What's New for 2015 In Britain

It's time to start thinking about 2015 and the stories it will bring! We've compiled a list of 15, naturally, ranging from great sporting events to literary anniversaries that will put a spotlight on must-visit destinations for next year. We've also compiled a guide to Luxury aimed at international media wishing to tell people all about how to experience the high life in Britain. Added to that is our usual mix of story ideas aimed to inspire and inform - from Paddington the movie to Norfolk's 'Royal Coast' - and you have this month's Britain Calling! Next month's edition will bring you our quarterly accommodation update.

15 GREAT stories & : Next year's calendar is jam-packed with events, anniversaries and key dates that guarantee Britain will be on the top of holiday wish-lists next year! For media, this means lots of fantastic story ideas to keep you coming back to Britain, and here we serve up 15 stories for 2015 to get you going. We've also put together next year's major anniversaries, openings and events.

Paddington: bear designs and an unlikely fashion icon

This week the much anticipated Paddington Trail was revealed with 15 stunning bear statues now on display across London. The Bears revealed included David Beckham's 'Golden Paws', Emma Watson's 'Flutterby', Benedict Cumberbatch's 'Sherlock Bear', Peter Capaldi's 'Paddington Who?', Stephen Fry's 'Paddington is GREAT', Nicole Kidman's 'Blush' and the Mayor of London Boris Johnson's 'The Bear of London': from Big Ben and St Paul's Cathedral to Tower Bridge – this Paddington wears his love for London on his sleeve. http://media.visitbritain.com/News-Releases/Paddington-designs-by-David-Beckham-Hugh-Bonneville-Nicole-Kidman-and-Benedict-Cumberbatch-unveil-11dbf.aspx

Images of Paddington Bear in his red hat and blue duffel coat are famous the world over. With a new Paddington movie being released this summer, the famous bear could spark something of a fashion frenzy. Gap have already released a line of Paddington infant clothing while Britain, Paddington's adopted home, is packed with British clothing lines ready for you to create your own Paddington-inspired style. http://media.visitbritain.com/Story-Ideas/Paddington-an-unlikely-fashion-icon-11bf3.aspx

Plus we've got updates on Paddington and marmalade-themed afternoon teas around London.

Don't forget to check out the trailer at http://youtu.be/38JaisS0uQA . Film is released in Australia on December 11.

NEW! Luxury is GREAT guide for media: 

Britain is the place to visit for a luxurious, glamorous experience, and VisitBritain is proud to present its new Luxury is GREAT guide for international media. The guide serves up inspiration and information on accommodation, dining, shopping and travel experiences for those visitors looking to be pampered and live the high life. Download it media.visitbritain.com

Become a British etiquette expert: 

The British have long been governed by rules of etiquette and though less prevalent now, it is fun to learn your afternoon tea from your high tea, and just how to hold a teacup. Read more: http://media.visitbritain.com/Story-Ideas/Become-a-British-etiquette-expert-11d06.aspx

Pop a cracker, marvel at fireworks - its Christmas and New Year! Read about how to get in the festive spirit at Christmas markets, ice rinks and more on where to see in 2015 with a bang in Britain at:
http://media.visitbritain.com/Story-Ideas/Merry-Christmas-11b31.aspx
http://media.visitbritain.com/Story-Ideas/New-Year-s-Eve-2014-11b32.aspx

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2015 highlights Salisbury and London's fantastic museums: 

Lonely Planet has released its much anticipated lists of Best in Travel for 2015. Salisbury in Wiltshire, south west England, featured in the top 10 cities to visit next year, while the Kensington Museums were number one on the list of free things to experience. http://media.visitbritain.com/Story-Ideas/Lonely-Planet-Best-in-Travel-2015-highlights-Salisbury-and-London-s-fantastic-museums-11cd3.aspx

Area focus: Explore Norfolk and England's 'Royal Coast': 

Discover Norfolk, the part of Britain loved by the Royal Family. It's perfect for romantic couples' retreats or family vacations: the ideal place to unwind, enjoy beautiful scenery and explore market towns packed with fantastic pubs and cute antique stores. http://media.visitbritain.com/Story-Ideas/Explore-Norfolk-and-England-s-Royal-Coast-11bf4.aspx

Marking 800 years of law and liberty – The Magna Carta legacy: 

Next year marks the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta by King John and his barons. In a story that begins and ends in England, this iconic Great Charter is championed for outlining the ideas of freedom, democracy and rule of law – it has influenced constitutional-thinking across the globe, affecting billions worldwide. http://media.visitbritain.com/Story-Ideas/Marking-800-years-of-law-and-liberty-the-Magna-Carta-legacy-11cb2.aspx

And finally – The World's Biggest Liar, Lake District, North West England: 

This annual contest will be held on November 14 & 15 at The Bridge Inn pub in Santon Bridge, a hamlet of the Lake District. The competition is held in honour of 19th-century Bridge Inn landlord Will Ritson, who was famous for his incredible stories. Competitors are given five minutes to impress the judges with an outrageous but convincing lie; previous years' winners of the title of World's Biggest Liar have included nuclear plant worker Glen Boyland, who won after telling an unlikely story about racing snails with Prince Charles. Politicians and lawyers are reputedly barred from entering, as they are considered to "have an unfair advantage". http://media.visitbritain.com/content/detail.aspx?ReleaseID=61510&NewsAreaId=13