Centre of attention – a gourmet guide to Retiro, Madrid Spain

The Unesco-protected Retiro district in central Madrid brings together old-school neighbourly charm with luxurious, leafy promenades – and a flurry of new restaurants adding to an already authentic dining scene

Bay of plenty – a gourmet guide to Cardigan Bay Wales

The wild coastline of western Wales is joining the ranks of the country’s food destinations, as a network of producers and chefs unite to push the culinary boat out

Galician heights – a gourmet guide to A Coruña Spain

Perched on Spain’s westernmost tip, arguably overshadowed by Basque and Catalonian big hitters, the ancient Galician port of A Coruña is claiming its share of the culinary limelight, with age-old expertise in serving octopus, tapas and the only proper way to cook tortilla

Isle of Man

Once inhabited by Vikings, this windswept land is home to abundant wildlife, ancient castles and – rumour has it – elusive mythical creatures. Alex Mead goes fairy hunting

Isle of Wight

Criss-crossed with hiking trails and cycleways, this idyllic Solent island provides a Best-of-British escape for energetic travellers. Lucy Kehoe hops on her bike

Isles of Scilly

For white sandy coves closer than the Med, the Isles of Scilly – off the Cornish coast – boast fine seafood and archaeology aplenty. Words by Rosemary Barron. Photography by Mark Parren Taylor.

The world awaits – Europe's best outdoor adventures

Clamber above fjords, wander ancient forests, cycle coastal paths or trek for bears: just a few of the exciting ways to get out there this summer, writes Jo Davey

The UK's best 2022 food festivals

Make a British food festival the centrepiece of a gastronomic weekend away. Diaries at the ready to plan your gourmet route, from Weymouth to Wales – Jasmina Matulewicz rounds up the best culinary celebrations around the nation

On Track

It’s always been a civilised way to travel, and if you pick one of the top scenic train journeys you can watch the world unfold before your eyes in maximum comfort. Anthony Lambert discovers some of the most rewarding experiences along extraordinary routes

Shore things: next-level gastronomy at the water's edge

Head for the sun and enjoy the best sandy shores and stunning coasts without compromising on quality, authentic cuisine. Ben McCormack rounds up the best destinations for next-level gastronomy on the water’s edge

Lesser-known Mediterranean island escapes

Dotted among the major crowd-drawing destinations of the Mediterranean lie less-explored, modern-day sirens for food lovers, each island boasting a history-rich hinterland beyond their captivating shoreline. Jo Davey dives in

Hotels worth stopping for

Choose the right stay en route to your destination and the stopover experience can be one of the highlights of your trip. James Litston picks some of the best, with so much going on you’ll want to linger to the very last minute

Pentonbridge Inn

England

On an isolated T-junction less than half a mile from the Scottish border in the most rural corner of Cumbrian England, the spoils of the neighbouring farmland and best of British seafood are being put together with gusto in the kitchens of Pentonbridge Inn. Perfectly placed for a trek inthe...read more

Rock Point Inn

Dorset

What do JRR Tolkien, Beatrix Potter and Jane Austen have in common? Well, they all stayed in scenic Lyme Regis. Nicknamed the ‘Pearl of Dorset’ and perched on the Jurassic Coast, 18th-century Rock Point Inn takes centre place in this arty coastal town. Large bay windows frame the curling waves...read more

The Bear Inn

Shropshire

With its Tudor houses, ancient church towers and surrounding nature reserves, the Shropshire village of Hodnet lives up to its name: the Old Welsh for ‘peaceful valley’. The Bear Inn, located at its heart, has been cherished by the community for over five centuries, but it was a recent renovation...read more

Unlock Grecian paradise with Olympic Holidays
Sponsored By: Olympic Holidays

Seven active adventures in Austria
Sponsored By: Holidays in Austria

Best of the west: making the most of your trip to Vorarlberg
Sponsored By: Holidays in Austria