7 Unmissable Global Festivals in November
From the Day of the Dead to Christmas markets and Thanksgiving, November is a month that celebrates the emergence of winter. Here is our selection of the best festivals in…
Skye Road Trip Part 3 – Fairy Pools, Whisky and Wild Landscapes
Explore Strathpeffer, Ullapool, the Fairy Pools and Skye’s whisky distilleries on part three of our Skye road trip through the Highlands When devising our road trip to Scotland, apart from…
Road Trip to Skye Part 2 – Portobello, Kelpies and Cairngorms
From Portobello Beach to The Kelpies, Cairngorms and Culloden, follow part two of a Scotland road trip en route to Skye and the Highlands Scotland has adopted a stringent stance…
A Literary Weekend in Paris
Some cities are so intertwined with literature that to walk their streets is like stepping into a story. Paris is one of them. Writer Maria Boyle and her book-loving daughter…
Isle of Skye Road Trip Part 1 – Whitby, Bamburgh and Holy Island
Discover Whitby, Bamburgh Castle, Holy Island and Edinburgh on the first leg of a Skye road trip exploring history and culture. “It all goes back to the sheep,” I tell…
Why Ischia Is Italy’s Best-kept Island Secret…….For Now
While I’ve been fortunate enough to travel extensively, Italy continues to hold a special place in my heart. Ever since tasting gazpacho (I know it’s Spanish) made with sun-ripened Ischian…
Marie Antoinette Style, Victoria & Albert Museum, London
What do a pair of pink silk slippers, a priceless diamond necklace and an 18th century porcelain drinking cup shaped like a woman’s breast have in common? They’re all objects…
Why a Visit to Charleston South Carolina is a Must
Why does a small city in American’s Deep South keep winning awards like ‘Number 1 U.S. Travel Destination’ ‘Best Food Destination’, ‘Friendliest American City’ and ‘Best Place for U.S. History…
Dark London Review – Drew Gray Shines a Light on a Shadowy Past
Londoners have always been fascinated by the city’s darker side, from Jack the Ripper tours to ghost walks through forgotten alleyways. In Dark London (Frances Lincoln, £16.99), published on 4…
Family Holiday with Teenagers – Heaven or Hell?
A family holiday with teenagers can be heaven or hell. Finding a break that keeps teenagers happy — and gives parents a proper chance to unwind — isn’t easy. But…
Scenic Stays and Walks in the Peak District Derbyshire
Mark Bibby Jackson goes on two walks in the Peak District to discover two excellent hotels and a country house impressive enough to inspire one of our finest writers. I…
In Search of Legends in Palermo Sicily
Roger Hermiston and Eileen Wise visit the Sicilian Capital Palermo to unearth much of its history and the nearby countryside. We had fond memories of our first visit to Sicily…
Architecture in Barcelona (Gaudi Excluded)
Mike East explores two examples of the wonderful architecture in Barcelona Spain giving Gaudi a miss. Let me start with a disclaimer: go and see all the marvellous works of…
Culture from the Ashes: Louvre Lens Museum, Pas-de-Calais
Mark Bibby Jackson explores the remarkable transformation of France’s former coal capital, Lens with its magnificent Louvre Lens Museum. Is it my imagination but I sense the scent of iron…
Visiting the Medellin Flower Festival Colombia 2025
Mike East revisits the Medellin Flower Festival in Colombia to discover a bigger, more ambitious event. As the festival approaches you can feel a change in the energy level around…
Timeless Tranquillity in the French Ardennes
In the industrial shadows of north-eastern France, Mark Bibby Jackson travels through the French Ardennes to discover a region of resilience, strong sense of community, and devastating natural beauty —…
Cutting the Mustard in Dijon France
Mark Bibby Jackson wanders through Dijon France, discovering Burgundy’s finest wines, and savouring the birthplace of real mustard in France’s gastronomic capital — the gateway to the Vallée de la…
Rolling into the Unknown: A Wheelchair Journey Through Sri Lanka
Debbie North forsakes her native Yorkshire to travel around Sri Lanka by wheelchair. She discovers a rich land full of adventure and a few challenges. When the opportunity to visit…
7 of the Best Festivals in August 2025
Travel Begins at 40 has produced its own brief round-up of the best festivals in August around the world from Colombia to Nevada and Utah to Notting Hill. Cultural Festivals…
72 Hours in Copenhagen: Cool, Cultured and Deliciously Danish
Cyclable, stylish and rich in culinary flair, Copenhagen is a city that makes short breaks feel satisfyingly full. Maria Boyle spends 72 hours in Copenhagen and grazes her way around…
The Art of Luxury Villa Rental in Saint-Tropez
A silly part of me was hoping to find the Saint-Tropez France my parents had described, even though I knew it was no more. A louche scene of artists and…
Narrow Boat Cruise on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal
Mark Bibby Jackson goes on a narrow boat cruise along the Worcester and Birmingham Canal with Black Prince Holidays. The last time I had ventured onto a narrow boat was…
On the Trail of Shardlake in Revolting Norwich
Roger Hermiston and Eileen Wise follow in the steps of CJ Sansom’s detective Matthew Shardlake to explore revolt in Norwich He’s one of the great popular fictional creations of the…
Indigenous Wisdom in Canada and its Relationship with Wellness
Indigenous wisdom in Canada is deeply rooted in a connection to nature, community and spiritual well-being. Traditional practices such as healing ceremonies, storytelling and land-based practices offer valuable insights into…
