Weekend breaks

Holidu has shared the ultimate European destinations for “one night only” trips, and the top-ranking destination is in France – notable for its walkability and proximity to the UK

Brits low on time but in desperate need of an escape can make the most of their holiday in one of the European cities. Named the best for “one night only” trips, these destinations are convenient to visit from the UK and can be thoroughly enjoyed — even if only for a day.

The holiday rental search engine, Holidu, has created a list of Europe’s best cities for one-night breaks, looking at the factors that can make all the difference in 24-hours, including travel time from the UK, the distance from the airport to the city centre and how long it takes to walk between the city’s three main attractions.

Overall, French cities reigned supreme for one-night stays, according to Holidu’s findings. Destinations in France took three of the top ten spots, with Rennes, Nantes, and Montpellier all performing well.

It is the short flights from the UK and compact city centres convenient for exploring on foot that make them perfect for quick holidays. That said, one destination was cited as the best of the best.

Taking first place for the best one-night European city break is France’s Breton capital, Rennes. The city scored exceptionally well for how quickly British travellers are able to get there from the UK, with flights taking just 59 minutes from London and the journey from the airport to the city centre taking less than 15 minutes.

One-night city breaks have become massively popular in recent years, as time-strapped travellers forgo weeks of planning and preparation for short escapes that don’t drain their holiday allowance.

But that’s also why choosing the right destination for a short trip can be tricky, and not all European cities work well for a one-night experience. According to Holidu’s research, big-name capitals aren’t always your best bet for one-night trips.

Paris sits at 47th on the search engine’s best ‘one night only’ destination list, while Rome comes in at 85th, and Athens at 95th. A large reason for this is because of how spread apart popular attractions are, making it difficult for those with only a day free to explore efficiently.

Coming in second on Holidu’s ranking is Nantes, France. The city ranked well for its short flight time of around 1 hour and 6 minutes from London, as well as a very short airport transfer time of just 14 minutes to the city centre. Nantes is also a highly walkable city, with its major attractions all situated within a 39-minute walk.

Bremen, Germany came in at third place, while Basel, Switzerland and The Hague, Netherlands came in fourth and fifth place respectively.

Avis has ranked the best hidden European castles for a magical and secluded holiday. The list includes a Gothic fortress in Romania and two marvels of the Scottish Highlands

If you’re looking to trade city skylines for castles and rolling landscapes then these European destinations should be on your radar. Home to architecturally impressive and enchanting castles, these holiday spots are ideal for a secluded autumn adventure.

Avis has analysed social media trends, Google search data, TripAdvisor reviews and airport proximity to uncover Europe’s “most magical and secluded castles”. After assessing more than 50 destinations, these are the three that came out on top.

Corvin Castle in Romania was crowned the most secluded castle for a magical European holiday. The dramatic Gothic-Renaissance fortress in Hunedoara is less well-known and documented on social media than flashier landmarks, but that adds to its unique charm.

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According to Avis, Corvin Castle garnered 18k monthly searches and only 15k Instagram hashtags. Situated slightly out of the way, it is approximately a two-hour drive from Timisoara.

As one of the largest castles in Europe and home to one of Romania’s Seven Wonders, Corvin Castle is said to have imprisoned Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula.

Scotland’s hidden gems also feature heavily on the list of magical, secluded castles. Eilean Donan Castle, which is located where three lochs meet in Scotland, earned second place on the list.

Sitting on a tidal island, the castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks and dates back to the 13th century. However, with only 1000 Instagram hashtags and nearly 50k monthly searches, this destination flies surprisingly low under the radar.

Eilean Donan Castle is ideal for travellers looking to feel transported to another time period, or who wish to make their Highland fairytale come to life.

While the closest airport, Inverness, is about 83 kilometres away, the long drive offers an opportunity to explore the Scottish Highlands and take in feats of nature like Ben Nevis, Glen Coe and Loch Ness. While in Scotland, you could also add a trip to Inveraray Castle to your itinerary, another hidden gem that features on Avis’ top 10 list.

Another castle that deserves a worthy shout-out is Predjama Castle in Slovenia, which ranked third on the most secluded list. Built directly into the mouth of a cave on a cliff face, this castle offers a unique and unreal visual.

Situated 114 kilometres from Ljubljana airport, this castle has an average search volume of 111k and 117k Instagram hashtags according to Avis’ analysis. Dating back over 800 years, the Predjama Castle mixes natural beauty with human innovation and lore.

Full top 10 destination list

• Corvin Castle, Romania
• Predjama Grad, Slovenia
• Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
• Inveraray Castle, Scotland
• Malbork Castle, Poland
• Hohenschwangau, Germany
• Heidelberg Castle, Germany
• Alcázar de Segovia, Spain
• Castello di Celsa, Italy
• Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, France

This German city has been named the most walkable in the world, with many of its main attractions including a jewel-filled palace, a unique surf spot and Gothic church easily accessible on foot

A study has named the world’s most walkable city and it’s only a short flight from the UK. The top-rated destination packed with bike and walking paths even managed to beat out beloved holiday hotspots like Paris and Milan.

Less than a two-hour plane ride from London is the most walkable city in the world: Munich. The study from Compare the Market ranked 53 locations on how good they are for being car-free and listed the Bavarian city as number one.

There were many factors used to assess each of the 53 cities, including the total distance of all bike trails and walking trails and the cost and efficiency of public transport. Each city was also given an overall safety score and public transportation score. Additionally, average monthly rainfall factored into the final walkability assessment.

According to the researchers, 86% of Munich’s population live within 1km of a car-free space. The city has 1,468,623 kilometres (912,560 miles) worth of bike trails – the second highest of anywhere in the world, according to Compare the Market.

The findings also reveal that despite Munich’s public transport being the third most expensive, it scores the fourth highest for safety. The city also tied for second highest destination for people living within a kilometre of healthcare and education facilities.

The Bavarian city is a great destination for tourists to get around on foot with many of its main attractions located within walking distance. Munich’s historic main square, Marienplatz, is one of many must-visit attractions, overlooked by a clocktower.

If you time your visit for one of the two performances a day, you will be able to see the mechanical characters in the Rathaus-Glockenspiel clock enacting scenes from the city’s history.

Marienplatz is just a five-minute walk to Frauenkirche, a restored Gothic Catholic church. The church is known for its ominous ‘Devil’s Footprint’, a large hollowed footprint set within one of the church’s floor tiles.

Less than a ten-minute walk from Frauenkirche is the Residenz Munch – a historic palace which houses the Bavarian Crown Jewels. The Residenz also served as Munich’s seat of government until 1918.

Those wishing to enjoy the natural beauty of the city – still on foot – can head to the city’s largest park: the English Garden. The park spans 375 hectares and one of its most notable features is the Eisbach wave, where visitors can see locals attempting to surf the river.

Of course, no mention of the Oktoberfest capital would be complete without mention of its incredible beer gardens and halls. After a long day of strolling, travellers can head to the 16th-century Hofbräuhaus München – one of the most well-known beer halls in the world – to enjoy a drink and traditional Bavarian fare.

Nine out of the top ten most walkable cities in the Compare the Market study are in Europe. The only non-European city that cracked the top ten list was Tokyo, which made it into sixth place. On the other end of the scale, Manila, the capital of the Philippines, was ranked as the least walkable city in the world.

Top 5 most walkable cities worldwide

• Munich, Germany
• Milan, Italy
• Warsaw, Poland
• Helsinki, Finland
• Paris, France

If you’re looking for a staycation idea, we’ve found a charming two-bedroom apartment near Whitby in North Yorkshire with loads of five star reviews and availability in summer

British breaks are always a popular type of holiday, and if you’re considering visiting the Yorkshire coast on your UK staycation this summer, we’ve found a beautiful two-person holiday apartment available to rent that comes highly recommended by previous guests.

Brambles Apartment, available to book via Sykes Cottages, is a cosy and comfy first-floor holiday rental in Sneatonthorpe near Ruswarp in the North York Moors National Park, around 10 minutes from the popular seaside town of Whitby. With light and airy ‘country chic’ decor, it features an open-plan kitchen and living space, a smart TV and a small shared garden, with one previous guest calling it “a great base for exploring Whitby and the surrounding area”.

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In fact, Brambles Apartment only has five star reviews on the Sykes website, with visitors praising the hosts, the high standard of the property, and the “excellent views”:

“First class apartment, clean, comfortable lovely views from the windows and in a peaceful location,” one of the reviews is titled. “A very enjoyable week, would definitely recommend Brambles apartment,” the writer adds.

“Lovely stay in a great and comfortable apartment with beautiful views,” another guest agrees.

“So cosy, peaceful, clean and comfy, and a great base for exploring Whitby and the surrounding area,” a third review reads. “One of the nicest we’ve stayed in, and we would not hesitate to book again next time we visit! A definite recommend!”

The description on the Sykes website explains that Whitby Abbey, Whitby Harbour and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum are all within easy reach, as are Whitby Beach and Robin’s Hood Bay Beach, as well as the picturesque North York Moors National Park.

If you’re tempted, you’ll be happy to hear that Brambles Apartment still has lots of availability over the coming months, including during the school holidays. According to the Sykes website, a seven-night stay from 18-25 July costs from £677 (down from £981), while a long weekend in August, from 15-18, also costs from £677, down from £1,114).

It’s worth noting that Brambles Apartment doesn’t accept pets, so if you’re looking for somewhere to stay with a dog, you might want to check out other nearby Sykes Cottages properties such as Lythe Cottage or Jet Cottage.

Holiday Cottages is another site to browse for inspiration, which features charming Whitby properties including Sandy Shores, Lavender House and Dean Cottage.

And if you fancy something a little different, how about staying in Whitby Lighthouse? Guests can book one of two rental properties in the lighthouse – Galatea and Vanguard – through Rural Retreats.

Alternatively if, like Coleen Rooney and her family, you enjoy a caravan holiday, Parkdean has resorts across the UK, including Carmarthen, Lincolnshire and Northumberland.

Don’t want to drive to your holiday hotspot this summer? Find the cheapest train tickets through Trainline, where customers can save 61% on average when they book them in advance.

The French city was found to be the best for exploring on foot according to a study by French newspaper Le Parisien. Brits can catch a direct flight to Lyon which takes less than two hours

France is a favourite destination for Brits, and its closeness to the UK makes it an excellent choice for a quick weekend getaway. But where’s the best spot in the country for a city break that you can explore on foot?

A study by French newspaper Le Parisien revealed that Lyon is France’s most walkable city and the easiest to navigate by foot. As the third largest city in France, Lyon is often hailed as the nation’s culinary capital, and its Old Town is among the most beautiful in France.

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Brits can catch a direct flight to Lyon which takes less than two hours, or they can travel by train using the Eurostar and changing in Paris, which takes just under five hours. Skyscanner offers a variety of flight options, or British tourists can plan a train or flight route on Omio.

What to do in Lyon

If you’re short on time, most of Lyon’s top attractions are located in Vieux Lyon. Marvel at the architecture in the city’s cathedral or uncover its intriguing traboules.

The Traboules are secret covered passageways through Lyon’s Old Town, so keep your eyes open as you wander, reports the Express. The city’s top-rated attraction on Tripadvisor is the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, which perches on a hill overlooking the old town.

The Basilique is incredibly stunning, but visitors will also enjoy fantastic views from the top, and there’s also a cafe.

If you have a bit more time, visit the city’s Parc de la Tete d’Or, home to turtles.

What to eat in Lyon

Lyon is frequently hailed as France’s culinary capital, so after all that strolling, be sure to carve out some time to savour its gastronomic wonders.

The city’s food scene revolves heavily around bouchons – eateries specialising in traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. Some of the offerings, like pork tripe sausage, might not be for the squeamish.

However, dishes such as lentils with vegetables and sausages, and le poulet celestine, a chicken dish featuring mushrooms and tomatoes, are firm favourites.

Where to stay in Lyon

If you’re keen on staying in the most pedestrian-friendly part of the city, consider lodging in the old town. Alternatively, hotels across the river tend to be more budget-friendly if you’re watching your pennies.

If you’re looking to book a UK self-catering getaway this year, we’ve found a charming holiday cottage in Anglesey, Wales, that has travellers coming back again and again

With staycations on the rise – especially when the weather’s as nice as it is at the moment – we’ve been searching out some of the best UK holiday rentals homes and cottages to inspire you’re next British break – and we think we’ve found a gem with this charming Anglesey escape.

This four-bedroom, eight-person Sykes Cottages holiday home in on the coast of Anglesey, Wales, stood out to us for its stunning sea views, outdoor hot tub and high quality decor, not to mention the perfect customer score of five out of five stars. Even better, there’s still availability in June through to August, including during the school summer holidays.

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The single-story Yr Hen Feudy house is available to book via Sykes Cottages’ website, and is located on the beautiful east coast of the Welsh Isle of Anglesey in the seaside village of Moelfre. Here you’ll find a picturesque port, a shingle beach and stunning views, perhaps even spotting seals or dolphins out at sea.

The house itself features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, an outdoor hot tub and an electric vehicle charging port, making it the perfect base for groups of friends or family holidays.

What especially impressed us were the glowing reviews from previous visitors, many who clearly have booked this place year after year. “We returned to this stunning cottage and it was as lovely as in previous visits,” one five star review reads. “The cottage is spotlessly clean and is finished to a very high standard. The views are fantastic. Good food at the local pub too. The owners are wonderful. We will be back again.”

“The views were amazing and the house was so clean and comfortable, definitely a home from home!” another person wrote. “We loved our stay, and we look forward to going again!”

A third person called it “such a gem“, writing: “This was our second visit to this property” and added, “Great location with amazing views from the comfort of the sofa. Facilities are just as you would expect. The house is kept in immaculate condition too. Can’t wait for our next visit.”

In fact, the only negative comment listed appears to be about some confusion about the number of guests staying – however the commentor does say that “the place is beautiful and well-maintained, and we had a very pleasant stay.”

At the time of writing, Yr Hen Feudy cottage still had availability on dates including 2-5 June, 25-28 July and 4-8 August, however is these dates don’t work for you or get booked up, there are plenty of other lovely Anglesey options on Sykes Cottages, including Chapel House, Swyn Llyr and Sea La Vie.

Alternatively have a look at some of Holiday Cottages’ stunning Welsh lets, such as Paws Retreat, Tyddyn Y Fron Cwtch and Butterfly Lodge.

And if, like Coleen Rooney and her family, you enjoy a caravan holiday, Parkdean has resorts across the UK, including Carmarthen, Lincolnshire and Northumberland.