This small but perfectly formed city in the picturesque county of Devon has preserved many of its historic features while enjoying all the amenities and vibrancy of a modern cosmopolitan hub. Exeter is the perfect base to explore the surrounding English countryside dotted with pretty villages, quaint old pubs and tea rooms serving the famous Devon cream tea. All of this comes with the added bonus of being only a short journey to the nearby coastal resorts, fishing ports, and sandy beaches of the English Riviera and the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

Cardiff, the youngest capital city in Europe, is known for its castle, art, dragons, river, Victorian arcades, parks, rugby, music, university, bay, and Brains beer. This diverse list of attractions means that whether you enjoy art, rugby, historical castles, modern architecture, classical music, or new bands in pubs, Cardiff has something for everyone.

They all used to come here: from Coco Chanel and Ernest Hemingway to Frank Sinatra and the royals. Biarritz used to be the Monte Carlo of the Atlantic coast. With time, the glamour faded, bringing in a new, fresh wave of travellers. Thanks to windsurfing and other water sports, however, the charming city has rejuvenated. It is now the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend break, and there is no need to rush: the city is fairly small and you can easily see everything even on a short visit.

Few Greek islands boast an immaculacy comparable to that of Astypalaia — a butterfly-shaped cloistral haven rising from the stunning blue of the Aegean Sea. Captured at certain angles, Astypalaia bears a striking semblance to its not-so-distant yet far more glamorised cousin of Santorini. With its pristine beaches, whitewashed houses, and uncharted walking paths, the island is an explorer's heaven, and a find for those looking to escape the madding crowds of summer vacationers.