, email...you listen to the radio and watch new videos on all the usual places on the interntet. The good stuff stands out - trust me! Alice: Where is the favourite place you have taken your children on holiday? Jo Whiley: Alice - Hiya. I think my favourite place to take the kids has been Thailand. I have family who live there so we tend not just to see that touristy side of the place. But it's brilliant to show them a completely different culture and for them to eat different food, see landscapes and have experiences that are totally outside of their every day reality in the UK. The food markets are something else! JMC: Where is your favourite family friendly travel destination? Jo Whiley: Afternoon! Undoubtedly the place that we, as a family, return to time and again is Cornwall because it has magnificent beaches and great coastline. Admittedly the weather can be dodgy but it doesn't really matter when you're surfing or body boarding whether it's raining or not. Plus you can always take refuge in one of their cosy pubs and drink cider! Jo Whiley: Thanks everyone, lovely to talk to you! Jo Whiley is the ambassador for the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card, which gives you and your family the freedom to travel on your terms with its flexible rewards programme. Search ‘Amex Gold Travel’ for more information.
Formula 1 2013: the best Grand Prix travel destinations
Want to see Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton race? Follow our quick guide on the best cities to watch F1 events in, and what else to do while you're there...
There’s nothing like the roar of a Formula 1 engine, the smell of grease and the sound of a screaming Grand Prix crowd. Your F1 experience doesn’t have to end at the small screen: travel to the Formula 1 destinations for glamorous parties and sightseeing galore this spring/summer… Shanghai, China Race dates: 12-14 April What to see: Shanghai’s spaghetti roads, 22 million people and diverse architecture make for a fascinating visit, here you can see the future and the past all in one city. The spectacular skyline in Pudong is well worth a look, with the Shanghai World Financial Center (aka the Bottle-Opener) sitting in the clouds, the bulbous spaceship-like pink Oriental Pearl Tower and video projections on the Aurora Plaza. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Huangpu River, see the grand British colonial buildings along the Bund. Can’t get there? Watch the race live on BBC and Sky Sports F1 (race starts 8am GMT Sunday) =Visit Shanghai with Radio Times Travel from click here for more details Barcelona, Spain Race dates: 10-12 May What to see: The Circuit de Catalunya is a half an hour's drive from the region’s capital and one of the most vibrant cities in the Mediterranean. Visitors can fill up on local paella, delve into an incredible art scene and see work by Spanish greats Gaudi and Picasso up close. Then lounge around on the beach or climb Montjuïic for a view over the throbbing city beneath. If you’re feeling lazy, a trip on the 1450 metre long harbour aerial tramway is highly recommended: it leaves from the port and ascends the looming hill every 15 minutes. Can’t get there? Watch the race live on BBC and Sky Sports F1 (race starts 1pm GMT Sunday) Visit Spain with Radio Times Travel from click here for more details Monte Carlo, Monaco Race dates: 24-26 May What to see: This tiny decadent European city is the glamour and gambling Mecca of Europe. Race weekends here have to be seen to be believed. During the Grand Prix, officials shut off public roads and turn the place into a playground of speed. By day crowds line the streets, watching cars zoom around its dangerous and hilly narrow twists and turns, by night they flock to the city’s bars, yacht parties and gourmet restaurants. When you’re not rubbing shoulders with the rich, make a visit to the impressive Grottes de l'Observatoire. On the site of this small astronomical observatory, there’s a prehistoric limestone cave network with a beautiful garden of stalactites and stalagmites. Can’t get there: Watch the race live on Sky Sports F1, highlights on BBC (race starts 1pm GMT Sunday) Visit Monaco with Radio Times Travel from click here for more details Montreal, Quebec Canada Race dates: 7-9 June What to see: After the races, explore this 31-mile-long island of Canadian and French culture. Here you’ll find boho hangouts, a bubbling indie music and art scene and some incredibly decent restaurants. When locals aren’t swanning around the place looking Parisian-cool, they’re picnicking at Beaver Lake, surfing the Lachine Rapids and cycling on the riverside trail. However, no trip to the city is complete without a visit to Old Montreal’s cobbled streets and famous church – the Notre-Dame Basilica, with its dramatic gothic exterior and golden starred ceiling. Can’t get there: Watch the race live on BBC and Sky Sports F1 (race starts 7pm GMT Sunday) Visit Montreal with Radio Times Travel from click here for more details Silverstone, England Race dates: 28-30 June What to see: Pair your visit to the track with a trip to the nearby Elizabethan manor house Canons Ashby. Inside the historic structure you’ll find Jacobean wall paintings, plasterwork and tapestries. Outside, the cultivated gardens were remodelled based on Sir Henry Dryden's 19th-century records of the estate. If you’re feeling active book a beginners skiing or snowboarding lessons at the nearby Milton Keynes Snozone – a giant fridge filled with real snow and a 170 metre slope. Or tackle the Jungle Parc, near Northampton. Here vistors can play Tarzan in a ironstone quarry – the tree tops within its 83 hectares have dozens of thrilling high-wire obstacles. Can’t get there? Watch the race live on BBC and Sky Sports F1 (race starts 1pm GMT Sunday) Go to Siverstone and the British Grand Prix with Radio Times Travel from £329, click here for more Images courtesy of Alamy, Nazarenko Maxim, Nigel Cox, David Iliff, Mark McArdle and Wiki Commons
Bear Grylls on surviving Scotland, holidaying in Wales and his new summer show Get Out Alive
The testicle-eating action man has braved some of the toughest, weirdest and most exotic environments on the planet, but still reckons Wales is "heaven on earth"
Adventure junkie Bear Grylls (Man Vs Wild) has been a busy man. He’s nearly finished shooting his latest TV show Get Out Alive for NBC – a survival reality show, which will see two teams go head-to-head in the wilderness (due to air on July 8) – and has recently launched Bear Grylls Survival Academy courses in Scotland and Surrey. Radio Times Travel caught up with him to talk man-eating crocodiles, getting diarrhoea up rock faces and his favourite place to holiday… If you were on your own, without camera crews and experts in the dangerous scenes from your shows, is there any point where you’re sure you wouldn’t have made it out alive? Yes. I have learned over the years that I am not as strong as people sometime assume. The wild is often very humbling when it gets angry. It takes a proud man that says he never slips up or needs a helping hand, and many times my buddies have helped me. You’ve recently launched the Bear Grylls Survival Academy in the Scottish Highlands; surely the UK is too easy? There will be no poisonous snakes, scorpions or yak’s eyeballs like in your shows, what life-saving skills can people learn here? Scotland actually can have some of the harshest terrain and weather on the planet – it is that grizzly combination of hard steep mountains, steep ravines and wind and rain. Never underestimate such an environment. I chose Scotland for that purpose. Survive proficiently in the highlands in bad weather and you are in great shape for then adapting those skills to multi-terrains. How can people use what they’ve learned on your course in their everyday lives? It is all about what if. What if I had to use these skills for real? Plus every man and woman should know how to light a fire with no matches or lighter, make an emergency shelter, cross ravines and rivers and descend cliffs with minimal gear, right? Not to mention a bit of unarmed combat, first aid and key life values such as cheerfulness in adversity, positivity, leadership and resourcefulness. What’s been your most challenging challenge? Probably both SAS Selection and [climbing] Everest. Both test resolve under pressure and an ability to look after yourself when the chips are down. What goes through your head that moment before you’re about to eat something revolting for the camera? Man I am hungry… let’s pretend it's chicken satay. View oEmbed on the source website How many of the creatures you ate for Man vs Wild actually made you sick? A few and it is always awkward getting diarrhoea half way up a rock face a few hours after discovering that the goat’s testicles were rancid. What kinds of holidays do you go on when you’re not doing adventurous TV shows? We go as a family to our little island hideaway in north Wales. It’s 20 acres and one small cottage. It is my heaven on earth. What’s your favourite climate and terrain? I have always loved the mountains and the sea – they bring out the best in me, and it is that rare part of me that is clear and focused and strong. I miss that connection when I am away from either for too long. Is there anywhere on earth you’d never go back to? The black swamps of Sumatra were tough – full of man-eating crocs feeding off the 65,000 human corpses that were left after the tsunami there. It is a dead ravaged mossie-infested toughie of a swamp. What’s your shelter of choice mud hut/ five star hotel/ yurt/ caravan/ hammock or igloo? Those Siberian yurts can be amazing refuges and have saved me a few times in mid-winter unexpectedly. What are your five top tips for holidays on the wild side? Be prepared. Go with good friends you trust, who are relaxed people. Have a back up plan. Have back up comms. Pack a sense of humour. Would you rather be approached by a bear or a crocodile? A bear. They’re more predictable. What’s the most common way people get in trouble in the wild? Ego often means that people underestimate how fast the wild can turn nasty if you drop your guard, get injured or get lost. Who do you most idolise in the travelling world? My late father: the man who taught me to climb and sail and to have the courage to make a few mistakes and follow my dreams. Get Out Alive airs 8 July on NBC