Destinations Archives

Kielder Observatory, Northumberland: What visitors need to know

Why visit Kielder Observatory? Kielder Observatory is a public astronomical observatory located in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, within Europe's largest Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park. Founded by amateur astronomer Gary Fildes who campaigned to raise several hundred thousand pounds, the observatory was officially opened on 25th…

Writer David Whitley on top of Mt Kosciuszko, New South Wales.

Climbing Kosciuszko while unfit: A fat bloke climbs Australia’s highest mountain

Mount Kosciuszko may be Australia’s tallest peak, but even the unfit can reach its summit with a chairlift, gentle trails and stunning alpine scenery. The fine line between unprepared and reckless There’s a fine line between being merely unprepared and being incredibly stupid. That line…

River red gums in Murray Valley National Park, New South Wales.

Murray Valley National Park: river red gums and birding from a boat

In the tranquil Murray Valley National Park, towering river red gums, abundant birdlife and scenic boat trips make for a dreamlike wildlife experience. Tracing the past with a mileage marker Carved into the side of a tree is the number “258”. It’s a mileage marker…

The flagship Haribo store in Bonn, Germany.

Sweet history in Bonn: visiting the home of Haribo

Bonn may be best known as the former West German capital, but it is also the birthplace of Haribo – the world’s most famous gummy sweet brand. From the flagship shop to the factory outlet, the city should be a pilgrimage site for anyone with…

Cocktails in the Tonga Room, San Francisco.

Tonga Room San Francisco review: California’s most famous tiki bar

In an era when many cocktail bars disappear so far up their own backsides, the entire menu is basically grimly unpleasant to drink, the Tonga Room keeps things pleasingly old school. This iconic San Francisco tiki bar delivers shamelessly sweet crowd pleasers with big pours…

RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate: Guide with prices, hours & visitor tips

Why visit RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate? RHS Garden Harlow Carr is one of five public gardens run by the Royal Horticultural Society, located on the western edge of Harrogate in North Yorkshire. Spanning 58 acres of Yorkshire countryside, this garden combines garden inspiration…

Guide to the World of James Herriot, Thirsk

Why visit the World of James Herriot in Thirsk? The World of James Herriot is the original home and veterinary surgery of Alf Wight — the real James Herriot — whose "All Creatures Great and Small" stories have charmed millions worldwide. Located at 23 Kirkgate…

Montmorency Falls near Quebec City, Canada.

Montmorency Falls near Quebec City: Complete guide with prices, hours and tours

This guide covers everything you need to visit Montmorency Falls in Quebec, Canada: admission prices, cable car costs, opening hours, transport options from Quebec City, and which tours include the waterfall. I explain the three ways to reach the summit, what to expect at different…

10 astonishing lagoons around the world for your bucket list

There are few geographical features that are as reliably sexy as a lagoon. Usually, they're the stuff jealousy-inducing holiday photos are made of. The shallow waters twinkle in greens and milky blues that bog-standard ocean just can't muster. The white sand beaches and reefs that…

9 massive cities you’ve probably never heard of

Around the world, there are several tiny places that for one reason or another, most people recognise. Stratford-upon-Avon, Lourdes and Waterloo fall into that category. But what about the flipside – the enormous cities that only the most ardent map geeks can bring to mind?…