UK holidays
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Elemental Islay: big skies, powerful history … and whisky galore!Whisky aficionado Charles MacLean has been to every Scottish island, but it’s Islay that draws him back, with its wildness, warmth – and eight distilleries
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Fen Rivers Way, Norfolk: walking in a water wonderlandThe path may be flat but there are plenty of high points for walkers, from riverside villages and pubs to abundant wildlife, fascinating history and landscape – and that huge epic sky -
Take the kids to … Paultons Family Theme ParkTripadvisor has crowned the home of Peppa Pig World as the UK’s best amusement park but it’s the mix of nature, wildlife and attractions – including its new ‘Lost Kingdom’ – that makes it such a hit -
The alt city guide to ManchesterBeyond the shiny, high-profile regeneration projects, independent, left-field Manchester is still thriving, as our guide to its vibrant bars, restaurants, music venues and creative arts scene proves
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Ship me to Cornwall … a container stay on Bodmin Moor: reviewA former shipping container, creatively furnished and set by a lake, makes for a secluded base to explore the wildlife and attractions of an unheralded part of inland Cornwall
accommodation
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New London hotel from design-focused CitizenM chain to open near Tower bridgeA 370-room hi-tech hotel offering rooms from £109 a night – plus a terrace bar with City views – is aiming to offer visitors to London affordable and stylish stays
top 10s
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Top 10 summer solstice events across the UKFrom sunsets to sunrises, yoga relaxation and stone worship to music festivals, there are solstice celebrations, events and talks across the UK over the next few days
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How to eat the best, for less: the UK's top 10 budget cafes and restaurantsAfter visiting over 1,000 restaurants for our Britain’s best budget eats series, Tony Naylor bids farewell to the column by sharing his tips on how to dine memorably for under £10, and whittles down all those meals to his 10 favourites
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10 of the best British wildlife walksFrom a stroll in Dorset to see butterflies to a Cairngorm hike in search of ptarmigan, this pick of UK wildlife walks from a new book has plenty to fauna over
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A Geek's Guide to the UK's best science and technology attractionsFrom classic computers and code-breaking centres to stargazing stations and Victorian sewage works, the Geek’s Guide uncovers 10 tech visits to sate your inner nerd
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Take the kids to … Sea Life BrightonNearly 150 years old, this seaside aquarium is home to sharks, but its foxface rabbitfish are its most fearsome residents
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Take the kids to … Old Hall Farm, the Lake DistrictIt’s hands-on fun, 19th-century-style, at this working farm that runs on steam and horse power – with homemade ice-cream to boot
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Take the kids to … RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, SuffolkWild drama abounds at this RSPB reserve being used as the base for BBC Springwatch 2016, a place where children can get involved in fun activities
budget holidays
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Celebrating 50 years of mountain bothiesIn more than 100 wild corners of the UK are free shelters – bothies – for use by walkers. As the charity that runs them turns 50, Phoebe Smith, author of Book of Bothy, picks eight favourites
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Igloo Hybrid ho[s]tel, Nottingham: hotel reviewOur reviewer usually shuns youth hostels, but he finds this new Nottingham pad a much better budget option than many big hotel chains
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Let’s go to… the Quantock Hills, SomersetEngland’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers scenic walks, fossil hunting and, as you’re never more than 1.7 miles from a pub, pints aplenty
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Let’s go to … PontypriddThe town’s fabulous 1927 lido is reopening after a multimillion pound refurb – but that’s not the only reason to drop in on this Taff valley town
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Let's go to … WindermereA trip to the Lakes to join the celebrations for Beatrix Potter’s 150th birthday will make for family fun – and provide a chance to tuck in to some fine food and drink
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Let’s go to ... BuxtonMusic lovers are in for a fine time with an eclectic array of concerts on offer in the Derbyshire spa town – and you’ll find plenty of great ales and cocktails for pre- or post-show drinks
sport holidays
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Walking Hadrian's Wall: discovering the secrets of the landscapeBoyd Tonkin joins author Graham Robb on a walking trip in search of cols and passes – parts of the British landscape you often won’t even find on a map
restaurants
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10 of the best community-run pubs, restaurants and museums in the UKWho better than passionate locals to run pubs, restaurants and museums?
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Style revival: Britain’s booming seaside townsTraditional resorts like Bournemouth and Torquay, once known for amusement arcades and OAPs, are having a moment, with cocktail bars and cute cafes, new outdoor activities and chic places to stay
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countries
coast & country
Kedleston Country House, Derby: hotel review