‘An unsung alternative to the Cotswolds‘: exploring Leicestershire’s Welland valley
This hidden gem has country inns, canalside walks, a stunning viaduct, the historic town of Market Harborough – and not a tour bus in sight
Stargazing in the Lake District: a new forest observatory opens in Grizedale
There’s no shortage of stunning scenery and daytime activities in the Lakes. Now, an observatory is offering stellar nocturnal events too
‘You can’t beat a wintry walk on a crisp, bright day’: readers’ favourite UK winter activities
From rock pooling in Somerset to stargazing in Northumberland, our readers share their favourite seasonal outdoor activities
Why west Cornwall is the perfect place to mark the winter solstice
With ancient standing stones and modern midwinter festivals, the West Penwith peninsula is a land of magic and mystery
Our 25 favourite European travel discoveries of 2025
The most exciting places our writers came across in Europe this year, from untouched islands in Finland to an affordable ski resort in Bulgaria and the perfect Parisian bistro
Why I love Portscatho in Cornwall – especially in winter
It’s a far cry from the sun-kissed beaches of Cape Town where she grew up, but the simple pleasures of a seaside village in Cornwall draw the author back year after year
‘It’s like striding across the top of the world’: the Pennines’ new Roof of England walk
The route showcases the North Pennines’ unsung landscapes. We road test a 50-mile section that takes in golden forests, high moors and pretty villages
Winter warmer in the woods: a sizzling sauna and cool, cosy cabin deep in a Sussex forest
Architect-built cabins and a sauna blend seamlessly into the High Weald landscape and make the most of its magnificent views
Authentic Algarve: exploring Portugal beyond the beach
A series of walking festivals and cultural programmes aim to lure visitors to the Algarve’s woodland interiors and pretty villages to help boost tourism year round
I’m hiking in the Dolomites, Italy’s magical mountains – if only I could see them!
Poor weather couldn’t spoil my high-altitude walking trip amid these stunning peaks, especially with delicious, hearty Tyrolean cuisine to keep me going
‘It just blew me away’: the new Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk in northern NSW follows ancient trails
Bundjalung man Ashley Moran has a personal connection to the track and says the multiday hike will give walkers a new appreciation of the area’s significance
‘The silence allows me to hear every flurry of falling snow’: walking in Switzerland’s hidden valley
Laced with hiking trails, the remote Swiss valley of Lower Engadine is the perfect place to reconnect with nature
From Steel City to Cottonopolis: a new walking trail through a post-industrial Peak District
The nostalgic Steel Cotton Rail Trail between Sheffield and Manchester has 14 day-length sections, with walks for urban explorers and summit-bagging hikers alike
30 of the best UK pubs for an autumn escape with great food
From Cornwall to the Highlands, here’s our pick of new or recently refurbished inns with cosy rooms, enticing menus and country walks from the door
‘Not many pub lunches require a trip across the Atlantic’: readers’ favourite UK country pubs with great food
Your top tips for inns that serve delicious meals, from mussels on a Scottish island to homemade pies in North Yorkshire