Things to do in Changsha, China
River cruises on the Xiang River depart from Orange Island. Departures after nightfall offer the opportunity to see Changsha's waterfront buildings illuminated.
Places to visit
1000 Islands helicopter tours experience
“You get the most spectacular view of the Thousand Islands. You get to see features that you can't see from the boat or from the shore, if you're walking, cycling or kayaking. There are things you can see; like the water clarity, the depth of the water and how rapidly it changes. The perspective of the castles is second-to-none from a helicopter,” said Bill Fox, the pilot on my helicopter flight over the islands in the Saint Lawrence River.
Fashion in Portugal & design in Lisbon
The Portuguese capital is chic but, in places, charmingly shabby and, if you know where to look, you’ll find a lively fashion and design scene in Lisbon.
16 things to do in Sedbergh, Cumbria
Sedbergh is England’s official book town and a lovely spot to visit if you enjoy walking and cycling. On the western edge of Yorkshire Dales National Park, the attractive small town is well-placed as a base for visiting the nearby Lake District. Kendal is 11 miles away and Windermere is 19 miles from Sedbergh.
Kynren at Bishop Auckland, County Durham
The 2025 Kynren season runs from 19 July until 13 September. Performances are on Saturday evenings. Start times of the 90-minute performance vary and the show ground opens two-and-a-half hours before it begins.
Top things to do in Maribor, Slovenia
“If you produce a lot of white wine you also have to drink it. That’s why Mariborians are happy,” jokes Tomaž, my guide during a walking tour of Maribor. The city is set within the Štajerska Slovenia wine region and a vast wine cellar is hidden below streets in its centre.
History and holidays in Lindos, Greece
Motorised vehicles don’t operate in central Lindos. That isn’t the result of some fashionable, recently introduced ecotourism masterplan aimed at emphasising the sustainable credentials of the Rhodian fishing village. The twisting alleyways were laid out long ago and are simply too narrow for cars.
Christmas markets in Munich, Germany
Munich residents meet at the Advent markets to socialise over post-work mugs of Glühwein (mulled wine). The Christmas markets in Munich are by no means held only to attract visitors to the city.
Things to do in Latgale, Latvia
The Latgale region is nicknamed ‘the land of blue lakes’. Approximately 1,200 lakes speckle Latgale’s landscape making it an attractive destination for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures including kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or other forms of paddling.
Cycling the Lakeside Way at Kielder Water
Aiming to cycle around the lake inside of four hours while pausing along the way to view the landscape, birdlife and artworks proved a challenge. We underestimated. With the benefit of hindsight — now that I’ve climbed those hills on the northern shore — I’d pack a picnic and make a day of it. Kielder Castle, the various hides and artworks mean there’s plenty to spent time at along the way.