The village of Ripley, with its castle and walled gardens, proves the perfect setting for learning to make personalised gin‘It’s about to happen, I promise!” says Rob Crossley, the “Professor”, as he uses asbestos fingers to gingerly tip-tap his way al…
20 of the best autumn escapes around the UK
These breaks revel in the glorious change of season, and take in everything from foraging and festivals to stargazing and glampingThe traditional harvest jamboree is given a modern twist in Blenheim Palace’s walled garden this year, with an autumn fest…
Dorset with a hint of Finland: sustainable tourism on a weekend break
An eco housing development built on disused quarries offers visitors the chance to explore woods and heath, and enjoy lake activities“Adders … Keep to the path.”Now there’s a sign to grab attention on a carefree saunter in the Dorset countryside. I stu…
California in Norfolk: British destinations that sound like foreign holidays
Fancy a trip to Moscow, or maybe Melbourne? For British travellers our picks offer the exotic, without the actual overseas bitThis charming Georgian market town owes its name to the Victorian prime minister William Lamb (2nd Viscount Melbourne) rather …
All God cons: camping in churches has a record year as UK staycations boom
As conventional campsites fill up, more holidaymakers are discovering the joys of ‘champing’ – and silent nightsPenny Thomas has always favoured adventure holidays over lying on a beach. But this year, with UK destinations in such demand during the pa…
10 of the best hotels for a British city break
Designer hotels, chic boutiques and arty boltholes for getaways from Bristol to EdinburghScotland’s first member of the Design Hotels group, Market Street won new hotel of the year at the 2020 Scottish Hotel Awards. It was rewarded for its innovative a…
I could be by the Med: a car-free short break in Swansea
A vibrant waterfront sets the tone for a trip of cultural delights, Dylan Thomas sights, great food and the beauty of the Gower peninsula nearbyTall plane trees, hanging baskets and pavement cafes line pedestrianised Wind Street as it passes the ruined…
Secrets of the New Forest – and where to spot its elusive wildlife
Neil Ansell knows almost every inch of the New Forest, a favourite childhood haunt. He returns to share his favourite spotsIf you were to blindfold me and drop me unexpectedly almost anywhere in the New Forest, I think I would know, the moment I unmask…
Is this Switzerland? No, I’m in the Shropshire Hills
The peaks around Church Stretton put Victorian tourists in mind of the Swiss Alps – and that tranquillity still exerts a strong pullThe first time I saw the Shropshire Hills it was through a misty car window during a frigid winter drive from Birmingham…