12 of the best UK breaks to celebrate spring
From blossom trails to bluebell woods, and foraging to farm stays, we’ve picked some of the finest seasonal getaways
Entrance fees, visitor zones and taxes: how Europe’s biggest cities are tackling overtourism
From Seville to Venice to Amsterdam, Europe is learning to improve locals’ lives by curbing tourists’ enthusiasm
10 of the best British walking festivals
This year’s hiking events cover everything from vineyard strolls to foraging safaris and coastal routes with spectacular views
New life buzzes from all directions: why Pembrokeshire in spring is a nature-lover’s dream
South-west Wales is a naturalist’s playground, and early spring is the perfect time to explore its coastal paths, wild flowers and treasured birdlife
‘The perfect antidote to winter’: readers’ favourite spring breaks in the UK and Europe
Our readers make the most of spring with woodland walks in Yorkshire’s ‘Little Switzerland’ and picnics of ham and cheese baguettes in the French Alps
My Rasta father showed me the real Jamaica. After he died, I wanted to share it with my kids
I had no idea where I was heading when we set sail from Jamaica in the 70s, but I’m glad I’ve returned with my children to remember their grandfather this way
‘It is magical to swim surrounded by the Arctic winter in all its brutal glory’: an eco cruise in Norway’s far north
Our writer travelled on a low-emission ship to the top of Europe in winter to experience the northern lights, cross-country skiing and a freezing plunge in the sea
Tell us about a great activity break – you could win a holiday voucher
Tell us about your favourite action-inspired trips in Europe including the UK – the best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays break
Wicked Littlehampton: surf, sand, cafes and art in West Sussex
Olivia Coleman’s latest film – Wicked Little Letters – has put the spotlight on an English seaside town that is ‘set for a summer boom’
Walking ancient Dorset paths to megaliths – and a village pub
In this ancient corner of England near Abbotsbury, stone circles punctuate the open downland. Our writer picks a misty but atmospheric day to explore
Spring flowers: 10 of the best places in the UK to see them bloom
Witch hazel and snowdrops, hellebores and daffodils – with the country set to burst into bloom, we find the best of the season’s first offerings
12 of Britain’s best archaeology sites, events and family activity days
Learn the skills to unearth our ancient history – from excavations for children in York to guided walks along the Thames and residential courses in Wales
Road to ruins: how I discovered the magic of archaeology
With millennia of history hidden beneath our feet, connecting with the ancient past offers endless fascination, and many ways to get involved
‘A Neolithic miracle’: readers’ favourite ancient UK sites
Our tipsters celebrate our distant ancestors at mystical and atmospheric sites from County Fermanagh to Cornwall
Where tourists seldom tread, part 8: five more towns with hidden treasures
Port Talbot, Rochdale, Wick, Croydon and Kettering – we continue our series on places the guidebook writers skip