Walking holidays don’t need to involve remote landscapes and hiking boots – there’s one beautiful European city that you’ll want on the radar as it’s been named the most walkable
Rome has been named Europe’s most walkable city(Image: Getty Images)
Europe is full of incredible cities packed with heaps of history, culture and amazing food. However there’s one particular tourist hotspot that’s been hailed as a must-visit for those who love to get their steps in on holiday.
Rome has been declared as Europe’s ‘most walkable city’ by experts at GuruWalk. They explained: “The Eternal City remains a key destination for travellers fascinated by ancient history. The Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Baroque squares make Rome an open-air museum that deserves to be explored thoroughly, step by step.”
Of course the Italian capital is already a firm favourite with tourists, attracting millions of visitors every year. The Colosseum is one of its most popular landmarks; the largest amphitheatre ever built, in its heyday it could hold up to 80,000 spectators who came for the gladiators, plays and other entertainment.
Meanwhile you can easily achieve your 10,000 daily steps goal with a stroll along to the iconic Spanish Steps. There are 135 steps and if you can handle it, you’ll be rewarded with unrivalled views of the city.
The Colosseum is a must visit (Image: Alexander Spatari/Getty Images)
Next on the itinerary should be a trip to Trevi Fountain. The 26.3 metre high fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in the world, and an estimated €3000 are thrown in every day (the money is given to charity each year). Legend has it that if you throw one coin over your shoulder it guarantees you’ll return to Rome, throwing in a second will ensure a new romance and, finally, a third coin thrown in will lead to marriage.
Currently the Trevi Fountain is free to visit as it’s a public attraction, but be warned that it can get very crowded especially during the summer months. In fact, local authorities are considering implementing a form of ticketing to try and manage the large numbers of tourists which it attracts.
The Trevi Fountain can get quite busy (Image: Getty Images)
From the fountain, it’s possible to walk across to the Pantheon, one of the city’s best preserved Ancient Roman buildings. The former temple has been in continuous use, and nowadays you can learn plenty about Roman culture and design.
Other must-see sights include Vatican City – home of the Pope – which is host to world-famous artwork including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, as well as the breathtaking St Peter’s Square.
For those who love a dose of culture, then a trip to Castel Sant’Angelo should be on the cards. Once Rome’s tallest building, now it’s a museum that hosts heaps of art, sculptures and Roman artefacts.
Oh, and if you’re one of those people who does think about the Roman Empire almost every day, you’ll need to leave space on the itinerary for a visit to the Roman Forum which plays home to ruins of ancient buildings, monuments, shrines and temples.
Rome wasn’t the only city to impress in the rankings of Europe’s most walkable cities. The top 10 cities were:
When you board a plane, you’ll always step onto the aircraft from the left – and it turns out there is a very good reason for this – and it’s all to do with ships and boats
15:10, 30 May 2025Updated 15:23, 30 May 2025
People board a plane from the left [stock image](Image: Cristi Croitoru via Getty Images)
As we gear up for the summer holiday rush and prepare to soak up the sun, there’s a curious constant in our plane-boarding experience that might have escaped your notice. Whether you’re buzzing with excitement or grappling with pre-flight jitters, you’ve probably never pondered why you always board an aircraft from the left-hand side.
Despite the leaps in aviation technology, the boarding process has remained steadfastly the same, and Michael Oakley, managing editor of The Aviation Historian, has shed light on this intriguing tradition. Originally, commercial aircraft featured passenger doors on the left due to historical practices, but today it’s all about operational efficiency.
Speaking to Afar, Michael revealed: “Much of aviation terminology had its origins in maritime lore (rudder, cockpit, cabin, bulkhead, knots, etc), and similarly, the aeronautical ways of doing things owe a lot to sailing.”
He further explained: “Just as boats and ships have a port side – the side of the vessel conventionally adjacent to the dock when in port – aircraft are the same. Sensibly, people decided to continue to board on the port (or left) side.”
Boats were traditionally designed with the steering oar on the right side (starboard), leading to passengers and cargo being loaded onto the opposite side.
This practice was carried over to aircraft until United Airlines in the 1930s and 40s decided to place their doors on the right. However, as air travel became more popular, it proved more efficient for everyone to board planes from the same side using the same terminals.
“Since the pilot sits on the left, airports began to be built with gates on the left so the pilot could better judge distances as they taxied to the gate,’ explained Matthew Burchette, senior curator at the Museum of Flight in Tukwila, Washington.
He added: “As soon as more complex airports were developed, with passengers using Jetways as a means of walking directly aboard from the terminal, ground operations were a lot easier if every aircraft did the same thing in the same direction.”
This arrangement also makes life easier for airport ground staff, who can work on the right-hand side away from passengers, while passengers are kept clear of any machinery.
Southwold’s pristine beach makes it a hit for both families and those looking to dip their toes in the sea. Pier beach is flanked by a promenade that stretches all the way to the harbour
Southwold beach’s town and promenade on a sunny summer day(Image: Getty Images)
Like many coastal regions of the UK, the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk offer a plethora of seaside delights perfect for day trips and longer holidays. Southwold presents the picture-perfect British seaside outing for people of all ages and the Camping and Caravanning Club has even rated it as one of Britain’s top seaside towns.
Southwold’s safe, pristine beach makes it a hit for both families and those looking to dip their toes in the sea, earning it Blue Flag status and a Seaside Award in 2024. The town boasts two lovely beaches; Pier beach brims with striking beach huts while Denes beach – more secluded and favoured by windsurfers and canoeists – backs onto dunes and marshland.
For added fun, Southwold Pier hosts quintessential seaside amusements, including an arcade bursting with vintage games and Tim Hunkin’s “eccentric” Under the Pier Show.
Hungry visitors can savour fare at various spots on the pier, be it the fish and chip shop, indulging in lunch or dinner at the Boardwalk restaurant with ocean views, or the Clockhouse for breakfast and homemade cakes, reports Cambridgeshire Live.
Pier beach is flanked by a promenade that stretches all the way to the harbour area, with the town centre just a short stroll away for those keen on a spot of shopping.
The colourful wooden beach huts with Southwold Pier on the horizon(Image: Getty Images)
Southwold’s high street is brimming with independent shops and boutiques waiting to be discovered, including Pearls by the Sea, a family-run clothing shop that also offers gifts and accessories, and Squires of Southwold, a sweet shop and tea room boasting over 150 different types of sweets.
Little Gems, a popular greengrocers, is worth popping into if you’re after some fresh fruit for your trip or local products to take back home.
The shop was nominated in the regional Muddy Stilettos Awards for best farm shop in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.
If you fancy a break from the beach, why not visit Southwold Museum? Housed in a quaint cottage, the museum offers interactive exhibitions and displays featuring fossil remains and information about Southwold’s transformation from a fishing community to a seaside resort.
Southwold is less than two hours’ drive from Cambridge via the A14. There’s a car park near the pier that charges £4 for a 10-hour stay, but there are other free parking spaces dotted around the town.
Scarborough, a charming seaside town located in North Yorkshire, has been named one of the top destinations in the UK to visit and is known for its stunning coastline and rich history
Scarborough Beach is one of the town’s main attractions(Image: Getty Images)
With summer on the horizon, holidaymakers are busy planning their getaways, and for those favouring a staycation, there’s no need to look further than a delightful beach escape right on your doorstep. Scarborough, a charming coastal gem in North Yorkshire, is famed for its breathtaking shoreline that offers spectacular views of the North Sea.
The area is a haven for nature lovers, boasting proximity to the North York Moors National Park, dramatic cliffs, shimmering sandy beaches, and the majestic Scarborough Castle perched high above the sea. The town has been lauded as one of the top UK destinations to visit by Time Out magazine in 2023, and CN Traveller hailed it as the “most beautiful seaside resort in England” for its historical charm.
They remarked: “The dramatic castle occupies the headland which separates the two main bays steep cliffs stretching away in both directions. The old town ascends the slope to the castle in a maze of crooked streets, with buildings dating back to Tudor times.”
Scarborough’s allure is heightened by the promise of a fresh adventure with each visit.
A perfect start to any trip could be the colourful Scarborough Fair Collection, home to Europe’s most extensive collection of classic fairground rides and historic vehicles.
This museum provides a unique historical lens, complete with bumper cars, penny arcades, a merry-go-round and the opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea whilst watching a stage show.
Scarborough is popular with holidaymakers and daytrippers as the town has many attractions(Image: Getty Images)
Another must-visit is the Scarborough Rotunda Museum, a Jurassic geology museum that delves into 65 million years of history, showcasing thousands of fossils, dinosaur footprints and even a Speeton Plesiosaur skeleton.
Entry is free for under 18s, and adults can explore the Rotunda Museum for just £5, which also includes admission to the Scarborough Art Gallery.
But no seaside getaway would be complete without a trip to the beach, and Scarborough boasts two stunning beaches: North and South Bay.
South Bay Beach is ideal for a family day out, having been a hit during the Victorian era, it still offers similar attractions like donkey rides and a lively promenade brimming with activities.
North Bay Beach, on the other hand, is much quieter and the perfect spot for relaxation or a leisurely stroll with a camera in hand. With numerous rock pools and charming vintage beach huts set against a backdrop of stunning hills and cliffs, there’s plenty to explore.
The two beaches are divided by the remnants of the grand Scarborough Castle, a 12th-century fortress that has withstood Viking invasions and served as a significant royalist stronghold during the Civil War.
After a day of sightseeing, it’s essential to visit the Scarborough Castle Great Tea Room, which offers stunning views of both beaches and an array of homemade cakes, jams, and other comforting treats.
No matter your itinerary, Scarborough is the perfect spot for a peaceful beach getaway, offering magnificent views, a rich history, and a host of entertaining attractions at one of England’s most beautiful seaside resorts.
East Devon has all the ingredients for a wonderful weekend away – yet it remains a hidden gem. Here’s how you can spend 48 hours exploring the tranquil region
Sidmouth has a stunning beach and plenty to do(Image: Manfred Gottschalk via Getty Images)
East Devon may not be the first name that springs to mind when considering a trip to the South West, but that’s exactly why it deserves your consideration. Tucked between the Dorset border and the outskirts of Exeter, this slice of countryside and coastline offers something increasingly elusive: peace without boredom, charm without the crowds.
If you’re seeking a short break that delivers beaches, culture, hearty cuisine and a sense of adventure, East Devon could be your best-kept secret – at least for now. Whether you’re an inquisitive explorer, a history buff, or a relaxed food lover, the area’s blend of historic towns, natural splendour, and leisurely delights has something to relish.
This meticulously planned 48-hour itinerary will guide you through the highlights of East Devon in a weekend – and might leave you questioning why you didn’t visit sooner, as reported by Devon Live.
Day one in East Devon
Kick off your East Devon getaway on the fringes of Honiton at Heron Farm – a serene 17-acre sanctuary complete with an award-winning café, vineyard, and walled garden. It’s the perfect backdrop to ease into the weekend
Post-breakfast, take the brief journey into Honiton itself, a market town that strikes the perfect balance between hustle and old-world allure.
Honiton takes great pride in its history, especially its lace-making heritage. This is carefully preserved in Allhallows Museum, a small yet richly detailed collection that traces the town’s creative journey from the 16th century onwards.
It’s a stop that subtly rewards the curious, blending tactile heritage with archaeological intrigue. From Honiton, travel east to Axminster. This town beautifully embraces its rural surroundings, and just beyond its centre lies River Cottage, the culinary haven established by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall stands in the veg garden of River Cottage HQ in Axminster, East Devon(Image: Max Mumby/Indigo, Getty Images)
If you fancy a guided stroll through the kitchen gardens, a rustic meal, or even a hands-on cookery course, it’s essential to book ahead. It’s more than just a restaurant – it’s a philosophy rooted in the soil.
Axminster also holds its own when it comes to local history. The Axminster Heritage Centre provides a sweeping view of the town’s past, from Stone Age origins and Roman connections to its prominence in the carpet trade.
It’s compact, informative, and impressively curated. As the afternoon fades and your sweet tooth calls, head straight for The Community Waffle House.
There’s a homely warmth to this place – the waffles are made from a family recipe passed down through generations, and the atmosphere is as inviting as the plates are indulgent.
As the evening draws in, take a look at what’s on at Axminster Guildhall. This humble venue certainly punches above its weight, hosting a variety of events from tribute bands to film nights and comedy shows. It’s a relaxed yet vibrant way to round off the day.
Day two in East Devon
Sidmouth is your destination for day two, offering coastal charm and a cultural experience to match. Start your day with breakfast at The Kitchen, part of The Donkey Sanctuary.
It’s not just about the hearty and satisfying food – it’s also an opportunity to stretch your legs and meet some of the sanctuary’s long-eared inhabitants. There’s a tranquil atmosphere here that sets the mood for the day.
Just a short drive away you’ll find Kennaway House, an attractive regency mansion that regularly hosts exhibitions and craft fairs. Be sure to check their schedule before you visit as they occasionally close for private functions. If open, it’s a delightful place to wander through both contemporary and traditional art.
Bright lights at Sidmouth Jazz Festival
For those keen to delve deeper into Sidmouth’s history, the town’s museum provides a glimpse into its rich past – and not just behind glass. They also offer guided walks during the warmer months.
Whether you choose a historical town tour, a coastal geology stroll, or a shaded tree walk, each option starts and finishes at the museum and includes entry to the exhibits. It’s a thoughtful, active way to explore Sidmouth’s gentler side.
Then it’s off to Exmouth, where the South West Coast Path awaits. Fans of The Salt Path can follow in the footsteps of author Raynor Winn along this dramatic stretch of coastline. Even a half-day walk here feels like stepping into a beautifully written paragraph.
Before you leave Exmouth, make sure to visit A La Ronde – an architectural curiosity built in 1796 by cousins Jane and Mary Parminter. Its 16-sided structure is fascinating in itself, but what really steals the show is the Shell Gallery: a room decorated with thousands of shells in dizzying detail.
It’s the kind of place that’s hard to describe without photos.
If your legs (and energy levels) are up for it, the Exmouth Pavilion rounds out the itinerary. From live music to theatre and comedy, it’s a fitting place to end your 48 hours with a bit of entertainment and a sense of satisfaction.
Sidmouth has a stunning beach and plenty to do(Image: Manfred Gottschalk via Getty Images)
Best festivals on offer
If your dates are flexible, consider timing your visit to coincide with one of East Devon’s growing festivals. Sidmouth Sea Fest kicks things off on Saturday 17 May, celebrating the town’s maritime spirit with free family fun, live music and local food.
Just a week later, the Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival brings big names like Soul II Soul and Gabrielle to Blackmore Gardens (23–26 May). For a smaller town, Sidmouth boasts a remarkably vibrant cultural scene.
Another standout event is the Budleigh Music Festival. This summer, it’s set to host the London African Gospel Choir, Bath Philharmonia, and author Sir Michael Morpurgo, all performing in cosy venues dotted around Budleigh Salterton.
If your idea of a celebration leans more towards a culinary feast, then the Eat Festivals (also known as Gate to Plate) are just the ticket. The Axminster edition is scheduled for Monday 26 May, promising to fill the streets with some of the finest food and drink that the West Country has to offer.
Where to stay
Whether you’re a couple seeking coastal views or a family in search of some countryside tranquillity, East Devon’s accommodation options cater to all tastes.
In Sidmouth, the Kingswood and Devoran Hotel provides classic seafront comfort, complete with balconies overlooking the Jurassic Coast. For those who prefer a closer connection with nature, Cuckoo Down Farm offers glamping in safari lodges, complete with campfires and a charming rural setting.
Higher Wiscombe, also near Sidmouth, caters to larger groups with its luxury self-catering cottages and an outdoor pool – ideal for special occasions. If you’re after a cosier rural experience, Twistgates Farm Cottages near Honiton are tucked away within the rolling Blackdown Hills.
For those with a passion for food, The Pig at Combe (Honiton) combines country house elegance with produce from its own kitchen gardens. Over in Axminster, Lower Keats Glamping adds a touch of rustic luxury, while Andrewshayes Holiday Park offers family-friendly facilities and sweeping views of the countryside.
East Devon doesn’t clamour for recognition – it garners it subtly. It’s a region rich in layered histories, hidden allure, and generous landscapes.
In merely 48 hours, you’ll encounter more than a mere change of scenery; you’ll experience a change in tempo, a reconnection with the local, and perhaps a rekindling of what makes travel truly significant.
This isn’t merely a weekend escape – it’s a call to decelerate, observe more keenly, and become enamoured with a part of the country that is confidently authentic.
Experts from Holiday Extras named a ‘fairytale’ UK city as one of the most affordable destinations for a staycation in 2024 – and Brits can even bag bargain hotel stays
York Minster overlooking the city’s streets(Image: Edwin Remsberg via Getty Images)
Nestled within ancient city walls, historic York is renowned for its Roman heritage, eerie encounters, and charming uneven Shambles. According to experts from Holiday Extras, it’s a city that seems like it could be plucked straight from the “pages of a dark fairytale”, yet it’s also a place where Brits can enjoy a budget-friendly city break this year.
York offers a wide range of options, including high-end hotels and upscale restaurants. However, there are opportunities to cut back on expenses. The city is easily accessible by train, thanks to the bustling York station. Booking in advance or using a railcard can reduce costs, with train fares available for as little as £30.
In terms of budget accommodations, booking in advance and choosing off-peak times can result in significant savings. Most hotels operate on a supply-and-demand basis, which means they increase prices during peak times.
Budget-friendly hotels such as Premier Inn offer affordable options in the city. Premier Inn has six locations that range from the city centre to the outskirts of York, reports the Express.
Based on a quick search, Premier Inn’s York City (Blossom St North) hotel has availability in September, with approximately £67 per night. If two people share a room the cost would be £33.5 per person per night.
York boasts a treasure trove of B&Bs, ranging from chic boutique stays to wallet-friendly accommodations. Kayak’s latest figures reveal that some of the most affordable B&Bs can be found from just £52 per night.
Previously voted as the most picturesque street in Britain, ‘The Shambles’ is a centre piece of historic York(Image: TJ Blackwell via Getty Images)
The city is steeped in history, offering a plethora of ancient sites and museums at no cost. The National Railway Museum, delving into York’s railway heritage, welcomes visitors free of charge – an ideal outing for families.
Art enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover that York Art Gallery’s permanent collections are accessible without an entry fee, including two galleries dedicated to the Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA).
Behind the gallery, guests can meander through the Artists Garden and Edible Wood, then venture out to the stunning York Museum Gardens.
York is dotted with numerous medieval churches throughout its centre, many open for daytime exploration. Visit York recommends St Michael le Belfrey in the heart of the city and Holy Trinity, nestled behind Goodramgate’s shops in a verdant retreat.
For those keen on discovering York’s narrative on foot, Visit York’s Visitor Information Centre provides a variety of self-guided walking tours.
“Many cover hidden histories and niche interests in the city and are perfect for experiencing the city in a different light at your own pace,” says Visit York.
