The kayaker’s oar cut through the water, sending gentle ripples across the harbour. Sunlight reflected off the window of the buildings on the opposite shore, which – just a minute ago – had been perfectly reflected in the harbour. A cyclist meandered past, their face hidden behind dark sunglasses and a mop of blonde hair. … Read more
In early July, we travelled by train between Stockholm and Gothenburg in Sweden. The trip was organised with less than two weeks’ notice, and this was the final train journey before heading home. Crucially, we needed to travel from Stockholm to Gothenburg to catch Sunday’s 16.45 flight to Manchester. When we started looking for train … Read more
Four hours to explore a major city is an ambitious task. Thankfully, Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital, offers wonderfully walkable streets and a compact old town – perfect for exploring at speed. This was merely a short stop on a long weekend which would see us travel eastwards, visiting the cities of Žilina and Košice, as well … Read more
Košice, Slovakia’s second-largest city, offers a compelling blend of history, culture and gastronomy. As you enter Košice, the industrial outskirts quickly give way to a charming old town. Among the cobbled streets, quirky coffee shops mingle with impressive museums and enticing eateries. If you are travelling through Slovakia, it is well worth spending a day … Read more
The tiny fishing village of Marsaxlokk is one of the best day trips from Valletta. Sheltered from the full fury of the wild Mediterranean by its prime position at the end of a large bay, Marsaxlokk is steeped in history and is frequently cited in guidebooks as a must-see spot in Malta. Despite being located … Read more
Košice, Slovakia’s second-largest city, has a thriving food and drink scene, with hundreds of charming cafes, bars and restaurants vying for your attention. Whether strolling along the cobbles of Hlavná or exploring the endless network of alleyways and side streets, you can’t help but notice the plethora of options, with the aroma of coffee or … Read more
The forecast for Easter weekend was sublime. Warm, settled, sunny weather and two glorious days off work created the perfect opportunity for a short break. Having spent much of the last two or three years exploring new corners of the UK, from Norfolk to Northumberland, we turned our attention to the Channel Islands. A stone’s … Read more
The medieval Old Town of Tallinn is one of Europe’s most beautiful. From the quaint cobbled streets to the immense views from Toompea, Tallinn attracts tourists from across the world. Many visitors arrive on short itineraries – perhaps on a long weekend or a tour of the Baltics. Whether you stay for a day or … Read more
Straddling the border between Poland and Slovakia, the High Tatras is one of Europe’s finest mountain ranges. Bears, lynx and chamois roam across its forest foothills, whilst the region’s snow-capped summits offer alpine drama and spectacle at every turn. Whilst mountaineers and winter sports enthusiasts flock to the Tatras for high-octane drama and adventure, those … Read more
In a little over a decade, the sliver of rocky beach that stretches along the small, unassuming town of Caol has become one of Scotland’s most photographed locations. The secret to its success? A photogenic shipwreck that suddenly appeared after a violent storm on a wild December night. Also known as the Old Boat of … Read more
A ferocious blast of wind smacked me in the face, eliciting a gasp. The trees, stripped bare of leaves, mirrored my shiver. I pulled my hat as far down as possible before burying my face in my tightly-wrapped scarf. A jogger plodded past, head down, their breath visible in the freezing morning air. The twinkling … Read more
Occupying a prime position on the pristine Northumberland coast, the quaint fishing village of Seahouses is making its mark on England’s tourist trail. Named by TripAdvisor as one of the UK’s most sought-after travel destinations for spring 2023, this burgeoning hotspot delights visitors with its sweeping beaches, historic harbour and prime access to the wild … Read more