Where tourists seldom tread, part 2: five great UK towns left out of the guidebooks
From Cumbernauld to Guildford, we celebrate more unheralded but revelatory areas
12 destinations marking the arrival of modernist Britain
In the centennial year of modernism, we visit visionary places where artists, engineers and architects imagined the future
Ten great UK sculpture trails
Take a walk among stunning carvings in beautiful settings at one of these art parks
‘A chariot in the sky’: Lumiere festival of light in Durham honours Covid dead
Installations bring dazzling illuminations to county in beloved biennial event
‘The greats are all here’: readers’ favourite UK permanent exhibitions
From impressionists in Wales to pre-Raphaelites in Yorkshire, a huge wealth of culture is on tap across the UK – and entry to museums and galleries is often free
Back to Barcelona: where to eat, drink and sleep
From international hotels to Spanish flavours with a twist, the best new openings in the Catalan capital
Ten amazing UK escapes for art-lovers
From bronzes in Somerset to ceramics at Chatsworth House and an art deco hotel in Gateshead, combine seeing great art with a stylish stay
On holiday in southern France chez Le Corbusier
The wild coast between Monaco and Italy is home to Le Corbusier’s holiday cabin – and his favourite beach bar-next-door
From Factory Records to Oasis: a musical tour of Manchester
A new exhibition on the seminal Manchester label is the start of a musical homage taking in the roots of Joy Division, the Smiths et al
Crafty breaks: 15 of the UK’s best creative retreats
From pottery throwing to furniture upcycling, these arty breaks are all about learning new skills – or improving old ones – in lovely surroundings
Brave front: thought-provoking art on England’s south-east coast
The new Waterfronts exhibition – part of the England’s Creative Coast project – brings contemporary sculpture to seaside towns to challenge visitors
From London to Beijing on the old Silk Road – a photo essay
Taken on a 25,000-mile trip across 16 countries, these images capture cities, landscapes and people along the trading route – and the pre-Covid joy of travel
10 of the best places to see outdoor art in the UK: chosen by readers
Many a lockdown walk has been brightened by a piece of modern art. Readers pick their favourites, from seafronts and forests to more urban settings
Estuary Essex … exploring the grimy but lovely Thames near Tilbury
The Observer’s architecture critic discovers a fascinating collision of industry, historic churches, waterfront and wildlife
Not fade away: the joy of a ghost-sign spotting walk
An urban stroll can become a journey into the past for those alert to the faded beauty of hand-painted adverts on old buildings