20 of the best outdoor family days out for half-term
From underground labyrinths to gazing at the stars, these autumnal activities are a great way to get the kids out and about
Family-friendly pubs and cafes in the UK: readers’ travel tips
Kids’ menus with plenty of choice, helpful staff and, in some cases, play areas, make these reader favourites perfect for family meals out
Will the new Sherlock Holmes escape room be the best in Britain?
‘The most anticipated game in the history of escape rooms’ is nearly here. We get immersed in Sherlock Holmes and round up the best of the rest in the UK
Islas Cíes, Galicia: Spain’s treasured islands
They’re home to one of Spain’s finest beaches, but have no cars, no hotels and visitor numbers are strictly limited
Restorative powers: a stay at historic Llwyn Celyn
As the Landmark Trust opens this 600-year old house in Wales’s Black Mountains, Owen Sheers finds its period details offer a richly atmospheric stay
Travellers’ tales: four very different backpacking trips
A young family, a retiree, a career-breaker and a disabled traveller share the highs and lows of long-term travel
St Albans Museum & Gallery: ‘A reason for locals to feel proud’ – review
It’s a bit of an oddball but this free museum brings the city’s Roman and recent past to life in ways kids can enjoy rather than endure
It’s not over yet: 20 great late-summer escapes in the UK
Not ready to pack away the shorts and flip-flops? With more warm weather forecast, we pick fun day trips and minibreaks for the final weeks of this memorable summer
Weald & Downland Living Museum, West Sussex: ‘Helps children imagine rural life centuries ago’ – review
With its historic cottages, schoolhouse and farms, exploring this interactive family attraction feels like strolling through a real village
Under the volcano: a tour of Etna and north-east Sicily
The famous mountain dominates the region but its small towns, food and festivals are just as captivating for a family trip
Where Swedes holiday in Sweden: five locals’ favourites
Their summer doesn’t last long, but when it arrives Swedes know how to make the most of their pristine beaches and islands, wilderness, saunas and seafood
Wild west Wales: beaches, birds and a brew
The coastline of Pembrokeshire’s Marloes peninsula is glorious and uncrowded, the wildlife on nearby Skomer island is superb, and a new cafe on the way to both is the icing on the cake
New Zeeland: happy returns to the Netherlands coast
As a child, Caroline van Keeken hated family trips to this sleepy coast. But it’s now a popular holiday destination – and it turns out travelling with her livewire father is terrific fun
The Farm at Tatton Park, Cheshire: ‘The field-to-fork story, Horrible Histories-style’ – review
Farming heritage, rare breed animals, a woodland trail and an honest approach to provenance are all part of this family day out
Delta of delights: boating in the south of France
The marshes, lagoons and salt pans of the Petite Camargue are a serene setting for a canal cruise, and the local rosé means the fun doesn’t stop once moored up