Parkrun tourism: 10 of the best routes in the UK and worldwide

As a tour operator launches parkrun holidays, we pick 10 running locations with routes and views worth travelling for

Travelling light is the closest thing to feeling free

Not carrying much means your plans can change on a whim

20 of the best activity holidays in the UK and Europe

Lying by the pool not your thing? We’ve got everything from horse riding to multi-activity beach breaks to get your endorphins going

Cycle and surf from Bordeaux to Bilbao

A 300-mile bike ride from France into Spain, with surfing and beach yoga interludes along the way, proves exhilarating – if exhausting

10 of the best meditation retreats in the UK and Europe

We pick mindfulness and meditation holidays in beautiful surroundings – many combined with other activities like walking, singing and tai chi

Voices in the wilderness: a singing retreat in rural France

Teaching singing and meditation isn’t an obvious calling for a former punk rocker, but this one helps our participant hit the high notes on a break in the remote Massif Central

A vegan yoga retreat in Dracula’s back yard, Romania

In countryside not far from the castle of Vlad the Impaler, an idyllic break offers a gentle route to wellness with five days of yoga and meditation

10 of the best yoga holidays in UK and Europe

Beautiful locations and activities such as running or simply hanging out on the beach complement quality yoga teaching at these retreats

10 of the best creative retreats in the UK and Europe

Want to sit quietly with your paints or handicrafts, burst into song, or use kung fu or dance to get moving? We pick holidays for nourishing your inner maker

Away with words: an Arvon fiction-writing retreat in Devon

Expert tuition, camaraderie and walks in the rain – plus a healthy lack of wifi and mobile coverage – leave our writer buzzing with creativity and short story ideas