Europe - Islands

The Afsluitdijk dike pictured from above, separating the Wadden Sea from the IJsselmeer

By Kirtana Menon 1 hour ago

The Netherlands' Largest Artificial Lake Is An Outdoor Paradise With Charming Towns, Boating, And Coastal Vibes

What was once part of the North Sea is now an expansive lake northeast of Amsterdam that offers sailing, windsurfing, and historic maritime towns.

A pedestrian bridge over a river leads to honey-colored cottages on a fall day in Bourton-on-the-Water

By Nick Nomi 2 hours ago

England's Scenic 'Venice Of The Cotswolds' Is A Picturesque Riverside Village With Cottages And Cozy Eateries

Amble by honey-colored stone cottages, tearooms, and riverside pubs in this village in England's Cotswolds’ region, then explore the countryside on horseback.

Sunset on the quay at Fareham, Hampshire

By Joe Orovic 3 hours ago

Between Portsmouth And Southampton Is An Artsy Town With Quaint Shops, Tasty Eats, And Bustling Markets

This market town makes a great day trip from either city with its traditional pubs, independent makers and shops, historic landmarks, and walking options.

Aerial view of Blackpool Tower and seafront with pier beach promenade in Blackpool, Lancashire, UK

By Stephen Hanson 4 hours ago

The 5 Best Day Trips From Blackpool For Coastal English Adventures

Blackpool might get the bulk of the attention on the North West Coast of England, but it also makes a great base for several day trips exploring the region.

Aerial view of Dunraven Bay in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales

By Rene Bennett 4 hours ago

Wales' Coastal Gem Between Swansea And Bristol Is A Fishing Paradise With Gorgeous Beaches, Cliffs, And Trails

This beautiful Welsh county has a bit of everything: Victorian seaside towns, rugged cliffs loaded with fossils, shore fishing, and tons of walking options.

A big beach surrounded by high coastal hills in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

By Joseph Richard Francis 7 hours ago

Along One Of The UK's Best Coastlines Is A National Park With Fresh Seafood, Gorgeous Beaches, And Scenic Cliffs

Wonderful Wales is home to one of the most magnificent stretches of coastline in Europe, where you'll find a national park to fall in love with.

The Victorian Town Hall in Kidderminster, England with a statue in front and a bus and brick building in the distance

By Jen Theriault 8 hours ago

Tucked Next To Birmingham Is A River Town With Victorian Streets, Railway History, And A Nearby Safari Park

This English riverside town has ornate old factories and steam train journeys, while a nearby wildlife attraction offers animal encounters and rides.

The 11th century Prudhoe Castle photographed from above showing its proximity to the town of Prudhoe, UK.

By Steve Blanchard 14 hours ago

Just Inland From Newcastle Upon Tyne Is A Lovely Day Trip Town With Fun Shops, Tasty Eats, And A Scenic Castle

Around 20 minutes from Newcastle by train, this historic town is home to a stunning 12th-century castle and a delightful smattering of shops and eateries.

Traditional shops and houses along the street in Tisbury, Wiltshire, England

By Megi Canco 20 hours ago

Between Bournemouth And Bath Is The Largest Village In The Nadder Valley With Shops, Festivals, And Castle Ruins

This idyllic village is found tucked away from major roads, a quiet and peaceful stop if you're looking for a place steeped in history and dark skies.

The striped cliffs along the beach in Hunstanton, England

By Sam Scott 24 hours ago

Between Skegness And Cromer Is A Charming Coastal Town With Fresh Seafood, Beaches, And Scenic Cliffs

A beloved British holiday destination for generations, this vibrant seaside town is known for its dramatic beauty and divine restaurant scene.

Aerial view of Salcombe with the white buildings of town on the hilly riverside, light blue water, and many boats

By Mitchell Peterson 1 day ago

Under Two Hours From Exeter Is An English Seaside Escape With A Vibrant Town Center, Sandy Beaches, And Fresh Seafood

The town is known for its seaside vibe and incredibly welcoming town center, where you'll find seafood and shops galore with easy access to the sand and water.

An aerial photo of downtown Helensburgh, with the waterfront, building-lined street running parallel, and the rolling countryside behind

By Mitchell Peterson 1 day ago

Under An Hour From Glasgow Is A Charming Coastal Town With Fresh Seafood, Shops, And A Scenic Pier

You don't have to travel far from the busy streets of Glasgow to find yourself in a charming coastal town showcasing the very best of Scotland.

An aerial view of a Bolton's Neoclassical town hall, with its pillars, clock tower, steps, and plaza

By Mitchell Peterson 2 days ago

Between Manchester And Blackburn Is England's Town With A Vibrant Culture, Events, And Shopping

This town in Greater Manchester has Neoclassical architecture, a 13th-century market, and cozy pubs -- plus a thriving theater scene and food festival.

By Heather Cole 2 days ago

Under An Hour From Plymouth Is An Inland Town With Quiet Charm, Steam Train Rides, And Moorland Views

Cornwall is one of England's most charming destinations, but this fascinating town inland shows that there is more to the county than its gorgeous coast.

Man riding a Vespa on the Amalfi Coast in Italy

By Rene Bennett 2 days ago

5 Vespa Rules American Tourists Break In Italy Within The First 10 Minutes

The movies make riding a Vespa through the streets of Italy look dreamy, but you'll need to follow some important rules to avoid souring the experience.

By Kristin Conard 2 days ago

Just Over An Hour From Manchester Is England's 'Capital Of The Peak' With Shops And Stunning Views

Travelers looking for a Manchester day trip can explore a historic Peak District town with local shops, countryside walking routes, and seasonal celebrations.

A classic red British phone box near Cramond Island, standing as an symbol of UK heritage by the sea, blending tradition, nostalgia, and the charm of coastal scenery

By Steve Blanchard 2 days ago

This Edinburgh Suburb Is A Charming Escape Where You Can Walk To A Scenic Island

When the tide is low, visitors to this gorgeous village near Edinburgh can walk all the way out to a charming island just off the Scottish coast.

The dramatic rock arch of Durdle Door pokes out into clear blue waters

By Joseph Richard Francis 3 days ago

Under 2 Hours From Portsmouth Is One Of The UK's Most Popular Beaches With Turquoise Waters And Cliff Views

One of the most iconic beaches in the United Kingdom sits on its southern shores, where some of the clearest waters in the country are found.

By Judith Barnes 3 days ago

What Does A 'Quiet Lane' Road Sign In The UK Mean?

If you stumble upon this intriguing but somewhat confusing road sign during your trip to the UK, here's exactly what you need to know about the path you're on.

Historic buildings, a fishing vessel, and sailing boats by the seafront in Harwich, England

By Sam Scott 3 days ago

Outside Colchester Is A Coastal Town With Beaches, Antique Shops, And Historic Military Forts

Explore a circular fort and the Mayflower captain’s former home in this estuary town in Essex, which also has beaches, indie stores, and fish restaurants.

Fishing boats by a pebbly beach, stone wall, and cottages in Craster village, Northumberland

By Heather Cole 3 days ago

Between Newcastle Upon Tyne And Eyemouth Is A Charming Coastal Village With Historic Ruins And Famous Seafood

Stone cottages, smoked kippers, and clifftop walks to 14th-century castle ruins: This Northumberland fishing village is as authentic as it gets.

Whitley Bay beach with St. Mary's Lighthouse in the background, England

By Megi Canco 3 days ago

Near Newcastle Upon Tyne Is A Charming Coastal Town With Fresh Seafood, Quaint Shops, And An Unusual Lighthouse

This beach town was once a mining center and then a popular seaside resort, and it's making a comeback with easy access, beautiful scenery, and lots to explore.

Leaves frame St. Mary's Church and cemetery in Carrigaline, Ireland

By Mitchell Peterson 4 days ago

Near Cork Is Ireland's Coastal Town With Tasty Eats, Scenic Trails, And Nearby Sandy Beaches

Experience Irish pubs, Irish-roasted coffee, churches, and castle ruins at this town near Cork – then kayak in the sea, play golf, or hike in nearby woods.

Street view of the architecture of the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, England

By Leslie Veliz 4 days ago

Next To Birmingham Is A Charming Town With An Award-Winning Museum, A Zoo, And Tasty Eats

Near Birmingham, this U.K. city with a grungy past is now home to a museum that was used as a set for "Peaky Blinders," a zoo and castle, and good food.

Historic stone buildings in the village of Posada de Valdeón, with the towering mountains of Picos de Europa National Park in the background

By Stephen Hanson 4 days ago

Inside Spain's Picos De Europa National Park Is A Village With Mountain Trails, Historic Charm, And Nearby Stays

Tucked into the stunning scenery of Spain's Picos De Europa National Park, this charming village offers miles of mountain trails, unique lodging, and history.

Aerial view of Billingshurst, an historic town in England with St Mary's Church, a graveyard, and classic English buildings along its high street

By Ben M Stower 4 days ago

Between Portsmouth And Crawley Is A Charming Village With Pub Gardens, Shops, And A Buzzing Food Scene

If you're looking to take a trip to a small English village with pubs, culture, and charm, you can check out this one in the county of Sussex.

An aerial view of a river, fields, and Crickhowell town in Wales, with hills on the horizon

By Ben M Stower 4 days ago

An Hour From Cardiff Is A Market Town Inside A National Park With Quaint Shops And An Award-Winning High Street

After hiking in and around the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, sleep in an old coaching inn and browse indie stores in this market town near Cardiff.