The ruin of Top Withens farmhouse is the perfect place to experience the fictional world that the Brontes created in their novels. Purported to be the location that Emily had in mind when she wrote Wuthering Heights, the farmhouse is reached by a well signposted walk across the moors from Howarth. Far removed from the touristy tea shops in the village, the isolation of this windswept ruin gives you a true sense of what it must have been like in the world of Cathy Earnshaw or Jane Eyre. The views are wonderful, but even on a bright summer's day, the loneliness and solitude of this moorland are an almost tangible presence, and you feel that the howling winds and harsh frosts of winter are never far away.

www.haworth-village.org.uk/brontes/places/top_withens.asp
Google map: bit.ly/or3Rm4

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This gorgeous little theatre is central to Funchal - its proper name is the Baltazar Diaz Theatre (named after a Madeiran poet).
The auditoreum is a minature Albert Hall and we saw the Madeiran Youth Mandolin Orchestra give a magnificent concert. The whole thing was absolutely charming but one could sit for ages in the empty auditorium and admire the atmosphere and architecture - large numbers of boxes surround the stalls and all the curtains and seats are a sumptuous crimson. Well worth a visit if ever in Funchal - both a musical performance or a play would be a joy.

www.cm-funchal.pt
Avenida Manuel de Arriaga, 9000-060 Funchal, Portugal
+351 291 215 130
Google map: bit.ly/qqbd5i

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After our coffee in Caffe Belli in a lovely little town of Amandola in Le Marche, we decided to walk up to the top of the town for a wonderful view of the Sibillini mountains. We came across this small but perfectly formed theatre, still very much in use (there had been a children's performance of The Wizard of Oz the previous day). Le Marche has many beautiful theatres, but none as small as this.

www.amandolateatro.it
+393349101625
Google map: bit.ly/nVXyRB

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The Minack Theatre is a stunningly beautiful open-air theatre in Porthcurno, Cornwall. On the edge of a rugged cliff above the ocean, the audience are entertained both by the on-stage action and the jaw-dropping view behind it. If you're looking for a unique and spectacular theatre-going experience which creates a thoroughly magical atmosphere, then this is for you!

www.minack.com/index.htm
Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JU
+44(0)1736 810181
Google map: bit.ly/oq6mLw

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Pan.Optikum is a Theatre Company with a difference; you cannot just sit down and watch giant street theatre because it happens all around you. You look in one direction and the actors are coming towards you on huge platforms, then suddenly you hear a voice behind you and another actor is climbing a back-lit scaffold structure. All this happens as an amazing emotionally stirring soundtrack plays around you.
Their productions include pyrotechnics, singing, cantilevers, acrobatics, lights, silhouettes, music, video and dual language performances; a sensory experience that cannot be matched.
See them in their home country, Germany, or catch them on tour. But see them you must!

www.theater-panoptikum.de/index.php?id=1
gemeinnützige GmbH, Engesserstr.6, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
+49 761 503 944 9
Google map: bit.ly/nIaEJ0

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Summer may be over (if it was ever really here) but there is plenty to look forward to in the Autumn. I’ll be heading to the 2011 Biennial Art Nouveau event, taking place over the final four weekends of October, and this year with a special focus on Victor Horta (born 150 years ago). Visitors sign up for guided tours of Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings: this appeals to my interest in the architecture of this period, but also to my incurable nosiness, as many of the places featured are private houses not usually open to the public! Each weekend covers a different area of the city. You can either book a passport for a particular weekend, or buy a pass for the whole event. The website helpfully lists some Art Nouveau bars and restaurants to try as well.
The event is organised by voir et dire Bruxelles: a roundtable group of tourism associations – each with their own specialism and offering a variety of bus, cycle or walking tours in French, Dutch or English. If you miss the biennial event, keep an eye out for their themed tours taking place at other times of the year.

www.voiretdirebruxelles.be/biennale
www.voiretdirebruxelles.be/
2-4 Rue Royale, 1000 Bruxelles
+32 (0)2 563 61 51
Google map: bit.ly/obSjyQ

* Bec is our Been there local for Brussels. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/brussels-local-rebecca.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/Becinbrussels

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The Leicester Square Box Office is a small theatre ticket box office tucked away in Leicester Square.
I recently bought tickets to Lion King:The Musical, and the tickets were a lot cheaper than anywhere else! You can't argue with that.

www.lsbo.co.uk
42 Cranbourn Street, London, WC2H 7AN
+44(0)20 7087 2999
Google map: bit.ly/mZCZaH

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Tyneside has many landmark structures and buildings including The Sage Gateshead.
The Sage which is situated on the south bank of the River Tyne, is both a visual and audio delight, its outer skin of reflective glass echo's the changing light of Tyneside all day, every day.
The interior of The Sage will blow your sense's even further with panoramic views of the River Tyne and Newcastle Upon Tyne. Its theatres are as sympathetic to the eye, as they are to your ear. If The Sage is as close to Newcastle, as you ever get then your decision will be right on tune.

www.thesagegateshead.org
St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR
+44(0)191 443 4661
Google map: bit.ly/rkMGJU

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Scarborough's Open Air Theatre is the largest in Europe, and first opened in 1932. It closed in the 1980's and was left to decay, but is now back stronger than ever, and was re-opened by the Queen in 2010.
Close to the north beach, it occupies a beautiful setting in a natural amphitheatre. The 6500 seats stretch up the hillside, while the stage is in the middle of a small lake against a backdrop of trees.
Over the years it has been home to a variety of performances from local operatic shows to It's a Knockout, and since the re-opening they have staged music festivals, Last Night of The Proms featuring Kiri Te Kanawa, and a gig by Sir Elton John.
2012 events have yet to be announced - remember an umbrella and a rug!

www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com/
Burniston Road, Scarborough YO12 6PF
+44(0)844 888 9991
Google map: bit.ly/mZ2wX0

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Third Thursday in September an open art exhibition in the old town area of Palma. Not only galleries but public buildings and shops open their doors with an amazing variation of art exhibitions. It all takes place with a lively fiesta atmosphere with people wandering in and out of exhibitions with a glass of wine looking and listening to everything that is taking place.

Old town area in Palma, Mallorca
www.seemallorca.com/nit-de-l%27art--palma-de-mallorca.html
Google map: bit.ly/pFOMR8

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Teatro Dimitri is a small family theatre based in Verscio in the Centovalli - Ticino. It is the opposite to SERIOUS switzerland. Try and book up for "Canti popolare nel ticino." No yodelling or thigh slapping, just Dimitri and Roberto singing together.

www.teatrodimitri.ch
+41 (0)91 796 24 14
6653 Verscio, Switzerland
Google map: bit.ly/qniaPm

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Just completed a mutli-million dollar refit and it looks stunning both inside and out. As good as you will get anywhere in the world.

www.aucklandartgallery.com/
Corner of Kitchener and Wellesley Streets, Auckland, 1010
+64 9 379 1349
Google map: bit.ly/pcuaUy

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The Rustaveli Theatre is a stately, grand building set on one of the main tree-lined avenues that run through the centre of Tbilisi. The corner stones still bear a couple of bullet holes, remnants of the independence struggles of the early 90s. I was at the inaugural Georgian International Festival of Theatre in 1996, and remember jamming into the back of the circle, peering between the numerous decorative pillars, straining to see Vanessa Redgrave performing a one woman show. There is a huge tradition of theatre in Georgia, and the visual, imaginative productions of Shakespeare created during the Soviet Era made a huge impact at the Edinburgh Festivals of the 80s. The International Theatre festival's still going, now renamed the Tbilisi International Festival of Theatre, and you can still see international stars (such as John Malkovich) as well at the top national companies performing on the Rustaveli stage.

17 Rustaveli Ave, Tblisi
+995322726868
rustavelitheatre.ge
www.tbilisiinternational.com

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If you're not going to be able to make Semana Santa (Holy Week) or don't want to face the crowds, to at least get a feel for it head to La Torre del Oro in the evening (8pm+) to spot the band practicing. No matter what time of year (even when the event has only just past) they are there trumpets-a-tooting, drums-a-banging.
Another spot is in the Maria Luisa Park, not too far from the Plaza de Espanya entrance.

Paseo Cristobal Colon S/N, 41001 Sevilla, Spain
+34 954 22 24 19
Google map: bit.ly/nUjWjR

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‘Beaming Riga’ (Staro Rīga) is the festival of lights which transforms the panorama of Riga in dark evenings of November. November 18 is also the birthday of Latvia, so coming to Riga on these dates kills two birds with one stone. ‘Beaming Riga’ is a festival all around the city which transforms the city using light, video and
other technologies - buildings, squares, monuments, streets are live and talking through
technologies and creativity.
"Beaming Riga 2011” will take place in the city on 17th – 20st of November in urban
environment. Some more dark autumns evenings transformed into the urban fairy tale by
arts.

www.staro.lv/en

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The contemporary arts forum White Night (Baltā Nakts) presents art, theatre, music,
movement and other art projects and performances. Every year White Night is organized all over the city at the end of August/beginning of September. ‘White Night 2011’ will be here on 10th of September. More than 65 art, music, theater, survival, performance
events in former factory VEF, Spikeri, Miera street, Old Town, and the centre of Riga
and in suburbs. Enjoy the beauty of arts all night long for free, heading form one place to
another! White Night forum is organized by Riga City Council Department of Culture in
cooperation with the active Latvian cultural organizations, involving a number of Latvian
and foreign artists. The city’s cafes, galleries, bookstores, clubs and other establishments
take an active part in the forum.
„White Night” is part of the joint “European White Nights” project by Brussels, Madrid,
Paris, Riga and Rome. This idea is also adopted by Amsterdam, Bucharest, Porto and
Valletta (Malta), as well as Toronto, Tokyo, Montreal, Chicago and other cities.

www.li.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=283&Itemid=1

* Kristine is our Been there local for Riga. Her page is here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/riga-local-kristine.jsp and she has her own blog here: www.friendinriga.blogspot.com

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To promote the new season of Boardwalk Empire, HBO is running a restored 1920s subway train on the 2/3 lines each weekend in September. You can catch the vintage train at the 96th, 72nd, and 42nd streets. I can't wait to check out the rattan seats, ceiling fans, and old-fashioned windows!

www.fastcompany.com/1777858/mta-goes-back-in-time-for-boardwalk-empire-promo

* Amanda is our Been there local for New York. You can check out her page here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/new-york-local-amanda-green.jsp and her own NYC blog here: www.noisiestpassenger.com/

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The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts is a breathtaking glass building that hosts
performances from the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada. Besides the repertoire of great productions, there is also a free concert series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre.
From September to June, concerts take place most Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, and some Wednesdays at noon or 5:30pm. Because of limited seating, admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Although the programming is not geared toward young children, everyone is welcome to attend a concert. Genres range from vocal, piano, jazz, chamber music, world music, and a dance series.

www.coc.ca/PerformancesAndTickets/FreeConcertSeries.aspx
145 Queen Street West (near University Avenue)
+ 1 416 363 8231
Google map: bit.ly/q4GthM

* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/GiuliaFalsetti

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The Gardiner Museum is the only museum in Canada devoted exclusively to ceramic arts. Since its $20 million makeover in 2006, the museum is a great example of modernist architecture. Spread over three floors, the permanent collection of over 3,000 pieces cover several millennia. Items include ceramics from Ancient American works, Chinese and Japanese porcelain, Dutch Delft pottery, Maiolica from the Italian Renaissance, and Canadian and international contemporary collections. Free guided tours with admission are offered every day at 2pm. You can also catch the exhibits for free every Friday night, from 4pm to 9pm.
Upcoming exhibits include The Tsar’s Cabinet, October 13, 2011 to January 8, 2013, featuring a selection of imperial Russian porcelain and decorative arts, most of which were specifically designed for and used by the tsars and members of the Russian imperial family.
Complementing these exhibits, the museum offers clay classes for adults and children; Family Sundays, from 1pm to 4pm, the Gardiner Café, with a lunch menu.

www.gardinermuseum.on.ca
111 Queen’s Park, Toronto
+ 1 416 586 8080
Google map: bit.ly/o1zHCp

* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/GiuliaFalsetti

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This is the museum of the Nobel Prize Organisation. Not large or overly technical; very interactive, including videos and interviews describing why the work of particular winners was so significant. Particularly enjoyed the displays of items that had been donated. Check out the way the 2010 Physics Prize winners managed to achieve something no one thought was possible- there is hope for us all!

www.nobelmuseum.se/en
Nobelmuseet Stortorget 2, Gamla Stan, Box 2245, 103 16 Stockholm
+46 8 534 818 18
Google map: bit.ly/rnryFV

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