For the untrained tongue, Bydgoszcz is very difficult to pronounce and sends the spellchecker into meltdown. Pronouncing it “Bid-gosh” seems to be recognised by nearly everyone but it sounds slightly different when said by a native of the city. Sweden, Prussia, Germany and the communists have all occupied Bydgoszcz. All have left their mark on
When you visit Berlin, there’s one food that you absolutely have to try: currywurst. The spicy sausage dish was born in the city just after World War II, and it’s become an iconic part of the food scene there. But with hundreds of currywurst stands across the German capital, where can you find the best?
A Unique Ambience Sail across the Solent to another world, the Isle of Wight. This island has taken the best of modern technology to protect and enhance its many attractions while retaining its old-fashioned charm. The ambience alone makes a visit here special. Every one of its towns has its own character from the bustling
Spring into Tallinn If Estonia is still a blank canvas, come and paint your own picture. Estonia has never been closer, with British Airways now flying direct to Tallinn. The capital of Estonia is regularly touted as the best-value destination in the Baltics and beyond. And you’ll be in time to celebrate the country’s centenary,
Looking for the ultimate romantic getaway in the UK this Valentine’s Day? Here’s a selection of seven amazing destinations to consider. Whether you are city lovers, foodies, or in search of the great outdoors, the UK has something to inspire romance in every couple… Llanddwyn Island, Wales You’ve heard of St Valentine – but what
Back in the 1950s a young newly wed and her naval officer husband moved to the Island of Malta and immediately fell in love with the place. They settled in a quiet suburb of the capital Valletta and stayed for nearly three years. In 2015 that same couple returned for a few days to the
As I left the plane a fellow passenger said that I would either love or hate my forthcoming walking experience on the island of Fuerteventura. My curiosity was heightened. I had read the descriptions of the walks in the programme and they seemed pretty ordinary. I was soon to discover there is nothing ordinary about
From glühwein and gingerbread to handmade ornaments and intricately decorated trees, there’s nothing as festive as a Christmas market. These are a few of the best places in Austria to visit this Christmas… Vienna – History and Handicrafts Vienna’s Christmas market dates back to 1298, so it’s no surprise that the city is one of
Copenhagen frequently ranks as one of the happiest cities in the world, possibly partly because of the Danish concept of ‘hygge’. In case you haven’t heard of it, ‘hygge’ is a feeling of comfort and cosy contentment which is derived from experiencing simple pleasures. The Danish capital is home to a wealth of historical buildings,
Every time I see blue flowers I am reminded of the Azores and the hydrangea hedges that tumble down the steep valley slopes towards the blue waters of a crater lake. The blue agapanthus swaying in the breeze on the cliff tops. Beyond the cliffs the blue sea and an occasionally profoundly blue sky. Blue
Autumn is a great time for a European city break – it’s generally cooler and less crowded than it is in summer, but the winter chill has yet to arrive. Here are some ideas for interesting places for you to visit this autumn. Copenhagen, Denmark Copenhagen is a beautiful, compact city which is really enjoyable
Fairy tale castles, magical mountain ranges, incredible natural beauty, some of the most spectacular wildlife in Europe, great cosmopolitan cities filled with history and culture, and endless adventure. Romania really is the emerging destination in Europe, but I can’t imagine it will stay that way for long! Social media feeds are already filling fast with
Any time is a good time to contemplate taking a chocolate themed city break. You don’t have to wait for events like National Chocolate Week or Valentines Day. As a travel writer, I have discovered several chocolate cities worth heading to for a chocolate fix. The following are European cities worth visiting for their chocolate or chocolate
17,000 years ago, some of our ancestors ventured deep into caves in the South of France and created ancient cave paintings, huge works of art on the rock faces, depicting arresting scenes of active predatory mammals. Fast forward to 1940, and a teenage boy and his dog set out to roam the French countryside looking
There a number of reasons for wanting to visit European battlefields. A desire to see where a father, grandfather or great-grandfather fought, a passion for military and regimental history or simply an interest in seeing where the battles that changed history took place. I have focused on a few 20th century battlefields in Europe that
