10 of the best secret gardens in Europe’s major cities
From Paris to Athens, we pick hidden havens to escape the summer heat and tourist crowds
Crest of a new wave: Cleethorpes is all set for a seaside revival
The resort is extending its bucket-and-spade appeal to a new generation with a raft of investment, a series of new festivals and some original offerings on the food and accommodation front
Lookout, Devon! Our overnight stay in a 1940s observation post
A clifftop bunkhouse built for the RAF during the second world war is perfect for a kid-friendly escape – with great views, sea swims, hiking and otter spotting
20 family nature holidays in the UK – from kayaking to stargazing and whale watching
Fun and educational outdoor activities in the wild that will coax kids off their screens this summer
Light at the end of the tunnels: classic rail routes through the Alps reopen
After serious floods and landslides, some of the great trans-Alpine routes have reopened – with new services added – offering unforgettable train journeys from Austria to the Adriatic
In search of the UK’s finest mountain view: walking in Northern Ireland’s Mournes
Exploring the magical landscape that inspired Narnia and stars as a location in Game of Thrones – just an hour outside of Belfast
Looking for a seaside town that’s a bit special? Try one of the UK’s best revitalised resorts
From Llandudno’s promenade and Scarborough’s spa to Folkestone’s Creative Quarter and Portobello’s thriving community, these places offer a magical mix of tradition and innovation
‘A town built on fishing and fun’: why Great Yarmouth will always be my first resort
From family-run fairgrounds to a spectacular circus, traditional seaside fun is alive and kicking in the Norfolk coastal town where I grew up
Where tourists seldom tread, part 17: three port towns freighted with history
From Ipswich’s medieval treasures to Ramsey’s seaside charm and Lancaster’s chilling legacy of witches and slavery
Forget the stereotypes, Benidorm is the complete package
The resort was ahead of its time – built to handle industrial numbers of tourists while not displacing residents. And beyond the full English breakfasts and pub crawls, there’s an authentic Spanish side to it
Down on the farm: a summer cabin stay in Somerset
How an enterprising couple have transformed their farm into a bucolic base amid cider orchards and vines – perfect for exploring an ancient landscape and flourishing arts scene
Look east: an exhilarating weekend in London’s new cultural quarter
The opening of the V&A Storehouse and Sadler’s Wells East mark the transformation of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park into an exciting new creative hub for the capital
20 of the UK’s best gardens to visit
From a castle in Cumbria to a subtropical paradise in Cornwall, these are some of the top unsung gardens across the country
‘A gardener’s dream itinerary’: a tour of Carmarthenshire, the Garden of Wales
A road trip is the perfect way to explore the county’s horticultural highlights, with great places to eat, drink and stay en route
‘Drift along, stop for a picnic and immerse yourself in nature’: your favourite boat trips in the UK and Europe
From cruising on a Scottish loch and sailing on the Broads to a ferry ride in the Alps and canoeing in France, our tipsters love messing about in boats