Gorge-side walk in Brunel’s Bristol Start in the Christmas-card-perfect Clifton village, with its boutique shops and cafes, then venture to the observatory, where Brunel’s suspension bridge lies before you. Follow the contours of the gorge for more precipitous views, spotting climbers, peregrine falcons and goats along the way. Continue to …
Read More »‘Turn left for paradise’: top 10 readers’ adventure trips
Climb and kayak in the Aegean Check out the village of Elena on Kalymnos in the Aegean, which is within walking distance of the climbing crags. You can enjoy an amazing breakfast in a lovely apartment here before you set off, too. Masouri, a resort village, is close and is …
Read More »The Morning Readers’ Favorite Things of 2023
Your very specific, highly idiosyncratic best-ofs of the year.
Read More »Mediterranean cities and islands without the crowds: readers’ favourite winter trips in southern Europe
Gozo’s beach and basilica, Malta After some gentle winter sunshine to warm your skin and soothe your soul? Take a trip to Gozo, an island with wonderful coastal scenery a short ferry ride from Malta. Walk along the coast to admire the Azure Window; swim in untouched waters on secluded …
Read More »Readers’ favourite travel discoveries of 2023
Tove Jansson’s island life, Finland Fans of Finnish author Tove Jansson will love the idyllic Pellinki archipelago, where she spent her summers on a tiny island, Klovharun, described in several of her novels. About 50 miles east of Helsinki, Pellinki forms part of a group of islands, linked by bridges …
Read More »‘The reflection of snow-tipped trees in an ice-cold lake melted hearts’: readers’ favourite winter train rides
Italy-Switzerland: lovely chocolate! I was lucky enough to ride the Bernina Express from Tirano to St Moritz. The views are incredible and the scale of the countryside is vast, with snow-topped mountains, rivers, lakes and glaciers. There are announcements in English and German throughout the journey, providing details as to …
Read More »‘The old town is adorned with twinkling lights’: readers’ favourite Christmas breaks in Europe
Wintry romance, Salzburg, Austria Salzburg’s Christmas markets are among the very best, and there are plenty of them too, with at least 10 main ones across the season. The Salzburg Advent festival (1-17 Dec) at the Great Festival Hall, Residenzplatz, is a memorable show and highly recommended. With snow falling …
Read More »‘An open fire, the dog snoozing at our feet’: readers’ favourite UK pubs for food
Pork belly at the Packhorse, Peak District Last November, a group of us took a trip to the Peak District for my dad’s 60th. We booked the Packhorse Inn in Little Longstone for the celebratory dinner, just off the famous Monsal Trail. The pub sources all its produce locally and …
Read More »‘It was so exhilarating’: readers’ favourite spas and saunas in Europe
Winning tip: All is fine on Loch Fyne, Argyll We were staying on the Cowal peninsula in October and took a scenic drive down to Portavadie, where there is a heated outdoor infinity pool, sauna, steam room and treatments. We had a lovely time not only because of the water …
Read More »‘Crisp air and wildlife – fantastic’: readers’ top tips for UK winter outdoors activities
Serenity for cyclists, New Forest Experience the unique beauty of the New Forest national park on a winter cycling adventure. With fewer crowds, you can enjoy peaceful rides through ancient woodlands and across heathlands. Remember to dress in warm layers, check your bike for winter readiness, and bring some hot …
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