Alex sources spices, chocolate, garlic and olives mostly from the Mediterranean; what he doesn't know about which hillside which olive came from isn't worth knowing. His stall is stunning, the colours rich and the smells irresistible. Pinch yourself - you're in a Pennine town - but take home Spanish saffron, Tuscan olive oil, figs, pasta and chorizo. All this, and he's a real gent.

Brook Street, Todmorden OL14 5AJ
+44(0)1706 819 731
Google map: bit.ly/sGDJXM

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There are any number of reasons to take the ten minute detour off the roaring M1 to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and art is only part of it. Feast your eyes on monumental Moores, Hepworths and Paolozzis, at the same time filling your belly with interesting grub, all the while perched above it all on a glass and steel balcony. Stroll through 500 acres of carefully kept parkland, bumping into Gormleys and Goldsworthys before settling in the impressively modernist cafe, located above the posh shop selling Jaume Plensa fridge magnets and James Turrell torches. I might have made the last one up. Dishes of the Day are chalked up on a huge board, and might include local asparagus with poached eggs, rocket and a dill and mustard dressing, or fishcakes with minted peas, home made tartare sauce and chips. But the cakes are the thing. Scones the size of elephant’s feet, fat slabs of Bakewell tart or a nicely dusted lemon pie hit the spot, particularly since the coffee is so good. Yep, you heard it right. The barrista working the Gaggia last week turned a macchiato into an art form. Frink, Caro, Borofsky and Creed; culture and cuisine pleasingly wed.

www.ysp.co.uk
West Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LG
+44(0)1924 832631
Google map: bit.ly/o1NBhG

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A favourite holiday destination for folk from Barcelona and Madrid wanting to escape stifling city heat, Vejer de la Frontera is a stunning hilltop Moorish town 9km from the empty golden beaches of the Costa de la Luz on the Altlantic coast. Wander round the ancient cobbled streets in complete safety, eat delicious tapas in one of the many street cafes. Sit on the terrace of the hippy chic Hotel la Case del Califa with a glass of chilled local sherry and watch Morocco twinkling away in the distance. In August the Festival is wonderfully colourful; there’s music on every street corner, and even the hardest of hearts will melt at the sight of the kids dancing their socks off in the flamenco competitions - which are taken very seriously! There’s minimal tourism, the climate is cool and the townspeople are very friendly.

www.lacasadelcalifa.com/
Plaza de España, 16, Vejer de la Frontera (Cádiz), 11150, España
+34 956 447 730
Google map: bit.ly/joJjqU

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Tucked down one of the many narrow streets in the Santa Cruz district is this jawdropping 16th century palace built by an Indian viceroy. The vast baths are vaulted, with stuccoed Mudejars, antique lanterns and roman seating. Float around in the incense-filled chambers - it's a truly magical experience. All this and fragrant tea!

Aire de Sevilla, C/Aire 15-41004
www.airedesevilla.com
+34 955 01 00 25
Google map: bit.ly/idnudY

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Luddenden Dean in the Calder Valley is a hidden gem, and to strangle a metaphor, Wade Wood the jewel in its crown. It's thirty thousand years old; the valley sides of this part of the Pennines were left like this after the last Ice Age. The path up to the stunning settlement of Saltonstall is lined with holly hedges, the remnants of an ancient fence line. Apart from the odd planted tree, it's untouched by man. Luddenden Brook runs through it, there are shaded walks criss crossing throughout, rare plants, woodpeckers and deer - and you can camp very cheaply at the council-run Jerusalem Farm on the edge of the woods. Any time of the year, it's magical, and only five miles from the post-industrial West Yorkshire mill town of Halifax. A great little Timothy Taylors pub, the Cat I'th Well, nestles at the top of the valley.

One mile from the A646 between Halifax and Hebden Bridge.
The Cat I'th Well, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX2 7TR
+44(0)1422 244841
Google map: bit.ly/davrWd

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A budget hotel in the old quarter with a stunning roof terrace - look out over the city and Giralda tower with a cold beer or two. In August the rooms are 68 euros, air-conditioned with modern bathrooms, and of course you're perfectly placed for exploring. Friendly young receptionists with solid insider knowledge and happy to share it.

C/Doncellas 15
Tel: (34) 954 53 94 13
www.patiosantacruz.com

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There are hundreds of B&Bs to choose from in Whitby - and this is one of the best. Simply decorated, quirky rooms with fabulous fixtures in this elegant Georgian town house, handy for both the harbour and the buzzy town centre.

The vibe is very relaxed - not a single 'do not do this/that/the other' sign in evidence; the welcome's warm and the breakfast stupendous.

You'll return again and again - you can afford to -it's within everyone's pocket.

Number Five
5 Havelock Place
Whitby
North Yorks YO21 3ER
01947 606361

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Cobbled streets, tiny whitewashed cottages tumbling down to a massive expanse of beach, seagulls wheeling - Robin Hood's Bay is a haven of peace. Walk along the cliffs towards Ravenscar, shimmering in the distance, the moors rising above the headland, cloaked in heather. Stroll back along the sands, where there are rock pools and fossils - a happy hunting ground for grown ups and kids.

The light is pearlescent - and the fish & chips at The Bay Hotel very good indeed.

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