From Notre Dame to Westminster Abbey, there are plenty of stunning cathedrals across Europe – but experts have now named a UK one as the most beautiful.
This cathedral came out on top(Image: Getty)
The UK and Europe are home to plenty of awe-inspiring cathedrals, from the iconic Notre Dame to the historic Westminster Abbey. But recently, an unexpected cathedral has been crowned as the most beautiful in all of Europe.
Travel experts at Saga Holidays conducted an analysis of Google reviews for cathedrals across Europe, taking into account how often visitors mentioned the cathedral’s beauty, the average search number, and the overall sentiment of the reviews.
Each cathedral was then scored out of 100. Surprisingly, the top spot went to Durham Cathedral.
Nestled in the North East of England, just south of Newcastle, Durham is a picturesque city known for its stunning architecture.
The city’s crown jewels are undoubtedly the castle and cathedral, both of which are recognised UNESCO Heritage sites that may seem familiar to some visitors.
Indeed, fans of the Harry Potter franchise might recognise the quadrangle, cloisters, and chapter house, all of which served as filming locations for the beloved films.
It’s not hard to see why, as a visit to this enchanting place feels like stepping into a magical world, reports the Express.
Beyond its magnificent castle, Durham is a charming city perfect for a leisurely stroll. Its compact size makes it easy to explore on foot.
For those feeling adventurous, there are numerous walking paths along the River Wear that meander through the city, offering a different perspective on this beautiful destination.
However, if you’re planning a visit during the brisk winter months, a riverside stroll might be a bit too nippy.
In such instances, a trip to Durham’s Oriental Museum is a splendid alternative.
This remarkable museum showcases artefacts from Ancient Egypt right up to contemporary China, providing an engaging way to while away an afternoon.
Discover a charming Cornish village on the River Tamar with stunning Devon views, historic pubs, galleries and access via the UK’s ‘most scenic’ train ride
Cornwall is on one side of the river – and Devon is on the other side(Image: Mick Blakey via Getty Images )
A delightful Cornish village overlooking the river towards Devon remains something of a hidden treasure – boasting galleries, pubs and beautiful walks to discover. Situated inland, this charming spot doesn’t get swamped with tourists, which is why I adore visiting for its authentic Cornish atmosphere.
Despite its tucked-away location, Calstock village is remarkably accessible by train. Better still, it forms part of a railway journey that’s been dubbed Britain’s “most scenic”, winding through Devon and Cornwall.
Last summer, I arrived in Calstock aboard a Plymouth Boat Trips ferry and I can’t recommend it enough – the harbour cruise to this riverside village is both picturesque and thoroughly enjoyable.
Plymouth Boat Trips describes the ferry journey on their website: “A truly idyllic cruise to experience the stunning scenery of the Tamar Valley. Setting sail across Plymouth Sound and up the River Tamar to the picturesque Cornish village of Calstock.”, reports the Express.
“Leaving the busy city behind we pass the Naval Dockyard and Brunel’s famous bridge, taking in the beautiful sights of the Tamar Valley, passing Cargreen, Wier Quay, Pentille, Holton and Cotehele.”
The cruise tends to be quite sociable – when I made this ferry trip to Calstock with a few friends, we ended up chatting to plenty of fellow passengers, whilst the vistas along the River Tamar were absolutely breathtaking. The boat then docks along the river banks at Calstock, allowing passengers to disembark for a few hours before heading back; this provides visitors with ample time to explore the village properly.
During my visit to Calstock, we stopped by a local pub called The Boot Inn, which seems to be thriving as a recent TripAdvisor review describes it as “a lovely friendly place” where diners enjoyed a “brilliant” Sunday roast beef lunch.
Alternatively, you can take the Tamar Valley Line from Plymouth to Calstock – a railway journey that’s been dubbed “the most scenic train ride in the UK”.
The route takes you through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, passing charming villages and picturesque river crossings, and as you approach Calstock the train travels across an historic viaduct built in the early 1900s.
Calstock Viaduct offers a breathtaking view from the village – the impressive structure dominates the local landscape, connecting Cornwall to neighbouring Devon.
The Cornish village of Calstock is naturally separated from Devon by the River Tamar, so it’s Cornwall on one bank and Devon on the other – and numerous historical battles have taken place along these shores throughout history.
The Escape To Britain observes: “Calstock lies alongside the River Tamar, an area of Cornwall often neglected in favour of more popular Cornish destinations such as St Ives and the Lizard coastline.
“However, what you’ll find should you venture to this UNESCO World Heritage site is plenty of Roman history and some gorgeous architecture.”
This small European country is made up of over 2,000 islands and is under a three-hour flight from the UK. It might not be as popular with tourists as some other European destinations, but it has a lot to offer
Estonia is a country packed full of surprises (Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A petite European nation, comprising 2,000 islands and a relatively short jaunt from the UK, Estonia is an under-the-radar gem that sees a modest number of visitors.
If you’re yearning for a change of scenery and fancy venturing off the beaten track this year, then Estonia might just tickle your fancy. According to ETIAS, this Northern European jewel lured 70,000 Brits in 2024, a stark contrast to the whopping 17.8 million who flocked to Spain.
That’s 254 times more Brits jetting off to Spain than the former Soviet state. While it may not offer the same allure of sangria, guaranteed sun and Full English breakfasts, Estonia has plenty of other charms up its sleeve. For starters, it’s a haven of natural beauty.
Over half of Estonia is blanketed by forests and peat bogs, and the country boasts over 2,000 islands, reports the Express.
Among these is Naissaar, home to the remnants of deserted Soviet military bases. Nestled just off the coast of the capital, Tallinn, it takes on a desolate, somewhat forgotten aura during the winter months.
Another gem is Hiiumaa, renowned for its lighthouses, unspoilt beaches and forests. It exudes tranquillity and a slightly mystical vibe, making it an ideal spot for cycling, birdwatching and escaping the hustle and bustle.
The Mirror’s Ines Santos explored one of Estonia’s most renowned islands last summer. “As I stepped off the ferry onto Estonia’s largest island, Hiiumaa, all I could hear were birds. All I could see were trees. No big buildings, no tourist attractions – just space to breathe and land untouched by mass tourism. It felt like a place still undiscovered. (And with the third fewest visitors in Europe, it kind of is),” she penned.
Ines was instantly captivated by the nation, embracing its unhurried rhythm and the mindset of its residents. “Estonian life is relaxed. There’s no ‘hustle culture,’ so people have time for hobbies, and visitors like me get to join in,” she observed.
“Sauna culture in Estonia is woven into daily life much like in Scandinavia. In fact, the country feels like the laid-back cousin of the Nordics, with similar design, a love for nature, and a fish-rich diet – but shaped by a very different history.
“Tallinn’s Old Town is full of cobbled streets and medieval buildings that still echo traces of both German and Soviet rule. Estonia only became independent in 1991, and it still wears its freedom with quiet pride. The next morning, I ferried to Estonia’s biggest islands: Hiiumaa and Saaremaa. That’s where the true beauty of the country lies. The ferries here are spacious, modern, and spotless – they feel more like floating lounges than basic transport. There’s many indoor and outdoor viewing decks, a café, and even a convenience store onboard.
“My first activity in Hiiumaa ended up being a favourite: horse riding along Käina Bay, a seaside bird paradise in the Kassari Landscape Reserve. I rode a horse named Custiv through wetlands and woodlands, and he was the best – he did not go off track and followed all my instructions!”.
Tallinn manages to squeeze an extraordinary amount into its modest footprint, seamlessly merging medieval character with contemporary flair. The simplest starting point is Tallinn Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobblestone lanes, historic merchant buildings and ancient towers guide visitors towards Toompea Hill for sweeping vistas across the city.
For those seeking culture, make your way to Kadriorg Park, a verdant space commissioned by Peter the Great, and explore the refined Kadriorg Art Museum. Close by, the Seaplane Harbour Museum presents one of Europe’s most captivating maritime displays.
To experience contemporary Tallinn, discover the Telliskivi Creative City, brimming with street art, coffee shops and boutique retailers, or wander along the rejuvenated Noblessner waterfront. Rummu Quarry, one of Estonia’s most captivating and unique attractions, offers a blend of raw natural splendour and eerie history.
Once a limestone quarry and Soviet-era prison labour camp, it was deserted in the 1990s and slowly filled with water, submerging buildings and machinery beneath the pristine turquoise depths. Nowadays, it draws visitors for swimming, snorkelling and diving, as well as hiking the surrounding ash hills for sweeping views.
The stark contrast between the vibrant water, stark white limestone and semi-submerged ruins lends Rummu Quarry an otherworldly feel.
The most budget-friendly time to visit Estonia is from January to March, but if you’re after warmer climes, May is your best bet. Car hire in the capital can be as cheap as £6 per day, and accommodation at Dream Stay – Mere Residence Apartments starts from £51 per night (for two people).
Estonia recently made it onto DiscoverCars. com’s list of must-visit destinations.
Flights from London clock in just under three hours and are going for £17 this month.
The city, just 65km from Porto, combines UNESCO World Heritage sites with Michelin-starred dining and budget-friendly meals from £4
Guimarães is, according to a ranking of the top 20 travel spots this year, “astonishingly under the radar”(Image: Alf via Getty Images)
A beautiful medieval city packed with great things to do has been tipped as a must-visit destination for 2026.
Guimarães is, according to a ranking of the top 20 travel spots this year, “astonishingly under the radar”, given its long history and the relative ease of getting there from the UK.
Sat just 65km inland from Porto, the Portugese city is considered the 12th-century birthplace of Portugal and its first capital. Norman Miller, who wrote about Guimarães for the BBC ranking, praised its “beautifully preserved medieval core is a tangle of cobbled squares and lanes dotted with grand palaces and terraced restaurants”. Among the warren you will find all sorts of excellent places to eat, including Michelin-starred spots, laid-back eateries and craft beer bars.
If you’re after a great but affordable place for a bite to eat, O Petisko is one of the cheapest lunch options in town, with meals starting from £4, it is known for its daily set lunch of soup, main and a drink.
The Taberna Trovador is a touch more expensive but delivers classic taverna vibes, tapas and small plates right in the city centre.
In terms of significant monuments, history enthusiasts will love the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, is a magnificent example of seventeenth-century seigneurial architecture and the birthplace of the House of Bragança. It has been classified a National Monument since 1910.
Whether or not the attraction’s claim that “Portugal was born” in the Palace is true, it’s fair to say that Guimarães is not a city that is stuck in the past.
As one of Portugal’s oldest university towns it has a vibrant energy. Almost half of its population is younger than 30. Large stretches of the city were freshened up for its 2012 European Capital of Culture title. Most bars are clustered around Praça de São Tiago and Largo da Oliveira, the heart of the old town. There’s plenty to choose from when it comes to bars and clubs, including the Púrpura – vibrant university bar and the Madeira-themed Poncha cocktail bar.
The coming year is a big one for the city. It is celebrating both 25 years of UNESCO World Heritage status and its new title as Europe’s Green Capital – recognition of two decades of sustainability work embedded across the city.
If you walk through the city today you will find creatively repurposed heritage buildings or restored riverbanks. A fleet of electric buses are on hand to whisk you from location to location.
“It’s a forward-thinking, quietly confident city – and one of Europe’s most compelling surprises for 2026,” the BBC writes.
If you’re keen to swap the chilly UK for a spot of sunshine, then Guimarães delivers that and plenty of fresh air. According to the European Commission, 97% of its residents enjoy ‘good’ or ‘very good’ air.
“Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 for its well-preserved historic centre, Guimarães has since earned several prestigious titles: European Capital of Culture in 2012, European City of Sport in 2013 and the most sustainable municipality in Portugal for three consecutive years. These remarkable achievements underscore the city’s innovative spirit and dedication to progress, despite its relatively modest population of 156,830 residents. Guimarães has embraced sustainability as a cornerstone of its local culture. Innovative businesses are increasingly aligning with the city’s environmentally conscious policies, fostering a new industrial culture and enhancing its ecosystem of innovation,” the Commission reported.
While there are no direct flights from UK airports to Guimarães, travel hubs including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol offer budget fares to nearby Porto.
Direct coaches run from Porto Airport to Guimarães, taking about 40–50 minutes. Operators such as FlixBus and local services offer regular departures and tickets from around €5 (about £4–£6). If you prefer rail, you can take a bus or taxi into Porto city centre and then catch a train to Guimarães from Porto’s São Bento or Campanhã stations. The train journey from Porto to Guimarães takes about 60 minutes.
A British travel expert has shared the location of what she believes to be the most beautiful place on Earth, advising others of five things to know before planning a visit to the breathtaking scenery
Alan Johnson Social News Reporter
04:00, 27 Dec 2025
A travel expert has described Iguazu Falls as the ‘most beautiful place on earth’(Image: Vitor Marigo/Aurora Photos via Getty Images)
Following her visit to what she hailed as the “most beautiful place on Earth”, a travel expert has compiled a list of five essential pointers for anyone wanting to experience this breathtaking destination themselves. Emma Ansley Knight turned to TikTok after returning from the Brazil-Argentina border in South America, describing her journey as “such a bucket list moment”.
“Literally felt a tear come down my face when I stood over the Devil’s Throat waterfall for the first time,” she added. “Just amazing how powerful nature can be.” She went on to explain that the Brazilian side of her destination offers roughly a 1.5km walk with “beautiful panoramic views” of the cascades, which she suggests tackling first.
“Someone said that from the Brazilian side you can see the falls, and from the Argentinian side you can feel the falls, which I thought was a great way of describing it,” Emma said. The Argentinian side is quite different, however, featuring multiple walking routes and providing more of a “full day experience”, she added.
Her destination? Iguazu Falls. Also referred to as Iguaçu Falls, it sits on the Iguazu River and forms part of the world’s largest waterfall network.
“If you want to see the falls at their absolute fullest, you are best off going in the rainy season, which is roughly between November and March,” Emma advised.
“We went in December and just before that it had rained so much that the flow of the falls was five times higher than usual.”
She went on to describe the Devil’s Throat, the most impressive cascade at Iguazu Falls. “You can see the water thundering down it from the Brazilian side,” she said.
“And on the Argentinian side, you can head along a walkway and stand pretty much right at the top of it – and wow, what an experience that was.”
Regarding accommodation options, Emma outlined several choices. “On the Brazil side, you have Foz do Iguaçu, which is where we stayed. And on the Argentina side there’s Puerto Iguazu – and if your budget allows, you can even stay in the National Park itself.”
Emma concluded by reminding visitors that crossing from one side of the falls to the other requires passing through border control, meaning you must make sure you have your passport with you.
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Iguazu National Park achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1986 due to its exceptional natural splendour. Its website advises: “The semicircular waterfall at the heart of this site is some 80m high and 2,700m in diameter and is situated on a basaltic line spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil.
“Made up of many cascades producing vast sprays of water, it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The surrounding subtropical rainforest has over 2,000 species of vascular plants and is home to the typical wildlife of the region: tapirs, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and caymans.”
To get to the destination from Brazil, you can catch a flight from either Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro to the local airport, Aeropuerto Internacional de Foz do Iguaçu. The journey from Rio takes roughly two hours, while flights from Sao Paulo shave off about 15 minutes.
Alternatively, if you’re travelling from Buenos Aires in Argentina, you can fly directly to the Aeropuerto Internacional de Puerto Iguazu. This flight is slightly quicker, clocking in at around one hour and 50 minutes.
The city was voted the ‘best place to live’ by Forbes in 2022. With affordable food and drink, stunning architecture and beautiful beaches, it is easy to see why
The Hungarian budget airline will run a new flight service offering daily direct flights(Image: Sergio Formoso via Getty Images)
Wizz Air has just announced a new route to a city named the best in the world to live in.
The Hungarian budget airline will run a new flight service offering daily direct flights from London Gatwick to Valencia in Spain. This route will launch on 29 March 2026 and fares will be available from £40 for a return journey.
Valencia will be one of the main European urban enclaves from which a total solar eclipse can be observed on 12 August 2026. The unique astronomical phenomenon that will not occur again in the Iberian Peninsula until 2090. Although it will still be daylight, at around 8:32 pm the city will be plunged into total darkness for just over a minute. Open spaces facing west are expected to be the best observation points, this is sure to be an unmissable event for astronomy lovers.
The stunning Spanish city was crowned the best place to live in 2022. It is the perfect getaway this March, when the Wizz Air route launches. At that time of the year it boasts balmy 20C temperatures and delivers £4 vino. The beauty of many Spanish cities, including this one, lies in their walkability. Within a small area, you can explore food markets, marvel at ancient architecture, and relax on the beach with a refreshing sangria
Considering an average meal costs €13.25 (£11.09), a bottle of wine is about €5 (£4.18), and your morning coffee comes in at just € 2.04 (£1.71), according to transfer platform Wise, it’s no wonder Valencia was named the top place to live by Forbes. A must-visit spot is the old town, where you can witness a significant piece of Christian history at the Valencia Cathedral – home to the Holy Grail – which archaeological studies suggest could be the chalice used by Jesus in the Last Supper.
The magnificent Cathedral is a blend of Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque styles, and if you’re feeling adventurous, ascend the Miguelete Tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), the epicentre of Valencia’s thriving silk trade in the 15th century.
This building is a true gem of Gothic architecture, featuring grand columns, detailed stonework and a spectacular ceiling that’s worth straining your neck to see. A true outdoor city, Valencia sees locals enjoying their coffee on sun-drenched plazas in authentic Mediterranean fashion. Don’t miss a stroll through the stunning Turia Gardens, once a riverbed and now one of Spain’s largest urban parks.
Valencia also proudly presents 20km of blue-flag beaches, home to some of the finest Paella restaurants. The only decision you’ll need to make is whether to amble over to nearby Cabanyal or Malvarrosa, or pedal further afield to beaches like El Saler.
If, surprisingly, paella isn’t your cup of tea, the Central Market offers a vast array of fresh produce, including tapas, the juiciest olives you’ll ever savour, and fresh seafood.
North Macedonia is a little-known country that sits north of Greece – and it’s one of the most mountainous countries in the world, with stunning views and a rich history
North Macedonia is one of the world’s most mountainous countries(Image: Getty Images)
Positioned directly north of Greece, North Macedonia is steeped in rich heritage spanning Byzantine, Ottoman, and Yugoslav periods. This landlocked nation achieved independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, adopting the name North Macedonia in 2019 after resolving a lengthy naming row with Greece.
The entire country houses 2 million people, marginally fewer than Birmingham’s population. Whilst those in the tourism sector believe the nation has tremendous potential, they remain cautious about excessive visitor numbers.
Aleksandar Bogoevski, owner of Sustainable Adventure Travels, added: “Approximately one million passengers are transiting Macedonia during the summertime. They don’t stop, I think there are so many other things that can be seen.”
One of the country’s star attractions is Lake Ohrid, which spans the Albanian border. The North Macedonian portion of the lake earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979, with the surrounding region added the following year.
Ohrid town ranks among the globe’s most ancient human settlements and houses the oldest Slavic monastery, St Pantelejmon. According to UNESCO, the lake supports roughly 200 plant and animal species.
The Šar Mountain range, positioned along the northwestern Albanian frontier, provides North Macedonia’s visitors with countless walking and hiking opportunities.
Mountain villagers still practise age-old shepherding traditions known as transhumance. This ancient custom involves guiding sheep on seasonal journeys to villages during winter months before returning them to mountain peaks come summer.
Food enthusiasts exploring North Macedonia will encounter a delicious blend of Balkan, Mediterranean, and Turkish flavours.
The country’s signature dish, Tave grave, features mainly baked beans prepared in a clay vessel. Other beloved meals showcase fresh ingredients, barbecued meats, and pastries.
Skopje, the nation’s capital, houses approximately 526,000 residents and lies within the Skopje Valley beside the Vardar River.
YouTuber Drew Binksy branded Skopje amongst the “weirdest cities in the world” due to its dramatic riverside monuments. During his trip to North Macedonia, Drew was completely charmed by Lake Ohrid.
In a video he gushed: “Anyways, the coolest lake in Europe is called Ohrid. It’s a really clear freshwater lake.
“You can go diving in it, cliff jumping and just have a day on the water. It’s really, really awesome. That’s my favorite thing about [North] Macedonia by far.
“Overall, it’s just a really chill, cool, small country, easy to road trip, Balkan vibes, good food. I highly recommend North Macedonia. I actually think it’s super underrated and it’s one of my favorite Balkan countries.”
A direct flight between the UK and Skopje takes between three and three-and-a-half hours.
