Rhiannon Batten

A cross‑Channel sailing journey from Dover to Boulogne on the eco‑focused SailLink catamaran introduces a trip through the Côte d’Opale, combining coastal cycling, historic fishing culture and inland exploration of the Saint‑Omer marshes. Stops include Boulogne’s maritime heritage sites, a stay aboard the Boat’Om barge, guided trips through the Audomarois canals and traditional boat‑building workshops. The trip concludes at a remote waterside guesthouse accessible only by boat before returning via a P&O ferry to Dover.

Teffont House, a new hotel in Wiltshire operated by the Beckford Group, aims to blend modern rural hospitality with local community life. Designed to feel like part of the village, it features relaxed interiors, a locally focused restaurant, gardens, and activities such as mapped walks and creative summer houses. Guests and residents mix easily in the hotel’s spaces, reinforcing its village concept. Nearby attractions include Tisbury’s cultural venues and historic sites such as Old Wardour Castle. The hotel offers a slow-paced, immersive countryside experience with thoughtful details and strong local connections.

Several newly accessible stretches of the King Charles III England Coast Path are explored across England, highlighting varied landscapes from Northumberland’s tidal island of Lindisfarne to the solitude of the Wash, the tidal trails of Somerset, the bird‑rich estuaries of Chichester Harbour, and the unexpectedly wild Fylde coast. Each walk features distinct scenery, wildlife and heritage sites, with local transport links, accommodation options and small businesses supporting access along the 2,700‑mile coastal route.

Highlights 30 distinctive UK holiday cottages, emphasizing unique design, scenic settings and regional character across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with details on features, surroundings and activities near each property.

A stay at Bonni B&B in the Chilterns offers a cosy, stylish base for exploring the Oxfordshire and Berkshire landscapes that inspired The Wind in the Willows. The accommodation mirrors the design of Bonni Outbuildings’ corrugated cabins and provides comfortable amenities, including a DIY breakfast and optional dinner kits. Cycling and walking routes lead through riverside villages, local farms, and scenic paths such as the Ridgeway and Goring Gap. Encounters with galleries, shops, and historic sites add to the charm, creating a peaceful weekend immersed in nature and local character.

A budget ski break in Austria’s Montafon Valley shows that a youth hostel stay can offer comfort, convenience and a strong sense of connection without luxury chalet prices. St Josefsheim provides affordable rooms close to lifts and transport, allowing easy access to Montafon’s varied ski areas. Family-friendly slopes, local food, and activities such as night tobogganing highlight the region’s appeal. Interaction with locals and other travellers adds to the experience, making the trip feel more enriching than a high‑end chalet holiday.

Family-friendly adventure options across Europe range from sea-kayak island-hopping in Greece and mountain refuges in France to forest camping in Germany and eclipse viewing in Spain. Additional suggestions include cycling-focused stays in Slovenia, packrafting on the Luxembourg-Germany border, slow camping in Italy, rail-and-sail trips to the Netherlands, remote cabin stays on Sweden’s Nåttarö island and a former border post hostel in Montenegro, all offering affordable outdoor experiences for families.

A new Twiliner sleeper bus connecting Amsterdam and Zurich offers a comfortable, sustainable overnight alternative to flying, using flat‑bed seats and running primarily on renewable fuel. The service aims to fill gaps on major European routes lacking night trains, with expansion planned across the continent. Despite minor issues such as boarding conditions and cabin heat, passengers report arriving rested, and the route integrates well with Eurostar connections for UK travellers.

A 50‑mile section of the newly launched 188‑mile Roof of England Walk showcases the high moors, woodlands and villages of the North Pennines, highlighting landscapes ranging from Roman roads and river gorges to forests and historic settlements. Developed by the North Pennines national landscape team to promote an overlooked region, the trail links towns and public transport for flexible itineraries. Along the route, walkers encounter changing weather, historic sites, local hospitality and expansive views, culminating in a renewed appreciation for the area’s dramatic skyscapes and natural beauty.

Friesland’s De Alde Feanen national park offers a quiet winter refuge of wetlands, wildlife and slow travel, with simple cabins, bike trails and a new mindfulness walking route encouraging visitors to disconnect and appreciate the landscape. Seasonal changes bring starlit nights, migratory birds and meditative cycling routes through forests and polders. Local hosts and guides promote sustainable engagement with nature, while practical travel options and accommodation details support planning a low-impact winter escape.

A guided and self-guided ebike tour across Herefordshire highlights local food production, showcasing orchards, dairies, vineyards and foraging experiences. Stops include cheese makers, farm-to-fork restaurants and wild food workshops, illustrating the region’s agricultural richness and commitment to sustainable, locally sourced dining.

Kampaoh’s glamping-focused campsites in Andalucía offer a blend of nature immersion, stylish design and comfort aimed at younger experience-driven travellers. Founded by Salvador Lora, the brand has expanded to 90 sites across Europe, emphasizing aesthetics without luxury excess. A stay at Camping Los Villares highlights varied accommodation options, peaceful surroundings and access to hiking, cycling and cultural attractions including Córdoba, Baños de Popea and Medina Azahara. The trip was supported by the Spanish Tourist Office and Andalucía, with nightly rates starting at €63 for Anza tents.

Growing summer tourism in the French Alps is reshaping how the Vallée des Belleville manages its hiking routes, prompting initiatives such as family-friendly refuges, guided hikes and educational activities to support inexperienced visitors. Rising temperatures and social media–driven crowding are increasing pressure on mountain environments, while limited summer accommodation helps naturally restrict numbers. Over several days on the Grand Tour de Tarentaise trail, hikers encounter both remote wilderness and well-organised support systems designed to encourage responsible exploration and protect the landscape.

A family completes an overnight stay at Brandy Head, a restored 1940s RAF observation post on the Devon coast. The clifftop bunkhouse offers sea views, access to nearby beaches, hiking routes and cycling trails, and proximity to nature reserves. The trip includes visits to Haldon Forest Park and Canonteign Falls before settling at the accommodation, where walkers on the South West Coast Path frequently pass. The stay ends with sunrise views, wildlife spotting, and coastal walks, highlighting the site’s blend of military history and natural beauty.

A renovated campsite in Maiella national park offers a mix of tent pitches, bell tents and hotel‑style rooms alongside guided walks and a well‑regarded restaurant. Managed by two couples who transformed the long‑unused site during the pandemic, the campground blends comfort with access to Abruzzo’s landscapes, wildlife and historic hermitages. Visitors can hike gorges, explore nearby Caramanico Terme and enjoy regional food, with the campground emphasizing affordability and local character.

A newly launched 167-mile Stockholm archipelago trail links 21 islands, aiming to extend the short tourist season and support local businesses through increased off‑season travel. A three‑day hike through Nåttarö, Ålö and Utö highlights quiet autumn landscapes, accessible routes, and local hospitality, with hopes that the trail will encourage year‑round visits and collaboration among transport operators, guides and accommodation providers.

A family hiking trip through the southern French Alps combines immersive encounters with shepherding culture, remote mountain refuges and traditional food. Starting in Gap with a virtual-reality introduction to transhumance, the journey moves through Prapic, the Champsaur and Champoléon valleys and on to the refuges of Tourond and Dormillouse. Encounters with shepherds, wildlife and the communities maintaining Alpine traditions highlight a region adapting to returning wolf populations while preserving local heritage. Mountain hospitality, shared meals and the rugged landscape underpin the experience, illustrating the enduring appeal of high-altitude life.

A new wild‑camping initiative in Perthshire offers mapped, self‑guided multi‑day routes designed to build confidence for less‑experienced hikers. CampWild’s Wild Trails provide route corridors, suggested camping spots and guidance on responsible access, helping visitors navigate the Invergeldie estate while minimising environmental impact. A two‑day exploration of the Lochs Trail highlights varied terrain, wildlife sightings and practical benefits of the service, including alternative camping options when conditions change. Membership costs £20 annually, with trail bookings priced at £50 per person.

A mother and her 11‑year‑old son take a multiday rail-and-ferry journey from London to Greece, culminating in a three‑day hike through the Vikos gorge in the Zagori region. Their route passes through cobbled villages, historic stone bridges and dramatic mountain scenery as they stay in small local hotels and enjoy regional food. The experience strengthens their bond, provides personal milestones for both, and highlights the beauty and tranquillity of Zagori’s landscapes while marking a meaningful moment of transition for their family.

Chefs, writers and food professionals highlight their dream culinary destinations across Europe, praising regional traditions, local ingredients, and emerging dining cultures from Greece and Italy to Sweden, Armenia and Ireland. Their recommendations range from markets, bakeries and vineyards to remote restaurants and boutique hotels, emphasizing sustainability, authenticity and strong connections between food and place.