A week conquering a new winter sport across three magical mountain ranges is both challenging and exhilarating – with hot springs and hikes providing the icing on the cake   ‘You lift one foot and you put it down,” says Alf, my guide. “Then you lift the other foot and you put it down.” […]

  Boats, trains and buses lead to a hauntingly beautiful side of the Lake District, bursting with wildlife, culture and relics of the past. While dark-sky canoeing makes for a magical night   The ripples are deep gold in the sunset light as we paddle across Coniston Water towards Wild Cat Island. Officially known as […]

  From romantic hideaways to fun-filled activity centres, a few days by the water is the perfect seasonal tonic   Lochview House, Fort William Spectacular views come as standard at this comfortable home set on the banks of Loch Lochy on the outskirts of Fort William. Opposite the house, the auburn slopes of the Great […]

  Share a tip on how you’ve enjoyed the season in southern Europe, whether you were met with sun, rain or snow. The best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays break   After the heat and crowds of high summer, southern Europe takes on a new charm out of season. The winter months can be […]

Fancy throwing yourself into a ceilidh in a village hall, or discovering prehistoric landscapes teeming with ancient monuments? There are many opportunities to experience the unique cultural heritage of the Scottish Highlands and islands this autumn Arts and design The culture of the Highlands and islands dates back millennia, and what better time to embrace […]

  If you dream of salt pans and chalets on stilts, wild heather-clad hillsides and car-free isles … Hidden … Greece | Croatia | Italy | Portugal   France, the world’s most popular tourist destination, is getting back on track this summer with a focus (and a €50m government investment) on eco-friendly holidays, slow travel […]

Tell us about your best trip of 2023 – the best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays break One of the joys of travel is that moment when you come across something unexpected that lingers long in the memory. It could be a little-known church with stunning stained-glass windows, a backstreet cafe that offers toothsome […]

It is the UK’s favourite holiday destination, but few British tourists explore these stunning tucked-away beaches, sleepy villages and rugged national parksHidden Croatia | Hidden Greece | Hidden France A lot of us have been rather surprised to discover how much we like being in nature and all that outdoorsy stuff over the past couple […]

Winemaker and rugby player Gérard Bertrand on the best 6am steaks, nightlife and coastal action in this relaxed Mediterranean town Food Our food scene revolves around The Halles of Narbonnea splendid covered market and architectural gem from the late 19th century. It is open every day and is everyone’s favourite meeting place. More than a […]

Discovering a great local place to eat is often the highlight of a trip and a way of understanding a culture 35 of Europe’s best restaurants Though I have a photograph of me standing on the Great Wall of China, my sole memory of the visit is the noodles I had for lunch in a […]