The North Country Rover ticket offers four days’ travel within an eight-day period and covers the north of England from Halifax up to Newcastle and Carlisle (excluding heritage railways). Available at

We keep the ‘van stocked and ready, the bed made and cupboards full should a break in the weather and granddaughter childminding duties allow us to spend a few days away. I like to keep an eye on the

Vast, varied and fiercely proud, Yorkshire rewards those who travel slowly and look closely. From moorland villages and grand houses with spellbinding interiors to tea rooms, abbeys and bracing sea ai

I got a taste of one of the toughest jobs known to man when I visited the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre (01472 323345, fishingheritage.com). Everyone entering this dockside museum is given a “job” o

I’d wager that most keen swimmers have, at some point, daydreamed of owning a lake. Being just a few steps away from a swim in an idyllic location – it’s the stuff of dreams. But staying at Lenches La

The stand-alone spa building at the South Lodge hotel, near Horsham, has to be seen to be believed. From the long, window-lined pool that overlooks an outdoor hydrotherapy area to the Botanic restaura