Cider, cheese and cool scenery: a car-free adventure in Somerset

Buses and trains make it easy to explore the coast and countryside around Weston-super-Mare and Taunton, and the only way to go to indulge in the West Country’s famous cider

Last orders: Istanbul’s historic fish sandwich boats shut down by authorities

The closing of the last three balık ekmek boats on the Golden Horn marks the end of an Istanbul culinary tradition

Conscious choices: an ethical trip to Ghent, Belgium

A young and principled population supporting socially aware businesses from food to fashion mean Belgium’s third-largest city is perfect for an eco-friendly break

A local’s guide to Bologna, Italy: top 10 tips

Famous for its medieval buildings and culinary brilliance, this vibrant university city also has a radical edge, offbeat cafes and great countryside at hand

20 of the best vegan and vegetarian hotels and B&Bs in Europe

The popularity of meat-free eating isn’t restricted to restaurants. We pick vegan and veggie places to stay that serve up largely local, organic produce

Five new London hotels: reviewed

Mama Shelter’s London debut, the capital’s first mindful hotel and revamped pubs with rooms feature in our pick of new places to stay, from £99 a night

A local’s guide to Ljubljana, Slovenia: top 10 tips

In one of Europe’s greenest cities, visitors stroll pedestrianised streets or hop into electric taxis to discover modernist and medieval architecture, fantastic food and microbreweries

Tour de northern France: a new cycling trail in Flanders

A 800km network across French Flanders is so easy to follow (and ride) you don’t even need a map to find the country’s favourite village, inspiring landscapes and great food

Go loco: top 10 autumn city breaks in Europe by train

With the crowds gone but the cultural scene buzzing, autumn is perfect for a European break. And our pick of destinations in five countries are reachable by train in less time than you might imagine

Sparkling Surrey: England’s first vineyard hotel

A champagne cork’s throw from Dorking – and 40 minutes from London – our wine critic toasts English plonk’s progress at a vineyard that feels like part of the local community

10 of the best whisky distillery tours in Scotland

Dreaming of a dram? These distilleries offer an insight into one of the world’s great drinks, and are often in stunning locations, too

10 of the best things to see and do in Batignolles, Paris

Away from Paris’s more touristy neighbourhoods, the Batignolles district in the 17th arrondissement is loved by locals for its bistros, bars, offbeat culture and romantic gardens

Bar Martha, Tokyo, where the customer isn’t always right

Listen, don’t talk. And remember, the man behind the decks does not take requests. Follow these simple edicts and you’ll thoroughly enjoy this idiosyncratic bar