The Ile de Ré is an island off the west coast of France. Its beaches like the Plage de la Conche des Baleines are backed by dunes and pine trees. The main town of St-Martin-de-Ré has the 17th-century Fortifications of Vauban, plus outdoor cafes overlooking the marina. Bicycle paths crisscross the island. The island claims to enjoy as many hours of ...

Herm, one of the Channel Islands, is located in the English Channel and a 20 minute boat ride from Guernsey Car free and just 1.5 miles long, the north end of the island offering sandy beaches and the vast grassy common, where woolly mammoth roamed millions of years ago. Neolithic settlements have been found, and digs have uncovered evidence of a p...

Menorca (Minorca) is one of Spain's Balearic islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Less well known than neighbouring Mallorca (Majorca) and Ibiza, it's known for its long sandy beaches and rocky turquoise-watered bays called calas. The capital, Mahon, is on a bluff overlooking a large harbour, with Georgian mansions and a church with 13th-century roots...

St Ives is a town in Cornwall, England, known for its surf beaches and art scene. The seafront Tate St Ives gallery has modern art exhibitions, on British artists and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, in the artist's former studio, displays her bronzes and other works. Boat trips go to Seal Island to see the seal colony. Sails Lofts...

Hampton Manor, which is set in 45 acres, in the heart of England, has reopened. It was built in 1855, in the time of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts era, which isheavily visual throughout the property. It was also the former estate of Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel, a labour of love for his son, Sir Fredrick Peel. The Michelin-starred desti...

Were you one to throw away tomatoes as a child when there were sweeter and tastier things going around the table? Welcome to the La Tomatina festival, where you can launch your tomatoes at every busy body around you. There are no limits or followed rules at the biggest of all food fights. Indeed for 364 days a year the town of Bunol, Valencia is at...