The ultimate spa breaks

From chilling out in a spa hotel in Italy to a mountain retreat in Greece, find the most relaxing spa breaks below

Head in the clouds

From trekking through the mountains in Bulgaria to mountain cycling in France, find the best hiking and biking picks below

Come on in, the water’s lovely

Swimming outdoors can be chilly, but it's very good for the soul. Margaret Drabble introduces our guide to the best spots for a dip in Britain

10 top activity holidays by the beach

Forget lazing on the beach. For paragliding, hiking, swimming treks and more, read on

Activities: Northern Ireland

From Ardtara to Raspberry Hill Health Farm

Skin cancer epidemic as Britons flock to the sun

Doctors are campaigning for paler skin to become as fashionable - and safe - as it was in Victorian times. Jo Revill reports

Put on your hiking boots

From the pine-clad mountains of Turkey's Lycian Way to the dramatic atmosphere of Sicily, Escape recommends Mediterranean walking destinations

Walk the distance

From a 10-day hike in Ireland to a month-long pilgrimage trail to Santiago de Compostela, here is our pick of the best walking holidays

Pedal power

Cycling is healthy, environmentally friendly and economical. Jump on your bike and cycle to France, Spain or Holland

Easy to reach beaches

From long stretches of fine sand to networks of cycle paths, some of the best beaches are just a train ride away...