Category: Western Europe

Hidden Iceland

The coldest day in 100 years in Iceland: How best to travel in Winter

Over the festive period this year, Iceland has received unseasonably cold weather, with temperatures dropping as low as -23 Celsius (-9F) in the capital region. Up on the ice caps, it has been far colder still. For a country with the name ‘Iceland’ you might be mistaken for thinking that this is a normal occurrence
Do you know how these 9 famous cities got their names?

Do you know how these 9 famous cities got their names?

Have you ever wondered how a place like Paris or Rome got its name? Well, some of the most famous cities across the globe have pretty interesting stories behind them.
Lake District Fells and Mountains - Wastwater

10 reasons to visit the Lake District in 2023

With 2022 drawing to a close, it’s time to start thinking about your 2023 travel plans. Why not include a trip to the Lake District? If you get a chance, you really should come to this beautiful corner of England.
10 of the best festivals around the world to visit in January 2023

10 of the best festivals around the world to visit in January 2023

January is a great time to travel the world as many popular destinations experience pleasant weather and fewer crowds. No matter where you go, you can expect to find a variety of cultural events and festivals taking place.
AquaDom aquarium at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Berlin explodes

AquaDom aquarium at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Berlin explodes

A large aquarium in Berlin, housed in the lobby of the city's Radisson Collection Hotel, has burst, flooding the hotel and nearby streets with millions of litres of water.
Cruise the coastline of northern Italy where art and architecture sit side by side with nature

Cruise the coastline of northern Italy where art and architecture sit side by side with nature

Consider that some of northern Italy’s best-kept secrets are only accessible by boat and you have the perfect recipe for a luxury Italian yacht charter.
lights-bcn

Things to do in Barcelona this Christmas

In Spain both the 6th and the 8th of December are bank holidays, meaning there is always a fun buzz around the city at this time as locals take some much needed time off to celebrate the Día de la Constitución and the Día de la Inmaculada Concepción.
Review: The Treehouses, Dittisham Hideaway, Devon, UK

Review: The Treehouses, Dittisham Hideaway, Devon, UK

In the famous 19th century children’s book, when the shipwrecked Swiss Family Robinson have the opportunity to leave their treehouse on their isolated island, many of the family choose to remain.
5 best hotels in Siena, Tuscany

5 best hotels in Siena, Tuscany

Whether you're looking for a 5-star property with all the bells and whistles, or a more modest option with Tuscan charm, there's sure to be a perfect hotel for you in Siena.
sailing

10 alternative activities to do in Barcelona

Barcelona is a beautiful, lively city with a lot to offer tourists. However, it can be easy to get caught up in the daily schedule of your vacation and miss out on some of the best that the city has to offer.
Review: Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, UK

Review: Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, UK

It had been more than a decade since we'd last stayed at the Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa so I was keen to return and see how this gem of a hotel had evolved since our last visit.
10 cosy Lake District pubs you really ought to visit

10 cosy Lake District pubs you really ought to visit

After a long day hiking, sailing or generally exploring the Lake District, what better way to unwind than with some delicious food and drink in the comfortable surroundings of a cosy Lake District pub?
New luxury additions at SCHLOSS Roxburghe in the Scottish Borders

New luxury additions at SCHLOSS Roxburghe in the Scottish Borders

With the opening of the new Estate House this month, SCHLOSS Roxburghe is undergoing a significant redevelopment that includes the addition of 58 new rooms.
The 5 best islands to visit in Greece

The 5 best islands to visit in Greece

There are more than 200 inhabited Greek isles and around 6,000 in total. And like many island nations, each inhabited Greek island has its own distinct character.
Review: Aptel East, Tower Hamlets, London, UK

Review: Aptel East, Tower Hamlets, London, UK

The old adage to "never judge a book by its cover" couldn't be more true when it comes to Aptel East, an aparthotel in the East London borough of Tower Hamlets.
Experience the history of Munster Vales!

Experience the history of Munster Vales!

The nights might be getting darker earlier and the weather might be getting colder, but for anyone planning a visit to Munster Vales over the winter months there is still plenty to do and see in the region.