Bradt New Travel Writer of the Year Shortlist

Every year we get so excited to hear the Bradt Guides New Travel Writer of the Year shortlist because we know one day we’ll be seeing these names when putting books on our shelves. This year the entrants were invited to submit an original piece of writing of between 600-800 words on the theme ‘I’d love to go back’ focusing on the destination they most want to return to when travel opens up again, and what it is about that place that draws them back.

Continue reading Bradt New Travel Writer of the Year Shortlist

16-year-old Dara McAnulty wins the 2020 Wainwright Prize for UK Nature Writing

The winner of the Wainwright Prize for UK Nature Writing has been announced at a virtual awards ceremony on September 8th. Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty chronicles the turning of the then 15-year-old’s world and breaks the mould of modern nature writing. Dara’s book is an extraordinary portrayal of his intense connection to the natural world alongside his perspective as an autistic teenager juggling exams, friendships and a life of campaigning. 

This year’s prize has been extended to include a second category for books about global conservation and climate change, and Rebirding by Benedict Macdonald is its inaugural winner. Praised as ‘visionary’ by conservationists and landowners alike, Rebirding sets out a compelling manifesto for restoring Britain’s wildlife, rewilding its species and restoring rural jobs – to the benefit of all. Irreplaceable by Justin Hoffman was awarded highly commended in the category. 

Continue reading 16-year-old Dara McAnulty wins the 2020 Wainwright Prize for UK Nature Writing

Calling all explorers! Neville Shulman Challenge Award

If you are planning an expedition that will take place in 2017, then don’t miss the new application deadline for the Neville Shulman Challenge Award. Run by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) since 2001, the award offers up to £8,000 for a journey that furthers the understanding of our planet – its cultures, peoples and environments. Continue reading Calling all explorers! Neville Shulman Challenge Award

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Journey of a Lifetime Award

Every year since 2001, the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), in partnership with BBC Radio 4, has enabled someone’s dream travel project to come true. Continue reading Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Journey of a Lifetime Award

Mondo Enduro & WIN tickets to the Adventure Travel Film Festival

Austin Vince tells us about a world first dirt-bike challenge, powered by Stanfords – PLUS there’s a chance to win 2 tickets to the Adventure Travel Film Festival. 
Continue reading Mondo Enduro & WIN tickets to the Adventure Travel Film Festival

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Journey of a Lifetime Award

Every year since 2001, the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), in partnership with BBC Radio 4, has enabled someone’s dream travel project to come true. Whether it’s reporting on conservation in the jungles of Sierra Leone, training with traditional wrestlers in Mongolia, or searching for the tigers of the Sundarbans forest, the Journey of a Lifetime Award aims to support informed travel and discover new radio talent. Continue reading Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Journey of a Lifetime Award

Across the Arctic Ocean photo gallery & win a Rab Kitbag

Huw Lewis Jones new book offers a fascinating insight into Wally Herbert’s Arctic adventure – PLUS there’s a chance to win a Rab Kitbag worth £90, for your own expedition! Continue reading Across the Arctic Ocean photo gallery & win a Rab Kitbag

Win a Microadventure!

If you’re feeling restless but have no time to spare, join Microadventurer Alastair Humphreys for a magical overnight mystery tour, starting and ending in Stanfords, London.

To celebrate the launch of Alastair’s new book ‘Microadventures, we have 7 free places on this trip! To be in with a chance to win enter your details below:

Date: 12th June

Time: Meet at 5.30pm at Stanfords(London store) and return at 9am the next day to Stanfords – the middle part is a secret!

Find out more about Alastair and microadventures here: www.alastairhumphreys.com

Pre-order the book here>

So, what do you need for a MicroAdventure? 

Sleeping bag. Don’t buy anything special. Just go with what you have and as many jumpers as necessary.
Sleeping mat. If you suspect you will not do a lot of camping just buy one of these cheap ones.
Bivvy bag. This explains everything you need to know. If you’re worried about rain take a basha too.
Wooly hat, even in summer.
Waterproof clothes.
Warm clothes.
Torch.
Toothbrush (put the toothpaste on at home and wrap the brush in clingfilm) and toilet paper. Continue reading Win a Microadventure!

Win tickets to see The A-Z of Mrs P

Stanfords is delighted to be sponsoring the brand new musical fable The A-Z Of Mrs P.

The musical is now showing at Southwark Playhouse until 29th March 2014: starring Isy Suttie as the pioneering Mrs P; with Tony Award winner Frances Ruffelle as her emotionally fragile mother; and Olivier Award winner Michael Matus as Phyllis’s beloved and impossible father, the map publisher Alexander Gross.

The story:

In 1936, Phyllis Pearsall left her husband in Venice and came to find her way in London. Then she received a telegram from her father, map publisher Alexander Gross.

And here begins the story of how an eccentric Bohemian artist put down her paints and picked up the drawing board to follow in her beloved and impossible father’s footsteps to map an entire city. Follow their different journeys as they intersect and diverge through the thoroughfares and alleyways of London, scaling new heights, seizing opportunities, to build an iconic business midst the tangled labyrinths of a troubled family saga.

We have 5 pairs of tickets to giveaway – to enter simply fill in the form below: Continue reading Win tickets to see The A-Z of Mrs P