Imagine yourself on a weekend away at a British country-house hotel, and thoughts of afternoon tea on the terrace and reading the papers over a full English breakfast may well spring to mind. But those traditions have now been supplemented by some of the most modern cooking happening anywhere in the country.

The website

The rain poured down on the first day of the Isle of Wight 2013, but hardened festival goers remained unfazed despite the muddy conditions.

Thousands of music-lovers have been piling on to ferries to the Isle of Wight for the first of the major summer music festivals.

From tears and sorrow on Friday to smiles and triumph on Saturday, Ben Ainslie set a searing sub three hours new record in the Round the Island Race in tribute to his old friend and fellow Olympic gold medallist Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson.

A £27 million museum for Henry VIII’s flagship, the ‘Mary Rose’, will be opened later in Portsmouth, reuniting the ship with thousands of its artefacts after they were salvaged 30 years ago.

Lib Dem leader hardens party's commitment to giving public a say

The bag

See below for taster videos from a selection of festivals set to take place this summer:

The bag

Quiet woodlands and historic churches dot the river's path as it weaves across the Isle of Wight. Mark Rowe meanders with it

In Nelson’s navy, it was  a necessity. In modern Britain, it is perhaps more of an emotional impulse. But whatever the motive, burial at sea carries on, just as it has done for hundreds of years.

Minister sets out scheme for UK’s biggest prison despite warnings that concept is discredited

Bestival organisers are to hold a benefit concert in honour of those killed and injured in a bus crash as they returned from the Isle of Wight music festival last year.