Getting there/away From Bodmin Parkway station it’s a short ride to the trail at Boscarne Junction, north-west of Bodmin town. Alternatively, pop your bike on one of Bodmin and Wenford Railway’s steam trains from Bodmin Parkway to the junction. Head north-east along the trail to reach Wenfordbridge or north-west for Padstow. Alternatively, from Bodmin Parkway take the 11A bus (plymouthcitybus.co...
‘It’s not like anywhere else I’ve been to’: readers’ favourite cities
Padua, Italy Padua is full of fascinating places to see. Saint Anthony’s Basilica, with a magnificent silver sarcophagus housing the saint’s body, easily rivals Saint Peter’s in Rome. The nearby botanical gardens, filled with plants and flowers, are a delightful way to pass a few hours. In the morning, hit Piazza della Frutta and Piazza delle Erbe, for buzzy markets selling everything from...
Waterfalls, stargazing and buzzards: the Moffat walking festival in Scotland’s southern uplands
At the top of the gorge, strings of Tibetan prayer flags flutter between trees, a waterfall cascades over rock, the white dome of a stupa peeps through the foliage. I watch the water-driven prayer wheel, mesmerised, and nod hello to Dawa Sherpa. I may be in Scotland but it feels as if I’ve been transported to deepest Nepal. Craigieburn Gardens & Nursery, two miles outside the pretty town of...
Where’s hot for October holidays?
Enjoy paella and a flamenco show in Seville, catch the late-summer rays along the Turkish Riviera or discover Vietnam’s great cities. Where’s hot in October in Europe? Spain Is Spain hot in October?Average maximum temperature: 20°C Even after its summer peak period, sunseekers are spoiled for choice in Spain. While temperatures in the capital Madrid are fairly mild, the islands and much of...
A local’s guide to Lübeck, Germany: maritime gem full of history and club culture
This ancient Baltic port is the epitome of brick gothic. Local restaurateur Tristan Wilken shines a light on its many charms Food Schiffergesellschaft is the oldest restaurant in town, founded 500 years ago by captains of the Hanseatic League, who met there to debate, eat and drink. Soak up the maritime atmosphere at the long, weathered dining tables and try the famous northern dish Labskaus –...
10 of the best breaks in France easily accessible by ferry
From Boulogne to Brittany, these jewels within striking distance of the northern ports offer a total immersion into French culture Annabelle ThorpeHonfleur One of the most picturesque spots on the Normandy coast, Honfleur’s picture-perfect harbour is lined with townhouses dating back to the 16th century. It’s just the place for long, sunlit lunches and dinners of fish and seafood pulled from the...
How much do you need to spend to get a suitcase that won’t break?
But which suitcase is toughest? And how much do you need to pay out for one that’s going to last? We bought hard shell suitcases from Samsonite, American Tourister, Tripp and more at prices from £30 to £180 and put them through a series of tough tests to find out. We discovered: Although the most durable suitcases are likely to cost you more money, you don’t have to shell out more to get a...
Road trip? Here are the best service stations for each major motorway – and those to avoid
It’s a highly divisive topic with the possibility to make or break a road trip, so choosing a motorway service station for a longer drive can be a tricky task. Pick wisely and you’ll feel refreshed, satisfied and ready for the next leg of your trip. But if you don’t plan ahead, you’re at risk of rolling up somewhere with less-than-desirable facilities. To help you pick your pit-stop with peace of...
The best cities for shopping in the UK in 2022
In April 2022, we asked 3,662 Which? readers about their recent stays in more than 50 UK cities. As well as an overall visitor score, each city was given a star rating out of five for shopping, food and drink, value for money and accommodation, among other factors. Each of the cities below scored at least 75% overall and four out of five stars for shopping, so you’re guaranteed a successful day...
Holiday cottages with hot tubs in stunning UK destinations
So whether you’re planning ahead for next summer, or hunting for a cosy place to stay to round off the year, we’ve searched for idyllic cottages with hot tubs in stunning locations. Every holiday rental we’ve listed below is located in or near to a place rated highly by Which? readers. From towns and villages, to areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), and coastal destinations, they were all...