A glorious mosaic of beauty, freedom and authenticity, Portugal’s capital is a stirring artwork of a city. Known for the seven hills it spreads across, and its stirring fado music, Lisbon is a pastel-coloured blend of houses and beautiful tile artworks - and this creative city strikes a perfect harmony between natural and manmade beauty. Stroll along Alfama's steep, cobbled streets as you explore one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods - where each house and door could be its own photograph. Look for the decorative tiles, with the distinctive blues and whites of Azulejo ceramics, and visit the dedicated museum to learn more. Afterwards, wind up to São Jorge Castle, where views out across Lisbon’s red rooftops unravel. Just one of many majestic viewpoints, you can also seek out Miradouro da Graça for perhaps Lisbon's finest panorama, with the copper-coloured suspension bridge stretching over sparkling water beyond the sea of buildings. The elegant Tower of Belém rises in the Tagus estuary and is a historic defender of these shores. The grand, carved cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery spread out close by, and there's another UNESCO recognised location close by at Sintra, where a colourful town is set amid thick gardens and towering mountains - capped by the royal Pena Palace. Later, relax and take a quick break to drink Ginjinha, a cherry liqueur made from chocolate cups instead of coffee. Lisboetas have a sweet tooth, and the famous Pastel de Nata's crumbling pastry and caramelised-custard topping is the essential accompaniment to any coffee stop.

Located in in Galicia, in the northwest of Spain on the Portuguese border, Vigo is perhaps the country’s most underrated destination. Considered by many as “just’ an industrial fishing port (meaning the seafood rarely travels further than a mile to your plate), Vigo seduces everyone with its cuisine, landscape and warm Spanish welcomes.Like many of Galicia’s coastal towns, life in Vigo has been dictated by the ocean. The city dates back to Roman times and Romanesque architecture such as the churches of Santa María de Castrelos, Santiago de Bembrive, San Salvador de Coruxo can be found all over the city. From the 16th-18th centuries it became alive with commercial trade and buccaneers looking for sunken treasure. The town still enjoys its status as having sunken treasure in its waters, and debates about who would own this if ever discovered periodically colour local conversations.The old town and fishermen’s quarter are worth exploring, although unfortunately with the port’s rapid expansion in the 20th century, many of the original fishermen’s houses were demolished. However, remnants of the city’s Medieval past are still visible and a trip along the Spanish-Portuguese border will reward you with the beautiful walled Medieval city of Tui and the Velansa Fortress. The 13th century fortress offers a splendid view of the fortified Cathedral of Tui on the opposite side of the River Miño. Mount Castro, a castle fortress actually in the city, commands a magnificent view of Vigo and the bay.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

For many visitors Tresco is the most attractive of the Isles of Scilly. This is especially due to its Abbey Garden which is home to thousands of exotic plant species from around 80 different countries. Plant collector Augustus Smith began the gardens in the 1830s on the site of an old Benedictine Abbey by channelling the weather up and over a network of walled enclosures built around the Priory ruins. He had three terraces carved from the rocky south slope and maximised Tresco’s mild Gulf Stream climate. Even in mid-winter there still are hundreds of plants flowering here. Another surprising attraction at the Abbey Garden is the collection of figureheads from ships that wrecked among the Isles of Scilly.

Scattered 30 miles offshore from England’s most south-westerly point – Land’s End – the Isles of Scilly are home to rich wildlife and green land sloping to powdery white beaches. The Isles of Scilly’s biggest island harbours around 1 600 people – roughly three-quarters of the total population - and is one of five occupied islands. Isolated and serene life here hums along at its own pace in this archipelago's bubble which enjoys the UK’s mildest climate and some of its most spectacular beaches. Hugh Town is the centre of St Mary’s and you’ll be warmly welcomed by the incredibly tight-knit local community. A peaceful place watch out when the waters are suddenly parted by the competition of gig racing – the island’s sporting pride and joy - which sees teams competing in colourful rowboats. Elsewhere catch sight of Atlantic seals and seabirds like puffins and fulmars along nine miles of coastline. You can also spot the ghostly shipwrecks strewn around the island’s waters and the 140 islands and skerries that have made treacherous sailing historically. There's a dense collection of historical sites that belies the islands’ small size – from a former prime minster’s grave to star-shaped fortresses. Tresco Abbey Garden is one of the UK’s most vibrant gardens with diverse plants bathing in the warmer climate and over 300 species on display. Taste the rewards of the mild weather with a glass of wine from England’s most south-westerly vineyard.

Once a major defence point against Irish invaders Holyhead now extends the hand of friendship across the Irish Sea and is a major ferry port connecting the two countries. Discover a scenic and spectacular place whatever the weather – whether the sun’s bouncing off the blotched blue sea or the waves are swelling moodily as rain thrashes down. Set on the windswept coast of North Wales South Stack Lighthouse is a stunningly perched bright white lighthouse which has been casting its gaze out across the water for more than 200 years. A rugged picturesque site to explore you can wander out across the small aluminium bridge to reach the island where it rises. Be warned there’s a steep climb down 400 steps and then a spiral of another 100 up once you’re inside but if you’re up to the physical demands the views are magnificent from the beacon that has guarded these waters for so long. Ellin's Tower also stands over the crumbling cliffs nearby and this small castellated hideout is adorned with binoculars - perfect for getting a closer look at the crowds of nesting seabirds and puffins who cling to the coastline’s stark cliffs. In Holyhead itself enthusiastic volunteers will relay the region’s seafaring history to you at the compact Maritime Museum or you can explore Breakwater Country Park - another coastal hiking spot that sits below the gentle Holyhead Mountain. Enjoy views of the Irish Sea stretching as far as the Skerries seven miles out to sea and as far as Ireland on clear days.

Lundy has a long and colourful history due to its strategic location in the Bristol Channel between Devon and Wales. Residents and landlords included neolithic groups, celts, the Knights Templar, kings and English families. Marisco Castle was built by the English crown in the 13th century and rebuilt during the English civil war. At times, the island was a base for French, Spanish, Basque and English pirates, and corsairs from the Barbary Coast. The latter exported captured English as slaves to Algiers. The island is only about five kilometres (three miles) long but has three lighthouses. The old light proved too tall to be seen in low fog and required cannons to be regularly fired as ‘fog alerts’. The newer shorter lighthouses at either end of the island still function. Walking the island is easy and reveals historic features and the unique native Lundy Cabbage. The Lundy Pony has been on the island long enough to evolve into its own breed. Soay Sheep were introduced from the St Kilda isles and Sika Deer from East Asia. Twenty per cent of the island’s rabbits are black due to a melanistic strain in their genetics. Lundy is Norse for ‘puffin island’ and there are small numbers of these birds in summer, along with other seabirds. You may spot Grey Seals hauled out onshore in the north of the island or spy their heads in the sea. The value of the island’s clean marine environment was recognised when the United Kingdom’s first no-take zone for marine nature conservation was designated at Lundy.

Situated on the south-west coast of England it seems that Dartmouth is a town that time forgot. Pretty pastel painted houses dating from the medieval times flank the idyllic port while the enchanting jumble of streets only add to the quiet authenticity of this very English seaside town. The surrounding 120 miles of stunning coastline and acres of rural countryside are any adventurer’s dream so if your enjoy beach combing hiking or simply just admiring the view this sleepy little Devonshire village will not disappoint. Known for its cream teams (an absolute must) ice cream as well as the obligatory fish’n’chips Dartmouth’s local speciality is fresh Devon crab. Best served with a pint of local beer and a bowl of home-made mayonnaise this local speciality is simply delicious.

Nestled in the heart of the Channel Islands, Saint Hélier is Jersey’s vibrant capital, offering a perfect blend of rich history and stunning coastal beauty. Just 12 miles from Normandy, this charming port invites you to explore its captivating maritime heritage and lush landscapes. Discover the remnants of WWII, indulge in local delicacies, and wander through picturesque streets alive with culture. With its unique blend of British and French influences, Jersey promises an unforgettable escape, where every corner reveals a story worth telling. Your unforgettable journey begins here.

Welcome to Sark, a captivating jewel in the Channel Islands, where car-free lanes wind through breathtaking landscapes. This serene haven boasts dramatic cliffs, lush countryside, and pristine beaches, perfect for leisurely strolls or cycling adventures. Explore the island's rich history at the charming La Seigneurie or indulge in gourmet delights at local bistros featuring fresh seafood. With its warm hospitality and stunning vistas, Sark invites you to immerse yourself in a world of tranquility and natural beauty. Experience the allure of this enchanting destination, where every moment feels like stepping into a timeless retreat.

The picturesque capital of Guernsey proves that you don’t have to go to the Caribbean for white sand and crystal clear water. St Peter Port is both wonderfully pretty and atmospheric, full of blooming floral displays, tiny stone churches and brightly painted boats. What’s more, summers are mostly sunny and comfortable, making the weather something you don’t have to worry about.As the capital of Guernsey, St. Peter Port is where the “action” is found. This mainly takes the form of strolling the cobbled streets, stopping every now and then to admire, and perhaps photograph, the stunning views. Once French (original name: St. Pierre Port), the town is at least 800 years old, with the stone castle and maze like streets to prove it. Once you have made you way up to the ancient castle, make like a local and find refreshment with a cream tea, washed down perhaps with a glass of cider!If the weather is on your side, then surely there is no more invigorating pastime than hiking up to the spectacular Guernsey cliffs, taking in stunning views of wildflowers, sandy beaches and English Channel views. For those who want to spread their wings a little further, the tiny island of Herm is just a 20-minute boat ride away, and homes no cars, one pub, a few cows, some puffins and about 50 people.Don’t be fooled by St Peter Port’s nostalgic exterior. The seaside town has made a name for itself as a foodie heaven, with everything from beach huts to Michelin starred restaurants offering sumptuous, locally sourced fare.

The tied island of Portland sprawls out attractively into the English Channel linked to the mainland by just the Chesil barrier beach’s thin sliver of sand. Portland forms part of England’s dramatic Jurassic Coast a UNESCO World Heritage Site of limestone cliffs coastal rock formations and beautiful bays. It may be a tiny teardrop of an island but with pirate heritage historic castles and soaring lighthouses there’s a lot to keep you busy as you soak in Dorset’s relentlessly wonderful coastal appeals. Photograph the handsome white and red-banded lighthouse which watches out over the rock-interrupted waves on a breathtakingly photogenic outcrop. Flashing out warnings of a hull-shredding offshore bank the lighthouse marks the southern tip of this island and lurches out five miles towards the Channel Islands. Rock mined from Portland has been used to create some of the most famous buildings in the world including St Paul’s Cathedral and the United Nations' Building of New York. The stunning natural arch of Durdle Door is close by - looming over a scenic cove it is undoubtedly one of England’s prettiest beaches and most beautiful natural landmarks. A 16th-century Tudor castle stands guard over Portland’s harbour and was one of London 2012’s more unusual Olympic venues hosting sailing events. You can also learn of D-Day history and the role this area played in one of the most important land invasions ever seen at Castletown D-Day Centre.

The traditional and contemporary go hand in hand in London like nowhere else. Ascend the London Eye, for a birds-eye view of the city, before wandering across the Thames's wide flow to the Gothic architecture of the Houses of Parliament, and the rise of Big Ben’s unmistakable clocktower. A hefty sprinkle of royal pageantry awaits at Buckingham Palace, where red-jacketed soldiers stomp sternly and solemnly in their duty, during ceremonies to mark the changing of the guards. Close to Tower Bridge, you’ll find the Tower of London's historic fortress, palace and prison, while bustling central markets like Borough Market offer a taste of flavours from around the world. Sweeping green spaces like Hyde Park provide spacious relief from the skyscrapers, while world-class museums exhibit finely curated exhibitions from across the world, covering the entire scope of human history and invention, as well as the natural world. Greenwich’s leafy parks and centres of refined study are close by, or a boat ride along the Thames will introduce you to this megacity from the perspective of the water.