With its wild coastline, ancient history and cultural contributions that have left a mark around the world, England is one of the world’s most alluring destinations.
05.03.2024 - 08:17 / theguardian.com
9-17 March
One of the earliest of the year’s festivals, the charming town of Crickhowell, surrounded by the looming khaki-purple hues of the Bannau Brycheiniog national park (Brecon Beacons), has a well-established walking festival, which this year boasts 81 different walks, ranging from two to 17 miles. Many are dog-friendly; all are graded in terms of effort and difficulty, from an easy stroll along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, to a – new for 2024 – hike through the western Fans (peaks), with spectacular views en route. Stay at The Bear, a 500-year-old coaching inn at the top of Crickhowell’s picturesque High Street, with doubles from £142 B&B (bearhotel.co.uk).
crickhowellfestival.com
12-21 April
The Walk Scilly festival traditionally kicks off the season on the Scilly Isles, when walking guides and local experts come together to share the archipelago’s rich history, along with its wind-lashed landscapes and rich variety of wildlife. The programme has yet to be announced, but walks usually include foraging hikes, sea safaris and walks across the wild, uninhabited islets as well as the five main islands. Base yourself on St Mary’s – the biggest of the islands – at The Atlantic, a buzzy pub set right by the water, with comfortable rooms from £165 B&B (atlanticinnscilly.co.uk).
visitislesofscilly.com
27 April-6 May
Situated on the top of the Furness Peninsula, Ulverston is within easy reach of both Morecambe Bay and the Cumbrian fells. The WalkFest programme shines a light on the region’s varied past, from slate mines to centuries-old mills and lime kilns, along with tranquil villages and historic castles, as well as the rugged Cumbrian countryside, with hikes taking in Windermere, Coniston and Grizedale Forest. Snap up a room at the Bay Horse Hotel, which has wonderful views over the River Leven estuary and cosy doubles from £100 B&B (thebayhorsehotel.co.uk).
ulverstonwalkfest.com
30 April-6 May
An annual week-long celebration of the western Dales and Eden Valley, the festival’s varied programme of walks all begin and end at stations along the Settle-Carlisle line – one of the most spectacular stretches of train line in the UK. New for 2024 will be Trail Tasters, walks that offer the chance to sample sections of some of the region’s long-distance trails, as well as annual favourites and live music and entertainment at pubs in the area. The Golden Lion in Settle makes the perfect base, a cosy pub with super-comfortable rooms from £120 B&B (goldenlionsettle.co.uk).
ride2stride.co.uk
11-19 May and 5-13 October
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival laces up its boots in spring and autumn, on the 500 miles of footpaths that criss-cross the island. There are
With its wild coastline, ancient history and cultural contributions that have left a mark around the world, England is one of the world’s most alluring destinations.
The 42nd Thailand Tourism Festival is scheduled to take place from 28 March to 1 April 2024 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) in Bangkok. Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the event is set to present a plethora of distinctive tourism offerings with an emphasis on soft power and subculture. This year also marks the second time the event is holding a ‘Zero Waste to Landfills’ initiative in alignment with the push towards more sustainable and net zero tourism. The event is expected to attract 150,000 visitors and generate 20 million reaches.
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Open-water swimmers will never want to leave Pool Bridge Farm, where there are three mirror-like lakes to paddle in as well as two wood-clad saunas, once old shepherd’s huts now lovingly restored, waiting on their banks. Winter weather needn’t stop the splashy fun, either: swim under the farm’s strings of festoon lights on dark early mornings and frosty winter nights. Bring your tent in warmer weather – there’s a six-acre campsite lined with ancient oak trees on site, great for gazing up at this corner of Yorkshire’s dark skies from your sleeping bag.Sauna and swim sessions £6. Camping from £35 (poolbridge.co.uk)
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MADEIRA IS, FOR THE 10TH TIME, THE BEST ISLAND DESTINATION IN EUROPE. PORTO SANTO IS THE BEST BEACH DESTINATION AND THE MADEIRA PROMOTION ASSOCIATION THE BEST TOURISM ENTITY. Funchal will host two international World Travel Awards galas in November this year.
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