At Lancashire Wine School, visitors will get the chance to learn all about the local wines, ales, and other drinks. Tasting is a major element of the course - compare local flavors to the drinks' overseas counterparts and find out what makes each one special in its own way.

Escape the hustle of the Golden Mile and take a stroll through this tranquil park. Motor and bumper boats are available for hire. This is the largest park in town, and when heading here do not forget to bring some nuts to feed the omnipresent squirrels.

Once a week, Sofia feels just a little more Spanish. The city has a large Spanish-speaking community, made up mainly of people from Spain as well as many from Latin America. Every Thursday or Friday they meet to socialise and practise Spanish together. During the summer months, the gathering usually takes place in Crystal Garden, next to the big head statue of Stefan Stambolov, while in winter the group moves to different indoor locations around the city. If you’d like to practise your Spanish or simply spend time with one of Sofia’s most active and welcoming expat communities, follow their social media page to stay updated on the exact time and venue. Look out for Juan, easy to spot thanks to his trendy beard. He is the organiser and founder of the group and is always happy to introduce newcomers to the community and help with any questions you might have about Sofia.

The Bells Monument outside the city centre of Sofia was installed in 1979, when UNESCO declared it the International Year of the Child. The monument presents more than 70 bells from across the world, on pillars that are marked with a message from children from the respective nation. Occasionally, the seven main bells, one for each continent at the top of the central pillar, ring along to parades or events held around the monument.