Walking festivals offer wonderful, sociable ways to discover far-flung locations and those closer to your doorstep. They’ll motivate you to get out and walk, whether it’s for a stroll through a vineya

WHAT Dark Skies Festival WHEN 13 February-1 March 2026 WHERE North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales WHY See the magical night sky above beautiful Malham Cove on a five-mile night walk. HOW darkskiesnati

Literary news andreviews with alocal flavour

Anyone who’s read Helen Macdonald’s remarkable memoir H is for Hawk – about grief, nature and training a goshawk – will be aware of its powerful impact. The book has now been turned into a film starri

by Harriet Lane (£20, HB, Orion) What lies beneath the image we construct of ourselves? Ruth, newly divorced and drifting as her daughter leaves home, feels invisible – until Sookie, her dazzling form

From castles and street festivals to photo walks and portfolio reviews, the UK has hundreds of low-cost activities and resources to keep you inspired and active all year round. Tracy Calder chooses 40 of the best