Hugh Thomson identifies as a ‘bad birdwatcher’: someone who likes birds, but doesn’t really know much about themOnce or twice a year I’ve been gifted with the sight of a kingfisher flashing past, a mesmeric blur of blue far too exotic to belong in Brit…
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 autumnGlamping is an understatement for these two spacious, well-equipped forest boltholes: one lodge and one safari tent, surro…
A great walk to a great pub: the Ship, Dunwich, Suffolk
An atmospheric stroll through marsh, forest and over shingle is topped off with a pint in the ‘Suffolk Atlantis’Start The Ship, DunwichDistance 9 milesTime 5 hoursAscent 100 metresDifficulty moderateDunwich is a village with a handful of cottages, a ru…
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…
Magical and empty places: a wildlife safari holiday in Scotland
Wester Ross in the Highlands is host to rare birds, mystical loch islands and soaring peaks. Now, sustainable tourism is helping more of us enjoy itI’m standing on one of the most magical and unusual spots in the Highlands, on an island in the middle o…
‘A wild pony stamped on my tent!’: seven readers on their first camping experiences
Many of us are holidaying close to home this year and opting for camping, having never tried it before. Readers recall the cold, wet, wild and wonderful experiences they have had under canvasAfter 18 months of lockdown and seeing nothing but buildings …