Steam trains, shipwrecks and Tarka the otter: a car-free break around Exeter, Devon
River cruises, rural buses and scenic rail routes come into their own when exploring the bracing shores, gorges and wildlife of this stunning area
‘Top deck advised’: readers’ favourite scenic UK bus rides
From Cornwall to North Yorkshire beautiful bus rides take in sea views, mountains, rivers and cute villages. Our readers know the best routes. Scroll down for the winning tip
‘Something special in the air’: new bars, art, music and restaurants are turning heads in Stockport
Creatives and a clued-in council are making things happen in the Greater Manchester town. Whet your cultural and culinary appetite with our guide to the best venues, bars and shops
The best new European train journeys for 2023
Overnight trains between Stuttgart and Venice and between Munich and Genoa are among several new services that have launched in recent days
A local’s guide to Belfast: margaritas, murals and the Black Mountain
Social entrepreneur Maeve Monaghan on her historic city’s diverse culture, green hills and, of course, great nightlife
Book yourself in: 10 of the UK’s best literary hotels
You’ll have no problem tucking up with a good book at these fine hotels – they all have extensive collections, or even their own library
A lochside walk to a pub with live music: the Old Mill Inn, Pitlochry, Scotland
Spawning salmon have to tackle a fish ladder on this river – but for walkers it’s an easy scenic stroll
‘No lack of wildness’ – a car-free break on the John Muir Way, Scotland
The East Lothian segment of the coast to coast trail dedicated to the great conservationist, reveals seabird colonies, beaches and historic houses
A Garden of England walk to a great pub: the Samuel Palmer, Kent
A hike across hillsides captured in 19th-century watercolours ends at a revamped pub named in honour of the painter
‘A marvellous spot to give into temptation’: readers’ favourite literary bars, pubs and cafes
From Robinson Crusoe to Faust and Cider with Rosie, our tipsters enjoy a tipple with literary leanings. Scroll down for the winner
The plot thickens: why murder mystery weekends are on the rise
Gory getaways are all the rage, thanks to glamorous extras, contemporary themes and a taste for escapism. Our writer heads to Berkshire to visit an ‘unhinged heiress’
Five great car-free breaks around the UK
Getaways without a car cut leisure emissions but also mean new freedom to explore coasts, towns and almost 2,000 years of history
Lonely Planet selects Manchester as top travel destination for 2023
Publishers praised UK city’s arts scene and gastronomic diversity as it makes the list of 30 best places to go
A local’s guide to Parma, Italy: city of cheese, ham and stunning baroque buildings
Food and wine critic Andrea Grignaffini reveals his favourite haunts in his home city – a gourmand’s delight with wine bars galore
Where tourists seldom tread, part 3: five towns with hidden histories
This trail through our industrial ghostly past includes a haunted motorway and old dye works repurposed as cute cottages