Our handpicked city guides feature curated collections of the best things to do in cities around the world. We look for street art, independent bookshops, farmers markets, hipster coffee shops and parks. And we’re always up for spending time in nature.
We prefer independents over chains, and while both Steve and I are vegetarian, we tend to eat in restaurants that are known to be good for all food rather than just veggie stuff.
We do feature the “must sees”, but our things-to-do guides are about getting beneath the skin of a city and experiencing local, creative life.
Sitting on La Concha beach while the kids play happily in the waves with the Old Town as their backdrop, I wondered if this might be Europe’s most family-friendly city break. San Sebastian/Donostia has long been a bucket list destination for foodies, but its compact size, beachside location and Spanish welcome for kids, means it … Read more
Annecy, often called the Venice of the Alps, is one of those magical destinations where you wonder why it isn’t more famous. Backed by the Alps and on the edge of the spectacular Lake Annecy, the colourful Savoie town is almost unbelievably picture perfect. It’s the epitome of a fairytale destination. We spent time there … Read more
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was a name that came up again and again when we talked to locals about their favourite place in New England. The small city feels frozen in time, like the scene of a Norman Rockwell painting. Cobbled streets lined with a timeline of American architecture, from the red-brick buildings of downtown to … Read more
On our most recent trip to California, I was hell bent on finding the perfect California beach town – a place that epitomised my idealised dream of laidback vibes, long sunny days and the roll of Pacific waves. In my mind’s eye, it’s a perfect pastiche of all the California TV programmes and films I’ve … Read more
We had a gorgeous holiday in Puerto Pollensa, Mallorca (or Majorca). Unusually for us, we went as part of a package holiday, but added our own personal touch by getting out and about and exploring the local area. As you know, it’s in my nature to research, research, research, so here’s a round-up of our … Read more
Mendocino is a place I had a feeling about before I got there. I knew next to nothing about it, but somehow the name and the vague mutterings I’d gathered from TV shows had conjured something magical in my mind: a place I longed to go. No doubt I’d heard the words ‘bohemian Californian beach … Read more
Our guide to the best things to do in Sacramento with kids. Sacramento often gets overshadowed by its more famous sisters, LA and San Francisco, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. The capital of California offers a much more laid-back, non-touristy experience of California city life. And it’s the perfect place to include … Read more
Barcelona is a supremely family-friendly destination. The locals love kids, and families are made to feel welcome everywhere, from galleries to tiny tapas bars. There are lots of specific Barcelona attractions for kids, but it’s also a place where many of the classic tourist attractions will appeal to children too – from the fantastical architecture … Read more
I’ve known the joys of London since I moved there at 19, but going there with Otis and Arlo woke me up to a whole different side of the city. It turns out London for toddlers is a wonderland. From seeing the sights through a child’s eyes to discovering some of London’s best playgrounds and … Read more
We’ve been going to Salcombe several times a year since we first got together many moons ago, even living there for a few months at one point. Steve’s parents have a holiday home in the area, so we try to spend as much time there as possible, escaping down to the coast. As a regular … Read more