On Devon’s sunlit sweep of Torbay, palm-lined promenades and pleasure boats share the stage with 400 million years of geological drama — and a cast ranging from Agatha Christie to Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Here, Phil Hopkins, takes us on his coach journey to Torquay:

It is one of those facts that you don’t see coming but, when it does, it completely arrests your attention and leaves you in a momentary state of disbelief!

In a country where most of the population seems to bemoan the fact that Chancellor Rachel Reeves, introduces new stealth taxes on a weekly basis, it is a curiosity that in Denmark, with one of the highest tax regimes in the world, there is little pushback against the Minister of Finance and people remain among the happiest on the planet.

Northumberland, England’s northernmost county, is emerging from her winter hibernation and bursting into a blaze of colour. With the long-awaited arrival of longer, lighter days and sunset’s ‘golden hour’ nudging past 8pm, the county is enticing visitors with open arms to experience its symbolic reawakening with a packed calendar of events.

Bamburgh’s golden beach - framed against the town’s majestic castle - has seen off fierce competition to be ranked third best in the world’s ‘one of a kind’ beaches.

“I have been pregnant with this film since 1994 when I first saw it properly,” confides Gerhard Strassgschwandtner, before carefully spelling out his 18-letter surname and adding, “it’s little wonder that my wife hasn’t divorced me.

It is just one of four circuses in the world where the ring can be lowered into a pool holding 42,000 gallons of water and, had it not been for a public outcry in 1990, plans to close Blackpool Tower Circus might have found the popular entertainment replaced by an animatronic attraction!

Three rare copies of the Magna Carta, the keystone document that made everyone, including the Monarch, equal under the eyes of the law, go on display at Durham Cathedral next month. Starting on 11th July the rare manuscripts from the cathedral’s collection will be made available for public viewing to mark the 800th anniversary of the 1225 issue.

The story goes that Scotland’s Young Pretender, Bonnie Prince Charlie, visited what is now the 5-star manor house hotel SCHLOSS Roxburghe, on the outskirts of Kelso, in 1745, planted a white rose bush and left Lady Chatto’s household swooning in his Royal aura!

Visitors to the Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms can see special exhibition this summer, The King's Tour Artists, featuring over 70 works of art from His Majesty's own collection, many on public display for the first time. An accompanying publication, The Art of Royal Travel: Journeys with The King, will further explore and celebrate this special royal tradition.

Egremont is a pretty enough place. It has a long, straight high street that could pass for any number of Lake District towns, and an ancient church but, lurking at the foot of the ruins of its 12th century castle sits something of a more curious nature……a bronze statue of a man gurning!

Iceland has long topped the bucket list for travellers craving otherworldly landscapes, geothermal pools, and the magic of the Northern Lights. But it’s also gained a reputation for being one of the most expensive places in Europe to visit — particularly when it comes to food, drink, and accommodation.

There may be a guy working down the chip shop who swears he’s Elvis or, so said English songwriter, Kirsty MacColl. However, I am delighted to report that he’s been promoted and is currently working at two hotels on the Esplanade at Weymouth!

Visitors can now go ‘below stairs’ and explore the extensive Victorian kitchens at Alnwick ‘Harry Potter’ Castle in Northumberland, for the first time in the Castle’s 1,000 history. They have been unveiled as part of a transformative four-year restoration project.

Writing and walking have always gone hand-in-hand. From Wordsworth and Rousseau to Leigh Fermor and Macfarlane, many literary greats have sought inspiration from the almost meditative act of walking, of placing themselves intimately in the landscapes.

Eden Camp, the only remaining prisoner of war camp in Britain, is holding another of its Living History Weekends over Easter on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th April. The immersive event, staged among the original POW huts at the 1942 complex near Malton, North Yorkshire, promises to transport visitors back to the 1940s, offering an unforgettable opportunity to experience life in WWII Britain.

Make the most of the Easter holidays with a stay at Augill Castle in Cumbria, this April, where families can not only enjoy great food and fresh air in the beautiful countryside setting of Eden Valley, but also enjoy a lambing experience.

The Easter break is just around the corner and, with two whole weeks off school, it’s the perfect time to book a last-minute break with the family. Here, Leeds Bradford Airport has rounded up some egg-citing deals to help you enjoy a fun-filled family break during the school hols! Beachside Bliss in Benidorm 5 nights, All Inclusive, £345 per person, departing Tuesday 8th April.

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has released new visuals to showcase its transformative £100 million terminal expansion. The major redevelopment, set to be completed in time for this year’s summer holiday season, is designed to elevate the passenger experience while reinforcing the airport’s commitment to sustainability and regional economic growth.

As the motorhome lifestyle continues to soar in popularity across the UK those considering this unique, convenient and adventurous means of travel may welcome the contents of Tom Lewin’s three informative and insightful guides.

Valentine’s Day, for many, is a time for cherishing and celebrating loved ones but this year, Friendship Travel is encouraging ‘solos’ to prioritise themselves and enjoy the benefits of a go-alone getaway. Taking time for yourself can be liberating with many returning from a solo-trip not only refreshed but with a newfound love for their own company!

If you know what Peppa Pig, The Rocky Horror Show and an ‘obscene’ novel penned by James Joyce have in common, then you are already half way to sampling one of London’s quirkier weekend stays.

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is heralding the launch of easyJet’s new service to Geneva, which has now taken to the skies. The new route adds another European destination to the airport’s winter offering, building on the recent success of easyJet’s latest route to Paris, its long-standing Belfast connection and Malaga and Palma launching from the end of next month.

Lashings of love bird luxury is on offer at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel this Valentine’s Day as Cupid prepares to release his arrow! One of the capital’s most iconic hotels, Royal Lancaster London has sweeping views of Hyde Park and exudes timeless opulence and charm, making it the perfect place to share quality moments with someone special.