Is a walking break in the Peak District in December a sensible idea, or just a triumph of optimism over common sense? The days are short, the weather can turn on you without warning, and the romance of winter walking often looks better in theory than in practice. But sometimes you get lucky. We did.

There are few better times of the year than the winter to explore the Lake District, recently crowned the UK’s best staycation destination according to research conducted by Sykes Holiday Cottages - and you can get around all from the comfort of a Stagecoach bus.

Experiencing the breathtaking wonders of Imperial Rome usually includes a few photo opps at the Colosseum or, indeed, the Trevi Fountain, however, there is a cheaper alternative but it does require thermal undies and a thick coat!

When our wine correspondent Nathan Lane and his wife Zoe discovered the Victoria Hotel perched above Robin Hood's Bay, they found more than just a place to stay – they uncovered a perfectly positioned retreat where Victorian charm meets modern comfort, exceptional dining, and some of the most spectacular coastal views in North Yorkshire. Tucked into the rugged North Yor…

It is just one of four circuses in the world where the ring can be lowered into a pool holding 42,000 gallons of water and, had it not been for a public outcry in 1990, plans to close Blackpool Tower Circus might have found the popular entertainment replaced by an animatronic attraction!

It was a surreal if well-meant conversation: how thick did the gusset on my shorts need to be in order to withstand the rigours of Sweden’s Göta Canal tow path and the cycling trip I was about to embark on! Was it uphill? Downhill? Might I need waterproofs? Would the saddle be sprung or of firmer racing design?

Three rare copies of the Magna Carta, the keystone document that made everyone, including the Monarch, equal under the eyes of the law, go on display at Durham Cathedral next month. Starting on 11th July the rare manuscripts from the cathedral’s collection will be made available for public viewing to mark the 800th anniversary of the 1225 issue.

POLAND: This 4* escorted tour from Riviera Travel, blends beauty with poignancy, offering guided exploration of Krakow’s centuries-old charm with the chance to reflect at Auschwitz and Birkenau. It departs from Manchester on 21st October. Price £749 per person. Kraków, one of Poland’s most enchanting cities, is steeped in history, culture and architectural beauty.

Leeds Bradford Airport has sent its new ‘terminal seating’ on an unprecedented tour of Yorkshire in celebration of its forthcoming expansion this summer. A new terminal is set to open imminently, providing 83% more seating for passengers along with uninterrupted views of the runway, bringing a new scenic perspective to the travel experience.

FlixBus has this month launched direct, non-stop coach services between Sheffield city centre and London. Services now depart twice a day in each direction from Sheffield Interchange, the city’s main bus and coach station, with ticket prices starting from just £3.99.

The story goes that Scotland’s Young Pretender, Bonnie Prince Charlie, visited what is now the 5-star manor house hotel SCHLOSS Roxburghe, on the outskirts of Kelso, in 1745, planted a white rose bush and left Lady Chatto’s household swooning in his Royal aura!

As wellness travel continues to grow in popularity, Lithuania is emerging as a compelling alternative to traditional spa destinations such as Iceland, Switzerland, and Germany—offering high-quality treatments, pristine natural settings, and exceptional value for money.

Golf lovers can now experience a new collaboration between two of the UK’s premier golfing destinations – Marine Hotel Ballycastle in Northern Ireland and Another Place, The Machrie on Islay, Scotland.

British skiers will have easier and more affordable access to Sweden’s premier Alpine Region of Sälen this December. EasyJet is launching weekly direct flights to Scandinavian Mountains Airport from both Manchester and London Gatwick. Prices start at £27.99. The launch marks the first time that Scandinavian Mountains Airport will be connected directly to the UK by a low-cost carrier.

Writing and walking have always gone hand-in-hand. From Wordsworth and Rousseau to Leigh Fermor and Macfarlane, many literary greats have sought inspiration from the almost meditative act of walking, of placing themselves intimately in the landscapes.

Eden Camp, the only remaining prisoner of war camp in Britain, is holding another of its Living History Weekends over Easter on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th April. The immersive event, staged among the original POW huts at the 1942 complex near Malton, North Yorkshire, promises to transport visitors back to the 1940s, offering an unforgettable opportunity to experience life in WWII Britain.

Rental cars are cleaned and inspected regularly but, occasionally, still breakdown. Would you know what to do if you were on continental Europe? If you’re planning on hiring a rental car this summer make sure you know what to do in an emergency. It’ll help keep the stress levels down!

A large-scale Titanic exhibition has opened at the Royal Armouries in Leeds ahead of its onward sailing to Manchester this July. And the first Briton ever to dive to the wreck, ex-Army man, Dik Barton from West Yorkshire, has given the stunning event his personal seal of approval, attending the formal opening this week.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has returned to Newcastle, offering a selection of sailings throughout spring and summer to destinations including Norway, Portugal, Spain, Scotland, France and the Mediterranean. The arrival also marks the first time Fred.

Chia Laguna Resort, on the picturesque south coast of Sardinia, reaffirms itself as a favoured holiday destination this year, with the launch of a series of Campioni Soccer Academies hosted by former Premier League stars. 2025 also sees the return of the Juventus Resort Experience and GZ19 Football Academy.

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has released new visuals to showcase its transformative £100 million terminal expansion. The major redevelopment, set to be completed in time for this year’s summer holiday season, is designed to elevate the passenger experience while reinforcing the airport’s commitment to sustainability and regional economic growth.

English Tourism Week, the annual week dedicated to celebrating England’s tourism industry, is fast approaching with businesses, destinations and visitor attractions encouraged to get involved.

Crewe is perhaps best known as a large railway junction but, on the outskirts of this once mighty 19th century town famed for its engineering innovation and design, sits a rather splendid hall that on first viewing leaves you breathless.

Six more 350KW electric vehicle (EV) chargers can now be accessed by Lake District bound tourists. One of the UK’s leading motorway service operators, Roadchef, has installed the additional EV units at its Killington Lake services on the M6 in Cumbria, located between junctions 36 and 37.