Charming

It’s home to a 170-year-old pub, world-famous golf, medieval cathedral ruins and a legendary bakery that all visitors have to try.

Summer is almost here, making it an ideal opportunity to escape for a short break. If you fancy visiting somewhere with outstanding cuisine, stunning scenery, a fascinating past and a calming atmosphere, there’s one spot that deserves a place on your travel list – and once you visit, you’ll want to come back again and again.

Home to one of Britain’s most ancient universities, St Andrews on Scotland’s east coast is truly unique. Where else might you find a 170-year-old pub a stone’s throw away from an Oliver Bonas? It’s a location I’ve visited so many times, yet every trip uncovers something new to experience.

On a weekend getaway to Lower Largo, a tiny village in Fife, we popped into St Andrews for the afternoon. From Edinburgh it’s approximately an hour and a half’s drive, while from Glasgow it’s an hour and three quarters.

Whether you’re enthusiastic about it or not, most people probably know that St Andrews is primarily known for its golfing legacy.

The Old Course, one of the world’s most famous courses, boasts an iconic landmark that demands a picture, no matter how frequently you’ve been.

The Swilcan Bridge, constructed over 700 years ago, was our initial stop on this outing. Located on the course’s 18th hole, stepping onto the green feels extraordinary, yet it offers the ideal photo opportunity. You’ll inevitably come across fellow tourists, so you may need to queue briefly for your photo opportunity, but it’s absolutely worth the wait. Just a two-minute walk away sits the fantastic Jigger Inn pub, which was our next port of call for a bite to eat.

Dating back to the 1850s, the Jigger Inn is a cosy, welcoming pub with roaring fires that gazes out over the golf course. There’s a brilliant selection of drinks at the bar, or you can sit down and order from the menu, which is exactly what we chose to do.

Nobody will convince me there’s a better combination than a caesar salad, chips and wine, and the Jigger Inn delivered all three brilliantly.

Suitably fed and watered, it was time to explore the town itself. It’s not the largest, with most shops and attractions spread across roughly three main streets, yet you could happily wander around for hours without getting bored.

St Andrews is a truly remarkable place, with its medieval heritage plainly visible as you stroll through its streets. The university began teaching in 1413, which is extraordinary to think about, particularly given that it remains a thriving academic institution to this day.

There’s no denying it’s an exceptionally wealthy area. Students from all corners of the world move here to study, and its multiculturalism only adds to its charm. It’s also famously where William and Catherine first met and sparked their romance.

One of the main attractions is the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, located close to the waterfront. It was built back in 1158, and was previously the largest church in Scotland. Little remains of it today, and it has since been transformed into a graveyard.

Sadly, there was ring fencing surrounding numerous graves due to possible structural concerns, but it’s still a haunting yet captivating place to explore.

There’s so much going on in St Andrews that you nearly overlook the sea being right there. Just past the Old Course sits the celebrated West Sands Beach, which actually appeared in that memorable scene at the start of Chariots of Fire.

Had it been a bit warmer, this would have been the perfect location for a walk, but the wind was battering us from side to side so we opted to retreat into the shelter of the town centre.

St Andrews is brimming with superb shops, from high street names such as H&M and Jo Malone to independent boutiques and retailers that you won’t discover elsewhere. As a passionate reader, I was keen to visit Topping and Company, a popular family-owned booksellers with a handful of stores across the UK.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and the range of books available were outstanding. There was an entire table of signed first editions at the front of the shop, and the shelves appeared to extend upwards and deeper into the shop for miles.

It’s the kind of spot where you could easily spend hours browsing – and potentially spend a lot of money. Thankfully, I succeeded in restricting myself to just one book, which proved quite the test of willpower.

There was only one more destination to visit on our trip, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll definitely want to know about it.

A trip to St. Andrews wouldn’t be complete without stopping by Fisher and Donaldson. Founded in Fife in 1919, this family-run bakery is renowned for one thing above all else: its fudge doughnuts.

Hailed as the best in Scotland, these indulgent delights are filled with fresh custard and topped with a mouth-watering fudge icing.

While other cakes and biscuits are on offer, the fudge doughnut really steals the show. We grabbed a few to have with a coffee later, and unsurprisingly, they disappeared quickly.

St Andrews is just a lovely place to spend the day or even the weekend if you want to take it slower. It’s pleasant whatever the weather, but in the summer when the sun is shining, it’s truly unbeatable.

This picturesque Dublin village is a celebrity haven famed for its independent shops, stunning coastline and the fact that locals chose local businesses over Starbucks

For those who have never visited the breathtaking coastal village of Dalkey in south Dublin, perhaps Hollywood A-lister Matt Damon put it best.

He spent time there in 2020 while filming The Last Duel and, when quizzed about his temporary Irish home, he said: “Oh, it is incredible. It is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. I mean, it is just absolutely gorgeous.” Continuing his praise, he told radio station Spin 1038: “Even in the lockdown when they were like ‘you’ve got to stay within 2km of your house’…

“I mean 2km here there are trees and forests and woods and ocean. I can’t think of any place you would rather want to be in a 2km radius of. It is a little like a fairy tale here.”

Travel 13km beyond that radius and you’ll find yourself in Dublin city centre, easily reachable via the DART train. Rock legend Bono calls neighbouring Killiney home, just south of Dalkey, while Van Morrison is among the area’s other well-known residents.

Yet, despite this picturesque and tranquil seaside town along Dublin’s coastline — often affectionately referred to as the “Amalfi Coast of Ireland” — being a magnet for tourists and celebrities alike, there is one notable absence: a Starbucks, reports the Express.

This may come as a surprise to many, given the American coffee giant’s presence in most bustling towns, particularly as the company celebrates 20 years of trading in Ireland this month. A Starbucks once existed in Dalkey back in 2008, but it shut its doors just 13 months later after locals staged a boycott in a show of solidarity with independent businesses.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Peter O’Donovan, who runs a specialist coffee shop with his wife called Pepper Laine just off the main street, said: “I don’t think it suits the Dalkey image. I think they were too big for somewhere so small, and people say that it took from other businesses in the area.”

He also noted that the absence of a Starbucks, which he believes tourists would naturally gravitate towards for convenience, has actually proved a boon for independent traders during the busy summer months.

Beyond coffee, the town’s most beloved attraction is Dalkey Castle, constructed around 1390 and once used as a loading port during the Middle Ages. It now houses a Writers’ Gallery featuring exhibits dedicated to literary greats such as James Joyce, who once lived nearby.

The charming town is also characterised by narrow streets lined with cafés, restaurants and quirky bookshops.

It also offers stunning walks that wind their way from the village down to the coastline, where locals frequently take a dip in the sea.

For the more adventurous visitor, there is a rock climbing centre at the old Dalkey Quarry near Killiney Hill, where thrill-seekers are rewarded with breathtaking views across Dublin. Visitors can also explore the bay, with excursions on offer to nearby Dalkey Island, where seals, birds and wild goats can be spotted — and perhaps even the occasional dolphin.

Other notable figures to have rented properties in the area include Pierce Brosnan, Mel Gibson and Russell Crowe, while in 2022 Harry Styles was photographed at the Vico Baths enjoying a swim, just as Matt Damon did during his visit to the bathing spot.

The beautiful town will see a total transformation with the multi-million pound regeneration project — and work is expected to kick off in full force at the end of May.

A northern town that’s home to a famous 950-year-old historic abbey is all set for a massive £32million regeneration this May.

The North Yorkshire town already has a ton going for it — a majestic abbey, artisanal shops, cute cafes, countless craft beer joints, and picturesque green trails along the River Ouse. Now, it’s set to see a total transformation with the multi-million pound regeneration project.

Selby in North Yorkshire will be undergoing massive change by the end of May, with the long-awaited Selby Station Gateway project finally kicking off in the latter half of the month according to latest updates.

Spearheaded by North Yorkshire Council with support from Department for Transport, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Network Rail, Active Travel England, and Trans-Pennine Express, the £32million regeneration project is a joint effort aimed at boosting investment and encouraging sustainable travel in the town.

The project is being funded by the larger government-back Transforming Cities Fund, which was set up in a bid to encourage people to walk or cycle seamlessly between railway stations and town centres.

The multi-million pound regeneration will see the national civil engineering and highways contractor, Galliford Try Ltd, commence demolition work at the end of this month to make space for a brand-new car park and improved walking and cycling routes.

Demolition work of unused buildings around the site will start with James William House on Cowie Drive, followed by the former Railway Social Club and Selby Business Centre.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, local councillor Malcolm Taylor, said of the project: “It represents a major investment to enhance the area and improve routes leading to the railway station, and we are confident that the project will act as a catalyst for further investment for Selby.”

Taylor added: “I’m pleased to announce that after many months of development, and through close working with partners and the community, we are ready to begin the scheme. We will keep the public updated when details of further phases come forward.”

The station will also become equipped with new accessible platform access, a completely remodelled bus station and a brand-new plaza which will connect it to the neighbouring Selby Park.

Over the next year, the first phase of the regeneration scheme is expected to deliver:

• New accessible platform access to the rear of the station building
• A brand-new station car park.
• A completely remodelled bus station.
• Major improvements to local walkways and cycleways.

This phase, which comprises the removal of existing unused buildings, is expected to take roughly 12 months to complete. While the initial timelines had completion set for autumn 2028, the unexpected delays have made it difficult to pinpoint exactly when work is expected to finish.

The first public consultation on the regeneration project’s plans was held back in 2019, with work touted to commence in October last year, however those plans were delayed and postponed due to bats living on parts of the site. Plans were then put in place for the project to kick off in March 2026, however it was met with delays once again.

With this £32million regeneration project, the town of Selby hopes to boost its appeal to both visitors as well as residents.

A magnificent medieval cathedral in Somerset

“So this is where Officer Nick Angel [Simon Pegg] chased that swan.” As a fan of Hot Fuzz, I was excited to explore the cathedral city of Wells in Somerset, where much of the film was shot. This charming, compact and walkable city is awash with medieval architecture and magnificent buildings, such as the gothic cathedral, with one of the oldest working clocks in the UK (late 14th century) and the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens. Within easy reach of the Mendip Hills, Cheddar Gorge and the Wookey Hole Caves, Wells makes for a low-key alternative to tourist-soaked Bath.
Alison

Wild camping in the west Highlands

The Ardnamurchan peninsula, which includes the most westerly point in mainland Britain at Corrachadh Mòr, is stunning. With my partner, I spent a night wild camping by the shell-sand beach at Sanna Bay, surrounded by the machair grassland and wildflowers. It was absolutely stunning. We walked to Ardnamurchan lighthouse, spotted some dolphins, and swam in the sea in cold but crystal clear waters. The simplicity of the trip and not having to check in at any accommodation was a plus. I would recommend it to everybody.
Jox

Cinematic light and seabirds in East Lothian

North Berwick in East Lothian always feels like a proper holiday without needing a passport. Take the early train, walk straight down to the beach, then continue past the harbour towards the Scottish Seabird Centre, where the light over the Firth of Forth changes by the minute. If the tide is out, the views are cinematic with the sand stretching so wide. On clear early evenings Bass Rock turns gold and you wonder how somewhere so close to Edinburgh can still feel quietly remote.
Michelle

Rock-pooling and picnics in Devon

I visited Beer in east Devon last summer with three friends, all of us women in our 40s, and our six children aged between four and 11. It couldn’t have been a better choice. We stayed at the lovely large YHA hostel, which was relaxed, welcoming and ideal for families. The kids were charmed by the stream running through the village and spent hours rock-pooling on the beach, discovering tiny crabs and sea anemones. We also enjoyed the clifftop walk to Seaton with its incredible views. Don’t miss Woozie’s Deli for fresh treats – perfect for picnics by the sea.
Tara

A cycling tour of the Northumberland coast

We cycled the Northumberland coast from Newcastle to Berwick over four days. We visited Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh, two of the most impressive castles in the country, the mining museum at Woodhorn and the RNLI Grace Darling Museum in Bamburgh, and swam from huge, empty beaches. Cycling over the causeway to Lindisfarne was the highlight, an incredible place to visit and awesome watching the road disappear under the sea (after we’d made it back to the mainland).
Ian

Ravenspoint community hostel on Loch Èireasort, south of Stornoway and home to nesting sea eagles and sea otters, feels remote even by Outer Hebridean standards. I shared the hostel kitchen with a father and daughter cycling the Hebridean Way, and a psychiatrist who seemed genuinely quite unsettled by the vastness of the landscape stretching all around. The hostel has a rich history – it is owned by the Co-Chomunn na Pairc, one of the original community co-operatives established in the 1970s, and the profits from it, the shop and tea rooms all go back into keeping vital services open for visitors and locals alike year-round.
Eleanor

Happy days in West Yorkshire’s Happy Valley

Sharing my obsession with Happy Valley, my teenage son agreed to a long weekend in Hebden Bridge. Armed with a list of filming locations, we scouted around Sowerby Bridge and Hebden, getting a buzz from the scenes we recognised. We climbed up to Heptonstall to visit Sylvia Plath’s grave, caught a film at the independent Picture House, and hiked along the river and on to the moors beyond Hardcastle Crags. An early morning run along the canal and the best pizza in town topped it off.
Lucy

Cliffs, castles and chips in Ayrshire

Ayrshire is beautiful, bucolic, full of family-friendly activities and often overlooked by Munro-baggers heading north to the Highlands. It has excellent local produce, coastal splendour and bountiful historic attractions. Start at Dumfries House with its marvellous gardens, enormous treetop adventure area and interactive water play (much of it free!). Visit the ruins of clifftop Dunure Castle, then stroll along the sandy Croy Bay to Culzean Castle, with its own gardens, play area and spectacular views of Arran and Ailsa Craig. Then pootle up to the Coo Shed for fab local ice-creams, before rounding off your day with some outstanding fish and chips from the Wee Hurrie on Troon harbour.
Dan Ashman

A village idyll in Snowdonia

My wife and I went for a weekend break in Trefriw on the River Crafnant in north Wales. It’s a peaceful village with lively pubs. We stayed at the Fairy Falls hotel, a perfect base for exploring the surrounding river and mountain walks, and for viewing the cascades.
Seamus

Winning tip: Hadrian’s Wall by bus and train

Exploring the Hadrian’s Wall area stands out for us among our UK trips, not only for the places we visited but also because we travelled by train, bus and on foot. This meant the holiday began once we’d boarded the first train, not just once we’d arrived at our accommodation. We stayed at the Sill youth hostel, arriving there using the AD122 bus from Hexham station. This bus stops at several Roman sites between Hexham and Haltwhistle – we used it to visit Housesteads, “Britain’s most complete Roman fort”. Another highlight was the Vindolanda fort and museum around a mile and a half from the Sill.
Sharon Pinner

In the heart of the countryside and conveniently located just an hour from London, is a frozen-in-time town with a sprawling vineyard that offers an idyllic day out

Just outside London is a picturesque market town with independent businesses, rolling hill vistas and a vineyard with its very own wine train.

Nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and just an hour’s train journey from London, is the charming market town of Dorking. While it’s a commuter town, often cited as a laid-back alternative to its neighbours, Guildford and Reigate, Dorking offers a scenic day out against its picturesque backdrop.

The historic town is said to have a ‘nostalgic’ feel, thanks to its timber-framed buildings, traditional coaching inns, and narrow alleys in a nod to its deep medieval roots. Travellers are said to have traditionally used Dorking as a stop between the South Coast and London, while its Victorian-era tales still run through the town.

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Its frozen-in-time setting is only enhanced by its renowned antique quarter on West Street, the town’s oldest street, with hidden gems, vintage items and ancient treasures. Dorking is also renowned for its independent scene of boutiques, coffee houses and eateries, alongside popular branded stores on the High Street.

When it comes to food, there are a few notable spots to point out, including the Michelin-starred restaurant Sorrel, offering modern fine dining from à la carte and tasting menus, to really savour the flavours. Elsewhere, there’s the steakhouse, Heaven’s Kitchen, a pizzeria, Monte Forte, Mediterranean dishes at Arto Restaurant, and, on the outskirts of the town, The Hillroom Restaurant, which offers a delightful afternoon.

Yet it’s well worth exploring beyond the main streets, as cosy squares are tucked among the picturesque town, including Old Kings Courtyard, Allen Court and St Martin’s Walk. That’s in addition to the Dorking Halls, where visitors can catch a theatre performance, watch live music, or sit down for a film.

A walk around the town is enough to warrant a visit, whether it’s to browse its independent retailers or explore its narrow lanes and stunning medieval architecture. But its selection of walking routes and famed Box Hill zig-zag cycle trail are another highlight in the area, offering the chance to really take in the picture-postcard scenes of the rolling Surrey countryside.

And a little further afield, an 8-minute car journey or 20-minute bus ride to be precise, is where you’ll find the vineyard with its very own wine train. The Denbies Wine Estate is England’s largest single-estate vineyard, spanning 265 acres, with its very own hotel and restaurant on-site.

Visitors can book a wine tasting or tour, enjoy one of their events, or book a stay at the vineyard hotel. But one of its most notable experiences is the outdoor vineyard train tour.

Guests can enjoy the train journey around the vineyard underneath the British sunshine while stopping for their next tipple of vino and soaking up the vistas of the Denbies Estate and the North Downs. With tickets starting from just £12.50 per person for the 50-minute tour, it might just be the best way to enjoy the spring weather.

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