Spotlight on … British country cottages

Still haven't got your holiday sorted? Don't panic: each week overthe summer, we'll bring you the best last-minute deals and ideas for daysout, and tell you everything you need to know to book a great trip.

Tuddenham Mill

Checking in: This converted 12th-century flour mill 12 miles north of Newmarket, is a perfect fusion of ancient and modern.

A better mousetrap

Taking the kids to Disneyland Paris for the weekend is never going to be the cheapest weekend away, but you can soften the financial blow by staying at a campsite nearby.

Ich bin ein sunbather

Long before other cities jumped on the sandwagon, Berlin perfected the art of the urban beach. Now it has 30, where you can play volleyball, drink cocktails - and, of course, escape to the nearest museum if it rains, says Patrick Barkham.

Swan House, Hastings

Based in the medieval hotchpotch of Hastings old town, Swan House is relaxed, restful and highly individual.

Islands of North America

Martha's Vineyard gets the jet set and Vancouver Island has legions of fans, but there are still plenty of islands in the US and Canada which offer a real sense of escape. Sarah Turner has the low-down on the best offshore retreats.

Land of the midnight sauna

A remote lakeside cottage surrounded by deep forest — you usually have to cross the Atlantic for this kind of escape. Owen Sheers discovers one closer to home.

So what’s the catch

You get in your boat, you land your fish and you eat it. It's as simple as that, says Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Why I love it

Marco Pierre White, Cerys Matthews and Charles Rangely-Wilson share their thoughts on fishing.

Where to stay

You need somewhere cosy to hole up after a day on the water. Charlie Jacoby casts his net far and wide.

Where to fish: Coarse Fishing

Barbel is the "in" fish at the moment, and the best place to find it is on the middle and lower Wye. There are more wild fish here than almost anywhere else in the country.

Holy mackerel

They're shiny, they taste better than tuna and if Nick Fisher had to do without them he'd be well gutted.

Come fly with me

How does a novice master the mysterious art of trout fishing? Ian Katz attempts to turn himself into a superfly guy.