Weekends away

10 of the best beaches in Britain and Ireland, from sandy spaces for families to places of exquisite natural beauty

If you're planning a holiday in Britain or Ireland for post-lockdown, you're in for a treat: the spectacular coastlines of these countries get battered by weather in autumn and winter, but on a fine day in spring or summer they're the equal of anything in the world. Rosie Paterson picks out 10 of the very best, and suggests places to stay near each once tourism is back up and running.

11 breathtaking images of The Gower, the spot so magnificent it inspired the creation of Britain's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Octavia Pollock takes a look at the magnificent Welsh coastal landscape of The Gower Peninsula, whose tales are as eye-opening as its beauty.

The beautiful Edinburgh streets and buildings which are the stars of ITV's Belgravia — thanks to a sprinkling of production magic

If you've been wondering where ITV's Belgravia is filmed, the answer may surprise you: Edinburgh. Ali Wood paid a visit to the beautiful Scottish capital to find out more.

Croxton Park House: A weekend getaway in a house decorated by a Duchess

The Kimpton Fitzroy: A dog-friendly London luxury hotel whose architect created the First Class dining room on the Titanic

The Kimpton Fitzroy is a central London hotel full of history that's perfect for an opulent weekend in the Big Smoke. Kathryn Bradley-Hole paid a visit.

Aqua Sana, Longleat: A spa experience like no other, inspired by forest bathing and nestled in the heart of one of Britain's greatest treasures

Aqua Sana's newly-refurbished Forest Spa combined 24 different spa experiences into one seamless, relaxing tapestry. Alexandra Fraser was fortunate enough to pay a visit; here's why she struggled to leave.

Bruges, Belgium: The city of arts and crafts, a cultural hub for the last 700 years

Mary Miers visited all the artisanal wonders Bruges has to offer, from Flemish Masters to chocolate-makers.

Grabbing a slice of mid-winter sunshine, with golf, biking and a Ford Puma

Yes, a short break to the sun at this time of year is an indulgence — but it's one which will do wonders for your state of mind, says Toby Keel.

Adare Manor: The 19th century Gothic masterpiece that's become a very 21st century hotel

Adare Manor is no-expense-spared labour of love created by a billionaire owner — and it makes a wonderful weekend away, as Octavia Pollock discovered.

Budva Bay, Montenegro: Rugged mountains, perfect beaches and a truly regal experience

Tiffany Daneff explores the wonders of this regal isle, rich in history and architecture.

Arnside and Silverdale: A landscape on par with the Lake District in its beauty and significance

People often miss the delightful landscape of Arnside and Silverdale as they hare off to the Lake District.

Leave the kids behind: 10 adults-only country hotels across Britain, ideal for a Valentine's break

We love family holidays; there's nothing like enjoying quality time with the children. Just not ALL the time.

10 award-winning hotels to visit in 2020, from a lochside retreat in Scotland to a Georgian mansion that looks like a set from a BBC costume drama

It's awards season in Hollywood, but films aren't the only things which get gongs these days — Bonnie Friend of the Good Hotel Guide picks out some of her favourite award-winning hotels.

Bath unwrapped: Where to stay, what to do and what to eat in one of Britain's most iconic and historic cities

Emily Anderson explores the best of Bath, from the iconic Roman baths to it's eccentric comedy walking tours.

The Cotswold Water Park: A break for nature lovers and thrill seekers alike, with the rest of the Cotswolds on the doorstep

The Cotswold Water Park might not be what springs to mind when thinking of the archetypal Cotswolds escape, but it makes a delighful spot for a weekend away, as Toby Keel found out.

A fishing weekend in the New Forest: 'Visiting feels as if you have arrived in a foreign country, but it's little more than an hour from London'

A fishing weekend at Undercastle Cottage in the New Forest is a slice of 'perfect escapism', as Mark Hedges found out.

Llwyn Celyn: One of the most important medieval homes in Britain — yet one where, wonderfully, you can book family holiday

Llwyn Celyn, one of the most important medieval houses in Wales, has been recently restored and dated for the first time, and is even accepting paying guests. Edward Impey addresses the intriguing questions of its purpose and its builder’s identity. Photographs by Paul Highnam for Country Life.

Coworth Park at Christmas: The ultimate festive, helicopter-accesible staycation, under ten minutes from central London

L'Oscar hotel review: A former church in London's Theatreland that's become a saucily decadent place to stay

Is there a hotel with a more outlandishly sumptuous interior than L'Oscar, a lush spot a short stroll from Covent Garden? If there is, we've yet to see it as Lucy Ford found out.

A weekend in Berlin: Culture, creativity and laid-back cool, three decades after the Wall came down

30 years after the Berlin Wall came down, Damien Gabet pays a visit to a city which is vibrant, cosmopolitan and has settled perfectly into its post-modern maturity.