The big apple… and beyond

With beehives and a garden on the roof, the countryside doesn’t seem so far away at this elegant London hotel that’s perfect for a festive stay

As a lifelong Londoner, Will Hosie shares his tips on how to beat the throngs and make the most of the city this Christmas

(whatever your budget!)

Even the swankiest islands have a scattering of smaller, more affordable stays – if you know where to look. Luckily, Lucy Thackray does

From island-hopping in southerly Okinawa to farm experiences in rural Aomori and skiing in far northern Hokkaido, this diverse archipelago offers intriguing local culture, ancient history and epic wilderness experiences around every corner — and deeper exploration reaps huge rewards

Take your pick from our edit of fabulous flight-free English breaks