1. Bovey Castle, Devon

One of my favourite places to experience both sides of the coin is Bovey Castle, a sprawling and supremely elegant castle hotel and spa hidden in Dartmoor (and Traitors star Tom Daley’s wedding venue, no less). Activities include (and are by no means limited to): hiking, cycling, fishing, off road driving, archery and falconry. Does this bring a loved one to mind? Bovey Castle is a member of PoB Hotels, so why not gift them a stay with a Night & Day Gift Voucher?

Not quite the right location? Check out PoB Hotels’ full Active Collection for more inspiration.

2. Cycling In Emilia Romagna

Cycle tourism is on the rise, and as Italy’s popularity reaches its zenith, it’s time to go off the beaten path to Emilia Romagna. Coastal Roman city Rimini is bringing prestigious cycling conference Velo City to Italy for the first time in 35 years in 2026, cementing this region’s status as the nation’s biking capital. Think bike-friendly cities, tranquil trails and supremely picturesque routes for all abilities. ‘With diverse landscapes, a growing network of cycling infrastructure, and a strong push toward climate-smart mobility, our region continues to position itself as a premier destination for cyclists of all kinds, from urban commuters to adventure seekers,’ Emilia Romagna’s Regional Minister for Tourism, Consumer and Sport Roberta Frisoni tells me.

Best known for its authentic cuisine (the region is the birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Traditional Balsamic vinegar, Lambrusco and more) Emilia Romagna is the perfect ‘at your own pace’ destination. Here, swap Italy’s infamous queues for quiet lanes, baroque bell towers and kitchens where lunch is still handmade. Wake to church bells not tour buses, and choose trains and trails over tick-lists.

Start planning your Emilia Romagna escape at emiliaromagnaturismo.it

3. Scotland’s North Coast 500

If you prefer to travel on four wheels rather than two, Scotland’s legendary North Coast 500 is a no-brainer. Spanning more than 500 miles of Highland scenery and famed for its stunning landscapes, thrilling roads and unforgettable experiences, here’s our ultimate guide.

4. Hiking In Austria

The Alps are famed for their snowy peaks dotted with skiiers from December to April, but Austria’s hills undoubtedly, ahem, come alive in the summer. It’s all lush pastures, wooden chalets and rugged mountains as the verdant grass springs up, the sun shines and the skiiers make way for the hikers. Here’s how to do it best.

5. Horse Riding On The Isle Of Wight

What’s better than a beach holiday? A horse riding beach holiday. The Island Riding Centre on the Isle of Wight offers escapes and lessons for all ages and skill levels, and is located right by the beach – meaning you can trot along the coast and explore over 280 bridleways atop your trusty steed.

6. Kayaking The Norwegian Fjords

The ethereal beauty of Norway’s fjords is best seen from two angles: climbing to the highest points or gliding through on a kayak at the very bottom. Lining the west coast, these dramatic landscapes house glaciers, mountains and waterfalls, all ripe for the exploring (plus gondolas if your legs get tired).

7. Orca Spotting In Shetland

Shetland is back on our screens for series 10, and the wild scenery has reminded us how nature really thrives on these nothernmost British isles. But there’s one mammal in particular that’s known for setting off excitement among locals and tourists alike – orcas – and, luckily, they can be spotted throughout the year. Pods are best spotted from the sea itself, and you can book onto marine tours with a number of local companies (many of which will also whizz you around to see seabirds, seals and other wildlife, just in case the orcas don’t fancy making an appearance).

8. Skiing

Let’s go back to our routes. The original active holiday (dating back eight millennia but transforming into a recreational activity in the mid-1800s) is skiing. And you’re just in time: our brand new issue is out today, featuring our annual 15-page ski special chock-full of all the coolest chalets, alternative resorts and ice-cold news fresh from the slopes.

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