Tag Archives: readers

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 …

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 …

Swanage to Bournemouth, Dorset The No 50 Purbeck Breezer travels regularly between Swanage and Bournemouth past the beautiful beaches of Studland Bay. Behind Knoll Beach there’s a heathland nature reserve with a lagoon and a giant natural sand pit. In Poole we visited the Japanese garden at Compton Acres and …

Sweden’s mystical iron-age monument Ale’s Stones in Sweden’s far south (Ales Stenar) may resemble Stonehenge, but instead of being surrounded by roads, Ale cleverly put his stones on cliffs, providing visitors with spectacular views. Ponder the competing theories of what the stones are: a burial monument, a sun calendar? After …

Slovenia’s rustic, tranquil vibe We loved Ljubljana in Slovenia during autumn, but less than an hour’s drive away is the beautiful Lake Bled. It has a rustic and tranquil vibe, its focal point being the Assumption of Mary church on its island. The lake is surrounded by mountains and forests, …

My low carbon trip to Zermatt I’ve often travelled by train to ski resorts, but my favourite low-carbon ski holiday was when I drove to the French and Swiss Alps in my electric car last year. I was full of range-anxiety before I left the UK, but the Tesla supercharger …

Leiden, Netherlands Take a little staircase down from an old tollbooth on one of Leiden’s 88 bridges and hop on to one of the electric tour boats. I loved drifting along the canals of this stunning old Dutch city past townhouses as fine as any in Amsterdam, the botanical gardens, …

Aw, shucks – oysters in Falmouth Every October, I find myself drawn to the Falmouth oyster festival, where fresh oysters, pulled straight from the boats, are shucked before your eyes. As you wander, the streets of Falmouth are buzzing with lively music, bursts of laughter, and the salty scent of …

A spiritual experience, Venice Venice is a brilliant place to arrive in – the moment you walk down the steps and out of Santa Lucia station you’ll see bobbing gondolas on the city’s famous canals. Last year, I stayed at the Hotel Abbazia, a lovely traditional building in a restored …

Step back in time at Carnforth Visit platform one at Carnforth railway station, where Brief Encounter was filmed, and enjoy great food and drinks at the Refreshment Room. The venue, restored to its 1940s period glory, is a step back in time. As an added bonus, there is a volunteer-run …