Leisure & Travel / Features

Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is known for its art and architecture. The fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí dot the city. We bring you the best places Barcelona has to offer!...

What does a resort have to be to be included in the World’s top ten? What exactly makes one resort stand out above others? Well it’s not simply miles of pistes, or expensive hotels, although that may be important to some; nor is it just high-speed heated lifts and...

Dubai is well known for its magnificent and luxurious high-rise buildings and its state of the art malls, but to discover the real Dubai, and to understand why it has prospered, go to Old Dubai.   Historically, Dubai Creek divided the city into two main sections...

Retirement offers you the opportunity to experience more of life than ever before; it’s no excuse to slow down. Enquire about that lens replacement surgery for clear vision, and travel the world to visit the places you have always wanted to see.   China Not only...

Few people would consider retiring to the remote inferno of the Kalahari, most prefer a cosy McCarthy & Stone apartment within walking distance of Waitrose. But 78 year-old Professor Anne Rasa is redefining the Real Marigold Hotel concept.   Approaching...

Halloween is celebrated throughout the world, with different traditions, names and beliefs. While typical Halloween activities include trick-or-treating and costume parties, there are a few places around the world where Halloween is so much more than that.   From...

With the golfing elite teeing off this month in the battle between USA and Europe, we take a look at the Ryder Cup’s fascinating history…   The Ryder Cup, one of the last great sporting events founded on prestige rather than prize money, was first contested in...

Modern coach tours are light years from old-style outings on rattling 'charabancs'. Coach trip veteran Norman Wright hails a stress-free way to travel Europe and the world.   The enjoyment of a coach tour is the same whether you're island-hoping on Scotland's...

Where will you be going for your next holiday? Gorilla watching in Borneo? Will you be volcano boarding in Nicaragua or even helping to crew on a tall ship?   This summer many post 50s will be trying a new adventure. It appears our generation is becoming more...

For some time I had considered a lovely and relaxing boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads. However, being a complete boating novice, the thought of handling and parking a large cabin cruiser was somewhat daunting to say the least.   Imagine my delight when I...

Bored with the same old routine on Valentine’s Day? Breakfast in bed, flowers, chocolates, candle-lit dinner… Well why not pamper your partner in a different way this year and do something unusual.   We have compiled a list of date ideas that go against the usual...

For millions of people around the world, fishing is the ultimate way to relax. From the serenity of casting your rod by a river bank to the joy of hooking a silvery salmon or trout, fishing is a hobby that rewards and rejuvenates.   One of the most popular types...