Europe

You cannot beat the rush of adrenalin combined with muscle burn that you feel after climbing a steep hill to reach the top of the trial. But instead of the fog of fumes and crowded roads of the capital, when you cycle, run or walk in West Sussex it is often just you...reach the peak and take in the breath-taking views across the South Downs, ancient woodland, and out to sea.

HOTEL CHESA ROSATSCH, CELERINA

Nestled in the popular Upper Engadine valley, on the banks of the Inn River, this charming property, with rosy red walls and wooden beams, is almost 400 years old. Rooms, though, are modern and boutique, while its restaurant serves tasty stone-grilled locals meat and crispy Flammechueche. The village of Celerina is quiet but perfectly placed for exploring the surrounding area, where it’s possible to view Engadine’s glaciers. Visit hotelrosatsch.ch/en/

Non-drivers can still enjoy striking panoramas on the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. The route encompasses an impressive 91 tunnels and 291 bridges.  Take the Wilhelm Tell Express via the Magadino Plain, and admire the three grand medieval castles of Bellinzona which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Pass through the medieval town of Schaffhausen and the 400-year-old Fortress of Munot, and look out for the 13th-century Hohenklingen Castle at Stien am Rhein.

Since the dawn of human civilization there is something about the skies that captivates us and can have us looking up for hours. It never fails to fascinate the observer, to the point where we have spent billions studying and exploring our skies. So we have found some worldwide destinations where the stargazers among us can look to their heart's content.

Tenerife offers much more than mass tourism, sun loungers and neon cocktails. As one of the Canary Islands Tenerife can offer a different type of short. If you want to spend most of your time on two legs soaking up the panoramic views at La Gomera's Garajonay National park, the 'cloud forest' or two wheels in the La Esperanza Forest, it is here; relax at a small guest house away from the crowd.

Childhood holidays are the source of some of our most enduring memories: long summers, days by the seaside playing in the sand and sea, the scratch of sunscream being rubbed in over sandy arms and legs.  Why not make this summer's holiday one to remember with a car journey in France, starting from the seaside and ends with your children meeting all their favourite Disney character?

Head to the Dalmatian coast for host of activity, whatever you are into its collection of islands have something for you.  Using Split as your base you can enjoy its local beaches or walk its cobbled streets learning about the regions local history, walk the scenes of award winning show Game or Thrones. Foodie lovers can try the local fish carpaccio with a glass of its local wines.  There are activities for nature lovers and those who want an adrenalin kick.

Take your car out of the city this weekend and discover the English countryside. We have found five sites that are rich in history and natural beauty. Visit the Cheddar Man site, stand on top of the highest point in South East England or visit the land of witches. So full your tank with petrol and leave it all behind as you discover the English countryside.

Impressive for its compact size, Switzerland boasts a diverse array of historical attractions and natural wonders, making it the ideal destination for a show-stopping road trip.  Travellers can explore some of Europe’s best preserved medieval villages, traverse giddy mountain passes, snowshoe across glacial plateaus and sip Grand Cru wines on the sun-drenched banks of crystal clear lakes.

One thing sure to ruin a wintery holiday is no snow. Yes, it’s that time of the year again when we fish out our furry boots and become amateur meteorologists in the hope there will be a decent covering of the white stuff.

But there is one place where you don’t need to worry about snowfall. The Kitzbühel ski area in Tyrol, Austria, is as powdery as it gets, with an average 180 days of snow a year, making it the country’s first non-glacial ski area opened for the winter season.