UK holidays
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If you go down to the woods... Britain's first forest festivalBuy tickets now for the UK’s big celebration of trees and everything that goes with them at next year’s three-day Timber festival in the National Forest, straddling Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire
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Reading's historic Thames Lido opens – in picturesFollowing a four-year, £3.5m restoration project, the riverside lido opened on Monday on the site of an Edwardian women’s baths -
In Grandpa’s footsteps on the shores of Carlingford Lough, IrelandHannah Louise Summers uses a new ferry service – a lake crossing on which her grandfather once worked – to explore both sides of Carlingford Lough, which straddles the Irish border -
Langland Cove Guesthouse, Mumbles, Swansea: B&B reviewThis smart and friendly guesthouse is a great base for getting to know a possible future UK Capital of Culture, before everyone starts descending on it
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Toon and Tyne: Newcastle united … on a city walking tourFrom the grandeur of Grey Street and Central station to the bridges over the Tyne, this walk takes in Newcastle’s fine Victorian architecture and industrial heritage
accommodation
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Fence Gate Lodge, near Burnley, Lancashire: hotel reviewThis inn on the edge of the Ribble Valley has long had a reputation for good food and drink. Now it’s added a glam 24-bedroom lodge across the road
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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10 of the best narrow-gauge railway journeys in BritainHop aboard one of these fantastic British railway adventures – with the chance to see wildlife and wonderful scenery along the route
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Take the kids … to Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, CheshireJodrell Bank is famous for the monumental Lovell telescope – but alongside all the serious science there are plenty of fun activities and hands-on experiments to inspire kids
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Wild in Walthamstow: Europe’s biggest urban wetlands opensEurope’s biggest urban wetlands open on Friday. Few locals knew of it before but now they, and nature lovers everywhere, can enjoy this amazing bird reserve for free
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Take the kids to … Woodlands Family Theme Park, Totnes, DevonPlay zones and rides – outdoors and in – make this woodland-set Devon attraction a family treat, plus there’s plenty of half-term Halloween activities on the horizon, too
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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Beautiful places to visit in Cornwall – chosen by local artistsAs Tate St Ives reopens with a £20m extension, six of Cornwall’s leading artists describe the spectacular and atmospheric landscapes that inspire them
restaurants
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Wales on rails: fine food and great views on the Holyhead to CardiffThe Gerald of Wales, which runs the length of the country, is a rarity: a train with an onboard chef serving three-course meals and proper morning fry-ups
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The Cottage In The Wood, near Keswick, Lake District: hotel reviewThe talented new chef at this restaurant with rooms offers exquisite meals with molecular and new Nordic elements, but the basics are spot on, too
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countries
coast & country
The Chain Locker, Falmouth, Cornwall: hotel review