A peaceful market town in the Cotswolds has been revealed as one of the best places to visit for autumn in the UK thanks to its independent shops, cosy pubs and beautiful walks
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The charming town is a must-visit in Autumn(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
There’s nothing quite like a walking weekend away if you’re looking to make the most of the UK’s crisp autumnal days, complete with hearty pub roasts and gorgeous scenery.
Well, it turns out there’s one charming UK market town that you’re going to want to bookmark for your next staycation, thanks to its plethora of independent shops, galleries, cosy pubs and location right by some of the Cotswolds’ most breathtaking walking trails.
Stow-on-the-Wold has become somewhat of a social media superstar, with tourists flocking there in the summer to explore the winding cobbled streets, stone cottages, pubs and shops. However, its popularity can mean that during the peak holiday months it gets quite crowded; but come autumn, those visitor numbers have dwindled and it transforms back into an idyllic countryside location.
Throw in the fact that the trees offer an explosion of colours as the leaves change, and it’s not difficult to see why it’s a popular setting for hikers and ramblers who want to enjoy a scenic walk. The area has a range of different trails whether you want a short scenic stroll or fancy a bit more of a challenging hike. Whatever you choose, there are plenty of cafés, tearooms and pubs where you can replenish your energy afterwards!
Meanwhile in town itself you’ll find plenty of independent bookshops, antique dealers, boutiques and art galleries that make up the high street, and remain popular with visitors who want to pick up a souvenir or two. As for where to stay, there are various hotels and B&Bs that have all of that quintessential British charm, but you can also find a wide array of holiday cottages with the likes of Sykes Holiday Cottages, Bolthole Retreats and Booking.com, to name a few.
It’s therefore no surprise that travel experts at Ski Vertigo have named it one of the best destinations for autumn, saying that it ‘comes alive’ during the season. They explained: “There’s something special about visiting Stow in autumn. The air is crisp, the hills glow with amber light, and the town feels timeless. It’s a place where you can stop for tea, watch the leaves fall, and forget about the rush of everyday life.”
Book fans will want to check out St Edward’s Church with its door flanked by ancient yew trees; it’s one of the town’s locations that’s said to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, as its door looks very similar to the “Doors of Durin” from The Fellowship of the Ring. Meanwhile other must-visit highlights include the picturesque Market Square, the Cotswold Cricket Museum and Chastleton House.
It’s also a short drive from plenty of other gorgeous villages worth a day trip too; Bourton-on-the-Water, Upper Slaughter, and Lower Slaughter tend to be hits thanks to their stone cottages and picture-perfect landscapes.
The UK’s ‘most underrated holiday destination’ boasts over 600 different walks so it’s worth having on your radar if you’re looking for autumn UK holiday ideas
Cheddar Gorge is well worth a visit (Image: Getty Images)
There’s something magical about Britain in the autumn, from the crisp fresh air to the breathtakingly colourful countryside as the leaves change colour.
It’s therefore no surprise that this tends to be a popular season for walking holidays – especially when you throw in villages with cosy pubs and charming cottages where you can rest up after a day of exploring.
There’s one destination that’s well worth having on your radar, with travel pros hailing its ‘extraordinary landscape’ packed with limestone, lakes, gorges and postcard-worthy hiking trails.
The Mendip Hills have been described as ‘Somerset’s best-kept secret’ and while they’re not typically a hidden gem, it’s not difficult to see why locals wouldn’t want to share this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There are over 600 walks on offer whether you’re looking for a challenge or just want a scenic stroll that the whole family can enjoy. The Mendip Way tends to be popular for hikers, as the 50-mile trail spans villages including Weston-super-Mare, Cheddar (make sure you leave time on the itinerary to take in the views from Cheddar Gorge), Wells, Shepton Mallet, and Frome, and can be hiked in around three to five days depending on your ability.
The best part is that you won’t have to battle crowds of tourists if you want to take it all in. Earlier this year, the team at Cottages.com conducted a study to uncover the UK’s most underrated staycation hotspots, looking at factors including the number of hiking and biking trails, Instagram-worthy scenery, pubs per 100 square miles, and the availability of holiday homes for last-minute bookings.
Mendip Hills took the gold medal in the rankings, thanks to the wide array of attractions, cosy pubs and beautiful walking trails on offer.
The team behind the study explained: “Dramatic gorges and easy-going trails, the Mendip Hills are Somerset’s best-kept secret. With sites like Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole, this AONB makes for a thrilling last-minute trip full of exploration and family-friendly fun, minus the tourist crowds.
“The Mendips aren’t just beautiful, they’re geologically extraordinary. Whether you’re delving into caves lit like cathedrals or following secret limestone paths carved by water and time, it’s a landscape layered with wonder.
“With 619 hiking trails and routes made for both cycling and walking, the Mendips are a playground for explorers. Climb to Crook Peak for sweeping views to the Bristol Channel, or follow woodland paths lined with wild garlic and bluebells in spring.
“Just 40 minutes from Bristol, and yet worlds away, the Mendips are perfectly placed for a quick reset. With low search volumes and 22 available properties, it’s often skipped by crowds, making it a dream destination for last-minute planners who want exploration without the queues.”
The outdoor experts at Go Outdoors analysed TripAdvisor reviews and average rainfall to reveal the best places for an autumn walk, with the Forest of Dean coming out on top
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The Forest of Dean is the place to go for an autumnal walk(Image: Getty Images)
A pretty forest with little rainfall is the best spot in the country for an autumn walk, according to Go Outdoors.
The outdoor experts analysed TripAdvisor reviews and average rainfall to reveal the best places for an autumn walk.
Taking the top spot as the best place for an autumn walk is the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, with a score of 9.3 out of 10. The forest boasts a TripAdvisor rating of 4.8 out of 5, and it’s clear that visitors are drawn to it during the autumn, with 84 reviews mentioning the word ‘autumn’.
This ancient forest has changed many times over the centuries. In medieval times, it was a royal hunting forest, before becoming a source of timber for the navy’s Tudor warships. By the Victorian era it was a major site of industry, with coal mining and tramways punctuating the landscape.
Winkworth Arboretum came in at number two(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
In 1938 the forest made history when it was designated the first National Forest Park. While it is primarily a tourist spot today, it remains a working forest, producing sustainable timber for the UK market.
The Forest of Dean is also a stronghold for nature, harbouring large areas of woodland and open spaces which provide a mosaic of habitats for a wide variety of wildlife.
Following in second place is Winkworth Arboretum, with a score of 8.51 out of 10. With over three quarters (78.2%) of reviews mentioning ‘autumn’, it is clear that the Surrey-based arboretum comes to life during this season.
Managed by the National Trust, it is home to over 1,000 tree species, with many changing colour in the autumn months. With relatively low rainfall, averaging just 62mm from September to November, visitors can generally expect drier conditions for their autumn strolls.
Rounding out the top three is Derbyshire’s Padley Gorge, with a score of 8.35 out of 10. Home to beautiful wooded landscapes, this gorge thrives in autumn, with nearly one in four (23.9%) reviews mentioning ‘autumn’.
The gorge also has various easy-to-moderate trails, including the Padley Gorge and Burbage Brook walk, making it an accessible destination for walkers of all levels to explore in this season.
Natalie Wolfenden, author and hiking enthusiast at Go Outdoors, said: “There is still so much to explore when summer comes to an end. The UK’s natural beauty comes to life in the autumn months, with the leaves shifting colour and the changing wildlife, I simply love it!
“To fully enjoy your autumn stroll, preparation is key. Layers are essential in the autumn months as they can be added or removed depending on the weather conditions on the day. What’s more, rain can come when least expected, so be sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes as well as packing a waterproof jacket and trousers. This will help you make the most of your walk, no matter what the weather throws at you.”
If you’re thinking of booking a long weekend away in the UK to make the most of autumn, there’s one beautiful canal that is well worth having on your radar
Autumn is fast-approaching
Temperatures are dropping, cosy jumpers are being dusted off and pubs are preparing for hearty roast season; autumn is nearly here and it’s the perfect excuse to plan an idyllic staycation.
While some people mourn the end of summer, others are already embracing the cooler months and readying themselves to enjoy that crisp autumnal air and peak walking season thanks to the leafy landscapes and beautiful trails.
If you’re thinking of making a long weekend of it, a canal boat can be a great way to spend a few weeks leisurely exploring some of the UK’s prettiest scenery, with plenty of brilliant pubs and villages to discover along the way.
One canal that needs to be on your radar? The Calder & Hebble in West Yorkshire. Measuring 21.5 miles and boasting 28 locks, this beautiful route is part of the South Pennine ring along with the Huddersfield Broad and Narrow Canals and the Ashton Canal.
The Calder and Hebble Canal has been tipped as a must-visit for autumn(Image: MEN Media)
It once served the heart of an industrial region and so has a reputation for being more of a transit route, but in fact its countryside location means that there are a few beautiful spots to explore along the way, not to mention that it’s tipped to be one of the more ‘peaceful’ spots for those who want to enjoy the autumn views.
The canal also makes for a great base from which you can go exploring the Pennines, whether you want to take on one of the countless walking trails, or fancy a spot of fishing. For canal enthusiasts, there are some unusual lever-operated locks (in fact, you’ll need a handspike as well as a windglass to operate them!).
Canalside towns include Brighouse and Sowerby Bridge where you’ll find plenty of local shops, restaurants and cosy pubs. The area also boasts heaps of cycling paths, conservation areas and walking routes whether you want to while away an hour or so, or fancy donning your hiking boots to take on a challenge.
It’s therefore no surprise that the experts over at Drifters Waterways Holidays have named it one of the best leafy canals to cruise along this autumn.
Their team explained: “The 21-mile long leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation links Wakefield with Sowerby Bridge. On a short break from Drifters’ base at Sowerby Bridge, canal boat holiday-markers can cruise to Shepley Bridge and back. The route takes boaters through wooded valleys and the historic towns of Elland and Brighouse. The journey there and back travels 22 miles, passes through 32 locks (16 each way) and takes around 16 hours.”
It’s worth noting that the canal is subject to the changes in water level so there can sometimes be certain canal restrictions. You can find out more about these and the Calder & Hebble navigation in general on canalrivertrust.org.uk.
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Most people know the larger Canary Islands such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura but there’s one island that’s well worth adding on your radar
The island boasts some ridiculously beautiful landscapes (Image: Getty Images)
The Canary Islands have been firm favourites with Brits for years when it comes to holidays full of sun, sea and sand. The larger islands like Tenerife and Lanzarote are famed for their bustling resorts and beautiful beaches, but that does mean they often have large crowds of tourists in peak seasons.
However, there’s one lesser-known Canary Island that not only boasts breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear waters, but as it’s a little more remote it has almost no tourists.
El Hierro is so breathtaking that the entire island has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve thanks to the lush forests, volcanic landscapes, pine trees and windswept cliffs that make up the scenery. It’s a popular spot with divers who are drawn to its crystalline waters full of a wide array of marine life, not to mention the waters are so clear that on a clear day you can see up to 30 metres deep. According to the Canaries’ tourism officials, it’s “one of the best places on the planet for scuba diving”.
It’s worth noting that El Hierro doesn’t have many beaches, but wild swimming fans can get their fill thanks to the various natural pools with their postcard-worthy blue waters. Charco Azul, aptly nicknamed the ‘blue pond’ never fails to wow visitors with its turquoise waters, tucked away at the base of a volcanic cliff.
The island’s small size means that it can be easily be explored on a hike, with trails taking you along the best of the scenery from pine forests to the coast. One of the highlights is the Camino de Jinama, an ancient route that used to serve the local inhabitants. It’s only about three kilometres long but is well worth the stroll (although there are a few steep parts), if only for the incredible views it offers of El Hierro.
El Hierro is an underrated island(Image: Getty Images)
You won’t find a plethora of clubs, bars and hotels here; instead, the vibe is more around eco-hotels and boutique offerings, with a real push for sustainability. There are a handful of hotels and stays, but the good news is that they cater to a wide array of budgets. If you want to explore but also want a bit of that classic beach and party atmosphere associated with the Canaries, there are plenty of flights from Tenerife and Gran Canaria if you want to make it part of a wider itinerary.
It’s definitely a spot for intrepid explorers who prefer to go off the beaten track, whether that’s diving in La Restinga Marine Reserve or spending a night stargazing from the beautiful Roque de los Muchachos Observatory.
You won’t be jostling with other tourists to make the most of the beautiful spots either. According to a study from BookRetreats, El Hierro is one of Europe’s least crowded islands with just 610 overnight stays per km²; a stark contrast to Tenerife’s 16,873.
This stunning village has been named by The Times as one of the most picturesque destinations in the UK perfect for a mini getaway – and it’s just a short car ride from Cheshire
One of the most prominent features of Ashford is the medieval Sheepwash Bridge(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A charming Peak District village just a stone’s throw from Cheshire has earned recognition as one of Britain’s finest destinations for a mini break. The Times has compiled a list of 25 of the most stunning locations ideal for a quick getaway, featuring everything from quaint hamlets to vibrant boutique shopping streets.
Featured on the list is Ashford-in-the-Water in the Peak District – barely more than thirty minutes from Macclesfield – which sits astride the River Wye, reports Cheshire Live. The Times declares: “For peak village perfection in the Peak District head to Ashford, which lies on the banks of the River Wye.
“Envy-inducing aspects include the medieval Sheepwash bridge, a church that dates from the 12th century and a thriving cricket club that plays on the village green, as well as a collection of very charming limestone cottages with carefully tended gardens.
Ashford is a quintessential chocolate box village(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Derbyshire Live recently highlighted the village’s attractions, saying: “For a small village, Ashford-in-the-Water is surprisingly well-equipped for a delightful day in the countryside, boasting a range of independent businesses. At the heart of the village, Ashford General Store provides a delectable array of Bradwell’s ice cream flavours and an assortment of freshly baked treats like brownies, Bakewell slices, and sausage rolls.
“Those looking to quench their thirst might fancy a crisp pint at the renowned Bull’s Head pub; conversely, if a hot beverage appeals even on a sunny day, the Aisseford Tea Room has earned excellent acclaim from both residents and visitors alike. Should you desire a longer stay in Ashford-in-the-Water, there’s no shortage of B&Bs, including the charming Riverside House Hotel.”
It added: “Nestled just two miles north-west of Bakewell, Ashford-in-the-Water advises visitors that parking can be rather limited. It’s recommended to park further out and enjoy a scenic stroll into the village, thereby taking full advantage of the breath-taking views en-route through the stunning Peak District.”
Ashford-in-the-Water is truly a chocolate-box village – a term used to describe particularly picturesque cottages resembling those that used to front the iconic Cadbury boxes. Ashford is full of pretty limestone cottages and narrows lanes commonly associated with English charm.
The Peak District National Park is full of tremendous walking and hiking trails(Image: Daniel_Kay via Getty Images)
The local area is peppered with places to take in the area’s natural beauty, including a number of walking trails. While some trails are better for more seasoned hikers, many are perfectly primed for the entire family.
The Ashford-in-the-Water to Monsal Dale Circular Walk crosses through fields, woodlands, and open countryside while the Bakewell and Ashford-in-the-Water Circular offers scenic views of the River Wye, rolling hills, and many of Ashford’s notable historic sites, including the famous Sheepwash Bridge.
A number of people who have visited the bone caves have been greeted by deer, with the area being labelled one of the ‘most mysterious and magical’ in the UK
UK’s most mysterious place where deer will greet you in beautiful yet eerie setting(Image: Lewis Mackenzie Photography via Getty Images)
The UK boasts an array of breathtaking walks, but the Scottish Highlands are particularly noteworthy. Here, you can traverse mountain paths, skirt around lochs, and explore caves or the remnants of ancient castles.
One path leads to the ominously named ‘bone caves. Situated in Assynt, close to Inchnadamph, the bone caves have been dubbed one of the “most mysterious and magical places” in the UK.
The discovery of lynx, reindeer, and polar bear bones within these caves is a testament to their past inhabitants, despite these species no longer roaming the region.
Comprising four natural limestone caves set into the high limestone cliff face of Creag nan Uamh (Crag of the Caves), they stretch about five metres deep and are just tall enough for an average person to stand upright.
The bone caves can are found in the Scottish Highlands(Image: Getty)
These caves were once part of a larger system that has since been worn away by erosion as the valley deepened, leaving only a few intact today, reports the Express.
First documented in 1889 by Geologists Peach and Horne, the caves’ true treasures weren’t unearthed until 1928 when J. E. Cree conducted excavations.
Cree’s exploration yielded a bear tooth, human skeletons, antlers, among other artefacts. Many of these discoveries from the caves are now exhibited at the Royal Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
To access the caves, walkhighlands.co.uk provides a route that begins at a car park on the A837 between Elphin and Inchnadamph.
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Several visitors have shared their experiences on TripAdvisor. One review reads: “Amazing walk, amazing scenery and a real sense of atmosphere when you arrive at the bone caves. Fairly easy most of the way, a few rocky areas.”
Another wrote: “This is a great walk, only takes about 1hour each way. Should have a stick and good shoes for walking but otherwise very simple walk. Certainly recommend this if in the area, really pretty walk and great views from the caves.”
While a third visitor commented: “These are a set of natural pre-Ice Age caves set high in a limestone cliff, where a large number of animal bones were discovered during excavation (hence the name).
“It’s a beautiful trail through a deep, secluded valley with a steep climb up to the caves followed by a sharp vertigo-inducing descent right along the edge of the cliff back to the valley. We were greeted by a deer at the end of our walk!”
If you’re after alpine adventures then you won’t be disappointed in one of Europe’s breathtaking regions with idyllic chalets and amazing views
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Striking the right balance between relaxation and exploration can prove a challenge on any trip. The temptation when on the clock in a new place is to rush around ticking off sights, often resulting in blurred memories and fatigue.
My visit to the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland taught me a lesson in how to really take in my surroundings and resist the urge to press on with a hurried stride. Take time to smell the roses, or in my case, the cheeses.
This awakening experience began in the picturesque village of Adelboden, an idyllic chalet village 4,430ft above sea level, with blooming alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes.
Home to only 3,500 inhabitants, versatile Adelboden comes alive during winter with tourists swooping in for its mountain sports on its dream pistes and World Cup race in January.
It actually became the destination for the first winter sports package holiday, organised by tourism pioneer Sir Henry Lunn in 1902.
It’s full of incredible views(Image: Getty Images)
In the warmer months, it’s ideal for those wanting to gaze at the scenery at their own pace while traversing its walking trails, mountain bike routes, cable cars, or swimming in the lakes.
The village’s standout hotel was acquired by Welsh brothers Craig and Grant Maunder in 2009 and renamed The Cambrian – a subtle nod to their home country (Cambria translates as Wales in Latin). This stunning, four-star superior hotel, rebuilt in the Belle Epoque style in the 20th century, is the perfect place to unwind, offering a swanky spa with pool, Finnish sauna, steam bath and outdoor infinity pool, which comes with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
At the hotel’s Bryn Williams restaurant, named after the chef who hails from North Wales, diners can enjoy dishes created with Swiss and Welsh influences.
From here, take a short bus journey to nearby mountain village Elsigen where you can ride the gondola to reach an alpine cheese farm hidden away in the peaks.
Welcomed into the home of the Germann’s, father-and-on duo Adolf and Peter offered expert insight into their longstanding family tradition of cheesemaking.
After explaining the process of producing cheeses including Alpkase, Mutschli, Raclette and Ziger, which are heated at temperatures ranging from 36-90C, I was able to sit down and sample the freshly made blocks. They were full of flavour, thanks to added extras such as garlic and chilli.
It is not only food production keeping this area ticking nicely over, however, with the natural wonders of the lakes and mountains serving as a major pull.
Don’t miss out on the cheese(Image: Naturpark Beverin)
With the sun beating down, I grabbed the chance to take a dip in the crystal-clear water of the Brandsee Lake and could not resist the inflatable slide invitingly positioned only several strokes away.
It’s a short drive to Engstilgenalp where you can jump on a cable car and head above the second tallest waterfall in Switzerland, 1,969ft Engstilgenalp Falls.
A trip to the neighbouring town of Gstaad was next on the agenda. Famed for its old-world elegance, which has attracted the likes of Princess Diana and Madonna to the region, I enjoyed a taste of the finer things, checking in at the new Mansard Boutique Hotel.
Located centrally, The Mansard boasts the only rooftop bar in Gstaad and was a hit among locals, who were drinking in the views with a few glasses of wine.
Equally as impressive was the food in the ground floor restaurant. I opted for the starter special of mushroom pasta, followed by a main of sole with parsley butter, spinach and mashed potatoes. Finishing on a sweet note, a glass of vanilla ice cream with strawberries and Maraschino liqueur rounded off a memorable meal.
The following morning in Gstaad, I got to experience a great annual celebration, which is loved by tourists and locals. Visitors began to pour into the town during the early hours of the morning, creating an instant buzz.
This was the start of the Zuglete, the procession of cattle from the mountains to the heart of the town. A tradition kept for centuries to signify the return of the herds and herdsmen to the valley, thousands of people line the streets of Gstaad for a glimpse of cows, dressed in colourful floral headdresses, and goats that continually serve the area.
Oeschinensee lake is breathtaking(Image: Getty Images)
Such a day presents a lucrative opportunity for local businesses. One woman I met had spent 30 years on the Landfrauen Saanenland selling items ranging from cheese to marmalade. “I will not get rich with what I’m doing,” she insisted. “I do this out of passion, for the community, because being together is not about having an income, it’s out of love.”
Aside from the heightened sense of drama created by the Zuglete, Gstaad’s relaxation-related motto of “Comeup, slow down” can’t be argued with.
But those seeking a total escape should head to the tiny village of Ablandschen – situated on the edge of the Bernese Oberland and the Freiburg Alps, 4,265ft above sea level. Known locally as Detox Valley and home to only 32 inhabitants, here you can pay a visit to the smallest church in Switzerland and dine at the inviting Berghotel zur Sau.
“Welcome to the end of the world” is the message from owners of the cosy establishment to prospective guests, who can try a range of Swiss dishes.
Mushrooms and potatoes that accompanied my main dish of pork were grown just around the corner while the starter salad was made up of handpicked ingredients.
A bottle of the sparkling Blanc de Noirs – a Swiss spin on Champagne due to its mirrored production process – was the perfect accompaniment.
My trip ended by catching the state-of-the-art GoldenPass Express train from Gstaad to Montreux – an 80-minute journey offering panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and valleys plus Lac Leman (Lake Geneva).
This route is included in the Swiss Travel Pass (see information box above right) and seated in prestige class – elevated in terms of height in the carriage and service – I tried out my heated leather seat, capable of rotating 180 degrees, before enjoying a cheese board and coffee.
Gazing out the window as I glided through this breathtaking scenery, I was offered one final reminder of how avoiding well-trodden paths, going out of the main season and taking in the sights at your own pace makes travel so much more satisfying.
Book the holiday
Neilson offers seven nights on club board at the Messini Beach Club near Kalamata, Peloponnese, Greece, from £1,467pp based on a family of four sharing and departing from Stansted on August 24. Includes transfers, kids’ clubs, activities, and expert tuition. Birmingham and Manchester flights also available. neilson.co.uk
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:
