Get packing
HOT ON THE TRAIL WHEN John Reginald Reuel Tolkien was growing up in Birmingham he and his brother played in the fields around Sarehole Mill and Moseley Bog.
Tolkien later drew on this “lost paradise” as inspiration for the forests and shires of his books. Both locations are part of a Tolkien Trail around Birmingham.
Sarehole Mill is now a museum and renovation of the 200-year-old building is ensuring its future as a working flour mill and Victorian bakehouse (it reopens March 30).
Moseley Bog and adjoining Joy’s Wood are now a nature reserve with two Bronze Age mounds.
In celebration of the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Tolkien events include an Origins Of Middle-Earth walk ( December 14) from Sarehole Mill and a behind-the- scenes tour.
The following day you can take your own Unexpected Journey around the Sarehole Mill area on an open-top bus. More information www.bmag.org.uk
Moseley Bog and adjoining Joy’s Wood are now a nature reserve with two Bronze Age mounds
FESTIVE FEAST
Indulge in a 12 Days Of Christmas afternoon tea at London’s Intercontinental Hotel, Park Lane (0871 423 4901/ www.intercontinental.com). The hotel is serving up some unusual dishes based on the song’s lyrics alongside traditional scones and clotted cream in its Wellington Lounge. Sweet-tooths will enjoy a dark chocolate torte drum (complete with mini drumsticks) and strawberry-filled swan-shaped choux buns. The climax of the Christmas anthem is represented with a mouthwatering treacle tart decorated with gold leaf and (all together now) five gold rings. Afternoon tea from £28pp.
MIRACLE IN A BOTTLE
If the harsh winter weather is playing havoc with your skin we’ve found the perfect solution in a bottle to pack for a weekend away. Heaven Skin Care’s (www.heavenskincare.com) SOS Oil is a gold-tinged liquid packed with vitamins and can be used as a serum. Just add a few drops to wind-chapped or dry skin and gently smooth on to the area or combine it with your daily moisturiser for extra hydration. £39.