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National Geographic
6 hours ago
- National Geographic
Dig into the UK's ancient past at these 7 archaeological sites
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Despite their ancient age, the UK's most famous archaeological treasures keep revealing new secrets, from recently unearthed dinosaur species to new Roman excavations. To help you follow the archaeology buzz, we dig into the nation's top spots to explore our ancient past, where revamped museums, interactive exhibits and hands-on excavation experiences bring our early history vividly to life. The iconic Sutton Hoo helmet sits in Room 41 of London's British Museum, along with a replica showing how the original might have looked in its day. It's only one of four known complete helmets from Anglo-Saxon England. 1. Sutton Hoo, Suffolk First unearthed in 1939, with the shadow of the Second World War looming, Sutton Hoo is an early medieval royal burial site that's famously home to the ship burial of seventh-century Anglo-Saxon King Rædwald. Long-neglected, Sutton Hoo reopened in summer 2019 after a year-long refurbishment, which included transforming Tranmer House, home of Edith Pretty who commissioned the original archaeological excavation (the events of which are dramatised in the film The Dig, released in 2021). Now open to the public for the first time, the 1930s house has in-depth displays detailing the development of the dig and the ongoing research at Sutton Hoo. The refurb also saw the creation of a new walking route out to the burial mounds, where you can follow in the footsteps of the Anglo-Saxons, who hauled the monumental timber ship to the top of a hill to bury their king, replete with gold and other treasures, including the iconic Sutton Hoo helmet. Nearby, at Woodbridge, pay a visit to The Longshed, where the Sutton Hoo Ship's Company (a team of professionals, volunteers and enthusiasts) is currently constructing a replica of the ship. 2. Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight earns its status as one of Europe's richest palaeontology hubs by producing new dinosaur discoveries practically year on year. Among the island's findings are around 20 species of dinosaur from the early Cretaceous Period. In 2024, one of the best-preserved dinosaurs ever found in the UK was unearthed on the island. Named Comptonatus chasei, it formed part of the local eco system over 120 million years ago. This discovery came only one year after the fossilised remains of a previously unknown dinosaur were found nearby, triggering reanalysis of similar remains to help solve the age-old question of why the dinosaurs went extinct. Lots of fossils are on display at Dinosaur Isle, the UK's first purpose-built dinosaur museum. Step over the sea wall at Sandown to explore its recreated prehistoric landscape, populated by life-sized models of the Isle of Wight's biggest dinosaur discoveries; see skeletons as they were found by fossil hunters; watch volunteers preparing the latest finds; or join the Fossil Walks led by expert guides teaching you how to find your own ancient artefacts. Dinosaur Isle is the UK's first purpose-built dinosaur museum. Here, a boy admires an iguanodon skeleton. Photograph by Dinosaur Isle 3. Stonehenge, Wiltshire There's always something big being unearthed in Stonehenge country, and the latest discoveries reveal the origin of the largest rocks in the circle. In the last decade, it was discovered that the mysterious bluestones came from a quarry deep in the Welsh Preseli hills. And, in 2024, scientists found that the alter stone – arguably the most ritualistically important piece of the formation – was brought to Stonehenge from the north of Scotland, a journey of well over 500 miles. Try your arm at dragging a massive stone monolith at the site's smartly curated visitor centre. Or, for the closest possible view of the stones, visit the site during winter or summer solstice: the only times of the year in which you can stand among the stones as part of its 'managed open access'. Watch the sun set and rise at this magnificent monument and share in the ancient sacred tradition. Just be sure to check the specific solstice entry times for the day. Stonehenge country has numerous options for further exploration, including the many archaeological treasures on show at Salisbury Cathedral Museum. And within sight of the stones is the UK's biggest prehistoric monument, which is around 4,500 years old. Uncovered in 2020, the Neolithic find includes 20 vast holes that suggest the boundaries of an earlier enclosure circle. The site is so large that is contains Durrington Walls, the UK's largest henge, and Woodhenge too. The latest discovery surrounding Stonehenge reveals that the origins of its mysterious bluestones lay in a quarry deep in the Welsh Preseli Hills, and that they first stood in an earlier stone circle. Photograph by Andre Pattenden, English Heritage 4. Wittenham Clumps, Oxford Occupied for more than 3,000 years, archaeologists were expecting to find some worthy prizes beneath the ground of this ancient Oxfordshire landmark. What they weren't prepared for was a double-whammy discovery that spanned two rich seams of history: an extended Iron Age settlement with more than a dozen roundhouses dating from 400BC to 100BC as well as a vast Roman villa dating back to the late third century. Wittenham Clumps is managed by Dig Ventures who offer various 'Archaeology In Your Hands' experiences, which they describe as 'exciting crowdfunded and crowdsourced archaeology projects you can be part of'. These can range from guided excavations at live digs to 'Finds Room' experiences, expert talks to online courses endorsed by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. It can be as in-depth or accessible as you desire; DigCamp, for example, are day experiences for families to get hands-on at a real, live, in-progress dig, dirt and all. 5. Orkney Islands, Scotland At the heart of Neolithic Orkney's rich pickings, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites are widely regarded as the finest in Western Europe. Skara Brae is older than both the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge and has been dubbed the Scottish Pompeii for its pristine state. Dating back some 5,000 years, this Neolithic settlement was discovered in 1850 by the Laird of Skaill, thanks to a landscape-stripping storm that raised grass from a mound under which the ruins had been concealed for millennia. With the white-sand beach of the Skaill as a fittingly dramatic backdrop, Skara Brae is a stone-built prehistoric settlement that reveals the finer points of day-to-day Neolithic life. See ancient homes complete with stone bed enclosures, dressers and seats. Replica constructions complete the interior interpretation, which can be further explored in touch-screen clarity at the on-site visitor centre museum. Skara Brae, located on Mainland's Bay of Skaill, in the Orkney Islands, is older than both the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge and has been dubbed the Scottish Pompeii for its pristine state. Photograph by Visit Scotland 6. Hadrian's Wall Country Discoveries still abound at Hadrian's Wall, where there are plenty of places to step back into the past. Try historical re-enactments around the ruins, archaeological talks, guided walks or wall-spanning history-focused hikes and bike routes that take you between the North and Irish Seas. Plus, there are lots of hands-on dig opportunities for all ages. The wall itself, a near 80-mile stretch of fortifications marking the northern frontier of Hadrian's Roman Empire, isn't the only attraction here: there's so much more to see in the surrounding country. A mile south of the wall, Vindolanda is regarded as one of Europe's most exciting Roman digs: nine forts built on top of each other that garrisoned soldiers from across the Roman Empire. It includes a bathhouse, tavern and shops, all dating back to the third century. And if this isn't compelling enough, a 2017 discovery revealed an entire Roman cavalry barracks underneath the site, complete with thousands of extraordinary military and personal possessions dating back almost 2,000 years. It was a haul significant for its size and pristine state, but also for its evidence of the long military build-up that led to the wall's construction in AD 122. Excavations at Vindolanda take place annually, attracting hundreds of volunteers from all over the world, so sign up early. Or visit the on-site museum, which has an extensive display of the mind-boggling number of objects found during the excavations. A mile south of Hadrian's Wall, Vindolanda is regarded as one of Europe's most exciting Roman digs. Excavations at Vindolanda take place annually, attracting hundreds of volunteers from all over the world, so sign up early. 7. Scilly Isles The tiny Isles of Scilly are home to 239 hugely significant ancient monuments and archaeological landmarks: the UK's greatest density of historic sites. Maritime shipwrecks, Bronze Age burial chambers dating back 3,000 years, deserted Christian chapels on uninhabited islands, fortified castles and English Civil War headlands, all contribute to these wild islands' natural landscapes. St Mary's, the largest island, is home to large stone earth mounds that form distinctive Bronze Age burial chambers known as entrance graves — often described as Scillonian tombs, thanks to their local concentration. Strikingly preserved Innisidgen has sweeping views across to neighbouring St Martin's. And the cemetery of Porth Hellick Down, in St Mary's, to the south east, has six grave mounds, including the impressive 12-metre-wide Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber: just two of a string of ceremonial monuments lining the Scilly Isles' coastal hilltops. They're stellar spots for eternal rest, or a panoramic place to camp for a few nights if you manage to bag a booking at any of the islands' campsites. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- National Geographic
How the province of Girona became one of Spain's gastronomy stars
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). High on a Catalan hilltop just beyond the city of Girona's medieval old town, the maître d' at the Roca brothers' newly opened restaurant, Esperit Roca, draws back a heavy curtain and ushers me into a cavernous, domed wine cellar. There's a sense of theatre as the haunting aria from Handel's The Triumph of Time and Truth oratorio announces my arrival and I'm guided past a city's worth of wine racks into a high-ceilinged, industrial-chic dining room that's been stylishly converted from a 19th-century fortress. Esperit Roca is the latest restaurant from chef Joan Roca and his brothers, sommelier Josep and pastry chef Jordi, whose three Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca has twice been awarded the number one spot on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list. A selection of exquisitely presented amuse-bouches is a sign of great things to come. The eight-course tasting menu includes a dish called 'cigala artemisa' — an elegant combination of tenderly grilled langoustine enveloped in a warm blanket of sauce made with vanilla oil, gently browned butter and artemisia, a bitter, aromatic herb that's also known as white wormwood. 'That dish is about our geographic location,' Joan tells me. 'We make a liqueur from the artemisia, which grows freely around here, and use it as a base for the sauce to convey that herbal, slightly bitter idea of our landscape. And at the same time, the sauce is also very much like a French beurre blanc. We're just on the other side of the Pyrenees from France here, so there's a lot of influence from French cooking.' Esprit Roca is the latest restaurant from chef Joan Roca and his brothers, sommelier Josep and pastry chef Jordi. The eight-course tasting menu includes a dish called 'cigala artemisa' — a combination of tenderly grilled langoustine enveloped in a warm sauce made with vanilla oil, browned butter and artemisia, a bitter, aromatic herb. With the French border to the north and Barcelona around an hour's drive to the south, the province of Girona takes in both the lush, amazingly fertile winemaking region of the Empordà and the rugged, pine-clad coast of the Costa Brava. The Catalan writer Josep Pla famously said that 'a country's cuisine is its landscape in a pot', and it's an adage that's certainly true in this area. I've been visiting for over 20 years and it's hard to find bad food — it's invariably good wherever you go. As with the Catalans' French neighbours, food here is much more than simply something to snatch hurriedly in order to refuel — it's an important part of day-to-day life. And dining out isn't just reserved for special occasions. 'This region has been a bit like a sponge,' says Joan, 'absorbing the culinary influences of lots of different cultures. Iberians and Romans, Arabs and Jews have all passed through here and there's a very powerful connection with food.' The Roca brothers helped put the province on the world's gastronomic map, but they weren't the first to do so. About an hour's drive north east of Girona city, the small town of Roses was where Ferran Adrià — the chef widely credited with having invented molecular gastronomy — opened his groundbreaking three Michelin-star restaurant, El Bulli, which went on to win the title of The World's Best Restaurant five times between 2002 and 2009, before it closed in 2011. The province of Girona now has no fewer than 15 Michelin-starred restaurants — and they have a total of 20 between them. Not bad for a region with a population of only around 750,000. Twenty years on, the province of Girona now has no fewer than 15 Michelin-starred restaurants — and they have a total of 20 stars between them. Not bad for a region with a population of only around 750,000 people. It's perhaps little surprise that the wider area of Catalonia has been designated 2025's World Region of Gastronomy. But fine dining is only one part of the story around here. Roadsides are regularly punctuated with smartly converted country farmhouses where you can tuck into traditional Catalan dishes such as hearty, saffron-laden fish stews and punchy rabbit casseroles. And my next stop is a case in point. I head out east from Girona city towards the coast, through the wide, open fields of the Empordà, ablaze with radiant yellow rapeseed and laced with poppies, the petrol-blue Pyrenees hazy in the distance. Half an hour later, I arrive at the tiny, walled medieval village of Ullastret. Here, the Cateura brothers — David, Enric and Gerard — run Restaurant Ibèric, which their father Tomàs originally opened with four tables in 1978. As I sit in the traditional dining room, a warm, toasty aroma wafts up from my dish of exceptional-looking langoustines. I scoop out the sweet, supple flesh from their shells and find they taste as good as they smell. They've been roasted over hot open coals in the restaurant's specially imported Italian oven, David explains. 'Originally, everyone in Catalonia cooked on coals over an open fire,' he says. 'It keeps the food moist and succulent and it was a technique widely used across the Mediterranean. Modern gas and electricity give a much stronger, more intense heat, so it can dry the food out.' David's father was one of many other local restaurateurs in the area who opened restaurants in response to the tourist boom of the 1970s, when visitors began discovering the Costa Brava's unspoilt beaches and coves. Decades on, Ibèric's menu still features the same traditional recipes. 'We're presenting classic cooking that dates back years,' David tells me. 'Until the 1960s and 1970s, people lived off the land here, in country farmhouses, using pigs and hens that they'd reared themselves, as well as homegrown vegetables. Because we're close to the sea, you ended up not just with good meat produce, but fish and seafood too.' Then, once tourism arrived and people like David's father started opening their restaurants, they were cooking the food that their mothers had prepared, he explains. 'So in a way, what we're doing — even now — is preserving the traditions from our grandparents or even before.' "This region has been a bit like a sponge, absorbing the culinary influences of lots of different cultures. Iberians and Romans, Arabs and Jews have all passed through here and there's a very powerful connection with food," says Joan. Most small towns around these parts still have their own superb food markets, but one of the most impressive is Girona's Mercat del Lleó. Photograph by Getty Images Most small towns around these parts still have their own superb food markets, but one of the most impressive is Girona's Mercat del Lleó, which is where I meet Gina Guillén of Girona Food Tours for an action-packed, three-hour exploration of the city. Less than 10 minutes' walk from the steep, narrow, cobbled streets of Girona's old town — famously used as a filming location for Game of Thrones — the market is like a smaller, less touristy version of Barcelona's famous Boqueria. Purposeful-looking chefs and shopping trolley-wielding grannies are busy eyeing up stalls selling everything from the plump red tomatoes used in pan con tomate (bread with tomato) to superb-looking hams and homemade sausages hanging high up on hooks, sparkling fish glistening on ice and pert olives in every shade of green. At cheese stall La Formatgeria, owner Eduardo Orozco invites me to try dainty slices of madurat de sora — a firm but tender and tangy goat's cheese that's the colour of ivory — from the nearby Garrotxa region, just north west of the city. Alongside the cheese, he offers me a mix of walnuts and dried apricots as well as an organic homemade pear and wine jam. It's a glorious combination and once again, as Eduardo explains, it's all about the land. 'Our produce reflects the richness of the soil and the land that we have here,' he tells me. 'The quality of the soil has a big impact on the grass where the animals graze, so in turn you get top-quality milk, butter and cheese.' Leaving the market, Gina takes me on a fascinating walk through the old town, regaling me with tales of medieval merchants, pioneering Jewish physicians and noblemen's feuds. The streets are packed with restaurants, including several from the new generation of chefs, many of whom have trained at El Celler de Can Roca. The newly Michelin-starred Divinum is one, as is the more low-key serve cutting-edge culinary creations, often in stylish interiors, but whether you choose fine dining or more traditional cooking, it's the food that will always take centre stage. Where to eat in Girona Restaurant Ibèric Serving dishes from Girona's Empordà region, Ibèric's seafood favourites include saffron-laced fish stew, grilled Palamós prawns and anchovies from nearby L'Escala. Regulars travel from Barcelona and beyond for the signature fideos a la bogavante — lobster noodle casserole. Mains around €25 (£22). Casa Marieta You won't find any gels or foams at this stalwart on Girona's Placa de la Independència. What you will find is great-value, traditional Catalan cuisine. Join locals tucking into dishes like duck with pears, Catalan-style broad beans or chicken with prawns. Two courses from €20 (£17). La Taverna del Ma Expect spectacular sea views and super-fresh seafood including lobster, prawns, oysters, langoustine and ray at this spot overlooking the beach in the smart resort of S'Agaró. The salmon tartare with avocado is exceptional. Two courses from €60 (£50). Esperit Roca If you want to get a taste of the Roca brothers' legendary El Celler de Can Roca but can't wait two years for a table, this new, Michelin-starred venue north of Girona city offers the 'greatest hits' from El Celler. Try 'turbot trilogy', featuring grilled turbot fin, turbot loin and turbot carpaccio, along with 'toda la gamba' ('all of the prawn'), which focuses on the part that diners often discard: a crispy prawn head in a silky fish velouté. Eight-course tasting menus from €139 (£115). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
a day ago
- Entertainment
- National Geographic
How to spend the perfect day in Switzerland's underrated financial capital
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Switzerland's largest city, straddling the Limmat River and facing the pristine shores of Lake Zurich, has long been best known for its financial clout and Swiss efficiency. But these days its cultural scene is also booming, with everything from 'blackout' dining concepts to fashion co-ops set beneath railway arches. Here's how best to take in the city in just 14 hours. 7am: Swim at sunrise at Seebad Utoquai The combination of the lake's glassy water and this swimming club has made such an impression on locals that it's kept them rising at dawn for more than 130 years. The Seebad's two-floor wooden bathhouse debuted in 1890 with curtained changing rooms, ladders directly into the lake and diving boards, and it's been eulogised ever since by bathers and those who'd rather soak up the sun on the timber terraces. Alternatively, Frauenbad at Stadthausquai is an art nouveau cabana exclusively for women's swimming (both April to October only). In the lidos along the Limmat River, bathers don swimwear produced from upcycled plastic found in the city's waterways. 8am: Breakfast at the Odeon A home for the city's gay community long before the first Swiss laws legalising same-sex relationships were passed in 1942, Cafe Odeon is a Viennese-style coffee house par excellence. Expect to see eggs served in a wide variety of styles, including, as this is Zurich, in the form of truffle omelettes with a side of Champagne. 10am: Go to a gallery Zurich is home to around 50 museums and around double the number of art galleries. Certainly the most generous with the big names is the Kunsthaus. Plenty of highlights on display come from the likes of Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, while Switzerland is represented by Alberto Giacometti and the world's largest collection of Dada, the absurd counterculture art movement born nearby at cafe-gallery Cabaret Voltaire on Spiegelgasse. 12pm: Explore under the bridges The railway arches of the city's Industriequartier once housed hundreds of stonemasons and mechanics. These days, they survive as Im Viadukt, a future-focused co-op of fashion shops, restaurants, venues and a food market replete with bars and takeaway counters. This is where to go for a classic Swiss lunch, whether you're looking for Alpine picnic supplies (typically cheese, pickles and breads) or some bratwurst. 3pm: Get a chocolate fix There's an extraordinary array of chocolate ateliers in Zurich, but among the best are Läderach, Max Chocolatier and truffle-specialist Sprüngli on Bahnhofstrasse. These days, macarons are the speciality, while ruffled chocolate nests and bite-sized batons come topped with gold-leaf. 5pm: Time for a sky-high cocktail It's worth seeing the city and all of its church spires from the rooftops. One of the best viewpoints is at 1838, an exquisite destination bar atop the Mandarin Oriental Savoy that snuggles up to the Fraumünster and overlooks Paradeplatz, a square that's perenially popular with locals. On a clear day, the entire lake and the Alps to the south can also be seen on the horizon. An Aperol spritz or Eichhof lager will help temper any giddiness. 7pm: Eat in the dark Switzerland helped pioneer many life-changers — wristwatches, the world wide web, instant coffee. It's also the home of the first restaurant in the dark. The blackout dining concept was created in 1999 by a non-profit foundation and born to create jobs for the city's visually impaired people. The focus isn't just the surprise three- or four-course menu (it could be spätzle, lake fish, Swiss beef), but on fostering conversations. 10pm: Go bar-hopping If anywhere has an edge in Zurich, it's Langstrasse, a long street of late-night bars and clubs in the heart of the red-light district. Resistant to change, it's the city at its most unbuttoned, with Bar 63 and Ole Ole the most popular venues. For something classier, albeit with negronis on tap, try Bar Sacchi in trendy Lochergut. Getting there & around British Airways, EasyJet, Edelweiss Air and Swiss fly to Zurich from UK airports including Edinburgh, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Manchester and Stansted. The fastest train route from London St Pancras International to Zurich takes 6hr55m, involving a change of stations in flight time: 1h45m. It's easy to explore Zurich's attractions on foot or by using the efficient, safe and clean public transport system. You can get a tram, train, bus or ferry at most times of day with ease. A 24-hour travelcard for use in central Zurich costs CHF9.20 (£8.30). Trams and buses run from 6am to 1am. When to go Zurich is worth visiting year-round. Winter and early spring see cold days with snow-daubed hills and ice skating — with average temperatures around 4-6C — while summer ushers in averages of 25-28C, which means open lidos and the bulk of the city's festivals. Autumn, cooler at around 15C, is for the Zurich Wine Festival, held every October with tastings, masterclasses and networking sessions. Where to stay 25hrs Hotel Langstrasse. Doubles from CHF152 (£140). La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich. Doubles from CHF540 (£490). More info Planet Switzerland. £16.99 How to do it Switzerland Travel Centre offers two nights in Zurich in a three-star hotel, including a 72-hour Zurich Card for transport and discounts, from £230 per person, B&B. Excludes flights. This story was created with the support of Zurich Tourism Published in the July/August 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
2 days ago
- National Geographic
A practical guide to long-distance walking in the UK
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Long-distance rambling in Britain is part of a correspondingly long tradition. In fact, few nationalities enjoy it quite as much as the British: from the South West Coast Path at Land's End in Cornwall, to the Cape Wrath Trail in the Scottish Highlands, you'll always find a Brit in an anorak. In 1965, the Pennine Way became the first of the UK's National Trails, and now — 60 years later — there are 16 to choose from. So, before you lace up your boots and set off, here is some practical advice to help you make the most of the wonderful scenery. What's the right path for me? The good news is that Britain has long-distance paths to suit all abilities. Some of the flattest are the South Downs Way (100 miles) and the Norfolk Coast Path (84 miles) — doable for anyone of reasonable fitness. The Thames Path (185 miles) is also very easy, and has a number of mainline stations along the route, making it very possible to dip in and out of the trail. Be aware that some paths that don't reach giddy elevations can still be unexpectedly challenging — the Cotswold Way (102 miles) and the South West Coast Path (630 miles) have a great many undulations. Undoubtedly the hardest trail is the unofficial Cape Wrath Trail (230 miles), a Highland expedition involving wild camps and river crossings in the remote north of Scotland. How should I plan my trek? You will find certain paths are better set up for tourism than others: the 16 National Trails generally all have good infrastructure and are easily navigated. Be sure to book accommodation many months ahead if you're tackling popular paths like the Pennine Way or West Highland Way in the high season. On other long-distance trails that don't have the same accreditation you may need to make complicated public transport connections to reach trailheads, hunt down accommodation and navigate more extensively as, unlike National Trails or Scotland's Great Trails, not all are signposted. Of course, you don't need to walk the entire length of any long-distance walk, tackling it in chunks instead. Above all, your daily mileage will likely be determined by the accommodation and transport options en route as well as your fitness. What gear do I need? Strong walking boots and a rainproof shell are essentials year-round. It's always worth packing drinking water, emergency snacks, a torch, batteries, warm layers and a whistle to attract attention. Hiking poles can also be useful to spare your knees, particularly on descents. Even on busy trails, come prepared with a map (such as Ordnance Survey), waterproof map case, compass and the ability to use them — and always check the weather in advance. The MWIS forecast has the best reports for the UK's mountains. Always notify a friend or family member where you are headed in advance, and be sure to arrange a check-in time for your return. Do I need to carry all my own kit? On many of the more popular trails (including Hadrian's Wall, Anglesey Coastal Path and the West Highland Way) you can find operators who will shuttle your bags between hotels, B&Bs and bunkhouses; often this service is organised as part of a broader package including transport and accommodation. Are there good options for people with mobility issues? Some long-distance paths are suited to wheelchair users, in particular those that once served as railway lines. The Tarka Trail network (180 miles) is one example, travelling the North Devon coast. Derbyshire also has a number of accessible trails, such as the Tissington Trail and Monsal Trail, the latter of which swoops across the Victorian Headstone Viaduct. When is the best time to go? Long-distance walking can be done year-round in Britain, with most routes at their busiest from April to September. Be aware that winter walking in upland areas of North Wales, the Lake District and above all the Scottish Highlands may require specialist equipment such as ice axes and crampons, and the ability to use them. Swarms of midges can sometimes make Scottish walks a misery from around July to August. Find midge forecasts at Getting there and around All 16 National Trails can be accessed by rail travel at at least one point along the route. If you're hiking a point-to-point path (as opposed to a circular one), travel by public transport is preferable as you won't need to return to the start to collect your vehicle. More info To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
3 days ago
- National Geographic
This hidden Italian town is perfect for a summer escape
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Imagine if the Amalfi Coast was all but unknown — that's the charm of Maratea. Bordered by Campania to the north and Calabria to the south, the municipality occupies the only portion of the Tyrrhenian coast in the whole of Basilicata. It's a near 20-mile stretch home to striking black-sand beaches, boat-fresh seafood and panoramic vistas overlooking the glittering Gulf of Policastro. But despite possessing all the hallmarks of the quintessential Italian seaside getaway, the Maratea area is yet to draw the crowds associated with its better-known coastal counterparts. It's also more accessible than ever thanks to recently launched British Airways flights from London to Salerno — located just an hour and 45 minutes by car or an hour and 15 minutes by train. Take time to explore Maratea's Centro Storico, or historic centre, and enjoy a coffee at one of the many outdoor cafes. Maratea is not one single town, but a collection of mountain and seaside hamlets dotted around an old urban core. This Centro Storico, or historic centre, is a maze of cobblestone streets, colourful medieval homes and narrow alleyways twisting toward the main square, Piazza Buraglia. Take some time to enjoy a coffee or aperitif at one of Caffe E Dolcezze Di Laprea's outdoor tables. And be sure to visit Pasticceria Panza, a bakery known for its traditional bocconotto (shortcrust pastry filled with cream and black cherry or chocolate). Shop for Lucanian (the term used to describe people or things from Basilicata) specialities at Divino Maratea, including wines making use of Basilicata's famous Aglianico grapes, as well as local spirits, including Amaro Naturale, which is made from the aromatic herbs that grow throughout Maratea. From the old town, take the winding, white-knuckle drive to the top of Monte San Biagio, where the marble-faced Cristo Redentore, an imposing Christ the Redeemer statue, stands with its arms stretched out towards the green Lucanian Apennines. Make a loop around the platform at the foot of the 69ft sculpture for incredible views of the rocky coastline and bright-blue sea below. The imposing Christ the Redeemer statue is one of the area's most recognisable attractions. Nearby, you'll find the Chiesa di San Biagio — one of 44 churches in the Maratea area, which is home to just over 5,000 people. The simple white basilica has housed the relics of San Biagio, the patron saint of Maratea, since the year 732 BCE. Up here, visitors can also wander around the crumbling ruins of the area's original settlement, known as Maratea Superiore, which also dates back to the seventh century. It was slowly abandoned during the 16th and 17th centuries as inhabitants moved further down the mountainside to establish the old town — also reachable via the myrtle-lined footpath just off the main road. A short distance away, the Port of Maratea was once a landing place for local fishermen. It now hosts luxury yachts and sailboats — and provides the departure point for boat tours. Dea Maris Boat Tour Maratea takes visitors along Maratea's dramatic coastline, which was featured in the 2021 James Bond film No Time to Die. Keep an eye out for the Saracen Towers, cliffside forts built in the Middle Ages to defend the region from pirate attacks. You'll also get a good view of the two islands that hover off the coast of Maratea: Santo Janni and the even smaller La Matrella. In the waters surrounding the former, hundreds of Roman anchors and amphorae have been found on the seabed. To learn more about the area's ancient artefacts, head to Palazzo de Lieto museum, where exhibits occupy an imposing 18th-century palace originally built to house the old town's first hospital. From the water, you may also spy Maratea's famous black-sand beach, Cala Jannita, located just a 10-minute drive from the centre. To explore the fascinating caves around Cala Jannita — such as the Grotta della Sciabella — consider a kayaking tour with Fly Maratea. The port is also home to some of Maratea's best restaurants, including Lanterna Rossa. Situated in an old fisherman's house overlooking the marina, this elegant fine-dining spot sees young Lucani chef Dario Amaro serve classic dishes, such as sea urchin linguine and cuttlefish risotto, with modern flair. Toward the hamlet of Fiumicello, meanwhile, you'll find the cosy, family-run La Cambusa, which has been serving fresh local seafood since the 1950s. Hotel Santavenere's comfortable rooms and fragranced gardens offer a peaceful escape in the mountains. Nearby is Maratea's only five-star accommodation, Hotel Santavenere. Home to sprawling gardens and a secluded beach, the property was once a family villa owned by Count Stefano Rivetti — a wool industrialist from Piedmont who made a new life in Maratea, opening the hotel to the public in 1953. Every Tuesday between May and October, one of its three restaurants, Le Lanterne, hosts a buffet-style meal featuring ingredients and wines from Basilicata, performances from local singers and demonstrations from libbani artists, who weave baskets and other objects from grass blades. Visitors can try this historic local craft for themselves at a workshop with New Mediterranean Libbaneria. It would be easy to whittle away time in Maratea on a sun lounger, but the region's upped its adventure cred in recent years — particularly with the opening of a via ferrata climbing route in 2021, which stretches from the historic centre to the top of Monte San Biagio. Ivy Tour Basilicata offers guided tours and equipment rental. Alternatively, set off on a day-hike to Monte Crivo. Starting just outside the village of Brefaro (about five miles from Maratea's old town), the trail takes travellers to an altitude of 3,783ft — offering sweeping views of Basilicata's mountainous countryside and the glimmering Tyrrhenian Sea. British Airways offers direct flights from London to Salerno. From here, Maratea is easily reachable by car or train. The 34-room Hotel Santavenere, with its colourful Vietri tiles, antique furniture and sweeping sea views, is a convenient base for exploring the area. From €440 (£347), B&B. This story was created with the support of Hotel Santavenere. 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