A city full of art and soul

Bicycles jingle and clatter across red-brick bridges – some carrying "wheelbarrows" filled with children, others with passengers riding side-saddle on the back.

My Mersey Magical Tour

Holiday season is approaching and you want to get a break – but it looks set to be a typical grey British ‘summertime’. You want to treat the children and find plenty to do – but you don’t want to spend a fortune. You want a bit of culture – without travelling too far.

Holiday review: Golden Sands, Bulgaria

Walking along the seafront enjoying an ice cream for one lev (40p) or relaxing in a bar with a beer at just two levs (80p), it's easy to see why Bulgaria stands out in the battle of the bargain holiday hotspots.

Holidays: The play’s the thing . . .

Shakespeare’s finest, a romantic dinner out or a lazy stroll by the river, Stratford-Upon-Avon is the perfect place for a relaxing weekend away, says Elizabeth Joyce.

Living like royalty on Anglesey

Ye Olde Bull’s Head is a superb location to celebrate any special occasion

Beaumaris is just a stone’s throw from the home of William and Kate – aka the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, writes Paul Naylor.

Wine, cheese and so much more to adore on the Ile D’Oleron

The little fishing village of La Cotiniere is a great opportunity to eat out

Just off the west coast of France, the Ile D’Oleron is country’s second biggest island, sitting in the Bay of Biscay and blessed with a mild climate, writes Simon Penfold.

Family fun with activities galore on PGL break

Children and adults alike can take part in a wide range of activities, including abseiling

Parents often get the short straw where adventure activities are concerned, writes Sally-Anne Youll.

A road trip through Ontario overwhelms

The Toronto skyline is dominated by its CN Tower, once the tallest structure in the world, at 553 metres

Paul Naylor discovers true solitude in Canada impressive Ontario province

Dubai a tropical paradise not just for rich and famous

Atlantis dominates the man-made, palm tree-shaped, island jutting from Dubai’s mainland

Carl Jones discovers a playground that’s not just for the rich and famous.

Sweet Serenade of the high seas

Cruise in style – the Serenade can cater for 2,490 passengers

Catherine Ferris steps aboard a Royal Caribbean liner, travelling to chic cities and ancient ruins – and all amid the lap of luxury.

A sense of exclusivity at beautiful hotel in Crete

Aldemar Royal Mare and Thalasso share this wonderful view down to the picturesque sea

Karen Knowles travels to Crete for a refreshing five-star holiday.

Retro road trip on a break to Rome

Licensed to thrill – scooter guides for a fascinating tour of Rome Stefano Lucarni and Domencio Cicarelli – better known as Mimmo

Jim Walsh and wife Ros take in the sights of Rome by scooter.

Historical city of Durham is a treasure chest full of discoveries

With its impressive history, quaint cobbled streets and lush green surroundings, Durham has all the ingredients for the perfect city break.

New England - it's England but not as you know it

Simon Hill discovers an area rich in history with some familiar names to boot.

Cornwall visit ideal for family fun and thrill seekers

Surf’s up – Fistral Beach remains popular

It was hardly the Cannonball Run, or indeed Wacky Races, but last summer my folks and I travelled independently to the same destination by way of an experiment of sorts, writes Paul Naylor.

Axe looms over bus lane at tourist spots in the West Midlands

A bus lane near two of the biggest tourist attractions in the West Midlands could be permanently axed.

Hobbit-style huts at Alton Towers

A new fairytale holiday village is on the way to Alton Towers – complete with Hobbit-style homes to stay in.

New £12m Premier Inn ready to open in Walsall

Holiday Inn chef Susan Love and room attendant Katie Ellam, front centre, with fellow Walsall College students

Staff are getting ready to open the doors of a new £12 million hotel in Walsall town centre.

Delay on decision over Weston Park holiday homes

A decision on whether a controversial holiday park can be created on the Weston Park estate in South Staffordshire has been put on hold amid claims it would destroy the beauty of the area.