Carp diem
Adrian Searle has fished everywhere from Cuba to the Shetlands, but his favourite spot is a little stretch next to the M25.
Where to fish: Fly fishing
John Bailey selects the best spots for a bit of expert tuition and where to strike out alone for a day on the river or lake.
Tony Blair’s Tuscany from £15 a night
The food and the scenery are just as good at the Fattoria Bassetto as at the PM's villa — it's even owned by the same family.
Clean break: La Valette campsite, Isle of Sark
The campground overlooks the sea, there's fresh produce available from the farm and the four minutes of hot water for the shower comes courtesy of a solar thermal unit.
Fast track to the Greek islands
Corfu, Crete and the Cyclades have always been annual holiday destinations for Brits, accessible only by weekly charters and long ferry crossings. The launch this summer of regular flights means Greek weekends are now a reality, writes Gemma Bowes.
Meadow Cottage, Dorset
This tucked-away cottage in the village of Winfrith Newburgh feels somewhat grudging, which is a shame - there's so much that's right.
Flying visit: Corfu
The first scheduled flights start on May 4, which makes weekend breaks doable.
The hotel
As if Milan weren't stylish enough , it has an ultra-chic new hotel, The Chedi Milan.
Check into the priory that offers a natural high
Jason Wright visits a converted monastery where godliness and gastronomy go hand in hand.
Posh cottages
Self-catering holidays used to mean cast-off sofas and tatty kitchens, but a new breed of luxury property is blurring the boundary between the country cottage and the boutique.
Lord Poulett Arms, Somerset
Sally Shalam regrets not being able to stay longer in this hotel buzzing with community life.
Trips and tips
Spring clean your body and keep your conscience squeaky clean with a healthy break in the UK.
Five best … cities in summer
From Berlin's city beaches to San Sebastian's glorious bay, five cities that are perfect for a summer break.
Flying visit: Tallinn
Cheap beer draws the stag parties in summer so go soon to enjoy the medieval old town in peace.
Shiny, happy campers
VW camper vans are the preserve of surfers and festival goers, right? Not so, says Simon Mills who persuades his townie family to hit the road.