‘An unsung alternative to the Cotswolds‘: exploring Leicestershire’s Welland valley
This hidden gem has country inns, canalside walks, a stunning viaduct, the historic town of Market Harborough – and not a tour bus in sight
Stargazing in the Lake District: a new forest observatory opens in Grizedale
There’s no shortage of stunning scenery and daytime activities in the Lakes. Now, an observatory is offering stellar nocturnal events too
Come on in, all ye faithful: 18 of the UK’s best mass swims for Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
Festive sea swims are pure joy – and also blow away the cobwebs, unite communities and raise money for charity. Here are some old (and new) favourites
I took my kids to Lapland on the Santa Claus Express – but would the big man deliver?
If meeting Santa Claus is on your children’s wishlist, this trip on a festive sleeper train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, with reindeer and huskies thrown in, is Christmas with jingle bells on
‘You can’t beat a wintry walk on a crisp, bright day’: readers’ favourite UK winter activities
From rock pooling in Somerset to stargazing in Northumberland, our readers share their favourite seasonal outdoor activities
Why west Cornwall is the perfect place to mark the winter solstice
With ancient standing stones and modern midwinter festivals, the West Penwith peninsula is a land of magic and mystery
Share a tip on your favourite beach in Europe
Tell us about your favourite lesser-known European beach – the best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays break
A winter tour of Luxembourg’s fairytale chateaux – on the country’s free bus network
This tiny country is awash with atmospheric castles, many of which you can stay in, making for a magical wintry break. And it won’t cost you a cent to travel between them
Delizioso! Six of Italy’s tastiest local food delicacies – and where to try them
It will come as little surprise that Italian cuisine has been added to Unesco’s cultural heritage list. Here are a select few of the country’s countless regional specialities
All I want for Christmas … is to escape and go travelling
Going away for the festive season has left me with unforgettable memories, from a boat trip with Bangladeshi fishermen to exploring Castro’s Cuban hideout
Our 25 favourite European travel discoveries of 2025
The most exciting places our writers came across in Europe this year, from untouched islands in Finland to an affordable ski resort in Bulgaria and the perfect Parisian bistro
Pop art, folk festivals and grape crushing: Australian summer events worth travelling for
From contemporary art exhibitions to eccentric festivals, regional Australia has no shortage of big events over the summer of 2025-2026
‘We walked in awe, gazing across the sea’: readers’ favourite travel discoveries of 2025
From Essex to Istanbul, and from a soul music bar to a dramatic mountain pass, our tipsters share their personal travel highlights of the year
Underground art: exploring the unique designs of London’s tube seats
Most metros use plastic or metal, but the distinctive fabrics on London’s network are full of clues to its history
Why I love Portscatho in Cornwall – especially in winter
It’s a far cry from the sun-kissed beaches of Cape Town where she grew up, but the simple pleasures of a seaside village in Cornwall draw the author back year after year