Dutch children are unusually happy and healthy. Is it because of this walking ritual?

Once a year, Dutch kids, parents and teachers take part in a walking festival, heading out for four nights in a single week to explore their neighbourhoods, exercise and make friends. It’s a tradition that seems to be genuinely transformative

After three days here I felt like an Olympic athlete: the Montenegro hotel designed for fitness and wellbeing

With state-of-the-art fitness and spa facilities onsite and everything from hiking to kayaking the beautiful Bay of Kotor, it’s a perfect base for an active break

10 of the best retreats in Europe to soothe mind, body and soul

Change your life – or just kick back and relax – by connecting with nature, trying a creative workshop, or taking a yoga course somewhere beautiful

Could a surfing retreat in Morocco conquer my fear of the sea?

The process of learning to catch a wave is an all-consuming activity that can prove to be a powerful therapeutic tool

‘Walking in the Lake District drizzle rewired my head’: readers’ life-changing trips

From the jungles of Colombia to sailing in Croatia, our readers reflect on the life lessons travel has taught them

‘I’ve never felt such a skin-zinging feeling of being alive’: my year of swimming in Nordic seas

Dipping in the freezing waters of Scandinavia, Greenland and Finland was life-changing – and full of warmth thanks to saunas, hot springs and like-minded people

Swim, run, ride and row for charity: 10 challenges for 2026 in the UK, Europe and beyond

Climbing, skiing and paddleboarding also feature in our round-up of this year’s charity challenges

Kicking back in Catalonia: a new eco-retreat in Spain with yoga, ebikes and volcano hikes

Set within a volcanic nature reserve, this charmingly repurposed 17th-century farmhouse has all bases covered for a relaxing, rustic microadventure

Going to the gym was too much effort, until I moved into one

What would happen if you removed the obstacle of having to get to the gym? Brigid Delaney spends a week finding out

Lucky dips: a rail tour of Slovakia’s best spa towns

Slovakia is gaining an international reputation as a hot spring haven, offering affordable and high-quality spa treatments in breathtaking buildings

OurChemist

Our Chemist – Health