Charming

The laid-back, authentic island is packed with charming fishing villages, family-run tavernas and stunning underground caves

Summer is just around the corner, and millions of Brits are probably already mapping out their sunshine escapes. If that sounds like you, then Greece offers the perfect combination of sun and sea. But with countless islands on offer, deciding where to go can feel overwhelming.

Through examining search data, TripAdvisor reviews and geological information, yacht charter firm Sunsail has uncovered some of Greece’s hidden treasures where you can dodge the masses.

Among these islands is Meganisi – a relaxed, authentic Greek destination brimming with picturesque fishing villages, family-run tavernas and spectacular underground caves.

The island boasts a fascinating history, ideal for discovery.

Among the unmissable attractions is Papanikolis cave, one of the largest and most renowned sea caves in Greece, reports the Express.

Previously used as a submarine hideout during WWII, this enormous cave extends 120 metres in length and 60 metres in width.

Visitors can join one of the numerous boat excursions and take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters inside the cave.

There’s also a secret beach within that you can reach by swimming. One TripAdvisor review stated: “You cannot realise how huge it is until you actually get in there, then you feel so small… an interesting natural wonder.”

On dry land, Meganisi offers plenty to discover. Spanning just 20 square kilometres, it’s compact yet impressive.

Frequently overlooked in favour of its bigger neighbour Lefkada, the island remains wonderfully untouched by overtourism.

Vathi, the island’s largest of two ports, is a delightful, traditional fishing village bookended by two churches, built to bestow blessings upon every vessel arriving and departing the island.

A handful of waterfront tavernas and cafés line the harbour, serving up freshly caught seafood.

The smaller port of Spilia is equally charming, with fewer tavernas but just as much beauty to offer.

A brief stroll around the bay brings you to a lengthy sandy beach, complete with a further selection of snack bars.

The Cotswolds are home to picture-postcard towns and villages bursting with character, yet there’s one that stands out from them all with its famous street and prestigious title

A beautiful Cotswolds village has earned worldwide attention, thanks to its fairytale charm and famous cottages.

With honey-hued architecture, sweeping countryside hills and storybook villages, the Cotswolds undeniably boast some of the most breathtaking scenery in the nation. So much so that many of its settlements have been graced with their very own prestigious accolades, thanks to their quintessentially English charm.

There’s the Gloucestershire village of Bourton-on-the-Water with its low, stone bridges that has been dubbed the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, the pretty Worcestershire village of Broadway, known as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’, and the historic West Oxfordshire town of Burford, notably referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’. Yet among these gems is a village that has frequently been hailed as the most beautiful not only in the Cotswolds but in the world.

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Nestled in Gloucestershire and in the heart of the Cotswolds, is the picturesque village of Bibury. It’s characterised by its ancient honey-coloured stone architecture, winding River Coln and the Rack Isle water meadow, and is conveniently positioned just a short drive from the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’, Cirencester.

Bibury has garnered worldwide attention, being named the most beautiful village in the world by Forbes in September last year, and previously called one of the world’s most picturesque villages. English textile designer and poet, William Morris, also described Bibury as ‘the most beautiful village in England’.

While it’s one of the smaller places to visit in the Cotswolds, it attracts thousands of visitors each year and is home to Arlington Row, one of the most photographed streets. The quaint line of Arlington Row cottages was built in the 14th century as a monastic wool store and converted into weavers’ cottages during the 17th century.

Today, they are home to private residences, but Arlington Row remains Bibury’s most popular attraction and the most photographed place across the Cotswolds. Yet, some houses here have been known to bear a polite sign that reads, ‘No photos please’, as the area tends to get overrun with tourists.

But that doesn’t detract from its undeniable beauty, with the scenic River Coln flowing nearby, alongside pristine green spaces, streams and charming establishments. Over the bridge and directly opposite Arlington Row, is Eleven Bibury, offering a chic café, gallery shop and terraced garden.

Another tourist attraction in the village is Bibury Trout Farm, where visitors can take in the scenic setting before enjoying fishing, crazy golf or a refreshment from the café, or a sweet treat from Kelly’s Ice cream. There’s also The Twig café in the same area, the perfect coffee and cake stop, before wandering around the paths and walking routes that surround Bibury.

For accommodation in Bibury, there’s the holiday rental, Sackville House, The Bothy and Sundial Cottage, or the four-star, The Swan Hotel. While there’s not much to do in the village, its picture-perfect setting, tranquil river walks, and serene green space against its stone cottages are enough to warrant a visit.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

THERE’S no place like London’s neighbourhood of Chelsea, or is there?

With a plethora of high-end shops and cafés, one destination in Norfolk has earned itself the nickname of ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’, and it’s one of the poshest spots in the area.

The destination in question is Burnham Market, a beautiful 17th-century village in the north of the county.

It’s considered the ‘Chelsea‘ of the area because of how posh it is – in fact, Burnham Market even made it onto the list of Britain’s poshest villages by The Telegraph in 2024.

While doesn’t have the King’s Road, or the Saatchi Gallery, Burnham Market does have over 30 independent shops and boutiques around the green.

It’s also got small galleries and top restaurants.

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Burnham Market also got its nickname because a lot of properties are second homes owned by Londoners.

Some celebrities have even been reported to have homes there, like Stephen Fry, Amanda Holden and Anneka Rice.

Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens, who hails from Norfolk, gives us more of an insight into the posh town.

She said: “I grew up just a few villages away from Burnham Market, the fancy seaside destination dubbed Chelsea-on-Sea.

“Everything here centres around the village high street, lined with premium pubs, shops and boutiques on either side.

“Here you’ll find the famous Gurneys Fish Shop, where it’s well worth picking up some homemade fishcakes to take home. You’ll also find posh coastal-themed clothing and interior decor shops like Barefoot Living, Joules and Jack Wills.

“And when you’re done shopping, you can stop for a coffee and a toastie in the trendy Scandi Coffee Co.

“You’ve also got your pick of fancy restaurants here. Michelin star-rated restaurant Socius is the kind of fine-dining spot you’d book to celebrate a special occasion.

“Or, The Hoste Arms is a posh pub with rooms, where you can slink off to a cosy bed after dining on moules marinière or local venison.

“Approaching spring and summer, head a couple minutes down the road to Burnham Overy Staithe, where you’ll find the best secret spot for paddle-boarding along the coast.

“Wander through wild marshland down to the shore, and you’ll see some of the calmest and shallowest waters, perfect for a paddle. And here you’ll see some incredible sunsets.”

For more places to stay in Norfolk, check out Old Hunstanton…

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Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.

BOOK A STAY

For anyone who wants to visit, there are lots of beautiful hotels and B&B’s to hunker down in.

But one of note is The Railway Hotel which, as you might have guessed, has railway links.

It was originally the Old Station Master’s House, but has been beautifully refurbished into an eight room hotel.

For train fans, the most impressive room is The Carriage which was used as a train carriage up until 1952, and sits on the former station platform.

The Carriage has been restored and still maintains its look from its train days – it even has its original copper sink.

However, it’s got all the mod cons, from a rainfall shower to a drinks cabinet, Nespresso machine and a Smart TV.

It can be booked from £145 per night.

While Burnham Market isn’t a seaside town, it really isn’t far from the coastline.

Just a 15-minute drive away is Holkham which has a beach that’s considered one of the best in the country.

The seaside spot has great reviews on Tripadvisor with a rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Holkham Beach, often called the jewel of the north coast due to its long stretch of golden sand, is also dog-friendly, has lifeguard services and a beach car park.

It’s café, The Lookout, even has binoculars for its customers so they can look at the local wildlife while enjoying snacks and drinks.

For more on Norfolk, check out Travel Reporter Alice Penwill’s favourite town with an award-winning fish and chip shop.

And here’s the pretty English market town home to one of the weirdest hotels in the UK.

Tourist, Samuel Carceres confessed he was ‘unaware places in England like this exist’ after visiting a picturesque medieval town that is just two miles from the coast

If you’re after a quintessentially British location to explore that’s perfect for a weekend away, an escape in the south of England comes highly recommended. “I can’t believe places like this in England exist,” confessed visitor, Samuel Caceres in a TikTok video.

The Spaniard shared footage of himself standing on a cobbled hillside street, taking in an array of Tudor architecture after making the journey to the Sussex town from London. “It’s famous for one of the prettiest streets in the UK – Mermaid Street,” Samuel explained as he descended the slope. “This medieval street dates back to the 12th century.”

The town he’s referring to is Rye, where Samuel kicked off his visit by tucking into a “delicious brunch” at the Whitehouse restaurant.

“I then wandered through the town’s charming little alleyways,” he added, passing independent shops including The Mint Arcade and Curious and Curiouser.

Samuel continued: “There is so much to do here – from climbing the church’s tower to take in the sweeping views – to exploring the church’s grounds and postcard-perfect streets.”

He proceeded to tell his followers they simply ‘can’t miss” the chance to enjoy a pint at the Mermaid Inn – an historic hotel and restaurant that “feels like stepping inside a Tudor castle”.

Samuel also highlighted Rye’s Watchbell Street, drawing attention to the “stunning viewpoints” it provides of the surrounding countryside overlooking the River Tillingham.

He concluded his visit at the “famous” Cobbles Tea Room, where he savoured an afternoon tea. “It was cosy, welcoming, and perfect for homemade scones and a warm cup of tea,” Samuel enthused.

He wrapped up his travel recommendation: “You need to add Rye to your bucket list – it’s the perfect daytrip.”

And he provided additional details in a caption: “Rye is a storybook town full of crooked lanes, medieval charm, and smuggler legends. Once a major port and part of the historic Cinque Ports, Rye lost its seaside access as the coastline shifted, but not its character.

“In the 18th century, it became a hotspot for smuggling, with secret tunnels said to run beneath old inns like The Mermaid Inn. Writers like Henry James found inspiration here, and festivals like Rye Bonfire Night still light up the cobbled streets.”

How to Get to Rye

Discover Sussex has the following advice for those wishing to travel to Rye:

By Car – If you are driving, there are many car parks in Rye including Rope Street car park, the Cattle Market car park (not Thursdays) and Cinque Ports Street car park, which are all within walking distance to the town centre.

By Train – Rye has a beautiful Grade II listed train station, which is located north of the town centre and is only minutes from the high street. Trains run approximately every hour from London St Pancras, which require one change at Ashford International, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.

A UK seaside town is brimming with charm, with vibrant beach huts lining the golden beach and a high street packed with independent businesses that serves up its famed oysters

A charming coastal town, just a short train ride from London, offers an idyllic day out, adorned with colourful beach huts and an independent high street.

The seaside town of Whitstable in Kent is perhaps one of the best ways to make the most of the warmer weather, with its sprawling beach, thriving harbour and high street brimming with independent businesses. Nestled between Herne Bay and Seasalter, the Kentish town is just over an hour’s train journey from London, making it a favourite among those who want to escape the smoke for a break by the picturesque coast.

The shingle beach is at the heart of this town, with its picturesque pastel-hued beach huts lining the promenade for a quintessential British seaside. While it may lack the pier or rides you might find at other seaside towns, its stretches of golden beach have previously earned it the recognition of the ‘best of the traditional British seaside’ by Beach Guide, thanks to its ‘quirkiness and charm’.

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It’s a place where families can spend hours playing along the shore, taking a refreshing dip in the seawaters, or simply walking along its stretching promenade, admiring the colourful beach huts. If you fancy a pint in the sun, there’s the famed Old Neptune pub, with outdoor seating offering views across the coast, and where fishermen take in their daily catch.

Whitstable also has a bustling harbour and is renowned for its oysters. Its heritage of seafood dates back to around 80AD, when the Romans reportedly sent oysters back to Rome because they loved them so much, and the town built a thriving industry based on mollusc business that remains in place today.

A trip to Whitstable wouldn’t be complete without sampling its famed oysters with the acclaimed Whitstable Oyster Company and Wheelers Oyster Bar, providing the perfect spot. But with an array of restaurants nestled around the town, you’ll never be far from fresh seafood, and the town even holds its very own Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival to celebrate its historic connection.

Away from oysters, the town, which has been dubbed the ‘jewel of the Kent coast’, is also known for its thriving high street. Whitstable has hundreds of independent businesses, from vintage shops and art galleries to cafés, bakeries, hardware stores, and family-run eateries, with just a few chain stores surviving.

A stroll along Harbour Street and the High Street will reveal shopfronts bursting with character, including George’s Whitstable, an authentic Aladdin’s cave that has been a fixture for around 50 years. Some of its other notable highlights include the elegant jewellery shop Pearl Shop, the independent toy shop Buttercup, and Harbour Books.