While Cornwall may be popular with those seeking a beachside escape, boasting breathtaking beaches, soft golden sands and sparkling aqua seas, there’s something enchanting about immersing in the Cornish coastal life with a stay in a picturesque harbour town. Cornwall is bursting with quaint fishing villages, nestled amongst the rugged coastline, where traditional cottages dotted along the harbourside make way for cobbled lanes and quiet back streets. These hidden gems are a timeless reminder of Cornwall’s unique maritime past, where you’ll find nods to fishing, smugglers and pirates of times gone by! The laid-back way of life makes for the…

I’ve experienced a few unexpected delights on my travels but few match the marvels offered by Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. The city was an absolute delight for so many reasons, not least that it’s great on the eye and there’s plenty of surprising things to do too. Also, because it’s quite compact, it’s all walkable making it perfect for a weekend visit… The most important thing to know about Santiago de Compostela is its religious heritage. The shrine of St. James in the city’s cathedral attracts more than 200,000 pilgrims each year, many having completed the Camino, a…

Did you know that one in three Brits suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that can be triggered by a lack of vitamin D that comes from the sun? For some it can be debilitating and they will need professional treatment, but for those who suffer from a more mild case of the ‘winter blues’ there are lots of things you can do to keep it at bay, including prescribing yourself a big dose of winter sun. During the heart of winter the UK gets just eight hours of sunlight (often fighting to be seen through…

Spring is a beautiful time to explore the UK, with the season bringing fresh blooms, greenery and warmer weather after a long winter. With a range of activities and attractions available, there’s something for everyone. From the rolling hills of the countryside to the bustling cities, the UK has a lot to offer in the springtime. Here are some of the best places to visit in the UK in spring- updated for 2024! Top places to visit in the UK in Spring! 1 – Bath Bath is a beautiful city that’s perfect for a springtime visit. Known for its Roman…

Tired of Trondheim… bored of Berlin… vexed by Venice… numbed by Nuremberg? Maybe your travel pallet needs enlivening. Perhaps it’s time to take a novel look at some old favourites and what better to do that than with special events across Europe? Here are six picks for 2024 that’ll reinvigorate even the most jaded traveller. We’ve also included some ideas about how to enjoy them without breaking the bank – even the posh ones! So, if you want to find out how to soak up the glitz and glamour of the Venice Biennale without running up huge debts, then this…

Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily, has a rich history and some wonderful scenery. It was my temporary home for four days in April – a visit that reinforced my love of all things Italian, especially the food. I stayed in Cagliari – pronounced Calyari by the locals – a perfect base for exploring the southern half of the island. It was intensively bombed by the Allies during 1943, so much of what’s on show is pretty recent. But don’t let that put you off – there’s plenty to see and do. Getting from the airport is…

Madrid is a fabulous city – there’s so much to see and do, eat and drink, explore and enjoy. It’s a feast for the senses, soaked in history and overflowing with museums. It’s also an excellent base for wider travels thanks to its brilliant rail connections. However, there are few top tips you’ll need to know before you set off on your day trips from Madrid. Spain by train Spain’s capital sits at the heart of a national rail network that reaches into the four corners of the country. However, for my visit I decided to limit my out-of-town treks…

What do a murdered Russian dissenter, the inventor of the electric motor, a past owner of the Observer, and the founder of Cruft’s dog show all have in common? No, this isn’t the start of a terrible joke; Whilst all four led very different lives, they all share one commonality in death. They’re all buried alongside approximately 170,000 others in Highgate Cemetery. A few weeks ago, we took a guided tour of Highgate Cemetery West. We have a lot of time for dark tourism (check out our blog post about it here) but not everyone’s the same. Some may balk…

If you’re searching for a captivating destination to embrace the wonders of spring, look no further than Westonbirt Arboretum. Nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire, the national arboretum boasts a diverse range of tree species from all around the world, offering a unique and awe-inspiring experience for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts and simple wanderers alike. Visitors can explore the extensive network of pathways that wind through the trees, allowing for immersive experiences amidst the enchanting scenery. The arboretum offers various walking trails from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes, catering to different preferences and fitness levels. For example, you can…