Destinations

By Caroline Howley The mighty Danube slices cleanly through the centre of the city, divorcing rural, residential Buda from its hip urban neighbour, Pest. The elaborate landmarks of the riverbank shimmer, reflected in the water: Buda Castle, sat high on its rocky foundations; Liberty Bridge’s giant green girders towering over the retro trams that pass below; the intricate spires of the neo-gothic parliament buildings piercing the clear azure sky. The castle and its banks are a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site,...

By Pat Levy There’s an allure to Greece that can’t be found anywhere else. But put aside the sun-kissed islands, beautiful as they are, in favour of relatively undiscovered places on the mainland and accessible via modern, uncongested highways which make our overcrowded motorways look so last century. The place is the Peloponnese and the more precise spot is Costa Navarino, the realisation of a dream of a local fisherman turned shipping magnate who spent his later years buying up...

If you plan on visiting some of the capital's most famous cultural attractions you will need somewhere fitting to rest your head, and after a busy day in this exclusive slice of west London there's nowhere better than The Ampersand hotel. Nestled between the V&A, Natural History Museum, Science Museums and the Royal Albert Hall, the Ampersand has it all on its doorstep. And if that wasn’t enough the French Institute is a stone’s throw away. This grand hotel dates back...

If I told you this hotel was once lauded the worst in Britain - would you believe me? All you would need to do is cast your mind back five years and remember the popular fly-on-the-wall documentary The Hotel. The Grosvenor Hotel in Torquay is THE hotel. As my partner and I walk into the reception area - part of me is desperate to be met by madcap former owner Mark Jenkins - however what we were met with was...

Denmark - The country of full of bicycles, where you can get to experience the Vikings lifestyle, enjoy millions of gastronomic alternatives, bike rides around Copenhagen main streets, get lost in their fairytale castles under a hyggeligt (cozy) atmosphere. Sara Lopez, a Spaniard living in Denmark, shares with us the most interesting places in this country. In general, one of the most special corners of Denmark is its capital: Copenhagen, where we can find the  most enjoyable colorful places: Nyhavn...

It’s true; Europe really does have a destination for every occasion. No matter whether you’re looking for a fun-filled escape or want to go on a stylish honeymoon, you can find the ideal location closer to home than you think. You don’t have to travel half way across the globe to find amazing beaches and crystal clear waters. If you plan on travelling around Europe, be sure to complete the new e111 application form to ensure you can receive reduced...

When it comes to getting away for a weekend in the winter most Londoners are looking for three things; a cosy location, scrumptious food and a hassle-free journey. Thankfully, The Miller of Mansfield has all three. Nestled at the heart of Goring-on-Thames around eight miles north-west of Reading The Miller lies at the meeting point of the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs. The railway station is on the main line between Oxford and London and its riverside plain houses the residential area...

With a relaxed Italian lifestyle, strikingly picturesque landscapes and a climate similar to nearby North Africa (all just two hours from London) – it’s hardly surprising Sardinia has become an increasingly popular holiday destination in recent years. The world’s first identified ‘Blue Zone’ – a geographic area with inhabitants that, statistically, live the longest lives - Sardinia is thought to be home to the highest concentration of Centenarians (people aged 100 and above). In 2012, the Province of Ogliastra, in...

The north Italian area of Lake Como is a tempting attraction for those in need of panoramic beauty, traditional Italian meals and a timeless charm. Add in the possibility of bumping into its most famous resident, George Clooney, and I was tempted enough to visit in June - just ahead of the summer rush. Despite my very thorough research, I still didn't know quite what to expect, partly because it's hard to piece together a complete picture of the diverse...