Readers' travel tips tips

What could be more romantic than the sight of a pillar-box red train gliding through a pristine Alpine landscape of snow-capped mountains, frosted fir trees and frozen waterfalls? The answer, of course, is having a seat inside the Bernina Express, cradling a cup of hot chocolate and gazing at a winter wonderland through the train’s panoramic windows as it pulls onwards to St Moritz. Or maybe, it’s pretending to be on the Hogwarts Express as you cross Glenfinnan Viaduct on your way from Glasgow to Mallaig. Or, at this time of year, listening to carols on board the Santa Claus Express from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. Whatever your choice, we’d like to hear about your favourite romantic, dramatic and seasonal railway journey in Europe.

We were staying on the Cowal peninsula in October and took a scenic drive down to Portavadie, where there is a heated outdoor infinity pool, sauna, steam room and treatments. We had a lovely time not only because of the water but the wonderful views out across Loch Fyne. Prices start at £8 for a public swim, which includes indoor pool/whirlpool bath for 90 minutes. This was a fabulous find well worth the trip. We will return and stay to enjoy the spa, accommodation, restaurant, scenery and walks.Karen Prosser

Experience the unique beauty of the New Forest national park on a winter cycling adventure. With fewer crowds, you can enjoy peaceful rides through ancient woodlands and across heathlands. Remember to dress in warm layers, check your bike for winter readiness, and bring some hot tea or coffee in a Thermos to savour in the midst of your journey. Wildlife, serene landscapes and crisp winter air make this a fantastic outdoor activity in the UK.Magsy Griffin

At this time of the year, there’s no nicer feeling than when you stand on the threshold, shake the rain from your jacket, scrape the mud from your boots, and step into the warming fug of a friendly pub. The scent of roast dinners mingles with the aroma of burning logs and the smell of hops from the pump, and you’re instantly cheered by a feeling of bonhomie. It’s an integral part of what makes autumn and winter bearable on these soggy isles. So, we’d like to know about your favourite watering hole that serves winter-warming comfort food. It doesn’t have to be fancy – just wallet-friendly.

The No 50 Purbeck Breezer travels regularly between Swanage and Bournemouth past the beautiful beaches of Studland Bay. Behind Knoll Beach there’s a heathland nature reserve with a lagoon and a giant natural sand pit. In Poole we visited the Japanese garden at Compton Acres and the historic harbour. From a child’s perspective, the best thing about the No 50 is that it goes on a boat: the chain ferry that plies the harbour mouth between Studland and Sandbanks. The return trip at sunset on the open upper deck made us laugh out loud: it was like being on a rollercoaster. Jenny Lunnon

Ale’s Stones in Sweden’s far south (Ales Stenar) may resemble Stonehenge, but instead of being surrounded by roads, Ale cleverly put his stones on cliffs, providing visitors with spectacular views. Ponder the competing theories of what the stones are: a burial monument, a sun calendar? After a decades-long dispute, including a court case, the county agreed to let the opposing theory (sun calendar) also have a sign. Today, the area is a nature reserve. Easily accessible from Ystad (Wallander country), and an hour’s drive south-east from Malmö, it’s perfect for a day trip. Enjoy local food in the superb Kåseberga Fisk, a very Swedish shop/cafe beneath, which includes a vegan fish option.Åsa

As temperatures drop and days become shorter, warming up in an outdoor thermal pool or natural spa is a great way to keep the winter blues at bay. We’d love to hear about places you’ve discovered for a spot of pampering – perhaps you’ve lazed in healing hot springs in Italy or “taken the waters” in geothermal pools in Hungary. Luxury spa hotels are often built close to these natural resources – but we’re looking for suggestions for affordable experiences. Closer to home, for example, there have been a number of mobile saunas appearing on beaches or near rivers to take the sting out of an icy dip. Tell us about your discovery and why it’s a top spot for a winter wellness boost and you could win £200 towards a holiday.

We loved Ljubljana in Slovenia during autumn, but less than an hour’s drive away is the beautiful Lake Bled. It has a rustic and tranquil vibe, its focal point being the Assumption of Mary church on its island. The lake is surrounded by mountains and forests, and it is these that bring the place alive. The leaves turn a stunning array of orange, yellow, red and purple, creating an unforgettable scene. Colin Snoad

Many rural bus routes have been cut in recent years but those that remain still offer a great window on to the UK’s countryside. And with the bus fare cap – now at £2.50 –on single journeys across England running until 30 November 2024, it’s possible to enjoy views of large swathes of glorious woods, peaks, coast and meadow for a fraction of the price of most rail tickets or travelling by car.

Stonehenge is one of the most recognisable landmarks in England – and one of the most visited. But while the debate rumbles on about how best to balance the demand for visitor access with the need to preserve the special character of this sacred site, there are thousands of unsung prehistoric sites dotted across the landscape which can offer a more intimate and atmospheric experience, minus the expensive entrance fee, traffic jams and tour groups.

Take a little staircase down from an old tollbooth on one of Leiden’s 88 bridges and hop on to one of the electric tour boats. I loved drifting along the canals of this stunning old Dutch city past townhouses as fine as any in Amsterdam, the botanical gardens, windmills, university buildings and the 17th-century observatory. Except in summer, ducks, swans and local wild swimmers outnumber tourists. You can scout out the best waterside terrace cafes for lunch, daydream about living on one of the many well-kept houseboats with their flower-filled decks, and plan excursions by water further afield; the city canals link up along the waterways for countryside day cruises to Delft, Haarlem or the coast.Maartje

“I had not been out many minutes this afternoon before I discovered that it was the kind of autumn day every minute of which becomes a memory and seems, as it goes by, to have the beauty of a remembered thing.” So wrote the Guardian’s country diarist Basil de Sélincourt 100 years ago. Autumn is the most evocative season, when colours change, mists roll in, the light softens and wildlife is afoot gathering up the hedgerow harvest of blackberries, rose hips, crab apples and hazelnuts. We’d like to hear about your favourite autumn locations featuring forests and wildlife.

Paris, Rome, Berlin, Amsterdam – Europe’s major capital cities get a lot of fanfare, and rightly so. But they can become victims of their own popularity with inflated prices and over-tourism. With lively cultural and food scenes, friendly locals and a strong sense of identity, the less obvious secondary cities can sometimes offer a more rewarding experience to travellers. From Trieste to Trondheim, Coimbra to Kraków, we’d like to hear about your favourite small European cities.

If I had to recommend one place to eat tapas in Spain, it’s Bar Poë in Granada, not only for the food, but for the atmosphere. It’s always bustling (come early to guarantee a seat) with a local and international crowd. Run by a friendly husband-and-wife duo, every drink comes with a free dish, and, unusually, you can choose your tapa. International and big on flavour, the menu includes Portuguese piri piri dishes, salt cod, curries and more. Jason Rich

The 175th Dunster Show, being held today (18 August), is not to be missed. It has all of the features you’d expect – livestock, tractors, horses and friendly competition. It showcases local produce and crafts. And all with the spectacular backdrop of Dunster Castle and beautiful Exmoor.Sarah

Sun, sea, surf, sand and a sleeper train to Paris: Hendaye has it all. Nestled in this less-discovered corner of the Bay of Biscay, bordering Spain, Hendaye has a quaint old centre with cobbles and cute little cafes. Head to Le Palmier for great pizza. Over the road a lovely little artisan market sells local crafts and tasty treats. If you’re more adventurous, Hendaye’s sheltered bay offers the perfect playground for beginner surfers. Sleeper trains between Paris and Hendaye mean sustainable travel is possible. Lie back, watch the world pass by and wake up in Paris for breakfast.Hannah

Summer is prime time for country fairs – where farmers parade their animals, giant marrows win prizes, local produce is for sale and fairground rides add to the fun. We want to hear about the best rural festivals you’ve been to, whether in the UK or a similar-style event on the continent. The top tip will win a holiday voucher.

In a country full of hidden gems, it is hard to choose one. But I would highly recommend taking a trip to the south-east of Turkey – “cradle of civilisation” territory – and on the road between Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa, turn off near Yukarıincirli and head 17 miles north to Halfeti for a boat tour of the mighty Euphrates. This region was hit hard by the recent earthquake, but that gives added reasons to visit: a morale boost to the locals, and some help for their struggling economy. On that cruise you’ll get a chance to see the remarkable submerged city of Old Halfeti, as well as the ancient fortress of Rumkale and, if you’re lucky, a karagül, the black rose that is indigenous to this region.Umair

Last year, we hired a lovely property sleeping eight two miles from Lake Garda. It was in a hamlet with two gorgeous Italian restaurants and a shop selling seemingly everything. We drove from Lincolnshire with our two dogs, in our motorhome. Our three grown-up children and their partners joined us there. The property owner arranged a pasta cooking day with local wine, meat and cheeses. We barely left the villa and the time spent just talking and playing games was priceless. Having nothing but time to chill and talk proved to be our best holiday.Cath Delsignore

Woolacombe Beach is where soft sand meets the wild Atlantic and is perfect for our pooches. It consists of a wide, three-mile long sandy stretch from Barricane Beach down to Baggy Point, but dogs are restricted in certain areas. Parts of it are surfing areas and some kiosks even offered boards and lessons for dogs, though I didn’t want to embarrass Bob and Bertrand – our lovely Beagles – by insisting they try. Other pet owners were not so bashful. There are lots of dog bins and the cafes have bowls of water for four-legged friends. The Barricane Beach cafe is run by animal lovers, has great coffee and great-value curry nights.Gayle

The Fisherman’s Trail in south Portugal is magical. We started from Porto Covo and ended in Lagos, walking 140 miles in 12 days, staying overnight in rustic villages, cobblestoned towns and surfer spots. Those short of time can walk a smaller section of the trail. The walk has breathtaking views, rugged cliffs, wild beaches with crystal-clear waters, pine forests, vineyards, and meadows of wild flowers. Lots of wildlife can be spotted – lizards, storks, cormorants and countless other birds – and the wine and seafood in the restaurants along the way is a treat.Miana