From slow train journeys through sun-soaked southern Italy to breezy weekends by the Devon coast, our favourite articles of 2025 are about travelling with intention and curiosity. They celebrate places shaped by food, landscape and atmosphere, whether that’s a Paris neighbourhood best explored on foot, a pub worth lingering in all Sunday afternoon, or a cottage so remote it feels like the world has slipped quietly away.

Here, we’ve gathered a handful of our most-loved stories from the year so far – itineraries, ideas and discoveries that reflect how we like to travel, and the kinds of special places that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked.

Pubs with rooms are a chance to experience local life, flavours, and hospitality in one. Whether it’s a cosy inn on a hiking route or a lively gastropub in a market town, the right pub offers comfort, character, and the perfect pause in your journey.

We’ve gathered some of our top picks and stories from our travel writers and pub experts, highlighting spots where good food, welcoming rooms, and a true sense of place come together for a stay you won’t forget.

A holiday cottage can be so much more than a place to sleep. It’s a doorway into the life and landscape of a region. From stone cottages in sleepy villages to converted barns on rolling hills, these homes tell stories through their design, details, and the people who care for them.

Here, we share some of our favourite cottages and the experiences they offer. Places where you can slow down, explore at your own pace, and feel the unique character of the communities around you.