Search Results

Art. Music. Film. Food. Books. Immerse yourself in rich and diverse elements from countries all over the world. Culture Art. Music. Film. Food. Books. Immerse yourself in rich and diverse elements from countries all over the world. NEW POST! 'UNNATURAL AND UNCOMFORTABLE': NEW WUTHERING HEIGHTS BITES OFF MORE THAN IT CAN CHEW 4 Mar 2026 ‘Unnatural and Uncomfortable’: New Wuthering Heights Bites Off More Than It Can Chew Read More 13 Feb 2026 AN ELEGY WRITTEN FOR CITIES How should we endure history? And how should we face modernization? Read More 5 Dec 2025 An Interview with Kate MccGwire: Quiver Lingo's Culture and Language Editors, Arabella Moore-Smith and Scott Froggatt, interview Kate MccGwire about her utterly unique upon visiting her 'Quiver' Exhibition at Lakeside Arts in Nottingham Read More 30 Nov 2025 A Film Review: Hard Truths - Written and Directed by Mike Leigh Read More 29 Oct 2025 A Concert and Album Review: From The Pyre - The Last Dinner Party at The Level Read More 23 Oct 2025 Hidden in Plain Sight: Poverty at the Edge of Paradise in the Dominican Republic Read More 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ... 13 Meet the Editor Arabella is a Theology student and the 25/26 Culture Editor.

English and French < Back Holly Cromwell Holly was our 2023/24 Culture Editor. An English and French student, Holly is interested in languages and cultures, with a particular interest in film. For her, writing for Lingo is a way to enjoy this further and be a bit more purposeful with her interests, find and share new things! Latest Articles by this Author Students Protest the (Western) World Over 25/05/24 My Journey with Language Learning 13/02/24 Finding the Light: Reviewing a Beeston Film Festival Variety Pack 27/04/24 Ladies Lounge: The Story of One Man’s Entitlement and Why That’s The Point 18/04/24 Mental Health Awareness Week: What's Going on at UoN? 14/03/24

Les règles de vie en France - Dos and Don'ts of Living in France Ellie Price Sunday, 20 March 2022 To celebrate French Language Day, our Social Sec, Ellie shares her tips for living in France in our first foreign language article Vivre à l'étranger est une expérience tellement génialissime ; vous explorez tellement de nouveaux endroits, essayez une variété de nouvelles choses et vous trouvez une partie de vous-même que vous ne saviez pas qui était là avant - cliché, je sais ! Mais c'est 100% vrai, comme je l'ai trouvé moi-même. Cependant, parmi l'excitation, il y a aussi des sentiments de doute, comme vous ne savez pas à quoi vous attendre. J'ai donc compilé une courte liste de choses que vous devriez et ne devriez pas faire pendant votre séjour en France pour vous aider. Les choses à faire -Essayez de parler le plus de français possible, même si ce n’est pas parfait, les françaises apprécient l’effort ! -Voyagez, embrassez la culture et visitez autant d'endroits que vous le pouvez, c'est le moyen optimal d'obtenir la meilleure expérience et vous n'aurez peut-être plus jamais l'occasion. Je suis allée à Marseille, Bordeaux et Toulouse en un mois, ce que je n'aurais pas fait si je n'avais pas vécu en France. -Essayez la nourriture différente - et le vin ! Même si vous n'aimez pas le vin habituellement, essayez-le, vous pourriez changer d’avis ! J'ai trouvé que le Saumur blanc est divin. -Sortez de votre zone de confort. Rejoignez un club ou une salle de sport, sortez seul pour un repas, peu importe, faites quelque chose que vous ne feriez pas d'habitude, c'est une façon de rencontrer des gens et aussi de prendre confiance en vous ! Les choses à ne pas faire - Attendez-vous à tout comprendre tout de suite. Je ne pense pas que votre niveau de français à l'université soit important, discuter d'un sujet défini chaque semaine et parler français en France sont très différents. Donc, au début, cela ressemble au français que vous pensiez connaître, vous ne le saviez pas. Ce n'est pas pour vous effrayer de vouloir partir à l'étranger mais cela vous dit que c'est normal d'avoir l'impression de ne rien comprendre du tout au début, car vous apprenez si vite et finalement votre niveau de français sera tellement meilleur revenir qu'il ne le fera quand vous arrivez. Ce qui, je suppose, est le but de notre année à l'étranger. - Manger seulement des baguettes, quelque chose dont je suis très coupable ! Oui, ils sont délicieux, et oui, ils sont très addictifs, mais essayons d'autres nouveaux aliments ! -Stress. Il est facile de se sentir anxieux et de laisser la peur d'être à l'étranger prendre le pas sur votre expérience, mais ne le laissez pas, car sinon vous ne profiterez pas au maximum de votre séjour à l'étranger. Tout le monde a de mauvais jours et il ne fait aucun doute que vous en aurez quelques-uns mais assurez-vous de profiter des bons jours et de penser aussi positivement que possible ! -Oubliez de dire en toute sécurité ! Il est important de s'amuser et d'essayer de nouvelles choses, mais toujours en sécurité, restez sur des routes bien éclairées, faites savoir à vos amis si vous rencontrez quelqu'un, vous connaissez l'exercice. -Et enfin, n'oubliez pas de vous amuser et de documenter votre expérience, qu'il s'agisse de prendre une photo rien que pour vous ou de créer une page/blog/vlog Instagram pour partager votre expérience avec tout le monde ! Ce sera une expérience que vous ne voudrez pas oublier ! J'espère que cela vous a prodigué des conseils utiles et a aidé à réduire les soucis de votre année à l'étranger ! Bonne Chance ! About the Author Barcelona’s Hidden Gems: Live like a local and escape the tourists Mhairi MacLeod 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse Hungry in St Petersburg? My Top 5 Restaurants for Visitors Jess Henrys Images provided by Ellie Price. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: French Language France Tips Living Abroad Ellie Price Categories: Travel Feature Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

Film in Flux: Conflating Creativity and Artificial Intelligence at Gothenburg Film Festival Francesca Beaumont Wednesday, 25 October 2023 A look at Sweden’s contemporary cultural industry and how AI plans to augment and reimagination some of Sweden's most famous film's. Exploring what Gothenburg Film Festival's digitalized debut mean for the future of the film industry. Is it an exciting experimental shift in cinema, or will Artificial Intelligence be used to undercut the authenticity so intimately undergirding art house cinema? In January 2024, the Göteborg film festival will be host to an AI-assisted reimagination of Swedish arthouse classic ‘Persona’ (Dir. Ingmar Bergman). But what does this digital debut mean for the future of the film industry? Is it signalling an exciting experimental shift in cinema? Or will AI Augmentation be used to undercut the authenticity that is so intimately undergirding art house cinema? In this debut, Liv Ullman, most known for her performance as Elisabet Vogler in Persona (1966), will have her face digitally replaced by the face of Alma Pöysti, a Swedish-speaking Finnish actor, most recognised for her 2023 performance in ‘Fallen Leaves’. Jonas Holmberg, Göteborg film festival’s artistic director, claims that “the authenticity that has made ‘Persona’ a classic has been urgently reactivated by technological advancements”, and thus this restoration of ‘Persona’ (1966), which will be screened exclusively at the Swedish film festival, will act more as a “discussion on acting and technology” than an applause for emerging technological advancement in the film industry. Choosing Ingmar Bergman’s arthouse apotheosis is an interesting move from Sweden’s largest film festival, as Bergman’s films are intrinsically tied to the nature of the soul. His oeuvre is famous for extracting and implementing Nietzschean ethics and Kierkegaardian existentialism throughout. And to now frame his works inside a digital medium provides a platform for some very interesting debates. Holmberg argues that AI is purely reactivating authenticity, but how is it possible that we can attach authenticity to art that requires digitalism to propel itself into the scope of legitimacy? In anti-AI rhetoric, it is held that creativity is an invariably human quality – one that is completed out of sync with technology. To be creative is to be human. In superseding our own creativity with AI, are we not outsourcing our humanity to machinery as a means to mitigate the authenticity of the self? However, it is also widely held that all technology is inevitably embedded in, and influenced by, the social context in which it is developed, and thus there is no reason why Artificial Intelligence doesn’t have the capacity to emulate the authenticity of the human soul. This suggests that the artificial restoration of Bergman’s classic is not upending the complexity of the human condition but rather enhancing the multitude of ways we approach it. In many of Harvard Business Review’s AI Articles, it is held that “AI carries such great potential to satisfy the need to create content that it is incredibly representative of the consumer”. Taken positively, we can then take on the assumption that, through digitally enhanced art and film, we will soon be reaching a place where AI will be able to reflect to us the essence of our own authenticity with impressive accuracy. And where better to start than cinema? Sweden’s contemporary film scene is certainly home to some of the most current and heated debates regarding the merging of Artificial Intelligence with Art. So, whilst this artificial augmentation of ‘Persona’ will not be releasing outside of Sweden, it still births a very important argument regarding cinema worldwide and how emerging technology plans to modulate the cultural industry. About the Author Film in Flux: Conflating Creativity and Artificial Intelligence at Gothenburg Film Festival Francesca Beaumont Rugby: A culture of respect? Eleanor Curtis Images provided by Unsplash. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: cinema technology culture sweden Francesca Beaumont artificial intelligence Categories: Cultural Spotlight Global Culture Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! Barbara Dawson average rating is 3 out of 5 Lovely tasty dish. Try it you won’t be disappointed. Time Published Aunty Liz average rating is 3 out of 5 Very tasty and cheap. I often have this for tea! Time Published BETTS average rating is 3 out of 5 Being a bilingual family (French mother and British father,) living in France I thought your article was extremely interesting . Have you research on bilingualism ? It seems that when the mother is British and the father French and they both live in France their children seem to be more bilingual than when the mother is French and the father is British . This is what we called mother tongue , isn't it ? Time Published Niamh average rating is 3 out of 5 Such an interesting article! Time Published LOAD MORE

How did the Convicted Felon Donald Trump Manage to Win the US Elections? Caitlin Morrell Monday, 9 December 2024 While the 2024 U.S. Elections were expected to be close between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, Trump won by a landslide of 291 electoral votes to 222, becoming the first convicted felon to be elected president. Donald Trump’s shock victory in the 2024 U.S. Elections has divided the country into two reactions: excitement and dread for what will come in his administration's next four years. This article analyses some reasons for Trump's victory and what happens now. Donald Trump, the candidate representing the Republican party, was criminally convicted in May and found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business record to commit election fraud. And yet, the convicted felon won the election just weeks ago. The two candidates, former prosecutor and democrat Kamala Harris against the former defendant and republican Donald Trump were expected to be neck and neck according to many journalists and political analysts. Yet, in a turn of events, the republican won with over 76 million votes. The outcry from democrats has flooded social media, warning those of minority groups to do whatever is necessary to stay safe. On the other hand, there’s delight from Republicans who believe that Trump will lead America into a better condition than its last administration. Regardless of your thoughts, the revelation of this landslide win is still surprising, considering Trump’s controversial policies, sexual misconduct allegations and criminal charges- an issue of particular importance due to their severity. It makes many question: exactly how did a criminal win the presidential election? Many reasons are primarily based on what went wrong in Kamala Harris’s campaign. For example, Harris lamented the position of the United States regarding minor demographic groups such as LGBTQ+ groups and ethnic minorities rather than focusing on general issues that affect everyday lives of all Americans, such as the economy, crime rates and immigration. One could argue that the threat which some of Trump’s policies and views hold for civil rights in the United States, and Harris’ advocation for equality amongst the American people, including female healthcare and legalisation of abortion nationwide, may explain the demographics for Harris voters. Furthermore, Joe Biden, the current president, dropped out of the presidential race in July rather than earlier after blunders in debates that eroded confidence in the Democratic party. Many analysts and supporters believe that Harris may have stood a chance if given more time to campaign. Further out of Harris’s control as a black woman, is the historical gender and racial bias of presidential candidates where many previous candidates were white and/or male. While she did win over most voters from ethnic minority groups, these groups only make up a small chunk of the United States. Ethnic minorities make up only 72 million of the population compared to over 252 million white Americans according to 2023 statistics, and Trump won over half of the votes from both white men and women. That is not to say that Trump was fortunate based on the opponent’s misfortune. For example, Trump was right to focus on the United States’ economy. 45% of all voters said they were worse off financially than they were four years ago. One Trump voter talking to LBC stated : “We’re tired of being stomped down, we’re tired of high gas prices, we’re tired of being bullied - and we stood up for the first time.” A lot of Trump voters stated economy to be a driving point of their decision, but the attempted assassination of Trump in July could very well be a contributing factor too. Demonstrating resilience he made a public appearance less than two days later. By this point, Trump was dominating polls, leaving Biden behind and Democrats reeling from the defeat that had yet to be confirmed. Trump’s success in the US election is something that could be debated for days for many reasons, but the results have stated its official victor without complaint. While Haris and Biden has peacefully conceded and ensured “smooth transition” for the now President-Elect, it has not stopped them from working. The Biden Administration’s green light for Ukraine to use US-supplied missiles to strike Russia on Sunday (17th) and usage of landmines on Wednesday (20th) indicates rapidly rising tensions for the world. This is a major policy shift from the democrats promise in 2022 to limit anti-personnel landmines. How Trump will proceed in January with the Ukraine-Russia conflict as well as the fate of the United States is something that the world will sure be watching. About the Author Copyright free images via Pexels. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Elections Categories: I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! Barbara Dawson average rating is 3 out of 5 Lovely tasty dish. Try it you won’t be disappointed. Time Published Aunty Liz average rating is 3 out of 5 Very tasty and cheap. I often have this for tea! Time Published BETTS average rating is 3 out of 5 Being a bilingual family (French mother and British father,) living in France I thought your article was extremely interesting . Have you research on bilingualism ? It seems that when the mother is British and the father French and they both live in France their children seem to be more bilingual than when the mother is French and the father is British . This is what we called mother tongue , isn't it ? Time Published Niamh average rating is 3 out of 5 Such an interesting article! Time Published LOAD MORE

University of Nottingham Alumnus < Back Hui Liu Hui Liu is an alumnus from the School of Education. She joined the Rambling and Hiking Society during her study at the University of Nottingham and developed her interest in hiking. She explored the Peaks, the Lakes, the Yorkshire Dales and some other outdoors. She believes the world is always worth exploring, just as human potential is limitless. She speaks Mandarin Chinese, English, Thai, and is currently learning French. 谢谢！Thank you! ขอบคุณค่ะ Merci beaucoup! Latest Articles by this Author 周末好去处：湖区 18/11/25

48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse Tuesday, 15 February 2022 Join Niamh, a French and Spanish third year, for 48 hours in this beautiful, Andalusian city, full of life, culture and history! Seville has been an important city throughout Spanish history, from its Moorish routes to the country's Golden Age, when the city benefited from the hordes of riches brought from the New World. The result of this is that is has become a city rich with a beautiful culture and an extraordinary history. As well as being a cultural hotspot, the Andalusian capital has a bustling nightlife, making it the perfect destination for a city break. Full of hotels, Airbnbs and hostels, the city has plenty of places to stay – even on a student budget! Day 1 The best way to start your day in Andalusia is with an authentic breakfast! Pan con tomate, toasted bread served with salmorejo (tomatoes blended with bread), olive oil and occasionally cured Serrano ham, is something you have to try when visiting Seville. In the majority of cafes, you can order this alongside a coffee and fresh orange juice, amazingly for under €5. Walking through the cobbled streets of the city, you'll be able to find many places offering this deal. But I recommend Café Mamá Inés, with it serving a range of coffees and alterations on the classic pan con tomate. The second reason Mamá Inés is the ideal place to start you trip to Seville is the location. Situated on Plaza Zurbarán, it is just a 30 second walk from one of the city's most iconic (and controversial) landmarks - Las Setas. Las Setas de Sevilla Las Setas, or ‘The Mushrooms’ as it's known in English, is a relatively new addition to Seville’s landscape, with construction being completed in 2011. Although contrasting to the rest of the quarter’s architecture, it is still an impressive structure and with a short escalator ride up, you have access to viewpoint across the city – completely free! Top Tip! Remember to bring your student card for discounts and deals across the city! After a look over the city from the top of the Setas , wander along to one of the three UNESCO World Heritage sites that Seville has to offer, el Catedral de Sevilla . Said to be the third biggest Church in the world, this colossal building has been a central part of Seville for nearly a thousand years. Having watched over the city for all this time, you get an immense sense of the history held within the building, especially around the tomb of the renowned explorer Christopher Columbus. With beautiful architecture and decoration throughout, you can easily spend an afternoon walking through the Cathedral, its side chapels and gardens. Don't forget La Giralda Tower included in your ticket for another breath-taking view across the city! La Giralda Tower Moving into the evening, the city gets even busier. An integral part of Spanish culture is the nightlife and Sevilla is a great place to experience this! Begin your evening with a meal in one of the city's many restaurants - from a traditional tapas bar to cuisines from afar! We went for Asian tapas at Sibuya Sushi Bar and very much recommend! After dinner, visit a bar or chupitería. These won't be hard to find - squares across the city will be jampacked with enthusiastic locals and visitors alike enjoying a cerveza or glass of tinto. For more of an exclusive feel, there are also plenty of rooftop bars on offer to sip a cocktail and watch the sun go down! Day 2 Undoubtedly, one of the most popular breakfast spots in Seville is La Mala Brunch. Offering a range of dishes, such as traditional tostadas, classic eggs benedict and waffles & pancakes to satisfy those with a sweet tooth, there is something for everyone at La Mala Brunch. Although remember to book or arrive early as it can have around an hour waiting time! Pancakes at La Mala Brunch After desayuno , it's time to explore the Real Alcázar, a remnant of Arab rule over the city. This enchanting palace has been a royal residence since the eighth century and you can tell why the royals love it so much! With its Moorish facades, tiles and domes, it really transports you to another era and world. As well as, a walk around the extensive and tranquil gardens will certainly help you recover from the night before! Top Tip! As you may have heard, Seville is famous for its oranges - their trees line the streets and fill the gardens of its palace. However, don't be fooled by their vibrant colour! They are extremely sour and bitter and VERY unpleasant to eat. We learnt the hard way! Following the beautiful Alcázar, make your way to the Plaza de España in Parque de María Luisa. It is a little bit of a walk (20 minutes) from the city centre but definitely worth the trip! Or if the walk is a little too long, there electric scooters to rent dotted around the city. The plaza is bordered by colourful tiled alcoves, each representing the different provinces of Spain, and features a moat. Rowing boats are available to hire for €6, making it a very budget friendly sunset activity. For the final night in Sevilla, I recommend doing something quintessentially Spanish! So cross the River Guadalquivir in La Tirana, the old gitano neighbourhood of the city. La Tirana is rumoured to be the birthplace of flamenco, so there's no better place to watch a show! Small, intimate venues are scattered throughout this barrio, offering authentic and thrilling flamenco performances nightly. So grab some tapas and cerveza and enjoy the show! About the Author Barcelona’s Hidden Gems: Live like a local and escape the tourists Mhairi MacLeod 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse Southern Spain’s Architectural Gems Vicki Mileson Images Provided by Niamh Woodhouse For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Tips Spain Seville Food History Niamh Woodhouse Categories: Travel City Guide Culture Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

French and Contemporary Chinese Studies < Back Isabelle Clark Isabelle is in her second year here at Nottingham and enjoys writing about her travel adventures, sustainability in travel and the outdoors over on her travel blog and Instagram account, Isabelle's Itinerary (under isabellesitinerary.com and @isabellesitinerary , respectively). We can't wait to hear more of her tales! Latest Articles by this Author I spy a basketball player 03/11/22 Here's to you, spontaneity 05/10/22

France: Culinary Masters? A Veggie's View Holly Cromwell Wednesday, 1 March 2023 The thoughts of a vegetarian on French cuisine after a few months living there, complete with tips for other veggies abroad. The first thing nearly everyone says when you say you’re going to France on your year abroad is “oh my god the food” and I’m not poopooing the patisseries – they are amazing – it’s the savoury cuisine poses an issue for me. To be fair, I’m in the north of France, in a region known for pork and seafood. I don’t eat either, and I mainly experience French food in a school canteen but even outside that it just doesn’t look appetising. Full disclosure: I haven’t heard the carnivores complaining much. French food, at the accessible everyday level, kind of looks like if medieval peasants had access to modern kitchens. They’re also not so good at adapting to other culture’s food, there’s much less diversity in the smaller towns and cities and what there is can be a little spice-less. And that is coming from a white Brit. It’s kind of bad. When it comes to eating in France, size really matters. The veggie food available in my small town limited to a four cheese panini, pizza, quiche or a crepe, and then you’re limited by opening hours could be a whole other article. In the next nearest town, which is a bit bigger, there’s more variety but not so much that I didn’t get a bit over-excited when visiting the region’s capital which had more than one Indian restaurant, so much good Thai food, and a vaguely unsettling amount of ramen shops right next to each other. Going somewhere bigger again, and Paris has international brands that you recognise. Realistically, it is really difficult to eat traditional French food and be vegetarian. It just isn’t a part of the culture here; I spent the first month half joking that I should have learnt Italian. France in general does not appear to understand vegetarianism at all. I’m working and living in a school, which has been kind enough to let me join the boarding school students in the cantine for lunch. This is great because food here is a bit more expensive than at home, and a full meal for three euros fifty with no cooking time is nothing to sniff at. That said, I was once given a plate of potatoes and showed back to the entrees counter (yes, France does entrees even in schools) to add some vegetables. That was the worst I’ve seen so far but a good meal still usually contains pasta with no sauce or couscous that somehow tastes vaguely of olive oil. They have expanded their horizons a little, I got a veggie lasagne last week, but that’s not the norm. I’ve eaten a lot of boiled vegetables. I’m tired. When I then started to try to cook at home, for variety if nothing else, veggie sausages don’t exist here. I mean that literally, the government banned vegetarian and vegan substitutes from using the names of meat products, in order to protect French industries. This doesn’t stop the small but growing number of veggies in France, it just makes it so much harder to find anything. There’s an organic section but its not all there and I only found the sausages by using click and collect and searching specific brands… For other veggies who are feeling a bit lost: Céréal Bio can be found at E. Leclerc, which I’ve also found to be a little cheaper than Carrefour. When all is said and done, I will big up my new home and shout out the Breton specialty: Galettes. They’re vaguely related to crepes but savoury and crispier and restaurants that do them normally have a goats cheese and honey galette and its just so good. There is always a good option for me here. My final tip: get the confidence to talk to your serveurs . My life got so much better once I could say “Je prends ça mais sans le poitrine – si c’est possible?” and had the confidence to branch out from my usual safe options. That said for the first few days: pizzerias, creperies and cafes are your friend, with the usual fast food brands obviously still there too. Beware though: McDonalds and co. all have different menus here. About the Author Barcelona’s Hidden Gems: Live like a local and escape the tourists Mhairi MacLeod 24 Hours as an English Student in Paris: A Survival Guide Kit Sinclair YEAR ABROAD TALES: Does Distance Make the Heart Grow Fonder? Francesca Wren Images provided by Holly Cromwell. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Holly Cromwell Cuisine France Year Abroad Living Abroad Vegetarian Categories: Travel Experience Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

Weekend Getaways: The Lake District Gabrielle Wroe Monday, 17 March 2025 Why not take a quick weekend getaway with your friends? It’s the perfect escape for busy students in need of a break from constant studying. A weekend trip lets you unwind, recharge and discover new places- sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery to shake off the uni stress! Even if it’s just for a day or two, there are some great places to visit on a low budget. As a student, I’ve found that small trips are incredibly worthwhile. University life can be stressful, and taking a break to recharge is essential for your mental well-being. A perfect staycation that I highly recommend is the Lake District, which remains one of the most idyllic and tranquil places I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. Last spring, I ventured there for the first time with my partner, spending a weekend in the charming village of Dent. The Lake District is easiest to reach by car, with a scenic drive of around 2.5 to 3 hours from Nottingham. If you don’t have a car, don’t worry! There are also several train stations dotted around the region, making it accessible from various parts of the UK. Trains can be a cheaper alternative if you have a railcard along with student discount. During our trip we stayed in an affordable Airbnb for three days, which was ideal – it gave us the perfect balance of comfort and affordability. Airbnb is a great choice for budget friendly stays, but you could also look for B&B’s or hostels which could save you a bit more money. The Lake District is the perfect destination if you love hiking and the outdoors! Anywhere you stay in the Lakes has countless walks and hiking routes with picturesque views, so you’ll never run out of places to explore. Whether you’re intermediate or beginner, the Lake District offers trails for all levels of experience. If you prefer gentle strolls, I recommend taking a trip to Lake Windermere, which has beautiful views and offers a flat walk. There are also more challenging climbs such as Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak that promises breathtaking views. Also, in many villages there are local pubs and cafes that offer meals with a cozy atmosphere, which is perfect after a day of hiking. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities such as boat rides across the lakes, local markets and lots of charming little shops and cafes. The area is very rich in history too, so there are a handful of museums and historic sites that you can explore if you aren’t too bothered about the walks. Whether you're seeking adventure or just a short trip with friends, the Lake District offers a perfect weekend getaway. About the Author Header image is copyright free and courtesy of Unsplash. Article images provided by Gabrielle Wroe. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Travel Travel Guide England Categories: I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! Barbara Dawson average rating is 3 out of 5 Lovely tasty dish. Try it you won’t be disappointed. Time Published Aunty Liz average rating is 3 out of 5 Very tasty and cheap. I often have this for tea! Time Published BETTS average rating is 3 out of 5 Being a bilingual family (French mother and British father,) living in France I thought your article was extremely interesting . Have you research on bilingualism ? It seems that when the mother is British and the father French and they both live in France their children seem to be more bilingual than when the mother is French and the father is British . This is what we called mother tongue , isn't it ? Time Published Niamh average rating is 3 out of 5 Such an interesting article! Time Published LOAD MORE

Working with History: What It's Like to Work at Nottingham Castle Kaitlen Elaine Wood Sunday, 1 June 2025 Imagine stepping into a world where every artefact tells a story and every archive in a museum’s collections holds secrets waiting to be retold and newly uncovered. Working in the museum sector truly feels like an adventure through time, whether conducting research on specific collections or engaging with diverse visitors who offer their own perspectives and input on the historical narratives told throughout the museum. Each day that I work at Nottingham Castle reminds me that my role is pivotal in preserving Nottingham’s collective memory. My name is Kaitlen Elaine, and I am an international master’s student at the University of Nottingham. I am studying International Media and Communications, which involves extensive coursework on the United Kingdom’s cultural and creative industries. While I’ve always been interested in England’s heritage sector, I am grateful that I’ve received the opportunity to gain practical experience at the site of one of England’s most important medieval castles. Working at Nottingham Castle My role in the museum and art galleries encompasses various responsibilities, including serving as a heritage visitor experience assistant, assisting with cave tours, researching the castle’s alabaster collection, and working in the Brewhouse Yard Museum, which is a small museum below Castle Rock. Each aspect of this position has contributed to my personal and professional growth within this sector and my overall understanding and appreciation for Nottingham’s extensive history. Cave Tours Nottingham is known as the ‘City of Caves’ and is recognised for its extensive network of man-made caves that date back centuries. These caves hold significant historical importance, especially the cave beneath Nottingham Castle, called Mortimer’s Hole. These caves, which are carved into what is known as the ‘goldilocks’ of sandstone–not too soft and not too hard–beneath the city, have served various purposes throughout time, from storage and living spaces to dungeons and air raid shelters during World War II. During the cave tours, I assist the main tour guide with audience engagement and aid in the retelling of stories about the castle’s past, such as its role in the English Civil War and its connection to notable figures like Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest. Helping with cave tours requires a foundational understanding of the caves' physical layout and their historical context. I have learned to engage visitors by tailoring my communication styles to different age groups and interests. For instance, younger children might enjoy the tale of ‘Mortimer the Fox,’ which is a local fox that lives in the cave, while adults often appreciate more detailed accounts of historical significance, such as guessing the dates of certain events. This adaptability has improved my public speaking and boosted my confidence in interacting with diverse audiences. Working in Heritage Visitor Experience In addition to cave tours, I work as a heritage visitor experience assistant in the exhibitions and art galleries throughout the museum. This involves ensuring all visitors have an enjoyable and informative experience while exploring Nottingham Castle. My responsibilities include greeting guests, providing information about exhibits and events, and assisting with any inquiries they may have. This role has taught me how to handle challenging situations gracefully, such as addressing visitor complaints or managing large groups of people, while maintaining a positive atmosphere. Moreover, collaborating with other staff members has fostered a sense of teamwork that helps us provide exceptional service. However, one of the most challenging things about this position is that I must have a base-level understanding of each exhibition and gallery so that when someone asks a specific question, I should be able to answer it. For example, I need to know where works by Joseph Mallord William Turner are, as his work is commonly sought after by visitors. This gets easier over time, but it was initially quite overwhelming! Researching the Alabaster Collection A part of my work with Nottingham Castle involves researching Nottingham Castle’s alabaster collection, specifically the ‘Three Flawford’s Figures.’ Alabaster is a type of stone that has been used in art and architecture due to its translucence and softness. The castle is home to several unique alabaster artefacts that reflect local craftsmanship and broader artistic trends during different periods. My research focused on identifying the origins of these pieces, their historical significance, and artistic styles, as well as taking that information and simplifying it for a younger audience. For this research, I utilised various resources such as academic journals and museum archives, and I found an interesting book that explores Nottingham alabaster and its value in Europe. Creating a Scavenger Hunt As a part of my research, I developed a young person’s scavenger hunt designed to engage younger audiences with the history of the Three Flawford’s Figures on display at Nottingham Castle. The scavenger hunt encourages participants to explore the historical and artistic elements of the Flawford Figures and critically analyse the choices that the artist made when crafting them. I aimed to make the activity fun and informative by incorporating interesting facts about each artefact alongside interactive challenges that would keep young visitors engaged throughout their examination. The scavenger hunt not only keeps younger visitors entertained but also fosters a deeper sense of curiosity about art history. Working in Brewhouse Yard Museum Alongside working in the Castle, I also have experience working at the Brewhouse Yard Museum, where I have learned much more about the local heritage. The museum showcases life in Nottingham during different historical periods through engaging exhibits that highlight everyday experiences. The Brewhouse Yard Museum is located in 17th-century cottages that experienced a lot of economic ups and downs, urban expansion, and rapid industrial change. The most interesting thing that I’ve learned about the Brewhouse Yard area, which is located below the Castle, is that it was conveniently located outside the jurisdiction of the city’s parishes. This meant that the cottages provided tax-free living and safety for religious non-conformists for some time; however, this also meant that there was a lot of crime as well. My role here consists of greeting museum visitors, specifically those who have just finished a cave tour, as the tour ends at the bottom of Castle Rock, where Brewhouse Yard sits, and assisting with short guided overviews of the cottages. It’s interesting to witness firsthand how important storytelling is in museum work, which is a rewarding aspect of this position. Working with History Working at Nottingham Castle has provided me with experiences that extend far beyond my original expectations. From assisting with medieval cave tours to researching the Castle’s alabaster collection, I have gained practical skills applicable across the heritage sector whilst immersing myself in British culture and Nottingham’s unique heritage. This opportunity has nonetheless deepened my passion for continuous learning and my appreciation for history’s complexities, which is an invaluable lesson I will carry forward into future endeavours in the heritage sector. About the Author Header image provided copyright free courtesy of Unsplash . For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Culture Castle History Categories: I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! Barbara Dawson average rating is 3 out of 5 Lovely tasty dish. Try it you won’t be disappointed. Time Published Aunty Liz average rating is 3 out of 5 Very tasty and cheap. I often have this for tea! Time Published BETTS average rating is 3 out of 5 Being a bilingual family (French mother and British father,) living in France I thought your article was extremely interesting . Have you research on bilingualism ? It seems that when the mother is British and the father French and they both live in France their children seem to be more bilingual than when the mother is French and the father is British . This is what we called mother tongue , isn't it ? Time Published Niamh average rating is 3 out of 5 Such an interesting article! Time Published LOAD MORE

English and Hispanic Studies < Back Eva Bywater Eva has just finished the 3rd year of her English & Hispanic Studies degree, which she spent in Spain, Costa Rica, and Argentina. She loves to read, travel, and do yoga :) Latest Articles by this Author Year Abroad Tales: The World’s Biggest Serranito 01/10/24