Leisure & Travel / Features
South American beauties: Vibrant cities, mind-boggling landscapes and ancient wonders
TV’s Simon Reeve had the trip of a lifetime criss-crossing the continent. Here are his highlights… Travelling through South America is an amazing privilege, each day rich with experiences. Covering more than 4,000 miles over many months, my journey for my new TV...
Sugarcane cabins and floating seats: The future of air travel
A lot goes into a best-ever flight experience - seat comfort, service and safety to name but a few factors. And all three could look completely different in a few decades’ time. Plane cabins are ever-changing, particularly in the long-haul world. In the past few...
Cheese, cider & cycling: A tasty tour of the West Country
Following the Somerset Food Trail by e-bike offers the chance to meet growers and makers, enjoy beautiful scenery, and sample delicious local produce. What more do you need than good cheese and a glass of cider?” I’m at Batch Farm, in the Somerset village of East...
Europe on a shoestring: 14 of the best budget city breaks
We’ve found the budget breaks across Europe that won’t break the bank, from Balkan hotspots to Barcelona. Various factors enable a great budget break in Europe. Flights - and not to an airport 50 miles away - shouldn’t break the bank, and nor should a good-quality...
Lost lanes of the Midlands: Five great cycle routes in the heart of England
Taking in backcountry from Leicestershire to Shropshire, these 30 to 50- mile routes, included in a new book, feature beautiful villages, countryside and places to stay. Stilton and pork pies, High Leicestershire Start / finish: Melton MowbrayDistance: 34 miles This...
One down, 39,136 to go: The explorers who walk every street in their city
You don’t really know an urban landscape until you’ve visited all of it on foot - from slums to beauty spots. Just ask the thousands of ‘every-single-streeters’. There’s no better way to soothe the soul - and get to know a town than striding through its streets. In my...
Railway routes: 10 of the best train journeys in Europe – fast or slow
A new book on rail travel across the continent showcases gorgeous scenery, historic routes and adventures at a slower pace. Railways in Europe are many things. With their grand stations, history and evocative destinations, they evoke a timelessness that is absent from...
Extraordinary Escapes with Sandi Toksvig: New Channel 4 series visits remarkable holiday homes
A new book, accompanying the TV series, details the magnificent properties featured alongside many more that will inspire a dream UK getaway. The Chalet, Herefordshire Set 500ft above the River Wye on the steep slope rising to Symonds Yat Rock, this red timber Nordic...
43 best free days out! From light festivals in London to fossil-hunting in the Isle of Wight
From light parades to dinosaur hunts, an 80s experience and an adventure with the Very Hungry Caterpillar. LONDON Light Festival at Battersea Power Station, Battersea The newly public riverside area in front of the former power station is playing host to six...
Winter warmers: 10 of the UK’s best cosy hotels to book in January and banish the winter blues
The start of the new year might be cold and dark, but the UK has no shortage of cosy hotels that will be ready to welcome guests with a crackling fire and comfy bed, writes Lucy Gilmore. Lord Crewe Arms, Northumberland Dating back to the 12th century, the Lord Crewe...
15 winter travel adventures: Stay on a frozen lake in Sweden or take an ice drive in Estonia
Even if it’s freezing outside, you can still enjoy family fun in the UK or further afield. Coast and cocktails Pembrokeshire From the cosy confines of a lodge near Abermawr beach, guests warm up with hearty Welsh breakfasts and a woodland walk before taking the plunge...
Golden slumbers: 10 glorious woodland retreats for an autumn break
With our forests about to burst into colour, we pick cosy woodland cottages and eco-cabins for making the most of a British autumn. Cream of cottages, New Forest There’s no better time to visit the New Forest than autumn, when the trees blaze auburn and saffron and...