Formidable fortresses - 20 imposing castles

They call us the Honest Men, which makes me laugh every time the team gets caught cheating. Ayr United takes its moniker from a 1791 Robert Burns line: ‘Auld Ayr, wham ne’er a toun surpasses, for honest men, and bonnie lasses.’ I often wonder if those things were true then; I know they aren’t now.

St Petersburg is a sophisticated forward-looking city that feels and looks much more European than Moscow. Its pretty canals are lined with pastel-coloured buildings that house shops, cafés and a plethora of outstanding museums.

Set in Andalucía, Spain’s southernmost region, Granada is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, and with good reason. The city is in an astounding setting at the confluence of four rivers, backed by the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada, and there are plenty of things to do.

With extra long days and scenery that reveals itself in a palette of soft blues, greens and browns, summer is the best time to explore the spectacular Scottish Highlands. Driving along the Highland's winding lanes will reveal unexpected views, quaint villages and of course, country pubs.

With a sea breeze in your hair and the sun (or sometimes the fog) on your face, driving the Pacific Coast Highway is one of America’s most awesome road trips. Following California's Highway 1 and US 101, it hugs the west coast from the Mexican to Canadian borders. Whether you choose to dip your toe into a scenic stretch or explore the full route of nearly 2000 miles, this exhilarating drive is unforgettable. There is something for everyone along the way, so we've rounded up the highlights.

Step back in time and enjoy some spectacular British castles and palaces in our pick of the bunch from Make The Most Of Your Time In Britain...

It's no wonder that Germany has a wealth of royal castles and palaces – for centuries this land was essentially a complicated patchwork of principalities, duchies and mini-states, each with their own ambitious ruling family. In the 18th-century the monied classes constructed extraordinary and opulent residences and gardens, and five of the best German castles, palaces and parks are now listed as World Heritage sites.

The Great West Way is a touring route running between two of England’s most vibrant cities: London and Bristol. Visitors to the region can choose not only how to travel (car, train, bike, boat or foot are all viable options) but also which route to follow as they navigate between the two cities. Stop off at some of the Great West Way’s most famous sites – Georgian Bath, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace – or choose to take your time exploring winding country lanes and visiting hidden gardens and tiny tearooms.

Inextricably linked with Britain, yet more likely to borrow a cup of sugar from its closest neighbour, France. Not quite British, definitely not French, but with influences from both – this tiny island is unique. Visitors are lured here by its rich history, visible in its ancient remains and castles, its wartime relics and museums. They come for its picturesque walking, cycling trails and outdoor fun for kids, as well as luxury spas and a wealth of watersports right on its doorstep. But most of all, tourists flock here for the beautiful coastal backdrops and sun-kissed sandy beaches – this is the sunniest spot in the British Isles, after all.

Germany is the country for fairytale castles and nowhere does this become more obvious than in Saxony. Featuring a good 1,000 palaces, castles and fortresses, often coming with beautiful parks and gardens, the region which borders both the Czech Republic and Poland provides rich grounds for lovers of magnificent architecture and beautiful landscaping.

Of the thousands of islands in Stockholm’s archipelago, peaceful little Grinda, less than two hours from the capital, is one of the easiest to reach. A car-free nature reserve, Grinda radiates a carefree, unpretentious allure. Spend a day lazing on sandy beaches, jumping off cliffs or floating in a kayak and you’ll be ready to return to city life again.