• Wales

Wonders and whimsy in one of Britain’s most underrated regions

Medieval towns, dramatic coastal paths and breathtaking castles await in this enchanting corner of Wales.

• Steve McKenna

• ★★★★½
• Airport reviews

The small London airport that puts the others to shame

A departure point for easyJet to Europe, London Southend is growing rapidly, taking pressure off other London airports that are fast approaching capacity.

• Catherine Marshall

• Traveller letters

Traveller Letters: We won’t be returning to this stopover destination

“Although the people are mostly friendly, and it’s an interesting country, this is one of the few places we wouldn’t revisit.”

• Train journeys

Timeless elegance: Britain’s new ‘ludicrously luxurious’ train

The Britannic Explorer – due to be launched in July 2025 – is a luxury hotel on wheels that will travel through some of the UK’s most magnificent landscapes.

• Anthony Lambert

• Culture holidays

The UK’s smallest royal palace is now a global star

Visits to Kew Palace have surged since Netflix drama Bridgerton became a worldwide phenomenon, but there’s much more to its history than TV stardom.

• Sue Williams

• Northern Ireland

Formerly strife-torn, this is now one of Europe’s coolest cities

Northern Ireland’s capital is increasingly striking a chord with folk seeking culture, festivals and gigs.

• Steve McKenna

• Tripologist

New entry rules – and fees – for Australians to visit the UK

Australians can now apply for the new Electronic Travel Authorisation that will be a requirement for entering the UK.

• Michael Gebicki

• England

Already discovered by filmmakers, this English town is a revelation

Stamford is a town made for walking, full of lanes and alleyways opening on to the unexpected.

• Sandra Hall

• Northern Ireland

The European city that’s still divided by a wall

The strangest thing about this wall is that it runs right through a seemingly ordinary residential neighbourhood.

• Brian Johnston

• Europe

Five outrageously fun glamping spots in the UK

Who’d have thought glamping was a thing here? Not us. And yet, the options – ranging from Hobbit burrows with hot tubs to retro-style pods – are seriously good.

• Tatyana Leonov