Latest news with #daytrips
Telegraph
2 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
The 10 best day trips from Barcelona
You could spend months in Barcelona without running out of new things to experience, but if you're in need of a change of pace there are plenty of alternatives – most within easy reach, thanks to the excellent local railway system. Lesser-visited medieval towns, glorious hikes and curious museums are often less than an hour away. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best day trips near Barcelona. For further inspiration, see our in-depth guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants, bars and nightlife, shopping, attractions, things to do for free and beaches. Find a day trip by type: Best for history Montserrat Monastery Come for the monastery and to listen to the celestial voices of the boys' choir, and stay for the hiking – paths scented with thyme meander over the jagged peaks revealing spectacular views. The museum has an unexpected collection of great art, including paintings by Caravaggio, Picasso, El Greco, Dalí, Miró and a host of others. Website: Area: Montserrat How to get there: take the train from Plaça Espanya to Monistrol de Montserrat (one hour), then rack railway. Tarragona In Roman times 'Tarraco' was the capital of half of Spain, and many vestiges of that period can still be seen. These include the city walls; the praetorian; the amphitheatre and the Roman circus, where chariot races were once held. The cathedral and its beautifully preserved 12th-century cloister shouldn't be missed, but leave time for a wander through its old town.
Telegraph
6 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
The 10 best day trips in and near Dublin
While Dublin has plenty to keep you occupied, there is also loads to see and do just outside the city. Within 30 minutes, you can be out exploring the coastline, from tiny fishing villages with seafood restaurants around the harbour to hiking trails that lead to epic views. A little farther afield, there are historic towns, mountain ranges and Neolithic sites to explore, and if you have a car you can check out the gorgeous countryside that starts right on the city's doorstep. Here are some of the best day trips you can take from Dublin. All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Dublin. Find out more below, or for further inspiration, see our expert guides to Dublin's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and things to do. Find a day trip by type: History Coast Culture Nature History Brú na Bóinne Older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge, this collection of Neolithic passage tombs is the shining star of Ireland's heritage sites. Entry is by guided tour only, and includes the grassy domed Knowth, with remarkably preserved megalithic art around its edge, and the star attraction Newgrange, the tomb of which you can enter. On the winter solstice, this chamber aligns perfectly with the sunrise and is illuminated with a stream of light, which is re-enacted on the tour. Contact: Area: County Meath How to get there: 1 hour drive from Dublin Powerscourt Estate With 47 acres of elaborate gardens, a Palladian mansion to explore and Ireland's highest waterfall, there's plenty at Powerscourt to keep you entertained for the day. Start off with a stroll around the grounds, checking out the view of the house from the Italian garden and visiting the pet cemetery, before lunch in the Avoca café and a drive round to the waterfall (bear in mind this costs extra). There's a great playground there, too. Kilkenny History buffs will be kept happy in the medieval city of Kilkenny, where fossils are embedded into the marble pavements and tiny tunnels and arches are dotted throughout the city centre. Start at Kilkenny Castle, an imposing 13th-century structure with beautiful state rooms – take a guided tour and you get to walk behind the velvet ropes. Afterwards, head out on the Medieval Mile Trail to learn about the city's historical links to witchcraft. Coast Howth It's scenic, charming and easy to reach by train – the fishing village of Howth ticks all the boxes for a quick and easy day trip from Dublin. From the Dart (train) station, walk along the harbourfront until you reach the Howth Cliff Path, a hiking trail that takes you up and over the heather-covered cliffs, high above the waves crashing below. Afterwards, head to one of the restaurants by the harbour for local lobster and crab, drenched in garlic butter. Killiney and Dalkey This chi-chi borough is where you'll find some of the wealthiest Dubliners, who live in the grand mansions overlooking the sea. You could spend a day pottering around the pretty village of Dalkey, but if you're up for a hike, the walk down the coast to Killiney is stunning, passing a popular sea (and nude) swimming spot, then up to Killiney Hill, where you can stand on top of the pyramid for exceptional views over the bay. Culture Athlone This pretty city on the water makes for a nice and easy day trip – kick things off at the 12th-century Athlone Castle, walking through the interactive exhibits (and picking up a cannonball), and then head up to the turrets for a great view of the town. Afterwards, pop into the nearby Luan Gallery before grabbing a bite at one of the riverside restaurants, or go for a drink in Sean's Bar, the oldest pub in Ireland, which dates back to AD 900. Belfast At just over two hours from Dublin by train, Belfast is a great shout for a quick hop over the border. Most sights are within easy reach of Grand Central Station, so stroll around the buzzy Cathedral Quarter, splashed with street art, or browse St George's Market at the weekend. The excellent Titanic Belfast is a little farther out, but you can catch the bus if you don't fancy the stroll along the riverside. Nature Wicklow Mountains National Park You often catch a glimpse of them as you fly into Dublin, but the Wicklow Mountains look even better up close. Drive to the national park and use that as your base for a hike – Djouce is challenging but beautiful, and the trail overlooks the inky black Lough Tay, otherwise known as Guinness Lake. Afterwards, head into Roundwood for a bite to eat. Mourne Mountains You will need a car to get there, but once you arrive, the Mournes are well worth the trek. Supposedly the inspiration for CS Lewis when he was writing The Chronicles of Narnia, these sweeping mountains are dappled with heather and gorse, and dotted with still, calm lakes. Walk one of the trails in Castlewellan Forest Park, or drive the six-mile Slieve Gullion loop, one of the most scenic in Northern Ireland. Contact: Area: Newry How to get there: 1 hour 45 minutes drive from Dublin Cavan Lakes This corner of Ireland is often bypassed for the more popular spots, but to miss it would be a shame – there are dense forests, peaceful lakes and tiny islands scattered throughout the water. Aim for Killykeen Forest Park and walk around the woodland trails, or book into one of the activities with Cavan Adventure Centre, where you can kayak to the crumbling remains of Clough Oughter Castle on a tiny island, or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding. How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider's perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up-to-date recommendations. About our expert Originally from Sussex, Nicola Brady went on holiday to Ireland 16 years ago and never came back. She's now based in Dublin, where she spends her time either eating or planning her next meal.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- The Sun
Off-the-radar day trips for May bank holiday and half term
Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter Published: Invalid Date, AS the May Bank Holiday weekend and half-term quickly approaches, you might be at a loss for things to do. Luckily, we have got you covered with 10 off-the-radar historic gems from around the UK. 11 HeritageXplore has partnered with Trainline to suggest a bunch of day trips that can be reached by train - although some will need a bike ride at the other end too. Read on to find out more... Hatfield House, Hertfordshire Nearest station: Hatfield – six minute cycle (0.7 miles) or a 10 minute walk. Just 25 minutes from London, Hatfield House is where Queen Elizabeth I spent her childhood. A place of pageantry, political intrigue and spectacular Jacobean architecture — today, you can tour the ornate rooms, wander sculptural gardens, and grab a flat white in the stable yard. Cycle tips: If you take the fast train (25 minutes) from London King's Cross, bike reservations are not required. However, it is important to avoid peak travel times, as you may be asked to remove your bike if the train is too busy. There's also a bike shed in the visitor's car park at the site to park up and take a look around the house. Pretty English town an hour from London is trending day trip destination 11 Doddington Hall & Gardens, Lincolnshire Nearest Station: Lincoln - 31 minute cycle (six miles). This Elizabethan mansion, built in 1600, is buzzing with creativity. Still family-owned and full of personality, it blends heritage with art, seasonal sculpture trails, wild gardens, and perhaps one of the best farm shops you'll ever visit. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Nottingham, you don't need to reserve a space for your bike. If you have a folding bike, you can store it in the same way you would store luggage. There are secure bike stands on-site, and a whole guide to cycling for when you arrive with lots of lovely trails, including the Georgie Twigg Track and a mountain bike trail. Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire Nearest Station: Cheltenham Spa – 54 minute cycle (8.9 miles) or take the bus from the station via the Stagecoach W or Pulhams 606 services. Upon arrival at Winchcombe, it's approximately 15-minute walk to the castle or you can take the seasonal shuttle service from the station. Tucked into the Cotswold hills, Sudeley offers a deeply romantic mix of Tudor history and sprawling horticultural magic. Queen Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's final wife, rests here — the only English queen buried on private land. Roam the ruins, visit the 15th-century chapel, or picnic in the rose garden, surrounded by peacocks. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Birmingham New Street, most trains have two reservable cycle spaces and one further space for unreserved cycles. Cycles without a reservation are accepted on a first come, first served basis. There's also bike storage facilities on site for when you arrive. Haddon Hall, Derbyshire Nearest Station: Matlock – 35 minute cycle (6.5 miles) or take the bus from the Matlock Bus Station via the TransPeak (TP) or the 6.1 from Platform 1 towards Buxton or Bakewell. One of England's best-preserved medieval manor houses — and a film star, too, having appeared in Pride & Prejudice and The Other Boleyn Girl amongst many others. Explore its storybook courtyards, stroll by the riverside, and stop by the restaurant for their renowned afternoon tea. 11 Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Derby, bike reservations are not required but are generally allowed on a first-come, first-served basis. There's also space to lock up your bikes at the site behind the Ticket Office, and electric bike charging is provided. Beaulieu, Hampshire Nearest Station: Brockenhurst – 31 minute cycle (six miles) or, during the summer months, the New Forest Tour's Green Route connects the station directly to the house via open-top bus. Alongside the gothic-style Palace House and romantic abbey ruins, you'll find the National Motor Museum — with classic cars, F1 icons and even Bond vehicles. And the destination is all set within the New Forest National Park - so bring your walking shoes as you'll most likely want to stay a while. Cycle tips: If travelling from Southampton, reservations for bikes are not required. The New Forest has a number of beautiful cycle paths for you to explore in the local area, and Beaulieu has bike parking facilities on-site. Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire Nearest Station: Stamford – one-hour-and-six-minutes (11.7 miles) or take the bus directly from Peterborough via the 101 to Drummond Road, then swap to the 404 to The Black Horse Inn, a short walk from the castle. With its grand façade and sweeping grounds, Grimsthorpe was made for the screen — and starred in Bridgerton, no less. In real life, it's even better - expect royal stories, rambling summer walks, and a brilliant adventure playground for younger explorers. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Peterborough, reserving a space is recommended - most trains have two reservable cycle spaces and one further space for unreserved cycles. Cycles without a reservation are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also bike facilities are available at Grimsthorpe, but you will need to bring a lock. Also nearby is Lord Willoughby's Railway - a line that was in operation between July 1856 and July 1873. It runs from the village of Edenham to the main London line at Little Bytham – there's a cycle path along its historical site. Newby Hall & Gardens, North Yorkshire Nearest Station: Knaresborough – 59 minute cycle (11.8 miles) or take the bus directly from York via the 22 service towards Ripon and alight at Skelton on Ure, a four-minute walk from the hall. 11 Inside, you'll find Robert Adam's stunning neoclassical interiors and one of the UK's best private collections of sculpture. Then outside, there is one of the country's longest double herbaceous borders and a Teddy Bear House housing over 1,000 bears — from Paddington to Fozzie. Cycle tips: If you are taking the train from York, reservations are not available and there's a limit of two bikes per train. Lamport Hall, Northamptonshire Nearest Station: Northampton – one hour cycle (11.1 miles) or take the Stagecoach X7 bus from the Northampton Bus Interchange towards Market Harborough and alight at The Swan, a five-minute walk away from the hall. Once home to Sir Charles Isham — who introduced garden gnomes to Britain — Lamport is a peaceful spot for art lovers and slow-day-out seekers alike. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Birmingham New Street, no bike reservations are required – it's a maximum of two bikes allowed on each train. Cyclists are welcome at the Hall, with bike parking available in the stable yard – just bring a lock. Stonor Park, Oxfordshire Nearest Station: Henley-on-Thames – 31 minute cycle (5.5 miles). Still lived in by the same family after 850 years, Stonor is full of heart and history. Wander the meadow paths, sip tea on the terrace, and dip into the medieval chapel — it's the kind of place that makes you want to stay for the weekend. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Reading, it's a short trip but you'll need to change at Twyford. Bike reservations are not required on either train but it's best to avoid peak hours. You can find lots of fab routes for cycling around the site and there's a Cyclepod repair station, an air pump and dedicated bike parking on-site. Elveden Hall, Suffolk Nearest Station: Thetford – 36 minute cycle (4.1 miles) or take the 82 bus towards Bury St Edmunds and alight at Elveden Post Office, which is a seven-minute walk from the hall. One of the most intriguing houses in the country, Elveden was once home to Maharajah Duleep Singh — the exiled last ruler of the Sikh Empire — who made this quiet corner of Suffolk his sanctuary. 11 A rare blend of Indian heritage and English country life, the house is usually closed to the public, but you can now book exclusive guided access via HeritageXplore. Afterwards, enjoy coffee and cake in the courtyard before perusing the shops or take a spin on the off-road 4x4 trail. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Cambridge, you don't need to reserve a bike space. There are lots of interesting and varied cycle routes when you get there too. A Brit also discovered the best day trip to see the Northern Lights from London. Plus, nine of our top winter day trips that are great even in rain and snow… from kid-friendly museums to seafront shows. 11
Telegraph
19-05-2025
- Telegraph
The 15 best day trips in and near Edinburgh
Why would you come to Edinburgh to get out of Edinburgh, you may ask? The city is endlessly fascinating with more than you could explore in a month of Sundays. But perhaps you are tired of pounding pavements, busy crowds or ticking off 'must-see' sights? Or has curiosity about other parts of Scotland crept in, leaving you wondering what you're missing outside Auld Reekie? Happily it's easy to reset, recharge and refresh by heading out of town for a day. You'll find historic houses and pretty villages; woodland walks, surfing and mountain-biking; beaches, gardens – even two city alternatives. After all, variety is the spice of life. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best day trips in Edinburgh. Find out more below, and see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants and cafes, nightlife, pubs and bars, shopping, things to do and things to do for free. Find a day trip by type: Best for history Abbotsford The first romance novel superstar, Sir Walter Scott more or less invented tourism in Scotland. A hopeless romantic and obsessive collector, he built his fantasy of Scottish Baronial architecture on the banks of the Tweed, furnishing it accordingly extravagantly and nearly bankrupting himself in the process. Planning a family or group visit to Abbotsford, his extraordinary country house and estate? Consider booking the private Scott-Hope wing: after-hours you'll have the glorious walled garden to yourselves. And do arrive by Borders Railway – Scott would approve. Contact: Area: Tweedbank How to get there: take the train from Waverley Station to Tweedbank Station (59 minutes), walk (20 minutes) to the house. Note: Abbotsford minibus operates in the summer. Dunkeld For a small place, Dunkeld delivers a lot: from a cathedral dating from 1318 (you can still attend services and bells are still rung) to a Great British Bake Off contestant's bakery. National Trust cottages and tempting shops are a draw, as is the Taybank Hotel's riverside pub. It's surely the prettiest town in the Highlands, but don't miss a walk in the nearby Hermitage, the Duke of Atholl's pleasure ground – all dramatic waterfalls and fabulous follies. Contact: Area: Perthshire How to get there: by car, driving time is around one hour and 15 minutes; by rail from Waverley Station to Dunkeld Station (1 hour and 40 minutes). Culross You won't have pretty Culross (pronounced 'Coo-rus') to yourself, thanks to Outlander fans. But come early or stay late to enjoy the well-preserved 16th-century village, all steep cobbled streets of white-harled houses and red pan-tile roofs. Don't miss the painted wooden ceilings in the Palace (and the hidden garden) or the Red Lion Inn with its equally colourful painted ceiling. And do consider taking in Dunfermline Abbey and Palace on your way. Contact: Area: Dunfermline, Fife How to get there: driving time is around 50 minutes. Or, take the train from Waverley Station to Dunfermline Station, then take bus 8A from Dunfermline Bus Station (a total journey of 1 hour and 45 minutes). Newhailes This Palladian gem is uniquely interesting – and controversial. Rather than restored or recreated, it has been kept exactly as it was when given to the National Trust in 1997, right down to the candlewick bedspreads and cowboy lampshade. You'll get a good lunch or tea in the Stables café before perusing the second-hand bookshop or rewarding children with an adventure playground visit and ice cream in The Dairy. Contact: Area: Musselburgh How to get there: by car, driving time is around 30 minutes; by rail from Waverley Station to Newcraighall Station the journey is around 12 minutes, followed by a 20-minute walk. Rosslyn Chapel After years of painstaking restoration work this remarkable chapel – made famous by The Da Vinci Code novel and film – is now open to visitors in its full, fascinating glory. Do take advantage of the knowledgeable, engaging guides who make it come alive, before seeing the romantic ruins of Rosslyn Castle (part of which is now a Landmark Trust holiday let). Continue your walk along the wooded banks of the River Esk, gloriously carpeted with bluebells in the spring. Contact: Area: Midlothian How to get there: driving time is around 30 minutes. Best for nature Glentress Forest Enjoying your holiday but need a break from clamour and crowds? If you need to get clean air into your lungs consider this Scottish Borders Forestry Commission network of award-winning biking trails, from beginner to expert. There's a zip wire for thrill-seekers, walking trails and a café, plus a shop for bike hire. With luck you might even spot a resident osprey. Contact: Area: Peebles How to get there: driving time is approximately 1 hour. Dawyck Botanic Gardens This more intimate relation of Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden, hidden in the Borders, makes a lovely day trip from the city. The amazing collection of trees – some dating to 1680 – is awe-inspiring. The colourful rhododendrons and azaleas in spring followed by sky-blue Himalayan poppies at Dawyck Botanic Gardens in the summer are a joyful sight, while autumn brings a valedictory blaze of autumn leaves. Have lunch or tea and embrace the calm. Contact: Area: Scottish Borders How to get there: D riving time is around one hour and 10 minutes. Best for culture Glasgow Street Art Tours Worried about getting Stendhal syndrome after completing a full circuit of the museums and galleries in Edinburgh? There's nothing like the reviving effect of contrast, so head to Glasgow for a walking tour of the city's street art scene. It's a great way to get to grips with the city's creative energy. And if you're left needing some formal yin with your yang, visit the magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Contact: Area: Glasgow How to get there: T ake the train from Waverley Station to Glasgow Queen Street Station (around 60 minutes). Marchmont House Tours of this under-the-radar, privately owned and exquisitely restored Palladian mansion in the Borders countryside are available on selected dates throughout the year (and you can also book a private tour). With architecture by William Adam and Sir Robert Lorimer it's a stunning setting for the mind-blowing collection of art and furniture, from classical to contemporary. And if you like the estate's rush-seated chairs, call into nearby Marchmont Workshop for a bespoke one of your own. Falkland As close to a storybook town as they come, Falkland Palace and the village around are part of a longstanding conservation area. Dominated by the fine Renaissance building (fans of real tennis will be thrilled), with a physic garden and orchard, the palace was a favourite retreat for Mary, Queen of Scots. The village is also popular with visitors, not just for its unspoilt architecture, but also for tempting shops, tearooms and old-school pubs. Contact: Area: Falkland, Fife How to get there: driving time is approximately one hour. Traquair House If a stately home can be described as cosy, this fairytale house in the Borders is it. Since 1491 royalty has often been found here – like Mary Queen of Scots with baby King James VI, his cradle still at the foot of the bed. Children will love the guidebook, playground and the maze, and you can even stay overnight – the Lower Drawing Room becomes your sitting room and bar, with breakfast served in the Still Room. Contact: Area: Innerleithen, Peebleshire How to get there: driving time is around one hour. Dundee UNESCO City of Design and home to the Eden Project, present and past literally sit comfortably side by side here, from the ultra-contemporary V&A Dundee to the 20th-century Antarctic exploration ship 'Discovery'. The Verdant Works museum in Dundee recreates jute factory workers' lives while new distilleries and breweries are popping up all over the city. And what's more, eight minutes on the train will take you to Broughty Ferry's sandy beach and a 15th-century castle. Contact: Area: Dundee How to get there: Take the train from Waverley Station to Dundee Station or drive – both journeys take around 90 minutes. Best for beaches Seacliff Beach This secluded beach on a private estate has more to offer than tide pools, paddling and building sand castles. With photogenic views of the Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle and a miniature Victorian harbour carved from layers of red limestone, Seacliff Beach is worth a visit even on the dreariest day. Tired of beach-combing? Pack some sandwiches and explore the woods where you'll find the hidden, haunting remains of Seacliff House and 16th-century Auldhame Castle. Contact: Area: East Lothian How to get there: Driving time is around 50 minutes (note: there is a £5 charge for parking). The East Neuk The characterful harbour villages of the East Neuk of Fife are well known for their considerable charm; built around handsome stone harbours they still have a strong community feel. Consider walking the coastal path from Elie where you can play cricket on the beach or use the public sauna after a cold water swim, then continue to Crail for fish, chips and ice cream. With luck you'll find an art, music or food festival in Fife, too. St Abb's Head Popular North Berwick tends to steal attention but for coastal drama you can't beat this hidden village further along the coast. Surrounded by cliffs and astonishing rock formations watched over by Stevenson's nine-metre tall lighthouse, it's also home to nesting seabird colonies and in autumn, grey seals. Scoff a crab sandwich whilst admiring views from the harbour, or take a dolphin-spotting boat tour. Carry on to Coldingham beach – surfers, paddle boarders and children love it. Contact: Area: Berwickshire How to get there: Driving time is around 90 minutes. How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Somewhere between New Town ladette and Old Town doyenne, Linda has a passion for tunnock's teacakes and a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde personality, making Edinburgh her perfect city.
Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Telegraph
The 15 best day trips from London
London's unstoppable nature – its restaurants, bars and vibrant energy – are hard to resist. Yet sometimes, a brief escape is just what's needed. The city's prime location makes countryside or coastal adventures wonderfully accessible. Whether it's fish and chips on the Kent coast or a wander through a quintessential stately home, high-speed trains and scenic routes from the capital make exploring England's beauty achievable in a single day out. We've selected 15 of the best day trips from London, ideal for recharging without requiring a weekend away. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Cape Town. Find out more below, or for further inspiration, see our expert guides to London's best hotels restaurants, nightlife, shopping and things to do. Find a day trip by type: Best for culture Blenheim Palace Taste upper crust English life This grand baroque masterpiece – the birthplace of Winston Churchill – is one of Britain's finest stately homes. Marvel at gilded state rooms, explore the great lake's mirrored reflections and stroll through Capability Brown's parkland. It's also brilliant for families with an epic adventure playground to keep the kids happy. Events and exhibitions run year-round too, and, in summer, rowing boats are available for hire. Blenheim's picturesque nearby village of Woodstock also offers boutique shops and gastropubs for lunch.
