Martin Pilkington
Sun, sand and birds: April in St Abbs
The eastern Borders coast of Scotland has secret beaches and spectacular cliffs. And out of season you may be the only visitors sharing them with the seals and puffins Read the guide
Shropshire: England's little gem
The county of Shropshire has arguably the loveliest countryside in England and, in Ludlow, possibly the prettiest town Read the guide
Bowland: empty promises fulfilled
One of the UK's best-kept secrets, Lancashire’s Forest of Bowland has glorious countryside, fantastic fishing and birdwatching, plus fine food and wine - and no crowds Read the guide
East Norfolk’s empty places
Full of history but empty of people, the east Norfolk coast from Yarmouth to Overstrand has beautiful beaches, fantastic seafood and lashings of family appeal Read the guide
Futuroscope: French for fun park
More imaginative than any theme park Florida can offer (with better food to boot), Futuroscope, near Poitiers, is a fabulous journey-breaker en route to or from southern France Read the guide
