Bear Grylls likes it outdoors, but the rest of like a bit of us comfort at the weekend

Its now that time of year again when the nights are drawing in and the weather is getting notably chillier. The daylight hours become far more precious; so what do you do to make the most of it during your free time?

If your like me then it usually takes quite a while to get going in the mornings after an over indulgent friday night. Say hello to the cat if he has not started to pester me already and of course feed him. Then I put on the kettle and start to contemplate what I can do with my day instead of wasting it away on the sofa, going from the the kitchen to sofa all day. Does this sound familiar.

Appeal to save Brueghel for the nation

The National trust has joined forces with the Art Fund to launch a £2.7 million fundraising campaign to save an iconic Old Master painting for the nation.

The Procession to Calvary’ by Pieter Brueghel the Younger is the star attraction at Nostell Priory in Yorkshire, owned by the Trust since 1954, where it has hung for over 200 years.Now, however, the painting, which is still owned by Lord St Oswald, has been put up for sale, with the risk that Nostell’s greatest work will no longer be accessible to the public.

I would like to support the cause and urge every one to help where they can.

Support it now

Nostell Priory and Parkland is a fantastic house built on the site of a medieval priory.

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Britain and Ireland Photos National Geographic

Britain and Ireland Photos -- National Geographic

Wallington an 18th-century landscape park has ponds, gardens and woods to explore

Wallington in Northumberland Dates back to 1688, Wallington was home to many generations of the Blackett and Trevelyan families, who all left their mark. The result is an impressive, yet friendly, house with a magnificent interior and fine collections.

Catch a glimpse of the rare red squirrels at Formby if your lucky.

If you have a place in your special nutty heart for squirrels then you must get over to Formbys pine woodlands and look out for the endangered red squirrel. Whilst you there you may as well enjoy the stunning coastline with large areas of beaches and sand dunes.

The woods here are one of seventeen red squirrel reserves in northern England; the reds are attracted by the large numbers of conifers, as they feed on the ripe pine cones.

Its definitely not grim up north

Its a popular saying from the south of England "Its grim up north", but just how has the North West of England managed to expel the gloomy image and become one of the top tourist destinations.

Well to start with the North West has an immensely diverse appeal, containing the splendor of Cumbria and the Lake District, through the romance of Lancashire and the cosmopolitan metropolis of Liverpool and Manchester to the ancient town of Chester. The North West is bordered by sea to the west, full of great beaches like southport and seaside resorts like Morecombe. Rugged Pennine Mountains to the East and lets not forget the fells of the Lake District to the north. The North West also borders two countries, Scotland and Wales so in all its uniquely equipped to thrill, surprise and seduce any visitor.

The North west is a place of extraordinary beauty, ranging from the soft, sandy coastline of cumbia to the rolling plains of cheshire, from the tranquil lakes of lancashire to the hubbub of blackpool and her famous illuminations. Have I gone on enough?

So next time you are thinking of a day out why not give the north west a visit.

Ashridge Forest, Autumnal scenes straight out of the story books.

The ancient Ashridge Forest glows with colour this time of year. The vibrant oranges and yellow of autumn shine through; a final burst before the snow covering of winter.

The magical forest surrounds Ashridge House, a Gothic mansion built by James Wyatt in 1808. The estate extends for six square miles and to the north leads Ivinghoe Beacon.

Nuclear Power plants; a necessary evil or should we look to preserve our landscapes?

The government has today identified eight sites in England and Wales that are suitable for future nuclear power stations. The possible locations are: Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex; Hartlepool; Heysham, Lancashire; Hinkley Point, Somerset; Oldbury, Gloucestershire; Sellafield, Cumbria; Sizewell, Suffolk and Wylfa on the Isle of Anglesey.

Get spooked at a haunted castle - after dark they comes out!

Legend has Lowther Castle is haunted by Sir James Lowther. He was very unhappy with a prearranged marriage, and fell in love with a farmer's daughter. When she suddenly grew ill and died, Sir James refused to believe she was dead and left her on the bed. She was finally moved and placed in a coffin with a glass lid, which he set in a cupboard where he could look at her. She was finally buried, and Sir James died unloved and unmourned.

Apple day at Beningbrough Hall & Gardens

© NTPL / Derry Moore

The national trust are celebrating the Apple all over the Britain. One such event is at Beningbrough Hall and Gardens North Yorkshire Apple Celebrations, 16 - 30 October 11am - 5pm.

If you like apples, cake and cider then there is something for you. Displays of apples, apple information on our many varieties, see our new orchard labyrinth, enjoy apple lunches, apple pressing and art workshops. Normal admission charges apply but there are no additional event charges.

Great Northern Cheese festival, The Lake District

A very cheesy event in the north west of england, The Rheged Centre will be talking place on Saturday and Sunday 16th & 17th October. So if you stuck for something to do get and smell the cheese.

This two-day event on Saturday and Sunday 16th & 17th October will offer visitors the chance to meet with, and sample cheese from small and large producers not just locally but from all over the UK, as well as have the opportunity to learn more about cheese through cookery demonstrations and cheese lectures from local and celebrity chefs including Michelin and 5AA Rosette award winning Jean-Christophe Novelli and Annette Gibbons OBE in our theatres.

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