Europe

There are those who go to Cheltenham for its superb festivals, the Regency architecture or its racecourse.  But there are many others for whom the main appeal of the spa town is its steam railway, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway (GWR) which is a great way to start your weekend, exploring the area.  The 12 miles (19km) line stretches from Cheltenham Racecourse to Laverton Halt, a 17th-century hamlet in the Cotswolds.  The journey takes you through some of the most glorious Cotswolds countryside, where on a good day, you can see the Black Mountains in

The Axarquia is the area of Malaga province which stretches from Rincon de la Victoria to Maro. It borders Granada province from the cliffs of Cerro Gordo, which offer unique diving and snorkelling opportunities, to the mountain range of the Sierra Almijara, Tejeda and Alhama, which stretches from the coast up to Malaga province's highest peak, La Maroma, measuring 2,064 metres above sea level.

Southern France’s Dordogne valley is the heart of walnut country, where the humble noix (nut) has been part of the landscape since the 10th century, when peasants would pay their debts with bushels of nuts. A weekend break in this picturesque valley will worth it, and good time to go is in early autumn when the temperature is moderate twenties and best of all, there are less tourist, so you are free to wonder unhindered.  Just next door to the Dorgogne, is the Lot department which boast the same golden stone villages and breathtaking views.

Salzburg and its surrounding are an area of immense natural beauty, versatility and steep in history.  Bordering with Germany and sharing the mountains of the Alpine region, its located in a region that caters for a variety of activities: summer, spring or winter. The Edelweiss meadows and high mountain lakes, hilltop castles and turf-roofed timber cabins – life is beautiful here, it’s the home of Mozart, Maria von Trapp and its Baroque architecture.

Sitting between Somerset and Devon, is Exmoor national park.  With steep-sided valleys and russet-hued moorland dotted by solitary trees that have been twisted and contorted by the wind.  A red deer, sporting a crown of antlers, may emerge from the mist; a brooding Raven May flap moodily by.  Above all Exmoor feels like a real country escape.  The landscape is shaped by thousands of years of farming and inhabited by people who have lived and worked here all their lives.

Austria is famed for its beautiful mountains and amazing snow sports. Every year, visitors from across the world travel here to enjoy the country's incredible slopes and mountain lifestyle.  With pristine slopes, off-piste powder and the snowiest ski area in Austria, Obertauern is set to become your new favourite winter destination.

With just a 20-minute train journey north of London you can be in St Albans.  This buzzy Hertfordshire city has long been a favourite for those wanting to move out of London.  But apart from being on most commuter’s wish list, there’s a host of things to explore for those wanting wanting a weekend break from the city, like its huge cathedral and crumbling Roman walls. There is a great selection of indie restaurants, brunch spots and a foodie lovers market.

There are many things that Finland does well - saunas, vodka, the hippo-like Moomins - but arguably it's the country's wild landscape that shine brightest. Nicknamed the 'land of a thousand lakes' (although it would be more accurate to say 188,000 lakes), Finland is blessed with natural good looks. Saimaa, the largest of the country's lakes, lies to the east while to the north is Lapland (more on that later), a winter wonderland high above the Arctic Circle.

With attractions to charm even the most demanding traveller, the Greek region of Thrace will fascinate you with its wild beauty, breathtaking scenery and unique Byzantine, Ottoman and medieval heritage.  The region of Thrace sits to Greece's east, at the gateway of the exotic north. This is a land of jaw-dropping landscapes, with the majestic Rodopi mountain range standing guard over the Nestos and Evros rivers, as well as richly diverse wetlands, lush forests and white-sand beaches.

Nestled in the lush Hampshire countryside is the peaceful town of Stockbridge, an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.  Stockbridge has fresh air, scenic walks and some of the UK’s best sparkling wine.  You can shelve any idea of being on a diet, as local, seasonal produce is big on the menu here, so the food is incredible.

Pack your walking boots for a country ramble.  Stroll around Stockbridge Marsh next to the River Test to spot water voles scampering along the riverbanks, or wander vast and hilly Stockbridge Down for sweeping rural views.