You don’t need sunshine to enjoy the beach. These cold weather stretches of sand are just as majestic and inviting.

Chugging past rolling hills of heritage vineyards, cutting through spectacular mountainous backcountry, or zipping along the coastline of the Mediterranean: there’s no better way to experience the beauty and bounty of France than from the window seat of a train.

With a world-famous cathedral, museums, murals, and a unique local beer scene, Cologne is the perfect European city break. There’s so much to enjoy, from exceptional fine dining to late-night clubbing, making Cologne a great alternative to other more touristed German cities. Here’s how to spend a perfect few days in Cologne.

Whether you’re celebrating 12 months of marital bliss or your 50th anniversary, marking these milestones as you continue your journey together is a perfect excuse to create even more memories.

Hotels are always full of stories – after all, they’re comprised of dozens of rooms perpetually ebbing and flowing with visitors from a variety of places. However, some hotels are a little more storied than others, whether because they have a long history or because the structures themselves had past lives. Moreover, unlikely venues such as jails, breweries, churches, and mental hospitals have been renovated and repurposed into stylish hotels that are a world away from their original use. Some anchor cities firmly in their pasts, offering guests a reminder of bygone eras, while others simply have an air of mystery beneath the surface.

The United Kingdom’s music scene is nothing short of legendary, making its music venues an attraction in themselves. Discover the quirkiest places to connect with the vibrant local music culture. From boutique jazz boats in the heart of London to 1920s shacks in the Scottish Highlands, here’s our pick of the most unique music venues in the UK.