Castlefield in Manchester is a great starting point for waterside walks in Manchester. It’s across the road from Manchester Science and Industry Museum, an exciting place to visit even before you start walking! Follow the Bridgewater Canal south west as far as Old Trafford (where a stadium tour is available), and then walk across to the Manchester Ship Canal. On the Trafford side there is the Imperial War Museum, or cross the footbridge to visit the Lowry Gallery and theatre complex (and outlet shopping mall). If you don’t want to walk back, you can always take the tram. In the other direction from Castlefield, follow the Rochdale Canal to walk under central Manchester’s busiest streets whilst watching barges negotiate locks. There is plenty of choice for refreshment with the bars and restaurants at Deansgate Locks and along Canal Street. At Piccadilly Basin you can either return to Castlefield by walking through the city centre, visiting museums, art galleries (or shops) along the way – or continue walking along the towpaths of either the Rochdale Canal or the Manchester and Ashton Under Lyne Canal. The latter leads to Manchester’s other football stadium.

www.penninewaterways.co.uk/manchester/castlefield.htm
www.visitmanchester.com

Museum of Science and Industry:
www.mosi.org.uk
Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester, M3 4FP
+44(0)161 832 2244
Google map: bit.ly/qiM1Hu

The Lowry
www.thelowry.com
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ
+44(0)843 208 6000
Google map: bit.ly/oTOCEe

Imperial War Museum North
north.iwm.org.uk
The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester M17 1TZ
+ 44 (0) 161 836 4000
Google map: bit.ly/pDppEq

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This isn’t a tip for one place – but rather for a whole host of them! There are many National Trust properties which are close to motorways or major routes. We have used many of them as midday stop-offs on long journeys. There is usually a refreshment room with a choice of freshly prepared food, and often an opportunity to stretch your legs exploring grounds or parkland (sometimes without an admission charge).
The property we have used most (as it was en route to visit one of our daughters) is Clumber Park, just off the A1 in Nottinghamshire. It really offers a much more civilised break than that offered by Blyth services, a few miles north on the A1M: lovely landscaped parklands and lake, a restaurant which uses food grown in the walled garden – even an opportunity to hire bicycles (if you really want to blow away the cobwebs). There is also the chance of a surprise – we once arrived on a Saturday to find a Georgian re-enactment in full swing.
Before planning a long journey we always take a look at the map on the Trust website to see if there’s a property close to our route. The disadvantage – well Trust properties aren’t open 24 hours, 7 days per week – though the restaurant at Clumber is open every day except December 25th from at least 10am to 4pm.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-beta-map.htm

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Not a gallery in the accepted sense, nevertheless a Georgian square in Edinburgh's New Town has been transformed into an outdoor gallery displaying amazing, giant sized natural history photographs. The exhibition is part of the city’s Science Festival and runs until May 1st. Many more people were admiring the work displayed in this setting than I’ve seen visiting more conventional galleries.

St Andrew's Square, Edinburgh
www.sciencefestival.co.uk
Google map: bit.ly/f9zD4n

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Staying in a self-catering apartment in Barcelona? The tapas bars may be tempting, but we were even more tempted by the variety and quality of the food on sale at this vibrant market. Being on the coast there is a wide selection of fresh fish and sea food, as well as meats, chorizo and other sausages, fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices – in fact just about every type of food imaginable. It’s easy to find, about half way along Las Ramblas, the most famous street in the city. And once you’ve found it you’re bound to be tempted to buy some of the mouth watering food on offer.

www.boqueria.info/
Rambla, 91 08001 Barcelona
+3493 318 25 84
Google map: bit.ly/ewxBHQ

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There are a wide variety of routes which can be followed from the small car park near Hartsop – from challenging hikes over the high fells to gentle strolls around the lake. We chose a short, easy walk that took us along the beck to the western shore of Brotherswater. At the end of the lake the field paths led to the Brotherswater Inn, where we enjoyed warming soup and bread rolls (next time we visit here we won’t pack sandwiches: we’ll enjoy something more substantial from the bar menu). We then followed the eastern shore of the lake (the path isn’t marked on the map and is easy to miss) before crossing the road to follow the path to Hartsop. From here we walked up the fellside, before dropping back to the stream, which we crossed at Deepdale Bridge, then followed back to the car park.

www.sykeside.co.uk/inn.htmBrotherswater, Patterdale, Cumbria CA11 0NZ
+44(0)1768 482239
Walk starts at grid reference NY402133
Google map: bit.ly/i2uUFt

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Last winter, during the height of the worst winter Britain had endured in decades, we were more or less marooned in a holiday cottage on the outskirts of the city. We couldn’t have been stranded in a better place! We were within walking distance (along picturesque riverside paths) of all that this compact city has to offer in terms of bars, bistros and boutiques. For its size Durham packs a lot in – with magnificent historic buildings, plenty of independent shops and restaurants, an interesting market hall as well as the usual high street stores and eating places. Make sure that you check out the Durham Deals to get the best value from your stay (see the website below).

www.thisisdurham.com

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Exploring the woodland at either side of the River Wharfe, where if flows through this spectacular, narrow gorge, is a splendid experience at any time of the year. In autumn it is even more magnificent. The round trip from the Bolton Abbey estate’s Sandholme car park along one side of the river to Barden Bridge, then returning via the path on the opposite bank is about 5 miles. There are other shorter routes, some of which are wheelchair-friendly or the walk could be extended by starting at the main Bolton Abbey car park. Refreshments are available at the Cavendish Pavilion which is close to the Sandholme car park.

www.boltonabbey.com/whattodo/strid.htm
Google map: bit.ly/bk3QSr

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The area of Lancashire around the West Pennine Moors contains a number of great walks which are not as well-known as they deserve to be: Sunnyhurst Woods in Darwen is one of these. The Woods are situated in a narrow valley at either side of Sunnyhurst Brook, as it tumbles down from Earnsdale Reservoir at the edge of the moors. A network of paths and bridges follows the stream as it flows for about one mile and 250 feet downhill from the moors to the main road. The main, central path is the simplest route, but there are higher routes which cling to the valley sides that are probably more interesting and offer plenty of scope for circular routes.
In addition to the magnificent autumn colours at this time of year there is a visitor centre/gallery and a licensed cafe which are open all year (though not every day of the week). Refreshment can also be had at the Sunnyhurst pub, which is close to one of the wood’s higher entrances.

www.visitnorthwest.com/blackburn/sunnyhurst.htm
Sunnyhurst Wood, Darwen, Lancashire BB3 0LA 01254 701545
Google map: bit.ly/cgvERe

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Blackpool is not just the Tower, Pleasure Beach and Golden Mile. Inland it is home to the large Stanley Park which, with the neighbouring attractions, can provide plenty of variety for a family day out without getting sand in your sandwiches! The park itself has a large boating lake, children’s playground, cafe along with the usual amenities that you would find in any good park. The bonus here is the park’s neighbours: the model village and the zoo. The model village has a large variety of models, depicting a variety of scenes from all over Britain. The zoo is the real highlight – not just being home to a wide range of animals in attractive enclosure – but visitors can also explore the world of prehistoric creatures on a dinosaur safari.

www.blackpool.gov.uk (use the a-z or search facility)
www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk
www.blackpoolmodelvillage.com

Google map: tinyurl.com/34lq8by

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It has a ruined castle, a rocky coast to explore, its own “king” and best of all it’s small enough to feel like a real island. You can walk from one side to the other in minutes. The island’s only habitation is a pub, the Ship Inn, whose landlord traditionally holds the title 'King of Piel.' In summer it is served by a ferry from neighbouring Roa Island, or you can walk across the sands at low tide from Walney Island. Since the last 'King' was installed the pub has been renovated and there is a programme of events over the summer to tempt visitors who want more than just the splendid experience of being able to explore the coast and castle.

www.pielisland.co.uk/
Ship Inn, Piel Island, Barrow-in-Furness
Cumbria, LA13 0QN
07516 453 784

Google map: tinyurl.com/2wrlhdq

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The north east of England is at the opposite corner of the country to the coast that normally springs to mind when talking about surfing... but there is a thriving surfing scene here, along with a great place to watch (which is as close to the waves as I get). Saltburn Pier is a vantage point which allows you to see the surfers in action far better than the view from the beach! For those braver than myself, there surfing tuition and equipment hire are available.

www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/ and search for “surf”.

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To say that the Italian lakes are picturesque is a mighty understatement, but if you can imagine that the essence of the beauty and romance of all of the lakes could all be condensed into one small town by the side of one of the smallest lakes, then you can begin to conjure up a picture of Orta San Giulio.

Whilst many of the popular resorts on larger lakes suffer traffic problems, cars are banned from the streets of Orta San Giulio, indeed many of the streets are too narrow for anything other than scooters. Day visitors and residents alike have walk down medieval streets and alleyways, which all lead to the main square and the stunning view across to Isola San Giulio.

www.ortasangiulio.com (in Italian)

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Boutique bed and breakfast in Prague.
If any European city goes out of its way to make the British feel welcome, in our experience, it has to be Prague. And the Golden Wheel, despite being sleek, stylish and thoroughly modern, has an extremely welcoming atmosphere. All members of the hotel staff were helpful and friendly, with nothing being too much trouble.
The conversion of a building with a history going back 500 years has been carried out tastefully, providing unique bedrooms – ours was more like a suite – very different to the standard chain hotel rooms.
The small coffee shop on the ground floor was a real bonus – we stayed in winter and the hot chocolate was a warming treat on returning the hotel.
The location is ideal for exploring Prague – the Golden Wheel is situated in the Lesser Quarter, squeezed between the cobbled Nerudova Street and the castle walls. It’s also only a short walk to Charles Bridge and then across to the Old Town.

Nerudova 28 - 118 00 Praha 1
www.thegoldenwheel.com/

Google map: tinyurl.com/yaucvch

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I’ve never visited a Christmas market on the continent – but feel as though I’ve visited several! Manchester boasts not one, but seven Christmas markets. In reality there are two large squares filled with a market each. These two markets overspill into nearby streets, and as they do so their characters morph. There is a large variety of food and drink available, as well as a wide choice of Christmas gifts. My favourite is the German market in Exchange Square (for me this has more of an authentic atmosphere than the larger, more mixed market in Albert Square). As you walk toward the Arndale Centre, the German market gives way to a number of contemporary art and craft stalls. There’s certainly something to suit everyone and if you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the markets and shops, you can view the crowds from above by taking a ride on the Wheel of Manchester!

Manchester city centre - Exchange Square, Albert Square and nearby streets.

www.manchester.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=1654

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The trees in this wooded river valley display brilliant autumn colours. There is a network of paths to explore leading by the river, around reservoirs and through the ruins of a manor house, Hollinshead Hall.

Two pubs in Tockholes and one at Abbey Village provide refreshment before or after your walk. An information centre near the Royal Arms can provide more information.

West Pennine Moors car park next to the Royal Arms, Tockholes. BB3 0PA. Or further south along the unclassified road at SD 663203.

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A relatively inexpensive small apartment in Pisa. Live like a local: shop in the supermarket around the corner or at the market in town; use the train to visit other nearby towns. No worry about airport transport - the owner will collect you from the airport and return you at the end of your stay.

www.behindthetower.com/en/

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Mention South Shields and the last thing that comes to mind is spectacular coastal scenery which can be viewed from this bar on the beach. The exterior of the bar might be viewed as a blight on the view, with its concrete facade and brick built lift-shaft in front of the cliff face. But the interior is an amazing grotto - with splendid views of the beach and rock formations from the widows.

Coast Road,
South Shields,
Tyne & Wear.
NE34 7BS
www.marsden-grotto.co.uk/

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