Scrambling, walking and swimming in splendid isolation: 75 years of the UK’s national parks

Our writer first hiked in the Lake District, Eryri and Dartmoor in the 1970s. Their beauty remains unrivalled, but they are more popular than ever. So, here’s how to avoid the crowds

‘Children see magic in the smallest adventures’: exploring Scotland with my four-year-old

On a tight budget, we stayed in a bothy, climbed a mountain, looked for Nessie and – best of all – made memories that money can’t buy

‘I lived the life I’ve always dreamed of’: the man who cycled around the world for four years

Andreas Graf lived without screens and no idea of the date or time. The conditions were often brutal – but he found kindness and friendship as he rode

In the decade since my sons left home, walking has brought us together

The exodus of grown children mostly happens without fanfare. For Lisa Walker, hiking the Camino turned into both a goodbye and a glimpse at the future

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

The deals aren’t done yet: 25 of the best after-Christmas sales in the US

MasterClass, Roku, Apple, Aritzia – we rounded up the best post-holiday sales for tech, fashion and more that you can snag before the end of the year