Adventure – The Cultural Exposé

Go Ape has opened in South London (SW11 to be precise)

Matilda — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 08:48:59 +0000

It was only last month that I found out that Battersea Park would be getting its very own Go Ape tree top adventure course – and I, for one, can’t wait to try it out (it’s literally on my doorstep). It’s come just in time too – the Tokyo marathon training is starting to feel a bit samey now, so maybe climbing some trees will shake things up a bit!

It opened December 10th and you can find all the details here.

The wait is almost over. Go Ape at Battersea Park opens soon! Join the adventure from 10/12 #goape #goapetribe #battersea #batterseapark #sw11 #london #visitlondon #adventure #adventuretime #skyline #uk Photo by @gdenaeyer @visitlondonofficial @goape_batterseapark

A photo posted by goapetribe (@goapetribe) on Dec 3, 2015 at 1:02am PST

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What we’ve been up to… Gromit Unleashed, Bristol

Matilda — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 10:00:11 +0000

As much as we love to traipse around the capital, summertime usually throws up a few opportunities to venture further afield – so we didn’t hesitate to accept an invite last week to visit Bristol – one of the UK’s most creative cities, less than two hours away from London, and for the next 10 weeks, the home to Gromit Unleashed – a groundbreaking public art exhibition for adults and kids alike.

80 5ft “Gromits” have been dotted around the city – many based at some of Bristol’s leading attractions – and visitors can go on a hunt to discover their whereabouts. It’s worth the challenge too: the sculpture designs have had the creative input of many artists and celebrities including creator Nick Park, Where’s Wally creator Martin Handford and Cath Kidston – so they look pretty amazing. Plus, there’s at least three main trails you can follow which will take you around legendary landmarks and streets, giving you the chance to also see some of Bristol’s most striking street art (and maybe a Banksy, if you’re lucky enough!)

Armed with a map and a camera, my pal and I spent last Saturday tracking down as many Gromits we could in an hour, after waking up to discover a “Where’s Wallace” in the lobby of our hotel, the Marriott, on College Green. We then walked along the uber-hip Park Street – a brilliant, uphill stretch of cool cafes and boutiques – before ending up at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Here, we found “Tuten-Gromit” and “Newshound” – the one sculpture featuring Gromit’s best friend Wallace. Walking further up, along Queen’s Road towards the Victoria Rooms and the RWA Art Gallery, led us to Bushed and the stunning “Golden Gromit”, designed by mosaic artist Julie Vernon. We didn’t manage to locate the nearby “Vincent van Gromit”, but headed back down Park Street and to the Waterside to see a crowd eagerly congregating around the pirate-inspired “Sally Sea Dog”, which had just been placed in the area.

There’s no denying that Gromit Unleashed is a big deal for Bristol this summer, especially as all funds generated from the project go to the Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal , supporting the expansion of Bristol Children’s Hospital. So we’re definitely backing this “hip and arty” urban adventure that’s a brilliant excuse to leave the bustle of London for a day (or two!).

Gromit Unleashed runs until September 8th. For more information, visit www.gromitunleashed.org.uk

Thank you to Visit Bristol, Joes Bakery, Pieminister, Bristol Packet Boat Trips, M Shed and The Marriot College Green for their hospitality.

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Somewhere you should go… Wilfred Bagshaw’s Time Emporium

Florence Ritter — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:00:34 +0000

If you could go back in time to any place in any era, where would you go? This age-old question will stir even the most wearisome, dragging conversations into motion: all of us seem to have strong opinions about our imagined historical hotspots. But for all of the times this question has been raised, I doubt any notable percentage of the responses was: ‘Oh, fourteenth century England … yes, without a doubt, fourteenth century England’. Rats, revolts and ravaging wars, and the Black Death sweeping the country with its horrible scythe? Not altogether appealing. But anyone who collected Horrible Histories scratch’n’sniff stickers in their childhood must surely harbour a secret desire to experience the deep dark Middle Ages. Now you can. Wilfred Bagshaw’s Time Emporium promises to transport participants back to the year 1381 as part of an immersive and interactive adventure. Reserve your tickets now to catch a trip thorough Bagshaw’s time portal which will open only briefly for two nights this month.

The evening’s exploits are to begin at Village Underground in Shoreditch, where Wilfred Bagshaw will welcome you with open arms and details of the evening’s quest to find a mystery artefact. The night will unravel into an adventure to which you decide the outcome, set in the whirlwind of social and political turmoil of fourteenth century England. Following completion of the assignment, Bagshaw will treat his crusaders to a warehouse party with bands and DJs (joining you through the portal from the 21st century) playing until the early hours of the morning. From 11pm, revellers from today’s era can join the medievalites for the party only.

What are you waiting for? Ladies, don your finest imported Italian silks and wrap up in cat and squirrel stoles; guys hike up your breeches and fasten your cloaks tight. Gather together your ha’pannies, farthings and groats for a ticket through time. (Words: Florence Ritter)

Wilfred Bagshaw’s Time Emporium runs 22nd – 23rd March. For more info, visit: www.time-emporium.com

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