UK holidays
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The White Horse, Hertingfordbury, Hertfordshire: hotel reviewIn the heart of Pride and Prejudice country, this buzzing 16th-century coaching inn is more generous with bed than board
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Take the kids to … The Making of Harry Potter, Warner Bros Studio, Leavesden, HertsThis tour of the behind-the-scenes magic that went into transferring JK Rowling’s stories from page to screen will delight fans of the boy wizard, especially at Christmas, but watch out for expensive extras -
Happy valley: a family gathering in the Yorkshire dalesWith families spread far and wide, it’s good to get the gang together. Ruaridh Nicoll sticks a pin in the map, and ends up eating, drinking and walking around Malham -
North House, Cowes, Isle of Wight: hotel reviewInformal, tasteful (only slightly nautical decor), with cracking views over the Solent and a great restaurant to boot, this island townhouse stay won’t disappoint
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The Pilgrm, Paddington, London: hotel reviewSpace may be at a premium in this new hotel, but beautiful reclaimed fixtures and tempting food more than make up for the lack of elbow room
accommodation
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The Masons Arms, Louth, Lincolnshire: hotel reviewThis 18th-century pub, in one of Britain’s favourite market towns, has been spruced up – all modern angles and bold statements. But a few rough edges remain
top 10s
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Top 10 UK mini-breaks with teenagers over October half-termIt’s notoriously tricky keeping teens happy on holiday, so these breaks focus on their interests: music, gaming, sport, food and art
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Top 10 UK mini-breaks with kids for October half-termFrom Bristol’s new Concorde museum to spotting Sumatran tigers in the Kent woods, young children will love these autumn breaks. We’ve added hostels and affordable hotels, too, to make them overnight getaways
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10 of the best railway stations in BritainSimon Jenkins’ new book tells the history of Britain’s railways through the island’s 100 best stations. We pick 10 gems, from grand old York to a Highland outpost
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The best winter light festivals across the UKSwitch on the Christmas spirit at one of these illuminated spectacles taking place up and down the country this season
budget holidays
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Travels with my dad: a bothy-to-bothy hike in north DevonPhoebe Smith is keen to try a hiking route between two of the National Trust’s new camping bothies in north Devon, but is unsure how her recently retired father will take to staying in a ‘stone tent’
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Five of Scotland’s best bothiesA stay in a historic building with amazing views and convivial company sounds enticing – and even better when it comes free of charge. The author of the new Bothy Bible shares his favourites
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Let’s go to … Ramsbottom, Greater ManchesterThis pretty market town in lovely West Pennines countryside has several Christmas events, adding to the appeal of its quality shops, pubs and bistros
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Let’s go to … Beverley for the Christmas festivalThe East Yorkshire market town hosts one of the most colourful festive events in the UK, with a market, street entertainers, rides and a Christmas parade
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Let’s go to … the National Memorial Arboretum, StaffordshireIts new Remembrance Centre has just opened, in time for Armistice Day. But also take time to explore nearby lovely Lichfield and its medieval cathedral
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Let’s go to ... spooky south-west WalesGet spooked for Halloween on a tombstone trail that covers five graves of interesting or scary characters in four area of south Wales
sport holidays
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Country diary: drizzle only makes the bracken more vividNorth Devon and beyond Roaring deer and singing wrens, mossy scree and ferny oaks, the swish of the sea and other snapshots of a 100-mile walk
restaurants
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The Cors Country House, Laugharne, Carmarthenshire: hotel reviewIn a town rich with Dylan Thomas heritage, chef Nick Priestland is scaling back his highly-regarded restaurant to focus on B&B accommodation. Well, that was the plan
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The Pointer, Brill, Buckinghamshire: hotel reviewThis pub has long had a reputation for its excellent food – much of it grown on its own farm. Four lovely new rooms mean guests can now stay the night in the ‘ridiculously pretty’ village
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countries
coast & country
Great Scott: walking Scotland’s Rob Roy Way