How to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen
2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth. Here are exhibitions, events and more — happening across the UK — that mark the occasion.
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'There seems to be little sympathy, understanding or respect for the kind of work that goes on in the world’s leading horticultural charity': Alan Titchmarsh calls for RHS Wisley compensation
The RHS estimates that it will lose £11 million from ongoing roadworks on Junction 10 of the M25 — enough to fund 15 NHS wellbeing gardens.
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Eastern promise: Mandarin Oriental opens a second London hotel on Hanover Square
What exactly is Mayfair's first new build hotel to open in more than a decade like? We sent Annunciata Elwes to find out.
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Good news for South London's most famous dinosaurs as the National Heritage Lottery Fund set to spend £30 million on its 30th anniversary
Castles, railway stations and Victorian dinosaurs are among the beneficiaries as the National Lottery Heritage Fund announces its latest plans.
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Hedgehog numbers have plunged in the last 20 years — but help is at hand
Annunciata Elwes reports on the new National Hedgehog Conservation Strategy that's been created by two key conservation organisations.
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You had me at merlot: The rise of English wine and what it means for the countryside
For the first time, the UK is home to more than 1,000 vineyards — and counting.
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The Store review: Oxford’s newest luxury hotel on the site of the old department store, Boswells
Swapping clothing and haberdashery for king-size beds and cocktails, the transformation of Boswells into The Store Hotel is cleverly done, finds Annunciata Elwes.
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London as you've never seen it — and as you'll never see it again
The East End of London has changed rapidly in recent years, but photographer Paul Trevor chronicled it from the 1970s to the 1990s. His images have been collected in a new book, Market Day.
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Fresh calls to list Jubilee Line extension stations
The stations opened in 1999 deserve to be recognised and protected from future development, according to campaigners.
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Legacy of loos seeks new custodian
Ever wanted to own more than 1,200 antique loos, washbasins, baths, taps and bathroomalia? Well, now is your chance, as the Thomas Crapper Museum is up for sale.
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The great Blue Plaque mystery in London
Dozens of blue plaques have gone missing down the years, and English Heritage is determined to try and find them.
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Britain's rarest plant is set to go on public display at Kew Gardens
Those wishing to enjoy what might be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see flowers such as the lady’s slipper orchid should probably start planning now.
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Curious Questions: What are the finest last words ever uttered?
Final words can be poignant, tragic, ironic, loving and, sometimes, hilarious. Annunciata Elwes examines this most bizarre form of public speaking.
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National Racehorse Week, a unique chance to go behind the scenes of the Sport of Kings
National Racehorse Week returns for the fourth consecutive year next month, in a bid ‘to show the public what life as a racehorse is really like’.
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Vote for your tree of the year and help save our 'Living Legends'
This year's theme is 'Magnificent Oaks', and the competition aims to spread awareness that trees have little legal protection, according to organisers the Woodland Trust.
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Newly revealed letters from the Dickens family reveal strange names, odd jobs and mutual distrust
If you think you and your siblings don't get on, just wait until you see what Charles Dickens's children said about each other.
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Shipwreck of the Earl of Abergavenny receives protected status
The ship was captained by John Wordsworth, brother of the romantic poet William, and sunk off the notorious Shambles bank in Dorset.
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University Arms, Cambridge, review: The hotel where a book butler comes as standard
The world’s biggest crème brûlée, Edwardian luxury, books, books and more books — Annunciata Elwes explores the University Arms, Cambridge.
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Thatch under threat? Poor harvests, labour shortages and war are causing the industry to struggle
A new report from Historic England suggests that, despite high demand for the work, the profession is struggling.
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The £20,000 watch made from the wing of a Spitfire shot down in the Second World War
The ultimate enthusiast's timepiece?
