Bran castle (Dracula castle) in Bran, Transylvania, Romania (@ Marco Cristofori /Corbis)

Bran castle (Dracula castle) in Bran, Transylvania, Romania (@ Marco Cristofori /Corbis)

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• Not only will locals be celebrating their national day today, they\ll also be commemorating a great union.""What\s the special occasion?
• This fearsome fortress is said to be the home of one of literature\s most spine-tingling villains.""He was a real pain in the neck
• This castle was once the guardian of one of the most important passageways through the Carpathian mountains.""Now it is more suited to guarding treasures and tourists
• The story of the Transylvanian vampire Dracula was inspired by one of Europe\s most infamous rulers.""His victims got the wrong end of the stick

Thistle, Island of Iona, Scotland (@ John Short/Age Fotostock)

Thistle, Island of Iona, Scotland (@ John Short/Age Fotostock)

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• Don your kilt, boil your haggis and raise the Saltire.""It\s Scotland\s special day today
• It is said that Viking raiders in their bare feet stood on this prickly plant and their cries alerted the sleeping Scottish army to the impending danger.""That\s why it has become Scotland\s beautiful floral emblem
• A prophecy tells that seven years before judgment day the ocean will sweep over Ireland and Islay but the place where these thistles grow will swim above the waters.""Where is this Scottish sanctuary?
• Some of the ailments that this flower was believed to cure include headaches, plague, canker sores, vertigo and jaundice.""Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder said that it also cured this hairy problem…

Great Glacier Provincial Park, Lower Stikine, British Columbia, Canada (@ Gary Fiegehen/Corbis)

Great Glacier Provincial Park, Lower Stikine, British Columbia, Canada (@ Gary Fiegehen/Corbis)

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• If you want to put something on ice you have a permanent stock of the stuff here.""It\s available all year round
• You can hike into this wilderness, canoe, or fly in on a seaplane.""But those are all just cop-outs for our Bear!
• Indefatigable salmon make a 400km journey upstream from the Pacific to spawn in this region.""Where is this divine spot?
• Glaciers are awesome spectacles to behold.""See more of the world\s largest stores of delicious freshwater

Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona, USA (@ Stephen Matera)

Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona, USA (@ Stephen Matera)

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• The strong contrast between light and dark make this spot a challenge for photographers but when they crack it the results are amazing.""See more stunning photos
• Antelope Canyon gets its name from the fastest land mammal in all North America.""Which is curious as, despite its name, the animal isn\t an antelope at all
• To access this canyon you\ll need some strong boots, plenty of water and a tour guide.""You may also want to practise holding your tummy in
• These beautiful geological formations often start as crevices that grow into deep, narrow ravines.""What weather extreme formed this one?

Stone Statue Road elephants at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Zijin Shan, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (@ Ian Trower/Corbis)

Stone Statue Road elephants at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Zijin Shan, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (@ Ian Trower/Corbis)

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• Twelve pairs of animals guard this road, followed by four pairs of warriors.""So why the elaborate security system?
• Construction of this mausoleum began in the late 14th century in honour of the first of the Ming Emperors.""Who is the man whose name means ‘vastly martial\?
• These well-ordered grounds would be a perfect place for another aristocratic elephant.""He\s one of the world\s most popular pachyderms
• Visitors who run the gauntlet of passing these stone sentries had better be fit.""There\s an 1,800m uphill climb to the top.

Kogelberg Mountains, South Africa (@ Martin Harvey/Corbis)

Kogelberg Mountains, South Africa (@ Martin Harvey/Corbis)

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• Sea and sky meet sandstone peaks in this rugged shoreline scene.""Welcome to one of the most biologically diverse spots on the planet
• This region is home to the smallest of the world\s six floral kingdoms but contains more than 9,600 plant species.""That\s more than the whole northern hemisphere
• If you think wine is divine here will suit you fine – it has one of the world\s longest winery routes.""Taxi!
• These docile looking waters are popular with scuba divers but beware…""It is also home to one of the planet\s most feared creatures

Tube anemone (@ Stuart Westmorland/Corbis)

Tube anemone (@ Stuart Westmorland/Corbis)

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• It may look like a funky stocking-filler but you wouldn\t want to grab one of these on Christmas morning.""What is this stinging sea thing?
• Down in the deepest, darkest sea extraordinary animals put on amazing, otherworldly light shows.""Watch their lovely illuminations
• These interesting anemones get their name from the tubes that they live in, sometimes more than two metres long.""Delve in deeper with more pics
• You might be more used to seeing crazy colours in long glass tubes bent to make unusual pictures or sign posts.""Here are some more of these attention-seeking signs

Curly kale with raindrops (@ Gap Photos/Visuals Unlimited, Inc.)

Curly kale with raindrops (@ Gap Photos/Visuals Unlimited, Inc.)

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• One name for this veg is borecole, a name most likely derived from the Dutch word borenkool, meaning farmer\s cabbage.""What else is it known as?
• During World War II this vegetable became a popular crop because it is nutritious and easy to grow.""What would you put in your Victory Garden?
• How can something so green be so delicious?""See more mouthwatering pics
• You may be surprised to know that a celestial object shares its name with this humble vegetable.""It is one of the 64 moons of the solar system\s largest planet

Close-up of a ring-tailed lemur with its offspring (@ SuperStock)

Close-up of a ring-tailed lemur with its offspring (@ SuperStock)

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• Been up all night have we?""You\d be forgiven for thinking that with these wide-eyed creatures
• Why would two males try to out-stink each other?""There must be a lady involved!
• What has a group of lemurs got to do with Monty Python funny man John Cleese?""Well it turns out he is rather fond of them – find out why
• More than 80% of the animals on this island can be found nowhere else on Earth (bar the odd zoo, of course).""Where is it?

View of reflection old tree with fog in Jusanji Lake/Cheongsonggun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea (@ Multi-bits/Getty Images)

View of reflection old tree with fog in Jusanji Lake/Cheongsonggun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea (@ Multi-bits/Getty Images)

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• With nearly 50 million people in such a small country, much of the country\s natural habitat is in its 20 national parks.""See what exquisite scenes can be found in them
• This region of South Korea is most famous for cultivating apples that grow to the size of a baby\s head!""Here\s what they do with them
• The autumn scenery, the mountain views and the mysterious lakes are just some of the spectacular views here.""Where is it?
• Idyllic and peaceful scenes like this are a million miles away from the country\s bustling capital.""Where is the so-called tech capital of the world?

Cutty Sark, Greenwich, London 2004 (@ Paul Springett/Aurora Photos)

Cutty Sark, Greenwich, London 2004 (@ Paul Springett/Aurora Photos)

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• It was 142 years ago this week that this sumptuous ship was launched from its docks in Dumbarton.""She is now one of the most famous boats ever built
• The fine lines and ornate decorations make the last of the extreme clippers a sight to behold.""What are you waiting for? Behold more pictures
• It took just 67 days for this vessel to travel from Australia to Britain using only the power of the wind.""And what delicious cargo was it specialised in carrying?
• Sadly in 2007 this vessel caught fire and was extensively damaged, but fear not...""It should to be restored to its former glory in 2012 – here\s where to see it

Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Snowdonia National Park, Wales

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• On this day 60 years ago the UK began enjoying its third national park.""Which one is it?
• It is said that on a clear day you can see as far as Ireland from these heights.""Here\s what it looks like when the cloud lifts
• There are 1,479 miles of public footpath snaking around this beautiful landscape.""Here are some top tips if you want to take them on
• This park is home to the largest mountain in Wales standing 1,085m above sea level.""Where is it?

Tent and prayer flags, Tagong Grasslands, Sichuan, China (@ Robert Harding Picture Library/Superstock)

Tent and prayer flags, Tagong Grasslands, Sichuan, China (@ Robert Harding Picture Library/Superstock)

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• Pitching your tent this far in the wilderness might seem like a challenge but it\s worth it.""Just look at the expansive view you\ll wake up to!
• Why do locals spin wheels in the local Buddhist monastery?""It\s all about getting your karma in order
• Tibetans call this the “favourite place of the enlightened.”""You are welcome to have a look around
• It takes hours and even days travelling across bumpy roads and almost unnavigable terrain to get to this beauty spot.""A map should help speed up the journey though

Bird's-eye view of Riga, Latvia (@ Top Photo Corporation/Photolibrary)

Bird's-eye view of Riga, Latvia (@ Top Photo Corporation/Photolibrary)

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• This historical spot is a Unesco World Heritage site famed for its German Art Nouveau architecture.""See what the fuss is about
• This small nation first declared independence from Russia 93 years ago today but it had to do it all over again after the Soviet invasion.""Where is it?
• If you find yourself roaming these snowy streets today you\re likely to hear a special song.""Here it is for those who can\t make the party
• In some cultures, a young woman might give the object of her affection a peck on the cheek.""But around here, it\s likely to be a pair of these

Butterfly on Flowers, Cithaerias merolina the Glass Wing Butterfly (@ Darrell Gulin/DanitaDelimont.com)

Butterfly on Flowers, Cithaerias merolina the Glass Wing Butterfly (@ Darrell Gulin/DanitaDelimont.com)

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• The Spanish name for these butterflies is espejitos, which translates delightfully as ‘little mirrors\.""What is its similarly shiny English name?
• This is one of 5,000 species known as brush-footed butterflies because of their tiny front feet.""Find out more about them
• Imagine coming face-to-face with a fanciful flapper boasting a wingspan of a whopping 30cm!""Meet the world\s largest moth
• Who would win a race between a penguin and a butterfly?""Ok, that might not be a fair match-up but it certainly is a cute one

White lined leaf frog walking on branch at Manu National Park, Cruz de Mayo, Madre de Dios, Peru (@ Frans Lemmens/Getty Images)

White lined leaf frog walking on branch at Manu National Park, Cruz de Mayo, Madre de Dios, Peru (@ Frans Lemmens/Getty Images)

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• The prettiest frogs are often the deadliest.""Look but don\t touch!
• Unlike British frogs, which must stay near water at all times, these ones can leap through the trees due to the humidity of the rainforests.""Discover more about them
• If these frogs live up in the trees then where do they lay their frogspawn?""Watch and find out
• What is diamagnetism and what extraordinary effect does it have on frogs?""It gives the game leapfrog a whole new meaning

City wall and watch tower in San Juan, Puerto Rico (@ Zhang Jun/Xinhua Press/Corbis)

City wall and watch tower in San Juan, Puerto Rico (@ Zhang Jun/Xinhua Press/Corbis)

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• This fortress used to keep pirates and plunderers out of the city.""Now it has been transformed into the governor\s house
• During the carnival here, clowns wear ‘fright masks\ and whack bystanders with painted cow bladders.""If you see one of these, it\s probably time to run
• When Columbus arrived here he said of the locals “in all the world there can be no better people.”""Who were they?
• It\s no wonder holiday makers find themselves bewitched by the beauty of this place.""Where is the Island of Enchantment?

Sheepdog guards a flock of sheep in the Tatra Mountains, Poland (@ Henryk T. Kaiser/Age Fotostock/Photolibrary)

Sheepdog guards a flock of sheep in the Tatra Mountains, Poland (@ Henryk T. Kaiser/Age Fotostock/Photolibrary)

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• One quarter of this mountain range lies here in Poland and the rest belongs to somewhere else.""Can you guess where it is?
• When sheep here are shorn, they look forlorn but what if their wool is traditionally worn?""See what the locals make of them
• This cuddly sheepdog is clearly not doing his job properly.""You wouldn\t catch any of these dogs lying down on the job!
• More than one-third of all European plant species can be found in this extensive mountain system.""Where can you see such a range of creatures?

Interior of the Sydney Opera House, Australia (@ Hervé Hughes/Corbis)

Interior of the Sydney Opera House, Australia (@ Hervé Hughes/Corbis)

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• You\ll probably recognise this place from the outside but the inside is something to sing about as well.""Where is it?
• This building took 16 years to go from design to finished article and was delivered a whopping £65million over budget.""But to get this icon, it was worth every penny!
• What more fitting way to celebrate one of your national treasures by dancing to another in front of it.""You should be so lucky!
• With its strong economy, low population density and high quality of life, this city is frequently ranked among the most livable in the world.""Not bad for a city that, when formed, was two-thirds convicts!

Aerial view of Tamul waterfall in the Huasteca Potosina region, Mexico (@ Patricio Robles Gil/Getty Images)

Aerial view of Tamul waterfall in the Huasteca Potosina region, Mexico (@ Patricio Robles Gil/Getty Images)

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• You\ll find this waterfall in a state known for its eye-catching natural resources.""The local capital is the silver-mining centre of Mexico
• Only a fortunate few make the journey to this remote waterfall.""Lucky for us they took some fantastic photos
• In local towns you\ll hear not the splashing of water, but violins playing huapango music.""See the dance that goes by the same name
• Not far from this towering waterfall is a hole more than 300 metres deep.""What is this site that regularly swallows up base jumpers?

Fox Fur Nebula in the Monoceros constellation (@ Tony Hallas/Corbis)

Fox Fur Nebula in the Monoceros constellation (@ Tony Hallas/Corbis)

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• If you happen to be cruising through the Monoceros constellation you can pop into this nebula.""It\s only 15,000,000,000,000,000 miles away
• Clouds of dust and ionised gases like this put on some of the most dazzling displays in the universe.""Discover more about these clouds in space
• First seen in 1993, what other fox are you likely to see flying through space?""He\s a bit of a gaming star!
• This nebula was so named because it resembled a popular fashion accessory at the time of discovery.""What is it?

The twin peaks of Mount Ushba in the Greater Caucasus mountain range (@ Brooks Kraft/Corbis)

The twin peaks of Mount Ushba in the Greater Caucasus mountain range (@ Brooks Kraft/Corbis)

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• Though not the highest of the mountains in this range, this peak is celebrated as the “Matterhorn of the Caucasus.”""Where is it?
• This nation shares a saint with England and their flag looks incredibly familiar.""Which country is it?
• This massive mountain range acts as a mighty border between Europe and Asia.""See more photos of this amazing collision of continents
• The polyphonic singing from this region sounds as though it could almost be echoing off the sides of the surrounding mountains.""Listen to some local songs

South Street Bonfire Society watching the Nevill Junior Bonfire display, Lewes, East Sussex (@ Ian Cumming/Axiom Photographic Agency)

South Street Bonfire Society watching the Nevill Junior Bonfire display, Lewes, East Sussex (@ Ian Cumming/Axiom Photographic Agency)

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• “Remember remember the fifth of November,""Do you know what we\re celebrating today?
• This town, known locally as the bonfire capital of the world, is famed for its events on ‘the Fifth.\""See some of the celebrations
• Nobody wants to see a firework cannonballing towards their home, or anywhere worse for that matter, so remember to stay safe.""Brush up on your firework code
• The types of effect that fireworks make have some great names: peony, fish, kamuro, time rain and of course roman candle.""Watch some extraordinary explosions

Daisies reflected in dewdrops -- Craig Tuttle/Corbis

Daisies reflected in dewdrops -- Craig Tuttle/Corbis

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• Dew has that marvellous property which gives early mornings a magical and mysterious feel.""But how does it form?
• You may recognise this as a regular day-to-day daisy but did you know they are part of a family with 22,750 species?""See more pictures of this colourful family gathering
• Is there anything more satisfying than the sound of a drop of water falling majestically into a glass of water?""Probably watching it in super slow-motion tops that!
• “Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do…”""Now what do you suppose the lovely lady would look sweet upon?

Icelandic horses running through lagoon in Iceland (@ Tim Flach/Getty Images)

Icelandic horses running through lagoon in Iceland (@ Tim Flach/Getty Images)

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• There is nothing chilly about these fillies – they\ve been bred to withstand the cold, harsh Icelandic air.""Discover more about them
• Although they\re called horses, this breed is small enough to be categorised as a pony.""Maybe their low centre of gravity helps them run on ice?
• This country is about a third larger than Scotland but has a third fewer people than the Scottish capital.""Where is this 300,000 person-strong island?
• These horses\ ancestors first came here more than 1,000 years ago, courtesy of Scandinavians who venerated horses.""Especially this eight-legged stallion!

Infant gelada baboon in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia (@Fiona Rogers/Corbis)

Infant gelada baboon in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia (@Fiona Rogers/Corbis)

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• There is no monkeying around going on here, this baby baboon is tucking into his lunch.""Meet the last of the grass-eating primates
• Despite living in a land formed by volcanic lava and near the equator, this monkey is a hardy chap.""This is one of the few places in Africa where snow falls
• When this little fella grows up he\ll have two distinctive characteristics: a big, lion-like mane and a bight red chest.""See more pictures of them
• These creatures can be found in a country believed to be the oldest site of human existence.""Early Homo sapiens are said to have come from here 400,000 years ago