Five Of The Creepiest Asylums

Buildings formerly used as insane asylums are creepy and disturbing for a number of reasons. Even the best of these institutions were often the site of crude medical procedures and inhumane treatment of the inmates. Add to that the fact that most of these facilities have been abandoned with numerous structures, furnishings and medical instruments left on-site and the result can be a very chilling place to visit. The following are five of the creepiest asylums in the world.

Discover The World Of Alan Partridge

This summer will see the return of one of British broadcasting’s most beloved and admired figures, the man known to potentially billions of people thanks to the World Wide Web as Alan Partridge. Following the success of his Mid-Morning Matters show on the North Norfolk Digital station, and the release of his highly-regarded autobiography, movie producers have finally seen the potential of Partridge and given him the big screen debut that fans have been calling for for years.

Having begun his stellar career on hospital radio, Alan moved swiftly on to the heady heights of BBC radio, where his unambiguous talent was discovered and nurtured, leading to his now legendary chat-show. A series of unfortunate incidents led to his downfall however, and he spent several months in the entertainment wilderness before mounting his successful counter-attack, first with a well-regarded show called Skirmish on cable channel UK Conquest, and then his triumphant return to local Norfolk radio.

Partridge’s erudite delivery, easy charm and piercing interview techniques have earned him a loyal fanbase the world over. His connections to the county of Norfolk, where he was born and raised and continues to live, are well-known. If you’d like to get to know the real Alan, the man behind the fame, here are some must-visit spots:

Why London Or A Similar City Would Make The Perfect Bond Villain's Lair

Any self-respecting evil genius needs a suitably imposing lair. What would Blofeld have been without his hollowed-out volcano, Scaramanga without his Pacific island or Stromberg without his underwater palace? It’s a little-known fact that a Bond villain with a sub-par lair runs a very real risk of humiliation at the annual Union of Super villains Christmas get-together.

The trouble is that most lairs are somewhat inaccessible. A remote Himalayan fortress might give you the privacy needed to conduct nefarious schemes, but popping to the shops for milk can often be a nightmare. Modern Super villains need a place that combines the convenience of 21st century urban living with the traditional requirements of a sinister hideout and London could just be the ideal choice.

Licensed To Thrill - Following 007 Around The World

The James Bond franchise is one of cinema’s most long-running and enduringly popular series of films. There are many reasons why they appeal to people (mainly men admittedly): the girls, the gadgets, the cars, the villains and their nefarious plots, the witty one-liners. And one other key component – the exotic locations. Put yourself in the shoes of the world’s most famous spy and visit some of the scenes of his most explosive exploits.

The Bizarre History Of The Hollywood Sign

The most famous sign in the history of mankind is the one that graces the side of the hill above Hollywood, California. As famous a landmark as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De Janeiro, the Eiffel Tower in Paris France, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, The Church of the Savior on Blood in Saint Petersburg Russia, and the Statue Of Liberty in New York City, the Hollywood sign is known around the world as the symbol of the American movie industry.

007 Locations - Follow in the Footsteps of James Bond

This photo was used under the Creative Commons license curtsey of Flickr.com

James Bond celebrates 50 years on the big screen this year, marked by screenings all over the world of the classic films, a car exhibition in the UK and the release of BOND 50, a box-set of all 22 James Bond films on Blu-ray.

The high-flying spy has always inspired location envy, from James Bond Island in Phuket to the idyllic Bahamas and Jamaica. But for James Bond fans hoping to follow in his suave footsteps without breaking the bank, Europe also has plenty to offer. Mr Bond shows a particular affinity for the dramatic vistas of the Alps, the moneyed opulence of the French Riviera and the big, bombastic castles for which France is world famous.

For some Bond inspiration, here's a look at some of the most incredible European locations he loved, killed and smarmed in. An adventurous spirit and good walking boots required; Caddish behaviour and excessive drinking optional.

Great Books Adapted Into Great Films

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This year sees the long-awaited screen adaptation of Jack Kerouac’s classic 1950’s Beat Generation novel, On the Road.

Aired in Cannes in May, the film has received mixed reviews and anyone who held a copy of Kerouac’s cult classic close to their chest while undertaking their own adventures will no doubt be in two minds whether to see their beloved characters brought to the big screen.

That’s the thing about adapting a moving picture from the written word: you’re going to have to fill in the pictures yourself and they won’t always be how they were first envisaged within a reader’s imagination.

I personally loved On the Road and was incredibly jealous of the bravery and conversational intelligence of the likes of Sal Paradise and his friend Dean Moriarty. In some ways I tried to emulate the pair by going off on my own travels through Europe however, what I encountered was never quite as exciting and yet with my well-thumbed copy of Kerouac’s classic by my side I still felt that I was embarking on a beatific adventure holiday trip of my very own.

Now, with the film being shown to a wider audience and possibly the book being confined to the shelves of the past, I got to wondering what previous adaptations have done a good job of presenting prose on the silver screen.

Below, in my opinion, are three of the best books to grace the big screen and do the written version justice.

Great Holidays Inspired by this summer’s Blockbusters

This photo was used under the Creative Commons license curtsey of Flickr.com

With summer now upon us, the season of hugely hyped Hollywood blockbusters has arrived ready to try everyone’s patience with oversized budgets, wooden acting, over the top special effects and preposterous plots.

However, if nothing else, most of these films at least provide some fantastic eye-candy to enjoy, and whether they’re set in a tropical jungle, vibrant metropolis or alien-infected spacecraft, can offer some great inspiration for that all-important summer holiday. So before you plan your next trip to the Cineplex, take a look at these 5 summer blockbuster options, pick one that best matches your ideal holiday and start taking notes. That way you’ll get something out of the experience, even if it turns out to be as bad as Battlefield Earth.

The Bourne Vacation - Real Life Locations of Jason Bourne's Most Thrilling Moments

From James Bond and Ethan Hunt to Indiana Jones and Sherlock Holmes, men of action seem to capture the imagination of the public, and many follow in their path to retrace the footsteps of these fictional heroes. Yet no other all-action hero has been more popular in recent years than Jason Bourne, played by actor Matt Damon in the Bourne Identity series of movies. 

With the fourth movie in the series, The Bourne Legacy, scheduled for release shortly, here is a look at some of the real life destinations that Jason Bourne visited in the course of the movies, places where you too can visit on your holiday and feel a bit of the excitement and energy.

Films To Inspire A Trip To France

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When I was younger I used to love hopping over the Channel to France to embark on cycling holidays and adventures which usually involved sleeping in odd places, meeting extraordinary people and requesting money from back home to ensure my safe return.


Before I’d set out on such experiences I’d often immerse myself in all things French including books, music and food, all of which flamed my desire for what I considered to be one of the most romantic and exciting countries on the planet.


These days, my passion for France hasn’t dwindled and although my bed and board tends to be of a slightly better standard to when I was younger, I still consider the cities and countryside to be just as enticing as they always were.


With the above in mind I’d like to suggest to you five very different films to inspire the joie de vivre that can only be experienced by visiting our continental cousins.

Five Of The Best Summer Holiday Films

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If anyone’s still harbouring hopes of a long hot summer in England then I take my Kiss Me Quick hat off to you sir or madam because you are a beautiful optimist that doesn’t appear to know the meaning of the word drizzle.

Of course, there will be patches of clement weather where the possibility of camping flits into our mind or there may be a break in the clouds for long enough to cobble together a quick picnic, however these moments are usually few and far between and tend to have the life expectancy of a May fly.

So, what to do on a summer’s day when you can’t go outside because it’s raining? Ah, watch a film on TV. Oh no, wait! That’s right, even your faithful servant TV is against you this year as wall to wall Euro football, Wimbledon and Olympic Games coverage is guaranteed to take precedence over any other form of televisual entertainment.

It’s up to you to legally download, order online or rent from Blockbusters (if they’re still going) a film to help you get through the dark days from June to August.

And, in the spirit of summers past, I’ve decided to share with you my very own top five list of holiday movies that are all guaranteed to help you forget about throwing frisbees, eating ice creams and Fatima Whitbread.

Long live the summer!

Perthshire - Offering A Piece Of Scotland For Everyone

Once seen as the biggest county in Scotland (hence it’s name the ‘Big County’), Perthshire may have seen a slow decline in popularity over the last five or six decades due to the development boom within cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow in nearby counties, but for those who care to take a trip to Perthshire today, they soon know all too well just how fantastic a county it actually is.

Image credit: George Ornbo/Flickr

Seven Things To See Before You Die – Without Leaving The UK

Is it just me, or does it seem that dying happy costs a lot of money these days? Niagara Falls, the Great Wall, the Pyramids; if you legitimately took the time and expense to visit all the sites you are supposed to sea before you die then you’d better be prepared to shuffle off your mortal coil a penniless pauper.

It seems like such a tremendous waste when there are so many marvels of the world available on your very doorstep. Forget the Seven Wonders of the World in all of their overseas extravagance, here are Seven Wonders of the United Kingdom, all of which can be appreciated with nothing more than a train ticket and some good quality walking boots.

Discover the Great Outdoors Made Famous By Hollywood

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When City Slickers starring Billy Crystal hit the big screen in 1991, the title spoke volumes.

Here was a plot revolving around a bunch of lard-eating sissies who were afraid of the great outdoors. We laughed as three guys who spent their lives in city offices took off to try holidaying at a rodeo farm. We laughed harder as tough cowboy Curley put the soft city boys through their paces.

Hollywood brings to life the American wilderness in many of its blockbuster films and the message that goes with those movies is loud and clear. Adventure holidays bring out the man in you. Or the woman, if you to relate to the tough-talking ladies who feature in many movies and take no nonsense from the guys.

Edinburgh: The Festival Effect [Infographic]

Edinburgh has long been considered a top tourist destination for visitors to Scotland. With its combination of stunning architecture and historic buildings, along with fantastic cultural attractions such as museums and theatres, it is no wonder that Scotland’s capital attracts visitors from far and wide.


Perhaps one of the main things that entices visitors to ‘Auld Reekie’ is the incredible amount of festivals that the city plays host to every year. Whether you’re interested in science, performance, music or art, there is guaranteed to be an Edinburgh festival that you’ll enjoy.


As you can see from the infographic, the various different festivals encourage a lot of people to visit and stay in the city throughout the year, thus having a huge impact on the tourism industry in Scotland. In fact, the amount of money spent by visitors to Edinburgh every year makes up over three quarters of the overall visitor expenditure in Scotland.

Four Fab Films to Inspire Your Travels

Photo used under the Creative Commons license courtesy of Maria Rosaria Sannino 

I would defy anyone to watch Mamma Mia and not yearn to hop on a plane then and there and travel to a beautiful Greek island. A few years after watching the film, I did it, and found one of the dreamiest beaches ever. Kassiopi in Crete was covered with pure white, perfectly round pebbles and was fringed with black pines on one side and sea the colour of cobalt blue on the other.  You could gaze over from your private beach to the wild lands of Albania and imagine all sorts of stories to keep you entertained. I will never forget it.

A Moroccan Hollywood Adventure

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Morocco is like the America of Africa: go there and you will feel strangely at home having seen it so often in films. The forbidding dunes, the lush oases and the frenetic souks will all be familiar to anyone with even a minor interest in cinematography.

Being a bit of a culture vulture (read: nerd), I like to immerse myself in a place I'm going to by watching films and reading books set there. As a tourist, it can be difficult to get a real feel for a place, especially if you only have a short amount of time to spend there. Unless you're lucky enough to be staying with local people, you usually only get to meet people fleetingly and more often than not, they're other tourists. I find that experiencing the place through fictional characters can be a way to connect more fully with a place (read: I'm too shy to meet real people).

A trip to Morocco will undoubtedly be an exciting one: it is the perfect destination for adventure holidays in the desert as well as more leisurely city-based trips. Whet your appetite with a few of these choice morsels by watching some of the films in which they star...

Best Films Based Out Of London

When it comes to locations for movies, there are certain cities that have always caught the fancy of film-makers in Hollywood. Prague immediately pops to mind as does Moscow and the ever-present Paris. However, amongst the most famous films to have hit the screen, many have called London their home. A massive cosmopolitan city with layers of personality, London lends more to films than most named above.


That is probably the reason why this multi-dimensional city has been the base for some famous films like the ones named below.

UK: Hollywood Directors Grab London Office Space

Film sets and office space are the peanut butter and jam of the entertainment business. Producers looking to save on their film costs will often use serviced office space as a make-shift film set. In recent news, Hollywood directors are approaching London developers to enquire about leasing temporary office space. Already a hotspot for foreign investors, UK office spaces are being snapped up like hotcakes. From safe investments to landing spots for the likes of Batman and James Bond, developers are cashing in on these innovative offers.

Basking in the spotlight for their panoramic views, their prime location to high-profile events like the Olympic Games and the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation and their structural benefits, Central London workplaces are adopting new open door policies to maximise profit intakes.

10 Great Classic Songs For Road Trips

Road Trip Time Lapse (Photo credit: Neil Dorgan)

All the best road trips are synonymous with music, specifically musical mixes. MP3 players may have replaced mixed tapes or even mixed CDs, but still nothing rivals the road trip mixes and long distance journeys they once inspired.

If you’ve ever seen a Cameron Crowe film, you know the power of well selected music to pull you through personal stories and launch you into a life changing, coming of age adventure. It saddens me that in some ways we may have moved beyond the generation of mixed tapes. Perhaps playlists have replaced this but these are changeable, constantly editable. There’s nothing quite like the nostalgic feeling of putting in an old mixed tape or CD and hearing the music from your past wash over you as you pull out onto the highway and watch the roads and scenery flow by.

Road trips are not the same without some good mixes. Get thyself a great car or van and gather your favourite tunes to create the best travelling experience the road can offer.

Here are a few of the best songs for road trips, long drives, or other adventures, as discovered through working as part of a travelling theatre group, and enjoying many cross country road adventures: