With eleven official languages, South Africa is a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this more true than Cape Town. The city is home to the country’s creatives, artisans and nature lovers, and has vibrant drinking, dining and nightlife scenes. And, being sandwiched between mountains and the sea, there’s no shortage of incredible views either. 

Day One

Start your day on the Atlantic Seaboard and check into The Twelve Apostles Hotel which has luxurious rooms, an award-winning spa, and sweeping ocean and mountain views.

It’s easy to visit Table Mountain while staying in Cape Town

From here, it’s around seven miles to Table Mountain If the weather is good, take the opportunity to visit one of the world’s most famous mountains. You can hike to the top — but if you’d rather opt for as little exertion as possible, take the cable car, which has the bonus of 360-degree panoramic views. On cloudy or misty days, you won’t get as good a view, so save this experience for when the skies are clear.
Next, visit the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront or the V&A as it’s known locally. With a busy harbor, restaurants, and regular street performers, it’s always buzzing here.
If you’re a sushi fan, swing by Salushi for an early lunch, where you can drop less than $30 on dim sum, sushi, and cocktails. Or, take a short walk past the Cape Wheel to the food market, where you’ll find a wide variety of food and craft stalls. Take a breather at Bascule at the Cape Grace Hotel which has over 500 whiskeys, spectacular views of the mountain, and is rarely crowded. 
A short ferry ride from the V&A is Robben Island the prison where Nelson Mandela was famously incarcerated. Set aside four hours for the trip, including getting there and back. You can take a tour of the island and the prison museum and see the former South Africa president’s cell. It’s the kind of experience guaranteed to be etched into your memory for years to come. 

Zeitz MOCCA is a new contemporary art museum in Cape Town

Once you’re back, have a look around Zeitz MOCCA Africa’s largest contemporary art museum, which is housed in a transformed grain silo. Back at the hotel, give the  Azure restaurant a try. Hotel restaurants can be underwhelming, but Azure has unparalleled ocean views, impeccable service — and the Cape Malay curry is better than most.

Day Two

This morning, check in at Cape Heritage Hotel for a boutique hotel experience that will transport you back in time. Built as a home in the 1700s, each room has its own quirky style, but they’re all supremely comfortable.
Your first stop today has to be Truth Coffee  Voted best coffee shop in the world by the Daily Telegraph, this is where to get your caffeine fix before a day of sightseeing. If you’re not a coffee drinker, try some Rooibos tea, a caffeine-free pick-me-up packed with antioxidants. Then, spend an hour exploring St George’s Mall and Greenmarket Square, popping into little boutiques and admiring African arts, crafts, and trinkets. 
Your next stop, Bloubergstrand is one of Cape Town’s most iconic and Instagrammable beaches. Walk along the beach, dip your toes in the water but be warned that it’s seriously cold! 
Stop for a bite to eat at Ons Huisie, a world-renowned heritage site with great west coast food and a kids’ play area. For a taste of South African food, opt for a potjie, a traditional slow-cooked meat stew, or bobotie, a dish made with curried ground beef and egg.

South Africa’s best wine regions are within easy reach of Cape Town

Another experience you can’t miss on a trip to Cape Town is wine tasting. Either head to Constantia or take a trip out of the city to neighboring Stellenbosch.
Stellenbosch is renowned for producing excellent wines at affordable prices and is considered one of South Africa’s culinary capitals, so you’re guaranteed fantastic food with views of mountains and vineyards. You can’t go wrong with Overture at Hidden Valley or Indochine at Delaire-Graff which have both won multiple awards. 
Constantia is one of Cape Town’s wealthiest suburbs and feels like you’ve been transported to Europe, with tree-lined streets winding over the mountains. Buitenverwachting is one of the best options and won’t break the bank. Don’t even bother trying to pronounce it  — just go straight in and order the free-range ostrich tataki and triple cooked truffle chips!

Sophie Baker is a freelance travel writer based in Johannesberg, South Africa

No matter what you think you know about Georgia, from the food to the landscapes to the locals, the truth is—life here is so much better than anything you’ve heard.
From the wine history, which dates back 8,000 years, to the beautiful courtyards and stained glass windows of the old houses, there are many reasons why Georgia has found its way onto every “must travel” list.
It’s especially true of Tbilisi, the country’s lively and progressive capital, where there’s something new to discover around every corner. From crowd favorites to hidden gems, when you only have 48 hours to discover the best of the city, this is where to start.

Where to Stay

Tbilisi is full of great hotel, guesthouse, and hostel options—three stand out.
The Communal Hotel Sololaki is a small, funky hotel in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Not only does it have a great central location, but any hotel with a negroni cart is worth staying at if you ask me!
Another option is the even more centrally located Rooms Hotel. It’s a buzzing, well-designed hangout known for attracting the city’s coolest crowd—and for good reason. With great cocktails and a breakfast buffet that even locals take advantage of, Rooms is the coolest of cool when it comes to hotels in Tbilisi.
Last but not least, if you’re on a budget, Fabrika Hostel is a steal, with bunks starting at $10. The hostel’s back courtyard is always full of people and is a great spot to make friends if you’re traveling solo.

Communal Hotel Sololaki

Day One

Morning

Put on some comfy shoes because today you’re exploring the city on foot.
Your adventure begins in Sololaki, one of the oldest and coolest neighborhoods in Tbilisi—thanks to the traditional wooden houses lining the narrow streets. Start by grabbing a coffee and bagel sandwich from Co. Co. by Valiko, one of the few coffee shops that opens before 10 AM. It also happens to serve the best latte in the city. 
Fueled up on food and caffeine, walk towards Freedom Square, which is, and has always been, the heart of Tbilisi. This two-hundred-year-old landmark has seen caravanserais, theaters come and go, protests, bank robberies, and even an assassination attempt made on President George W. Bush with a grenade.

Freedom Square

From Freedom Square, continue your walk along Rustaveli Avenue, the main avenue running through the city, which is named after famous Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli.
As you make your way up the avenue, you’ll need to decide which museum to explore—The Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, The Georgian National Museum, or The National Gallery—they’re all next to each other. If I had to choose just one to spend the morning in, The National Gallery would be my pick.
Once you’ve had your fill of art, continue along Rustaveli Avenue. You’ll see the parliament building, and Tbilisi’s 170-year-old Opera and Ballet Theatre.  At the top of the street is an abandoned cableway station. Urban explorers sometimes sneak inside to check out the beautiful architecture.  
Keep an eye out for Prospero’s Books at Number 34. One of the best book shops in the city, they have plenty of titles in English, as well as books about Georgia, and their own coffeehouse.

Afternoon

By now your stomach will be starting to grumble, and one dish you should definitely try is Khachapuri Adjaruli, a boat-shaped, cheesy, bready dish that Georgia is famous for. Café Stamba and Lolita serve excellent versions, along with other modern takes on Georgian dishes, including Kharcho (Georgian soup), Elarji (a kind of cheesy porridge), Lobiani (bread stuffed with beans) and Nadughi (a soft cheese dish). All these are worth tasting your way through!
After lunch continue your walk into the beautiful Vera neighborhood, where you’ll fall even more in love with the city’s traditional  architecture.  While here, stop at Buka’s Bakery, where cinnamon rolls come out of the oven fresh at 1 PM every day of the week.

Try the classic Georgian dish Khachapuri Adjaruli

Now you’re officially full to bursting, it can only mean one thing—it’s wine o’clock. Take the metro or jump in a taxi back down to Freedom Square. It’s time for some wine tasting! Dadi Wine Bar and Shop, Vino Underground, Ezo, and Cafe Littera are all good places to start your Georgian wine education.
If it’s still daylight and you’re not tired of exploring for the day, Tbilisi Botanical Gardens (open until 7 PM) and Narikala Fortress are worth seeing. Otherwise, end your afternoon at ChaCha Time, where you’ll have a chance to taste the famously potent brandy all Georgians love.
Tip: You can walk between all of these stops, but taxis are cheap in the city. Use Bolt to get one right to your door.

Evening

After all that alcohol, a quick nap might be in order before heading  to Shavi Lomi for an outdoor dinner in a charming Georgian courtyard.
From Shavi Lomi pop down to Fabrika, or check out one of Tbilisi’s clubs like Bassiani, Café Gallery, Mtkvarze, or Khidi.

Popular restaurant Shavi Lomi dishes up creative Georgian cuisine

Day Two

Morning

Today you might be moving, how shall we put it? A little slowly. Okay, a lot slowly. Chacha does that to you! But if Georgians have perfected anything, it’s how to get over a hangover. And this means you should start the day with a sulfur bath.
Book into one of Abanotubani district’s bathhouses and spend your morning detoxing the previous night’s indulgences. Two of my favorites sulfur baths in this area are Chreli Abano and Gulo’s Thermal Spa.

Afternoon

Now that you’re feeling human again grab lunch at Culinarium Khasheria. If you’re still struggling, try some Khasheria, a Georgian tripe soup, which is a famous hangover cure.
From Abanotubani, call a taxi and head to the Dry Bridge Flea Market where you can find kitschy Soviet odds and ends. Afterwards, walk up to Althaus Tea House for afternoon tea in this cozy café.

Dry Bridge Flea Market

Evening

End the day by taking the funicular to the TV Tower on Mtatsminda Mountain to watch the sunset over the city. Grab a bottle of wine along the way—ending an epic 48 hours in Tbilisi deserves a toast!
For your last Georgian meal, head to the underground Klike’s Khinkhali for the best Khinkali in the city, or the hilltop Keto and Kote for a more refined take on Georgian food in a beautiful old house. And if you don’t want to miss out on a cocktail, the best in the city can be found at Cocktail Factory, 41 Gradus, and Valiko Mansion. 

Valiko Mansion is a quirky bar inside an old mansion house

COVID-19 update: Georgia is currently open to travelers from 18 European countries. You can find the full details here. 

Breanna Wilson is the author of meanwhileingeorgia.com

Palm Springs has top-notch hotels and resorts, restaurants, shopping, and the best mid-century architecture in the state—all surrounded by a stunning landscape. There is great weather for most of the year (although summer can be hot), and best of all, the city is just a few hours from Los Angeles (depending on traffic) and San Diego.

Day One

Check into the recently opened Les Cactus, a whimsical boutique hotel with 27 bungalow-style guest rooms. In the Warm Sands neighborhood, the 1930’s property is ideal for anyone looking for a sophisticated ambiance without unnecessary contact or crowds.
Already dubbed the “Instagram hotel” because of its chic aesthetic, entering the hotel feels like walking into a photoshoot. The lobby, rooms, and outdoor space feature gorgeous furniture and décor from some of the top names in design, including Gucci Garden, Serena and Lilly, CB2, and Zia Tile. 
From the interior to the exterior—which has a pool and hot tub surrounded by pink and green striped lounge chairs, pink flower trees, and a dog topiary—it’s clear that LA-based hotelier and designer Matthew Kurtz was intentional about every single detail.

Les Cactus

Head to the main street, Palm Canyon Drive, for lunch at Trio Cheerfully decorated, this bright orange-accented restaurant is a local favorite, with a patio ideal for people watching. Whether you are craving a juicy burger or a fresh salad, you will find something to please you here.
After your meal, don’t miss paying a visit to the great furniture boutiques that the Uptown Design District is famous for. Whether you are looking for vintage pieces, a set of dining chairs you won’t find anywhere else, or home accessories to bring back with you, this stretch is a must for interior design geeks—or indeed anyone who loves an original piece.
Next up is Trina Turk. This popular women’s clothing brand has a flagship store filled with apparel, swimwear, shoes, and accessories, as well as the “Mr Turk” men’s line. Turk, who is a local, stocks many interesting finds that are not carried at other locations, including decorative accessories, linens, pool floats, and coffee table books.

Trina Turk in Palm Springs

The Frippery is another eclectic Palm Springs spot, full of colorful second-hand clothing, as well as new items handmade from vintage fabrics. And if you have ever wanted to buy a caftan, you will find your dream one here.
Palm Springs has plenty of options for dinner, but the award-winning Copley’s On Palm Canyon is truly spectacular. Located on Cary Grant’s former estate, it has a chic, old Hollywood feel.
The large outdoor area is perfect for dining comfortably and safely. Start with a cocktail or glass of wine: the menu changes seasonally, but whether you want steak, fish, duck, lobster, or a plant-based dish, you will find something to indulge your taste buds. 

Copley’s on Palm Canyon

Day Two

With French specialties including crepes, french toast, and Croque Madames, you will have no problem saying oui to brunch at Farm a downtown café with outdoor seating that feels like a beautiful European garden. Just keep in mind that they don’t take reservations for brunch, so you will need to add your name to a list. There are plenty of great shops nearby to distract you until you get a text telling you your table is ready. 
Palm Springs is known for its architecture, so do not miss out on a walking tour with Palm Springs Mod Squad. They offer two COVID-safe, socially distanced tours of architecture and interiors. Participants follow the Mod Squad van from the safety of their own cars while the tour guide conducts the tour via cell phone.
The “Essential Palm Springs Tour” focuses on six of the area’s most renowned architects, while the “Interior Tour” takes you inside several mid-century homes. Other tours will resume in the future. All tours need to be booked in advance.

The Palm Springs Mod Squad offers tours around the area’s mid-century homes.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, sit down for a meal at Roly China Fusion (reservations advised). This dim sum restaurant has both rooftop and poolside dining. The menu features everything from traditional dishes like mongolian beef to newer creations like miso-glazed seabass, as well as vegan options. 

Dinner and cocktails at Roly China Fusion.

If you’d rather dine on your own right now, the restaurant is currently collaborating with Tommi Rose’s to offer a “Drag & Dine Delivery” service. On Friday and Saturday nights, get your food delivered by a drag queen with the option to add a short performance or even a twenty-minute show. If you’re missing shows and live entertainment right now, this is a fun way to get your fix.

Amanda Lauren is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles.

After the tribulations of this year, who doesn’t want to relax, get outdoors and rejuvenate? Enter Colorado, with an antidote for the mind, body, and soul: hot springs.
Famous for their immune and respiratory system boosting powers, hot springs were considered sacred by the indigenous people of Colorado, who would travel for days to soak in them.
Hike a mountain to the remotest ones, or socially distance in one of the large, outdoor complexes in the State’s small towns.

Glenwood Hot Springs Pool

Glenwood Hot Springs Pool

Called “Yampah” which means “Big Medicine” by the Ute people, Glenwood Springs has one of the largest hot spring pools in the world, so you can social distance while soaking up the good mojo. The 15 different minerals in the 90° F water soothe the skin, mind and body. 

There is a football-field-length pool, a smaller and hotter (104° F) therapy pool, diving area, lap lanes, kiddie pool, restaurant, gym, and spa (and check out the Yampah Vapor Caves adjacent to the parking lot). Open from 9 AM to 9 PM, entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. You must wear a mask unless you are swimming.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Chiseled into the side of a mountain valley, Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers multi-tiered pools of varying temperatures, healing massages and swim nights. In the day, the springs are full of families, but after sundown, it’s adults-only and optional bathing suits. The pools towards the top are the hottest (102° F) and get cooler as you descend the stone steps.

To make the most of these pools, stay at  the Highmark Steamboat Springs or book an overnight stay in one of the cabins, covered wagons, or train caboose, which are surrounded by lush forests. Reservations are required for the pools and massages. Masks must be worn any time you are not in the water. 

Conundrum Springs

Conundrum Springs

Accessible only by hiking the 18-mile Conundrum Creek Trail in White Forest National Park, Conundrum is one of Colorado’s most remote hot springs. Aspen groves, pine trees, creeks, and a waterfall greet you along the path as you ascend 2,792 FT to rustic stone-lined pools. The largest one seats about 15 people and has a 360-degree view of the surrounding valley.

Although the trailhead is only seven miles from Aspen, the vibe here is very different – more hippie than posh. Most visitors choose to stay overnight at the tent camping site, for which you’ll need to get a permit in advance. If camping isn’t for you, consider staying at the Aspen Mountain Lodge. With an early start, you can hike to the springs, spend three hours there, and hike back before dark. 

Ouray Hot Springs

Ouray Hot Springs

Surrounded by the snow-capped San Juan Mountains, Ouray Hot Springs were used by the native Ute people, who would trek for days to soak in the zinc and manganese-rich pools which they called “miracle waters.” More a local hangout than tourist attraction, there are five geothermal pools here, a lap pool, two water slides, a volleyball court, and polar dipping pools. 

There are separate areas for conversations and silence, as well as an adults-only soaking section. Famously sulfur-free, the pools maintain a temperature of 75 ° F. Masks are mandatory, except when you are in the water. Reservations are not required. 

Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs

The Springs Resort and Spa in Pagosa Springs has the most geothermal-fed pools in all of Colorado (24 to be exact, along the edge of the San Juan River). Native people, the army, and even John Wayne have all soaked here. Best experienced during quiet, misty mornings, the various pools range in temperature from 83 to 114 °F. Luxuriate on the adults-only Relaxation Terrace with five pools and a fire pit, or visit the onsite spa which offers facials and massages for even deeper relaxation. 

Currently, the resort is using UV light sterilization and other types of disinfectants to sanitize the surroundings, and has hired extra cleaning staff. Guests must wear masks when indoors and engaging with staff.

Christine Gilbert is a freelance travel writer from the US.

Wedged between Paris, Amsterdam and London, Brussels doesn’t hog the spotlight. Many travelers skip over the Belgian capital, or spend a couple of hours hitting the landmarks before moving on.
But for any curious soul willing to linger, Brussels has some nice surprises, from indulgent libations to quirky artists. Spend 36 hours here, and you’ll leave wanting more.

 Day One

La Grand-Place, Brussels

Start your day big. La La Grand-Place, the heartbeat of Brussels, pulses with activity. Take in the powerful solemnity for a few minutes before setting off to wander the back streets at whim.
The cobblestone alleys are where you’ll find the city’s most famous spots, like the beloved Manneken Pis, the cheeky if underwhelming statue of a little boy peeing in a fountain. A local treasure, depending on the day you’re in Brussels, he may be dressed up in a particular costume (fireman, soccer player and Elvis Presley are some favorites).
You’ll come across Gothic churches like the Eglise Saint Nicolas  and Cathédrale Saints-Michel-et-Gudule where the weddings and christenings of the Belgian royal family take place. 
And you’ll find yourself in charming squares, like Place Sainte-Catherine, and lively alleyways like Rue des Bouchers.

Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Grab a quick lunch Brussels-style, at one of the multiple friteries in the area. Worth the detour is Maison Antoine in Place Jourdan, where you can join residents in gorging on fricadelle (a minced meat hot dog) and frites al fresco, as is the local custom.
Finish off in style with a café au lait and a sugar-powdered waffle at Mokafe under the glass arch in the classy Galeries-St Hubert.
There are myriad ways to get your culture fix in Brussels. The city has dozens of interesting museums, galleries and historic buildings, and you can have your pick depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Fancy looking at some quirky art? Explore surrealism master Rene Magritte’s work in his old house, which is now the René Magritte’s. Musically minded? Head to the Musical Instruments Museum.. Serious about art history? Visit the Horta Museum.

Brussels’ has some great restaurants and a pavement-cafe culture

Belgian cuisine may not be as famed as others in Europe, but it can definitely hold its own and the city has thousands of restaurants to choose from. For dinner, head to a traditional brasserie such as  La Roue d’Or where you’ll find quintessential Belgian dishes like fricassé de lapin (rabbit stew) and stoemp (mashed potatoes), and Brussels’ perennial favorite, moules et frites (mussels with French fries).
Or, dine like a local at a neighborhood restaurant with a loyal following, like Chabrol. To drink, it has to be a local beer (ask what they have on tap).

Day Two

The Atomium outside Brussels

Start the day bright and early with breakfast at Maison Dandoy. This patisserie is a Brussels institution, and a bite into one of their cakes or cookies will be enough to wake you up and energize you for the day ahead.
After breakfast, gear up up for a short train ride. The Atomium is a little out of town, but is an unmissable sight. The unique construction of glistening spheres and sticks, built for the 1958 International Fair, is like nothing else you’ve seen.
It is also worth exploring the interior, a winding museum that leads you from sphere to sphere, with panels showing you how the Atomium was built and taking you on a journey through the city’s past.  
If you have time to linger, take in the views from the rooftop, and stop for lunch at the restaurant on the terrace. By the time you’re on your way to your next destination, you’ll be planning another, longer visit to Brussels. 

An afternoon of windswept walking, a shopping trip along cobbled streets – however you want to spend the weekend, England’s small towns and villages are perfect for a few lazy days away from the city.

Rye, East Sussex

Rye has an intriguing smuggling history.

With cobbled lanes and old wood-beamed houses, Rye is one of England’s prettiest villages. It is also full of mystery – four hundred years ago, its creaking inns were meeting places for smugglers trafficking goods to and from the continent.
Beyond the village, Romney Marsh was where the smugglers hid, communicating in the dead of night with owl-noises. Today, the marsh is enjoyed by walkers and is a great place to spot birdlife.
Rye’s mix of peculiarity and charm has attracted writers and artists for centuries. Pay a visit to Georgian Lamb House, where Henry James worked on three of his novels.
Located where three rivers meet the sea, Rye is a popular place for water-based activities. Take a sailing or windsurfing lesson, or hire a dinghy, paddleboard, or kayaks.
Sussex is arguably England’s best wine region, and there are more than ten vineyards near Rye alone. Visit Chapel Down, one of England’s top sparkling wine producers, or Sedlescombe, the country’s oldest organic vineyard.
Where to eat: Tuscan Kitchen is a popular Italian restaurant run by a Florentine chef. Book in advance.
Where to stay: The George in Rye is a renovated Georgian house in the center of the town with gorgeous rooms.
How to get there: By car: driving from London takes around two hours via the M20 or A21. By train: depart London St Pancras and change at Ashford International for Rye (www.southeasternrailway.co.uk) or depart London Victoria and change at Hastings (www.southeasternrailway.co.uk).

Southwold, East Suffolk

Southwold has all the elements of an English seaside town, including beach huts.

The Victorian seaside town of Southwold is as English as it comes. Wander down the bunting-clad high street, stop for tea and cake, stroll along the promenade with fish and chips, or head to the beach with its pier and colorful beach huts.
Award-winning Adnams Brewery has been brewing beer in the town since 1872. Now also making gin and vodka, they offer tours and tastings of their brewery and distillery as well as gin-making sessions.
The real highlight of Southwold is the surrounding landscape of marshes and huge, empty skies. Take the ferry across the River Blythe and walk through the Walberswick Nature Reserve. Look out for migrating birds, waders, geese and maybe even the odd reed cutter harvesting reeds for thatch. Seafood shacks and cozy pubs await you.
Where to eat: Down by the harbor, Sole Bay serves up delicious fresh fish, lobster and oysters caught from their own boat.
Where to stay: The Swan is owned by Adnams Brewery and has bright, stylish rooms moments from the sea.
How to get there: By car: the journey takes around two hours 30 minutes via the A12. By train: depart London Liverpool Street and change at Ipswich for Halesworth. At Halesworth, take a bus or taxi to Southwold (www.greateranglia.co.uk).

Whitstable, Kent

Oysters are always on the menu in Whitstable.

Whitstable may seem humble, but in fact, this Kent village is world-famous – for the three million oysters it harvests every year. Oyster-themed things to do (besides eating them, of course) include watching as they are unloaded down at the 200-year-old harbor, cooking them, and seeing where they are farmed.
Away from the harbor, Whitstable’s high street is another place to have a stroll. You’ll find art galleries and shops selling ice cream, stripy Breton tops, coastal-inspired jewellery, and nautical-themed homewares.
The many coastal walks around Whitstable include a 20 KM route to Faversham which takes you along the shoreline with views of sea and sky. There is no shortage of bike trails either – one of the nicest is the Crab and Winkle Way to Canterbury.
Where to eat: Samphire is a bistro with a menu full of fresh seafood and other local produce.
Where to stay: Hotel Continental has beach-chic rooms with views of the sea.
How to get there: By car: driving from London takes around one hour and 30 minutes. By train: take the train for Ramsgate from London Victoria (www.southeasternrailway.co.uk).

Blakeney, North Norfolk

The salt marshes around Blakeney are unspoiled and beautiful.

Blakeney was once a thriving medieval fishing port, until the sea suddenly receded, leaving the salt marshes to the geese and the gulls. Today, this village of Georgian houses is a popular bolthole, with a pretty quay and a stunning natural landscape on the doorstep.
Take a boat from Morston Quay to the shifting sands of Blakeney Point to see England’s largest colony of grey and common seals. Explore Blakeney National Nature Reserve, a patchwork of mudflats and marshes which has some of the best bird watching in England.
North Norfolk is known for fresh local seafood, including Blakeney whitebait, Norfolk mussels and Cromer crab. Find all these and more on the menu at The Moorings in Blakeney and the Red Lion at Stiffkey. Wild samphire also grows here and crops up in many dishes.
For a unique experience, explore the marshes on a mussel flat, a traditional Norfolk fishing boat, specially designed to navigate the shallow creeks and sandbanks.
Where to eat: The Moorings serves modern British food with an emphasis on local seafood and game.
Where to stay: The Blakeney Hotel is a 4 AA star hotel with stylish rooms overlooking the salt marshes
How to get there: By car: driving from London takes around two hours and 40 minutes. By train: take the train from London Liverpool Street or King’s Cross for Norwich and connect to Sheringham. From Sheringham, hop on the coastal ‘hopper’ bus to Blakeney. (www.greateranglia.co.uk).

Frome, Somerset

Catherine Hill is part of Frome’s ‘artisan’s quarter.’

The market town of Frome is a must for history lovers. As well as dozens of historic buildings, the town has even preserved its unique two-hundred-year-old gas streetlamps. Frome’s former textile mill has also been saved and converted into artists’ studios hosting exhibitions and events.
Foodies will enjoy browsing the market and the shops selling cheese, cider and local farm produce. The center of town boasts an artisan’s quarter home to galleries and shops selling jewelry, ceramics and textiles.
Walkers can head out of town to the villages of Mells and Nunney. For a proper hike, follow the East Mendip Way 25 KM through the rolling hills and woodland of Somerset to the old town of Wells.
Where to eat: Bistro Lotte is a popular restaurant sourcing food from local suppliers.
Where to stay: Rook Lane House is a bed and breakfast in a Grade II listed building in the center of town.
How to get there: By car: driving from London takes just over two hours via the M3. By train: depart from London Paddington and change at Westbury. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes (www.gwr.com).

Lyme Regis, Dorset

Lyme Regis has a sheltered harbor where you can kayak and SUP.

Lyme Regis is most famous as the home of Mary Anning, who dug up dinosaur skeletons and changed what people knew about the origins of the earth. Anning’s story is told in detail in the Lyme Regis Museum. You can also follow the coast to the Charmouth Heritage Coast Center, which has displays about local finds.

Elsewhere Lyme Regis has a lovely seafront promenade, beach and thirteenth-century harbor where you can kayak and SUP. The Town Mill is a restored working flour mill, with buildings converted into a brewery, art gallery and several studios where you can shop for handcrafted jewelry and ceramics.
Hunt for fossils on the beach, walk to Axmouth through the Undercliff National Nature Reserve which is a habitat for rare wildlife, or along the River Char to pretty Dorset villages.
Where to eat: Robin Wylde has a menu full of inventive, seasonal ingredients and local wines, ciders and beers.
Where to stay: The Pilot Boat has bright modern rooms in a Grade II listed building overlooking the sea.
How to get there: By car: driving takes around three hours via the M3. By train: take the train from London Waterloo to Axminster and then take the bus. (www.southwesternrailway.com).