Hailing from glitzy Essex, Andy is one of the most experienced travel industry veterans we have in the business. Following his 20 years at Trailfinders, and 8 years at Audley Travel, there’s not much about travel and hospitality that Andy doesn’t know. Beyond the job though he started travelling at 17 yrs old backpacking to India, followed by Iran, Burkina Faso, and Pakistan. He’s worked in bars in Hong Kong, volunteered in India and done a tandem hang glider in Rio. Nowadays life is a bit more sedate, residing in the picturesque Cotswolds he enjoys nothing more than walking the dog to his favourite country pub... until he books his next “hardcore weekend” in Berlin, that is.

Outreach Executive

Andy Wetton

While known for football, Manchester in the North West of England, a famous soap and music, there is something more recognisable about Manchester: the accent. 

If you’ve ever visited Manchester, you may notice that the locals have a different dialect, with the majority commonly speak Mancunian or Manc. The name is also the name of the people who live in the city of Manchester.

Throughout the 19th century and well into the 20th century, a large chunk of Manchester speech had been considered part of the Lancashire dialect. Over time, as the Lancashire dialect faded, many more colloquial words formed, creating a separate dialect entirely, called the Mancunian. 

The main change is how those in Manchester’s accent rhymes words like but with put and tends to use an over-enunciation of all vowel sounds. Another noticeable difference is the emphasis of the -NG sound with words such as singer and finger rhyme perfectly.  

While the Manchester accent is relatively localised and is usually found in Greater Manchester, it has become recognisable and well-known. This is, in part, thanks to Coronation Street as well as Nick Grimshaw on BBC Radio1, Karl Pilkington of An Idiot Abroad and the Gallagher brothers from Oasis. 

One walk down the street, and you may find yourself lost in what the locals are saying. Here is our list of the top Manucunian words and what they mean. 

While usually sold at chip shops, and commonly also called a chip barm, are breaded rolls.

If someone doesn’t have any money or can’t afford to do something, they may use the term ‘Brassic’.

When ordering a drink, or someone you know asks if you want a hot drink, they may refer to it as a brew. ‘Do you fancy a brew?’ 

When Mancunians are really pleased with something, they will use the word ‘Chuffed’. 

If you want to describe something as very good, or really good, the word ‘dead’ is perfect. ‘That’s dead good’. 

Mingin’ means Revolting or Disgusting 

Mancunian’s use the term mingin’ to describe something disagreeable or revolting. ‘That meal was mingin’’. 

Unlike many places in England, when Manchester locals use the term ‘Mint’ they don’t mean a flavour. Generally, it means something is good or positive. ‘Oh, that’s mint that is’. 

If you hear someone referring to a person as ‘Our Kid’ it can either be a sibling, close family member or friend who isn’t necessarily a child. 

When ordering a fizzy drink such as Pepsi, Coke or Fanta, Mancunian’s refer to them as ‘Pop’. ‘Can you grab me a can of pop?’

In Manchester, scran just means food. ‘Shall we get some scran?’ 

With the weather in the UK, there are various different terms for how to describe it. In Manchester, fine rain is commonly called spitting. ‘It’s just spitting.’  

If referring to someone or something that is good or decent, Mancunian’s will use the word sound. ‘He’s so sound’. 

For a wider range of Mancunian sayings and phrases you may not hear day to day, here are some more sayings and phrases. 

If you’re wanting to call something disgusting, like food, Mancunian’s refer to this as ‘angin’.

When describing someone you’re close friends with. ‘I love my bessies’. 

Bobbins refers to something being Rubbish or Worthless

When referring to something as being not very good, rubbish or worthless. ‘That song is bobbins’. 

When it comes to describing being extremely happy, ‘buzzin’ is the word Mancunian’s use. ‘I’m actually buzzin’. 

If someone is a scrounge or scrounging for something such as, ‘Can I cadge a lift of you?’ 

A popular item in the UK is chewing gum, and in Manchester, this is referred to as ‘chuddy’. ‘Do you want a chuddy?’ 

Football is very important to Mancunian’s, and if someone asks ‘You see the City game?’ they mean Manchester City. Not to be confused with…

Similar to above, but United refers only to Manchester United based at Old Trafford. 

Either in teasing or seriousness, asking someone to ‘Do One’ technically means ‘Get Outta Here’ or ‘Get Lost’. 

If you overhear someone say they are gagging, it generally means they are thirsty. ‘I’m gagging for a pint’. 

The passage between a row of houses, many refer to as an alleyway is actually referred to as a Ginnel in Manchester. 

This saying means that someone needs to rethink something or reconsider their choice. 

If talking about your underwear, the term is ‘gruds’. ‘I need some clean gruds’. 

When referring to trousers, Manchester locals call them ‘Keks’. ‘Did you see the keks on him?’ 

If someone is overly keen on something happening or looking forward to something occurring, such as a night out, they may use the phrase ‘Mad fer it’. 

If someone is bothering or annoying, Mancunian’s may refer to this as mithering.  

To refer to someone who is always cold, people may use the term, ‘Nesh’ to describe them. ‘Oh, Danielle is always nesh’. 

When Mancunian’s refer to teeth, they will use the term ‘Newtons’.  

To put it simply, when Manchester locals use this term, they mean, literally nothing. ‘Nowt is wrong’. 

The opposite of ‘Nowt’, Mancunian’s anything. ‘Is there owt going on tomorrow?’

If someone is ‘snide’, it means someone is being mean. ‘You were quite snide earlier’. 

If you overhear this, it means that the person needs to stop talking a lot of rubbish. 

When someone is having a tantrum or has an outburst, it is generally referred to as a strop by Mancunians. 

If someone is to say ‘I swear down’, it means they are telling the complete truth or that they promise. 

‘What did they cut your hair with, a knife and fork?’

This saying means that a person has a rather poor haircut.

Hotel Brooklyn - hoo

Hotel Gotham Manchester - hoo

Townhouse Manchester - hoo

When it comes to visiting Manchester, keeping this list in your back pocket may help you with locals and not looking lost when out with friends. It is vital to remember Manchester favourites such as barm cake and pop; otherwise, you may not get what you expected when you order! Prepare for your next stay in this flavourful city with our pick of some of the best Manchester city centre hotels, and remember you can grab a real mint bargain if you make an offer on a hotel room... just hoo it!

The Complete Guide To Manchester's Colourful Slang

On each turn you make in Bangkok, your time in the city will be exciting. With the promise of a new walk of life down each street you turn. The impossible list of adventures you can embark on is all down to how varied and busy Bangkok is. Whether you turn down one of Bangkok’s ‘Walking Streets’, a party street or one with stunning architecture, you’ll be blown away about how different each part of Bangkok is, as if they are all different worlds in one city. 

What Are “Walking Streets” In Bangkok?

In time, Bangkok has introduced ‘Walking Streets’ to boost the economy and foot traffic over some areas of Bangkok. What makes these streets so special is that they’re closed to all vehicles for most of one day each month, offering locals the chance to host cultural activities, concerts, and performances. 

For a light-hearted version of Las Vegas in Bangkok, this street is for you. Packed with nightlife, including bars and clubs, this place is perfect for those wanting to drink the night away. You can also find restaurants along this street that are open till late and the occasional shop or two to purchase any last minute things for the night ahead. 

For one of the largest markets in Bangkok, you need to visit Lamai Street. Closed on Sunday’s to vehicles, this market has everything you’ll be looking for and is open for tourists and locals alike. There are also many places to eat and drink here. 

Another market street, but this bi-weekly street market is held on one part of Silom Road between December and May, with the road closed from 3 pm to 9 pm. With stalls selling clothes and accessories and many street food markets, allowing you to taste some authentic food. There is also the chance to see live performances, with either music, cultural performances, or competitions.

The hub for authentic food is Yaowaraj Walking Street which offers visitors, both local and tourists, to sample food from the street food stalls. The delicacies on offer include Thai, Chinese and European food every evening and during the night on weekends. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from if you’re hoping to sit down and enjoy a meal. 

One of Bangkok’s most famous streets, and with good reason, has also been recently added to Bangkok’s Walking Street List. Often referred to as ‘centre of the backpacking’, this famous road has cheap accommodation, bars, restaurants and affordable entertainment, including massage parlours and clubs. It also has so much more, like tattoo parlours, internet cafes and much more. It’s the perfect place for a traveller to find all they need, and often a place visited by art fans thanks to its low-key, relaxed vibe. 

One of the latest to be added to Bangkok’s growing Walking Streets is Klong Ong Ang. Similarly to the others mentioned, it has food and goods to have you part with your money, but what makes Klong Ong Ang so unique is what else you can see. With street art of various styles and ethnic descent and buskers and artists flooding the street, you also get an artistic feel to your walk. It’s closed to vehicles every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4-10pm.

One of the most famous streets for its night market and red light district, Silom Street, is renowned for seeking a different experience for the night. The red light district is open for 18+ only and includes Go-go bars, erotic massages and, of course, the chance to be one-on-one with ladies that work there. The market offers a chance to buy anything from clothes to food, and there are also plenty of food stalls, restaurants and bars around Silom Street. 

Closeby to Sukhumvit Road, Thonglor has a mix of bars catering to various guests and their desired experiences. With BEAM for those who want to dance the night away, Rabbit Hole, a moody bar, and Iron Fairies with an industrial revolution aesthetic, there is something for all. Most of the bars and clubs spill out onto the street, visiting this area a unique experience and one you’ll likely never forget. 

Soi Cowboy is another adult-only area best known for its strip clubs, massage parlours and clubs. With it being very popular amongst tourists for the adult nightlife, it gets very busy, and while the area is small, it is very touristy. 

One of Bangkok’s famous clubbing scenes can be found on Royal City Avenue. Often referred to as the RCA, this area is host to international DJs, a party every week, and even live concerts. There is a high amount of security to ensure all Rois on their best behaviour, so all can have a good night.

Although it’s known for its vast market, which offers those who visit a wide range of products from food to clothing to household items, Chatuchak also has an excellent range of bars. For cocktails, you may be interested in the refined Blue Sky Bar found at Sofitel Centara Grand hotel or if you want to listen to a DJ with tasty drinks, then consider Viva 8. 

With this road being one of the longest in Bangkok, it has so much to offer, including the shopping centres, restaurants, bars and many fabulous hotels. One of the famous seven-story Central Chidlom Shopping Mall and Central Embassy Shopping Mall, which is home to Harrods.

Popular amongst tourists, and locals, for it’s shopping, Rama I Road. All down the road, you will find a shopping centre after centre, offering both high-end luxury designer brands all the way to counterfeit designer bags. Within these shopping centres are places to eat, drink and even find entertainment, offering a day out while being inside. 

If you want to take a step back and see what Bangkok once looked like, this street is the perfect step back. The overhanging leaves from the banyan trees shielding you from the sun and local stalls on the roadside. This place also has a great mix of restaurants, bars and guesthouses, as well as fabulous street food stalls you have to try. 

Running alongside the river, Maha Rat Road has some of Bangkok’s major temples and attractions. With the famous Grand Palace and Royal Pantheon on this street, it’s well worth dedicating a whole day to the sights on this road.

Thailand’s capital has so much to offer to all kinds of visitors, which makes it so popular and attracts so many people worldwide each year. With streets dedicated to food, shopping and nightlife, whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, Bangkok has a street for you to visit with your name on it. Fancy something more laid back? You'll want to look at some of the best beaches near Bangkok to get away from it all, and whatever you want to do when you visit this amazing country, remember you can make an offer on a hotel room to save a ton... just hoo it!

Tontan Resort Cha-Am - hoo

15 Amazing Streets In Bangkok That You Must Visit, And Why

With many flying to and from Gatwick Airport each day, you may find yourself in desperate need of killing some time with it being one of the busiest in the UK. In the South East of England, you’re close to local attractions, towns and even England’s capital. 

London is only 30 miles away from Gatwick Airport and even offers fast travel into the heart of the city. The Gatwick Express non-stop train service to Victoria runs every 15 minutes with a journey time of 30 minutes. 

Depending on your available time, there is much on offer nearby Gatwick Airport. So, whether you’re awaiting a flight the next day, have a layover, or have an extra day or two, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find there is much a lot to do. From fun things to do to family favourites, keep reading below to find your next excursion. 

The holiday doesn’t need to start or stop if you're hanging out around Gatwick with or without a flight. When you’re off  plane, consider checking out any of these places below for fun and unique experiences. 

If you’re short on time, the Gatwick Aviation Museum offers the chance to see aviation from Post-war to Cold-war. It shows the timeline of aviation with classic planes like Hawker, De Havilland, Blackburn and Percival. Outside, there is also a nature trail where you may even get the chance to see a deer or alpaca.

Gatwick Escape Rooms brings high-pressured fun with one hour on the clock, where solving puzzles and cracking riddles will help you beat the game. Perfect for families, couples and friends, the Gatwick Escape Rooms are guaranteed fun close to the airport and are perfect for those with limited time on their hands.

If you want to do some shopping outside the airport, then County Mall is perfect. In the centre of Crawley town, ten minutes' drive from Gatwick, it has high street names you’ll recognise, plenty of places to eat and even a children’s soft play area. It’s perfect for those with a few hours to all day as it sits in one of the closest towns to Gatwick airport.

Just outside Crawley is Tulley’s Farm, an all-year-round perfect family activity offering everything from sunflower walks to a drive-thru cinema. Always ensuring that those who visit have the best time, they’ve become famous for their larger than life events such as their Pumpkin Festival, The Giant Maize Maze and, more recently, the Halloween Festival.

Just around Gatwick Airport is a national bike path that follows around the airport, leading towards a wooded suburban area. Perfect for those with limited time and a desperation for fresh air, you can get a break from the busy crowds without costing a penny.

With a lovely mix of woodland and grassy glades, Riverside Garden Park is within walkable distance of the airport and offers a great spot to grab a breath of nature, admire the wildlife, and even do a spot of fishing if the mood takes you.

Tucked under the arches of Horley right next to Gatwick, the Archway Theatre has a range of performances throughout the year and its 95-seat main stage offers a cosy take for their unique productions. 

Have a ride before (or after) you fly at this multi-level go kart track in Crawley. Both of TeamSport Go Karting's local tracks were designed by professional racing engineers for maximum thrills, and they offer racing for both adults, children, and mixed age groups.

There are two excellent historical spots in nearby Crawley, the main museum (including medieval and iron age artefacts as well as the town's Victorian and WWII history) and Ifield Watermill, believed to be the only working water mill in West Sussex that is still powered by its original source.

Just a fifteen minute drive from central Gatwick, the British Wildlife Centre is home to more than forty unique species native to the British Isles, from the majestic red deer to the tiny harvest mice. It's a lovely spot to walk around to meet the animals and there's a little cafe and gift shop on site for a sit down and some souvenirs, too.

Roughly 23 miles away from Gatwick Airport and around a twenty five minute drive from Gatwick town, Chessington World of Adventures has so much to keep the family busy, from rides for little ones and adults to a zoo and even a Sealife Centre. For animal lovers, the park even offers VIP Animal Experiences such as the white rhino experience all the way to skunk walks.

With stunning gardens to explore, Hever Castle and Gardens welcomes visitors to take in all they have on offer and is an easy half hour drive from Gatwick. Spend time enjoying a walk seeing the statues and ornamental gardens, and for younger ones, there’s Tudor Towers Adventure Playground, complete with its own moat, drawbridge and three turrets.

Nothing beats the unforgettable experience you get when you see the 360-degree views you can witness of London from the London Eye. Each journey around it lasts around 30 minutes as you go up 135 metres above London. Not only that, but you can see many of London’s top landmarks, and it's only around 50 minutes from Gatwick by train.

One of London’s most iconic castles, and well worth the visit if you have the time as it is under fifty minutes from Gatwick by train. From seeing the ravens who guard the tower to admiring the Crown Jewels and even the Bloody Tower, the Tower of London has so much history within its walls, from being a fortress to a palace and even prison.

With over 50,000 living plants at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, all supporting the conservation work around the world, Kew Gardens is a beautiful day out for botanical lovers and under an hour away from Gatwick by train. Consider a walk around the lake, taking in the wildlife and trees, with all the showcasing colours. For example, the beautiful Chinese tupelo trees in autumn turn deep red, and while black tupelo trees glow red, orange and yellow.

If you’re thinking of heading down earlier before a flight or extending your holiday when you land (or are just in the area for other reasons) there are plenty of things to do near Gatwick that don't involve the airport. For more ideas to keep the family entertained, check out our guide to things to do in London with toddlers, and wherever you stay (or go) remember you can grab a bargain on your accommodation if you make an offer on a hotel room... just hoo it!

Bloc Hotel Gatwick - hoo

Barrington Lodge - hoo

Findon House - hoo

Things To Do Near Gatwick (Other Than Visit The Airport!)

Anyone wanting a taste of southern France that includes classic cuisine, amazing sunshine, show-stopping scenery and a complete lack of tourist crowds should be thinking about a visit to Ardèche, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in the southeast of the country. Hugely diverse and astonishingly beautiful countryside pairs with picturesque towns and a treasure trove for foodies; find out just a few of the many reasons why you should be visiting Ardèche.

Is there any more exhilarating way to see the Gorges de l'Ardèche? Rivière et Nature offers canoe and kayak routes for every ability, from beginners to experts. There are ten different descents available - from short 6km trips to three-day experiences covering 60km!

The Cirque de Gens is a natural wonder in the Ardèche. The river has shaped the rock formations into an almost-perfect semi-circle. There are over three hundred climbing routes here, so there’s sure to be something for everyone, from complete novices to seasoned experts.

Hike up and admire the views from Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc

It only takes half an hour to climb from the base of Mont Gerbier de Jonc to the peak, and the climb is undoubtedly worth the spectacular views! From the top of the mountain, you can see the Alps, Les Boutières, the Rhône Valley and the Cevennes.

See the world’s oldest art gallery at Grotte Chauvet-Pont d'Arc

Containing the earliest-known and best-preserved art in the world, The Grotte Chauvet-Pont d'Arc is full to the brim with figurative drawings from over 30,000 years ago with hundreds of animal paintings and engravings. It is a truly awe-inspiring sight and a must-see for visitors to Ardèche.

Go nuts about chestnuts in Chestnut Grove Museum in Joyeuse

If you’re a fan of chestnuts you’ll be in heaven at Musée de la Chataigneraie. Chestnut trees have grown in Ardèche since medieval times. The Chestnut Grove museum celebrates their part in the region’s history. And what’s more, there’s a free tub of locally-produced chestnut cream with every ticket!

Go on safari through Safari de Peaugres and see elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses and many more amazing animals in natural habitats. Book VIP trips to learn the animal caretaker skills or visit the park at night. You can even stay onsite in a log cabin overlooking polar bears and wolves.

The Grotte de la Madeleine is a must-see for cave lovers. It consists of two ancient caves, Lescure and Madeleine, which were connected by a tunnel in the 1960s. Highlights include the spectacular stalagmites and stalactites and the "room of bones" containing the skeletons of prehistoric bears and horses. 

Taste the wine at the Château de la Selve vineyard and estate

Six different grape varieties are grown at the Château de la Selve vineyard and are turned into wine onsite at this 13th-century castle. Book a guided wine tour, learn about organic winemaking methods, explore the cellars, and try nine different Château de la Selve wine vintages.

Meet the animals at Parc Animalier des Gorges de l'Ardèche

The Parc Animalier des Gorges de l'Ardèche is a perfect day out for families with plenty for young children. Meet goats and chicks in the “parcs aux caresses” or have a riding lesson with the friendly shetland ponies. After you’ve met all the animals, make sure you visit the Waterpark!

Travel back in time to escape a train in 1960 in “Le Hall de Gare”

If you like a challenge, take part in the immersive escape room at Quai des Haltes. You and your team must solve the mystery of Le Hall de Gare in under 60 minutes. The engaging story and wonderful 1960s decor make this a truly engrossing experience.

Set in a huge outdoor arena on the banks of the river, Laser Game Ardèche is laser tag like you’ve never played it before. Traverse the arena in full daylight with only inflatable battlements to hide behind. There are multiple game modes to play so it’s suitable for all ages.

You can experience hiking with a difference with Carab'ane and their team of friendly donkeys. As experienced walkers and gentle companions, donkeys have accompanied travellers for thousands of years, and you can experience it for yourself on organised hikes which range from half a day to six days or more.

Do some extreme sports in beautiful surroundings

Ceven' Aventure offers a wide range of activities that are sure to appeal to anyone with an adventurous spirit. There’s canoeing, climbing, rafting and caving in the magnificent surroundings of the Chassezac Gorges. We recommend canyoning, with its exhilarating combination of hiking, swimming and hurtling down natural rock slides.

See lavender being grown and harvested at La Maison de la Lavande where you can wander round the fields, take photographs and breathe in the amazing aroma. If you book a tour, you can travel on the Little Lavender Train, watch essential oil being distilled and visit the botanical garden. 

Explore, swim, paddle board and cycle around the Pont d’Arc and Ardèche River Gorges Reserve

The Ardèche Gorges and Pont d’Arc are areas of breathtaking beauty protected by the Gorges de l'Ardèche Nature Reserve. It’s a great spot to enjoy hiking, canoeing, swimming, cycling, caving and much more. And the reserve ensures that the incredible landscape and its biodiversity are preserved for future generations.

Whether you want a peaceful wander through grassy meadows, an adrenalin-fuelled kayaking trip, or anything else in between, there’s something in Ardèche on or off the river to suit visitors of all ages. If you fancy something more seaside-themed for your next French holiday then try our guide to visiting Toulon instead - but wherever you go, remember you can save a bundle on your accommodation if you just hoo it!

What to do & See in Ardèche, France

A credit crunch can be the worst time to be thinking about a holiday, but it’s often when times are hard that we most need to get away from everything and recharge our batteries. So how do we go about planning a vacation that isn’t going to cost the earth - or at least make sure we keep costs down as much as possible? Well, there are several steps we can take when it comes to figuring out how to afford a holiday during a period of financial challenge.

The first and most obvious thing you can do is to start saving for your trip as soon as you’re able, even before you’ve decided where you actually want to go. Putting a little bit away each month in a holiday fund will help soften the blow when the time comes to pay for tickets and for somewhere to stay. And make sure you’re scrupulous about collecting points for any loyalty rewards systems you’re signed up to - every little helps, even if it’s only for buying snacks for the journey.

If your main reason for going away isn’t just to soak up the sunshine then it’s definitely a good idea to try and make sure you take your holidays outside of the high season - the time of year when everyone is on the move and when prices rocket. Travelling in off-peak times will save you money on travel and accommodation, and as an added bonus it’ll mean you get to enjoy less crowded destinations and milder weather (though it’s probably worth doing a quick bit of research about the average temperatures and rainfall in the period you’re thinking of travelling before you click on ‘buy’, just to make sure).

The next thing is to think carefully about where exactly it is you want to go. It’s easy to just opt for one of the better-known destinations, but if you’re willing to do a bit of research and be a bit adventurous, you’ll find that your money will go much further in some places than others, often even within the same country, and without you having to skimp on beautiful sights and experiences.

Avoiding tourist traps, going to places which are slightly off the beaten track and looking into accommodation in suburbs or residential districts outside the city centre as opposed to slap bang in the centre itself are not only great ways of immersing yourself in local culture first-hand and getting a feel for the real life of the places you’re visiting but can also mean your accommodation, as well as the local restaurants, bars and shops, will cost less. Poland, Romania and Slovenia are all European destinations that won’t break the bank, and they’re all packed with stunning unspoilt scenery and cities. Visitors to Poland, for example, often head for Kraków, but the country has dozens of lovely smaller cities like Wrocław which are packed with things to see and where things are less expensive.

Next, it’s time to book a flight, and your first move should be to visit Skyscanner, Monomondo, Google Flights, Kayak or one of the many other flight comparison websites around which will let you search for cheap destinations and filter results by cost, allowing you to see which airlines are offering the cheapest seats and when it would be least expensive to fly. This is where being a bit flexible can reap dividends, as flying early in the morning or late at night, or on a Tuesday instead of a Monday, can make a huge difference to how much you end up paying. Many of the flight comparison websites will also allow you to do an open search without a specific destination so you can see what the cheapest destinations are. If you can, it’s a good idea to book your flight as far in advance as possible, as the cheapest time to buy tickets is usually around a year before they’ll actually be used - basically, as soon as they go up on the website. The same is also true for another cause of holiday expenditure: airport parking. Once again, the rule is that the earlier you can book, the less you’ll have to spend, with savings of up to 70% for those booking several months ahead.

With travel agents rushing to find tenants for empty rooms, prices do tend to drop in the final couple of weeks, so if you can’t book in advance make sure you have a look at what last minute deals are on offer, bearing in mind that it pays to be flexible. UK consumer advice magazine Which? also recommends looking at package deals, as booking your flight and hotel in one go can be a good way of saving money, particularly if you find a late deal on sites like Travel Supermarket, Holiday Pirates or icelolly.com. And don’t exclude the idea of all-inclusive packages where meals and flights are included. Another good idea is to sign up to airline or discount-club mailing lists like Jack’s Flight Club and Secret Flying. Enrolment is free, and they send their members regular bargain alerts informing them of cheap flights. Or even consider travelling by train: Eurostar offers reduced fares to a number of European cities up to one month before travel on its deals and offers page online.

When it’s time to look for accommodation (of course) use hoo to find cheap bargain hotels, guesthouses, hostels and holiday lettings - booking with hoo is quick, easy and helps save you money: all you have to do is search the country, city, town or area you’d like to stay in, choose from what’s available and make them an offer. And if they accept, you just saved yourself some cash that you can put to good use enjoying your vacation.

Once it’s time to set off, try to keep your luggage as light and minimal as possible, as most low cost airlines will charge you for hold luggage, which many offer only as an optional extra. Pack as much as you can into your hand luggage, which is usually free or inexpensive (and travelling only with hand luggage, if that’s a possibility, means you’ll save time queuing at baggage drops and collection) and remember to take some liquid laundry detergent with you so you can wash clothes and cut down on the amount you need to take. And if you find you do need to take hold luggage, make sure you’re only taking things that you really need.

There’s plenty you can do to help keep costs down after you reach your destination too, prime among them using public transport. After flights and accommodation, car hire is probably the biggest holiday expense, but given how efficient and cheap the public transport systems are in many countries, you may find that it’s an unnecessary one. Check out prices and reliability before you go, and make sure you know how the system works and the most economical kind of tickets for what you want to do - it may be worth pre-booking a weekly or family ticket. In any case you’ll probably find that trains, coaches and buses are cheaper even in relatively expensive European countries than they are in the UK, and that the service is just as good if not better.

Also check out what’s on offer at your destination: you’ll usually find that there are museums and parks where entry is free, and admission tickets are often cheaper during the week, so do a bit of research about where to go and see if local coupon books are available which give discounts on multiple attractions the more tickets you buy. And when it comes to eating, try as much as possible to prepare your own food if you have cooking facilities where you’re staying, and pick up food from local markets and supermarkets. If you do eat out, try and go to authentic places - the kind where the locals go, outside the city centre. That way not only will you get to savour the real atmosphere and flavours of where you’re staying, you’ll also avoid paying over the odds. 

They’re all little things, but as you can see, put together they can add up to big savings, and mean you get the most out of your holiday while still keeping control of your spending. For more budgeting tips, take a look at our guide to saving money while on holiday so your spending while you're away doesn't get out of control. And (naturally) remember you can save even more money by making an offer on a hotel when you just hoo it!

How to Afford a Holiday During a Credit Crunch

Ahh, summer! Waves crashing on the shore, the hot sun beating down on tanned bodies, warm sand underfoot and a balmy breeze blowing through your hair. All very lovely, it’s true, so why are some of us practically rubbing our hands with glee about the fact that October is just around the corner? Simple - it’s because the autumn is such a wonderful time for discovering new places: the trees are ablaze with autumnal colours, the cities and towns are less crowded with visitors, the weather’s nice and mild (though you’re probably wise to take a jumper and an umbrella just in case), delicious seasonal foods are starting to appear on restaurant menus and, last but by no means least, now that the high season is over, prices are far more affordable. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at a few places that are ideal for an October jaunt.

And how could you possibly start a list of places to visit in October with anything except Munich’s Oktoberfest? The world's largest Volksfest has been going since 1810 and draws in huge numbers of beer-loving pilgrims from all over the world. There’s only one small problem: Oktoberfest actually ends on the first Sunday of the month. Never fear, though: even if you arrive too late for those last few foaming steins, Munich has plenty of other delights to offer.

If it’s art you’re after, Munich is bursting at the seams with the stuff, its three world-class art galleries - the Alte Pinakothek, one of the world’s oldest art galleries, the Neue Pinakothekthe and the Pinakothek der Moderne - boasting everything from Rubens, Dürer, da Vinci and Rembrandt to Degas, Cézanne, Monet, Picasso and Warhol. If cars are more your thing, there’s the BMW Museum, which will take you on a journey through the brand’s development over the years, with vintage cars, aircraft, motorcycles and outlandish concept vehicles. And if you want to see what the company has on offer nowadays, right next door there’s BMW Welt, a stylish exhibition hall with all the new models on display. Munich also has a thriving dining and night-life scene, as well as plenty of welcoming beer halls where you can raise all the steins you want.

One of the leafiest cities in Europe, Amsterdam is beautiful at any time of year, but especially so in autumn, when the leaves start turning and the city explodes with reds, yellows and oranges. In October, it’s also home to the Amsterdam Dance Event, a five-day electronic music conference and festival that runs over five days from Wednesday the 19th to Sunday the 23rd of October, and features over 2,000 artists in 200 clubs and venues.

But even if electronic music isn’t your thing, the city is bursting with stuff to do. Visit Westergas, the cultural hub based in what at one time used to be the city’s municipal gasworks and which is now home to bars, restaurants, pubs and a cinema, as well as events like the market held on the first Sunday of every month. And then there’s the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Jordaan neighbourhood, with its narrow streets and old buildings full of courtyard gardens and atmospheric bars and restaurants. It really doesn’t get much more romantic than a stroll along the canals as the nights start drawing in.

Lisbon is famously one of Europe’s sunniest capital cities, and the cooler autumnal climes make October the perfect time to go exploring the place on foot. The Bairro Alto old town is full of restaurants, tascas and quirky bars, and there’s live music everywhere, from jazz to traditional Fado singing. Further north is the small town of Ponte di Lima, on the banks of the river Lima, which hosts an annual International Garden Festival that runs until the 31st of October, showing 12 gardens selected by jury after an international competition.

For those wanting to explore the north of the country, there are plenty of traditional accommodation options like the Casa Grande do Seixo. Ideal for relaxing and exploring, this working vineyard with granite walls and exposed wooden beams is set in beautiful grounds that include a baroque 16th century chapel. Take part in wine tastings and tours of the vineyard, go hiking in the countryside, or visit the nearby spa town of Vidago or the Roman town of Chaves.

Not that you really need a pretext to visit beautiful Prague, but October offers a perfect opportunity to see it when it’s slightly less crowded, allowing you savour the autumnal mood even better. Without quite so many visitors, you’ll be able to get a closer look at the Old Town Square, which is still pretty much as it was back in the 10th Century, wander across the lovely 14th Century Charles Bridge over the Vltava river (which is well worth taking a river cruise down), taking in the 30 statues mounted on the balustrade, potter around Josefov, the Jewish quarter, or visit one of the city’s captivating museums.

From Sunday the 13th to Wednesday the 16th of October, Prague is also home to Signal, a four-day festival of light art and emerging technologies which brings together lighting designers from the Czech Republic and around the world to fill public spaces, including famous historical landmarks, with installations that turn the city into a glowing wonderland.

Istanbul is another place that, though beautiful all year round, is especially magical in October. Admire the glorious Hagia Sophia Mosque and nearby Blue Mosque and the gardens that link them in the rich autumnal light, soak up the dazzling Islamic art on display in the Topkapi Palace, visit the Basilica Cistern, an immense underground hall supported by 336 columns which was once used to store water for the Byzantine emperors, and shop in one of the many bazaars.

If you arrive at the beginning of the month you’ll be able to catch the second week of the Akbank Jazz Festival, running from the 24th of September to the 9th of October, with a lineup of Turkish and international musicians and singers that’s well worth checking out. If you’re thinking of visiting, Istanbul offers accommodation for every budget, from the Kunlun Hotel, between the Çapa and Fatih neighbourhoods, the Astek Port Hotel near the iconic Galata Tower and the Premist Hotel in the Taksim neighbourhood all the way up to more luxurious options like the old town’s Grand Sirkeci Hotel and the GLK Premier Acropol Suites & Spa.

And to finish us off in style, what about a few days in Dublin? It might not have the weather of Lisbon, but with its cosy pubs and the warm welcome it offers its visitors, it’s another ideal place for an October trip. If you’re in the mood for something spooky - bearing in mind that Halloween is on its way - it’s worth remembering that one of the city’s most famous sons was Bram Stoker: fans of his romantic horror masterpiece Dracula won't want to miss taking a tour of the locations that inspired the author while he was writing it.

Alternatively, if a pint of plain is more in your line, why not take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse in St. James’s Gate, an immersive experience where you’ll learn all about how The Black Stuff is made, from its history to the brewing process. There’s no lack of accommodation locally, with places like stylish art deco hotel The Grafton right in the heart of the city, the stylish Talbot Hotel Stillorgan 10 minutes out of town and luxurious Clontarf Castle Hotel, dating back to 1172 and just a couple of miles from the city centre.

And that’s without even mentioning Edinburgh, Iceland, Vienna, Provence… the list of amazing autumn destinations is endless. So get that jumper and brolly packed and start planning your trip. It’s time to make this October an October to remember. For more fall-friendly outing ideas why not take a look at our guide to pre-theatre dinner in Covent Garden, and wherever you decide to go, remember you can save even more on your stay if you just hoo it!

Autumnal Auras: The Top October Holiday Destinations

With HBO's House of the Dragon currently exploding into living rooms worldwide, the pop-culture steamroller that is Game of Thrones is back in the spotlight. 

As everyone not living Beyond the Wall knows, Game of Thrones is the blockbuster fantasy TV series that took over the world. Based on George R. R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series of fantasy novels, it detailed the struggle for power between the noble houses of the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. Running for 73 episodes across eight seasons from 2011 until its controversial conclusion in 2019, it took the planet by storm, spawning a million memes and helping consolidate the fantasy genre's transformation from something marginal and nerdy to mainstream world-conquering juggernaut - a transformation that had been set in motion by the success of Harry Potter and Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings film adaptations. At its peak, a monumental average of nearly 33 million viewers were watching each new Game of Thrones episode, a success that House of the Dragon, a prequel focusing on the downfall of the peroxide-haired members of House Targaryen, looks set to repeat.

Game of Thrones' immense and diverse range of settings (places like Winterfell, Casterly Rock, The Iron Islands, The Vale of Arryn, King's Landing and Dorne, all as familiar to fans of the show as anywhere in the real world) necessitated shooting in locations all over Europe and North Africa, from Scotland and Iceland to Morocco, Malta, Croatia and Spain. But thanks to a generous tax credits system, the availability of the huge amounts of studio space required and easy travelling distance to some of the most dramatic and mystical landscapes around, the show’s home base ended up being Northern Ireland and its capital city, the wonderful Belfast.

Perhaps due to its history, Belfast has always been woefully underappreciated as a tourist destination, but it's a city that has the lot - great food, breathtaking museums, culture, art, history, architecture, vibrant nightlife, its own distinctive and welcoming personality... you name it and Belfast has it, in bucketloads. The main studio for Game of Thrones was Paint Hall in what is known as the Titanic Quarter of the city, an enormous waterfront regeneration site which once upon a time was home to the Harland and Wolff shipyard, best known as the manufacturers of the city's most famous product - yes, that Titanic, the doomed passenger liner which sank in the North Atlantic in 1912 - and which now hosts luxury boutique hotel Titanic Hotel Belfast, whose Art Deco furnishings and nautical touches offer travellers a unique immersion in the elegance of the day. Situated opposite Titanic Belfast, a visitor attraction that details the story of the tragic ship's creation and the fate of its passengers, it also offers an award winning fine-dining restaurant with views over the slipways where the Titanic and her sister ships the Olympic and the Britannic were constructed. The luxurious Grand Central Hotel Belfast in the Linen Quarter is another great base from which to explore the Titanic or the Cathedral Quarters, with their charming cobbled streets and inviting pubs and eateries, while Dukes at Queens in the bohemian Queens Quarter of South Belfast offers a stylish sanctuary near the beautiful Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum and local theatres. And just a 5 minute walk from Belfast Central train station is human- and pet-friendly ETAP Hotel Belfast, whose cosy, modern central lodgings are ideal for exploring the city.

Unfortunately, Paint Hall isn't currently open to visitors, but GoT fans visiting Belfast can start getting a fix of their favourite show by following the Glass of Thrones Trail, a series of six free-standing stained glass windows dotted around the city and depicting scenes from the first eight seasons of the show, with each window representing the trials and tribulations faced by one of the different houses. And at the last window there's even an Iron Throne for you to snap a pensive selfie in while you figure out how you would deal with the arrival of the White Walkers. But about thirty minutes outside of Belfast is where the real GoT magic begins, in the authentic filming location of Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge. This is where you’ll find the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, an immersive experience that allows visitors to step behind the scenes of the Seven Kingdoms and see how the TV series was brought to life on screen. There’s everything from production designs and costumes to makeup and prosthetics, special effects and props, giving visitors the chance to walk through iconic sets like the Great Hall of Winterfell and King’s Landing and to explore the craftsmanship and artistry that brought GoT to life on screen. The surrounding area is lovely too, and there are plenty of places offering a bit of that warm Northern Irish hospitality - sample it with a stay in one of the local guest houses, like pet-friendly Lisnacurran Country House, a country guest house which also offers a self contained barn conversion with 3 bedrooms, open plan living room, BBQ patio area and hot tub, or the Kiltariff Hall Country House, a Victorian Country House on the outskirts of the small market town of Rathfriland with exquisite views of the dramatic Mourne Mountains.

And if your thirst for the world of Game of Thrones hasn’t been slaked by the Studio Tour, dotted around the beautiful and rugged Northern Ireland countryside are dozens of locations in which the show was shot. Places like the harbour of the small village of Ballintoy in County Antrim which featured as Varyn’s home, the Free Cities, and as the coastal town where Theon Greyjoy arrived back in the Iron Islands. Positioned on the edge of nearby Bushmills village is welcoming B&B the Rest A While, less than three miles from one of the most incredible - and natural - special effects Northern Ireland has to offer: the Giants Causeway, which is well worth a visit in itself. Then there’s Castle Ward, an 18th-century National Trust property in County Down whose farmyard stood in for Winterfell, or Tollymore Forest Park where the Direwolf pups were found and the Nightwalkers were spotted. Scenic Downhill Strand, the seven-mile-long beach dominated by the elegant 18th century ruins of Mussenden Temple in County Londonderry that played Dragonstone island, with nearby Carnalbanagh House offering a quiet coastal retreat with beautiful panoramic views for a relaxing coastal getaway. Or Magheramorne quarry, which stood in for Castle Black and the Wall, and 17th century Ballygally Castle offering luxury guest rooms and even afternoon tea in its medieval dungeon. Or even Shane’s Castle in County Antrim, the ruined castle that was the backdrop to the jousting tournament in which Gregor Clegane beheaded a horse. Not far away is the Dunadry Hotel & Gardens, a historic former linen mill dating back to the 12th Century and offering guests a welcoming escape on the banks of the beautiful Six Mile River. 

Among the many other locations, we mustn’t forget the Dark Hedges, the evocative tree-lined avenue planted in the 18th century that runs between Armoy and Stranocum in County Antrim, and which in the show stood in for the iconic King’s Road. After Storm Gertrude blew down two of the Dark Hedges’ beech trees in 2016, the resulting timber was used to craft ten commemorative carved doors, which are scattered across Northern Ireland near as many of the show’s filming locations. Each door captures one of the series’ most exciting moments, leading those who wish to visit them all on a quest from The Cuan restaurant in Strangford, County Down, where the first door evokes the show’s iconic title sequence with its animated map of Westeros, to the tenth door, at the Dark Horse pub back in Belfast, which shows the Lannister lion rearing over the Sept of Baelor, but hints at secrets yet to be revealed. 

If you don’t want to drive, there are GoT coach tours, walking tours, boat tours, cycling tours, archery tours, feasts… there’s even a GoT helicopter tour! Check out the Ireland tourism site for more information. So as you can see, to paraphrase one of the show’s most famous lines, if you think this has a happy ending, you might just have been paying attention after all!

Discover the Game of Thrones in Belfast

Morocco is a magical place for a family holiday. It might not be the first destination that springs to mind if you’re travelling with little ones, but this land of contrasts, with its spectacular scenery, bustling cities full of sights, sound and colours, deserts, hammams, mountains, beaches, snake charmers and - the kids’ favourite, it goes without saying - camel rides offers something for children of all ages, and is guaranteed to provide young visitors with indelible memories. And, as will become clear as soon as you set foot in the country, the famously hospitable Moroccans are deeply family-oriented, so travelling with kids means you’ll be given an even warmer welcome than usual. The country has some wonderful family-friendly hotels and accommodation and world-beating facilities suited to all budgets, as well as plenty of large out-of-town resorts offering gardens, swimming pools and activities to keep kids entertained.

Let's start by taking a look at Marrakesh. Packed with exciting things to see, it’s a great place for a family stay. Visit beautiful cultural heritage sites like the gorgeous Bahia Palace, take a horse-drawn carriage tour around the Old City, tour the displays in the Berber Museum, marvel at the incredible cacti in the Majorelle Garden or wander through the Jardin Secret, originally built by the Saadian Dynasty more than four hundred years ago. Kids will love visiting Marrakesh’s colourful markets, as well as world heritage site Jemaa el-Fna, the huge open square at the centre of the city which fills with dancers, magicians and food-stalls as night falls. And for fun days out of town, try adventure park Ludipark and the Paloozaland theme park with its robotic dinosaurs and rides.

Marrakesh is also ideally sited for day trips to some of Morocco’s most jaw-dropping attractions, like the Atlas Mountains and the Ouzoud falls, while animal lovers might want to visit the nearby Jarjeer mule and donkey refuge. And let’s not forget the camels! Camel rides are in fact available near the Menara Gardens and in the north-eastern part of town known as the ‘Palmeraie’.

There’s plenty of welcoming accommodation in the city, with Riad Smara offering a calm oasis only a short walk from the spice market, beautifully restored 18th century Riad & Spa Esprit du Maroc located right in the heart of the atmospheric Medina and luxurious spa hotel Les Borjs de la Kasbah offering a dose of Moorish charm. Those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life might prefer Le Relais de Marrakech, offering apartments and Berber tents set among seven acres of olive groves and palm trees, or one of the local resorts like Valeria Dar Atlas, an all-inclusive designed to resemble a traditional Moroccan village and equipped with multiple restaurants and bars, sports facilities, a fitness centre, spa, pools, a water park and a kids club.

There’s tons for kids to see and do in Morocco’s capital city Rabat too. Located on the Atlantic at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river, the city is best explored on foot, which makes it ideal for kids (although it is served by an efficient tram system for when little legs start feeing tired). Check out the city’s quiet medina, the Hassan Tower and the Oudaias National Craft Museum, the nearby Andalusian Gardens - a walled garden built during Morocco’s colonial period - and the historic Kasbah Les Oudaias with its white-washed streets. Kids will love the ferry ride over to Rabat’s sister-city Sale aboard one of the little blue boats that ply the Bou Regreg, taking in the views of both cities from the water. Pop into the Ludothèque Nature et Eveil, a ‘games library’ set in a walled villa with its own little garden that offers activities and events including art workshops - and if the kids need a break from walking, the CinéAtlas movie theatre shows a wide range of films, many of which in their original language. Rabat’s has a lovely zoo, with lemurs, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras and adorable fennec foxes, while between Rabat and Sale is the intriguing Musée de l’Abeille Vivante bee museum. There are plenty of beaches like Bouznika, Harhoura, the Plage Des Nations and Skhirat within easy reach of the city, while the Nouzhat Hassan Garden offers a great place for kids to have a run around and burn off some of that surplus energy. And last but certainly not least from a kid’s perspective, there are orange juice stalls everywhere for when they get thirsty. Beat that!

As far as places to stay goes, Rabat too offers a wide range of accommodation options. Housed in a beautiful restored example of Arab-Andalusian architecture, Dar Kika Salam is situated within walking distance of the city centre, and its facilities include an outdoor pool, a terrace with a view over the city and a restaurant. Enjoying a convenient location in the heart of the medina, the charming Riad Dar Rabiaa features traditional decor and also offers a pool and roof terrace with stunning views, as does Riad El Maâti, which also boasts a spa and wellness centre with its own hammam.

A couple of hours' drive East of Rabat, Fès is Morocco's second largest city and is often spoken of as its spiritual and cultural heart, so it’s unsurprising that it’s packed with things to do. There’s the beautiful Medersa Bou Inania, one of the few religious buildings in the city that non-Muslims can visit, and the Batha Museum, home to a selection of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship but whose real centrepiece is its beautiful courtyard garden. Rabat's best known for Fes El Bali, its medieval walled medina, thought to be the largest intact surviving medina in the world, though kids will probably be more interested in taking a ride on one of the donkeys that trot up and down the narrow streets – perfect after a tiring day of sightseeing on foot! Just outside the medina walls are the Bou Jeloud Gardens, the ideal spot for a bit of fresh air, while a little further out in the suburbs is the Diamant Vert waterpark, where tired parents can unwind while the kids enjoy splashing about. The beautifully-kept Jnan Sbil gardens are another place offering respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, their 17 hectares of gardens and greenery offering plenty of space for young ones to run around.

There are plenty of places to stay, including the stunning Riad Palais Marjana, a stylish traditional guest house located in the Medina, while the Riad Haj Palace & Spa offers a perfect base for exploring the city, with a terrace and a lounge for guest enjoyment and relaxation. Ornate and traditional Riad Raouia, meanwhile, offers a calm oasis in the centre of town, and is equipped with a revitalising hammam.

And if you want to get away from city life altogether, why not head off to the coast? Morocco is rightly famous for its beaches, and in recent years has become a favourite with tourists. Overlooking the Atlantic ocean on the west shore of Morocco, Tamraght has grown from a small fisherman’s village into a haven for surfers without losing any of its small-town charm. It boasts beautiful beaches, and the area is packed with surf schools for any kids desperate to learn how to do a tube ride.

Tamraght House Banana, near the famous banana trees of Banana beach, offers all the comforts of a Moroccan home with its blend of traditional and contemporary architecture and terrace, while half an hour up the coast you’ll find the Apparthotel Eden Beach, set between the crystal clear waters of stunning Imi Ouaddar beach and the distant Anti-Atlas mountains and offering modern self-catering apartments together with an outdoor swimming pool.

As you can see, there's no need to worry about the kids getting bored in Morocco. In fact, the hardest part might be convincing them to go back home again! Learn more about this beautiful country with our guide to visiting Morocco and remember, whoever you're travelling with... just hoo it!

Finding The Best Family Hotels In Morocco

Hard as it might be to believe in these times of meat-free mincemeat in the supermarket and plant-based burgers in the local garage, not too long ago being a vegetarian - or even more inconceivably, a vegan - could severely cramp your style if you were planning on eating out. Restaurants in the UK were a bit more of a rarity back then, and outside of options like Indian and Chinese food, affordable vegetarian eating places tended to be thin on the ground and fairly uninspiring. As it was widely presumed that anyone declaring themselves a vegetarian would automatically be a bit of a hippy, flavour sometimes lost out to health, ecological or spiritual concerns: if you weren’t given the default option - a vegan-unfriendly cheese omelette - you were likely to be offered some combination of veg soup, nut roast or veggie burgers, often served up with the kind of wholemeal bread that required powerful jaw muscles and a very resilient set of teeth. 

Times have changed, though, and over the past 30 years vegetarian and vegan cuisine has made immense strides, spurring growing numbers of people to try what many have taken to calling a ‘plant-based’ diet (possibly because ‘vegetarian’ still evokes memories of those grim lentil bakes of yore). And in turn, that’s encouraged more people to seriously consider turning to a meat-free diet. In fact, we’ve moved so far on from the days of the lonely, unappealing ‘vegetarian option’ on the menu that it’s now possible to actually plan a holiday around the vegetarian dining on offer, so let’s take a quick tour of a few of the places around the UK that hungry vegetarians might want check out.

Nestled on the south coast between Eastbourne and Worthing, Brighton is almost certainly the most vegetarian- and vegan-friendly city in the UK, with a bohemian reputation that goes all the way back to when the then-Prince Regent moved there and kick-started a transformation from fishing village into fashionable ‘London on the Sea’. The place is a bit of a foodie paradise, and especially so for vegans and veggies. It’s home to vegan sushi bar Happy Maki, which offers a menu of healthy vegan sushi burritos and sushi bowls with gluten free options, and there’s also a branch of Purezza, the UK’s first fully vegan Italian restaurant chain whose menu offers pizza toppings including plant-based seitan salami, N’duja and pulled pork. 

Ethical vegan “fish” and chip shop The No Catch Co. offers delights including vegan cod & chips, while independent vegan cafe Green Kitchen‘s menu includes vegan takes on classic cafe fare. There’s also vegan burger and fast food restaurant The Vurger Co. serving burgers, mac 'n cheese and fries all cooked to order, along with milkshakes, and brownies. And now in its 29th year, award-winning restaurant Terre a Terre offers contemporary vegetarian and vegan cuisine that brings together multi-ethnic flavours and cooking techniques. There's something for everyone, and there’s also accommodation for every budget, from the Churchill Brighton guest house overlooking Russell Square gardens and the Britannia Study Hotel, both within easy reach of the beach and local shopping streets, to The Old Ship Hotel and the Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa, a boutique Regency period hotel with quirky interiors and a luxury spa located right on Brighton's lively seafront.

Churchill Guest House - hoo

Britannia Study Hotel - hoo

The Old Ship Hotel - hoo

Brighton Harbour Hotel and Spa - hoo

A bit further to the west we find ourselves in Bristol, another city with a strong bohemian identity and a consolidated alternative tradition. All of which means that it’s no surprise the place has a longstanding and thriving vegetarian scene. Local favourites include contemporary, plant-focused restaurant Flow, who use local ingredients in dishes like their smoked paprika humus served with pickles, urfa oil and khorasan crackers, and Bristol legend Eat A Pitta in St Nicholas Market which offers pittas stuffed with falafel and humus, vegan doner kebabs, harissa or falafel burgers and a delicious selection of mezze.

Serving delights like crispy tofu marinated in authentic Jamaican jerk sauce served with spicy kale, rice and peas, Fi Real provides a taste of the Caribbean without a trace of meat or dairy, while if it’s vegan junk food you’re after, VX Bristol, Sneaky Clucker and Oowee Vegan all serve up vegan versions of your filthy favourites. Meanwhile, not-for-profit vegan cafe and community space Cafe Kino offers a wide range of tasty, homemade food as well as a vegan deli, and also functions as a community resource hub. There’s plenty of accommodation to be found around Bristol, from affordable options like The Crafty Cow pub, handy for Bristol's Memorial Stadium and County Ground and offering good old west country hospitality, to more upmarket places like Old Church Farm guest house, a luxurious 11th Century manor house a short drive from both Bristol and nearby Bath.

The Crafty Cow - hoo

Old Church Farm - hoo

We’re going further north for our next destination, which is a bit of an underrated gem: Norwich, one of Britain’s best-preserved medieval cities. This lovely town has everything from a cathedral and castle to an aviation museum, and is within easy reach of the beautiful Broads national park, and on top of that offers plenty of dining options for hungry vegetarians and vegans. ‘Zero-waste' café Re.Source offers a fully vegan menu with everything, including milks and breads, made on-site or locally and using local produce, while family-run restaurant Namaste Village serves a range of vegan and vegetarian foods from various regions of India.

Moorish Falafel Bar is a vegan takeaway serving freshly prepared plant-dishes, while The Tipsy Vegan offers a menu inspired by world cuisines and focusing on small plates and sharing boards. Meanwhile, Erpingham House, housed inside a Grade II listed building in the heart of Norwich, is a fully plant-based and plastic free restaurant with an ethos built around health-promoting, sustainable foods and a menu offering everything from a Korean taco with crispy tofu and kimchi to a vegan take on lamb and harissa. Then there’s Tofurei, whose team of 'soya alchemists' transform dull old tofu into delicious vegan foods like cheesecake, 'soysage' rolls, soya ‘tuna’ sandwiches and even ice cream. Places to stay locally include The William IV, a historic inn at least 150 years old with comfortably appointed guest rooms and the Church Farm guest house, ideally located for exploring Norwich and the beautiful Norfolk countryside.

The William IV - hoo

Church Farm - hoo

Let’s keep heading north: though it’s more famous for its music, its football and its curries, Manchester also has a huge range of vegetarian and vegan dining to offer. There’s everything from Wholesome Junkies, serving completely plant-based versions of all your favourite comfort foods, like burgers, tater tots, hot dogs and buffalo hot wings, to the exclusive The Walled Gardens, an ‘underground’ restaurant with room for only eight people serving a 12-course plant-based tasting menu using produce grown in the chef’s back garden, which was voted one of Observer Food Monthly’s best 20 restaurants in the country. Indian street food and craft beer bar Bundobust serves small south Indian-style dishes which are mainly vegan and all vegetarian, while Vertigo’s menu covers breakfast and lunch as well as offering stews, curries, smoothie bowls and salads. Ruyi Vegetarian House’s menu is packed with veggie and vegan delights like veggie Peking ribs and spicy Ma Po tofu, while the V Rev diner has a fully vegan range of diner foods like buttermilk chicken, bacon-topped burgers, macaroni cheese, hot dogs and mozzarella sticks.

Making generous use of jackfruit, Biff's specialises in vegan junk food, offering bulging burgers and even jackfruit 'wingz', with bone (actually a piece of sugar cane). There’s another branch of Purezza if you’re after something Italian, and Black Leaf offers creative vegan tapas - things like Jerusalem artichokes with tahini and almond. The Allotment was named number one vegetarian restaurant in the UK by The Times while Greens is one of the city’s most established vegetarian dining locations. And last but definitely not least, Manchester institution The Eighth Day, a vegetarian cafe which originally opened as a co-op in 1970. To finish off, why not pick up something from Ice Shack, the north's first fully vegan dessert parlour where you'll find plant-based ice cream in flavours like chocolate peanut butter, apple pie and mint choc chip? Manchester's certainly not lacking accommodation, from New York-themed Hotel Brooklyn on Portland Street and apartment hotel Roomzzz Manchester City Corn Exchange to The Edwardian in Manchester's beautiful Grade II listed Free Trade Hall, whose spa features a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym, and the luxurious Edwardian Stock Exchange Hotel located in the former home of the Manchester Stock Exchange.

Hotel Brooklyn - Manchester - hoo

Roomzzz Corn Exchange - hoo

The Edwardian Manchester Hotel - hoo

Stock Exchange Hotel - hoo

Even further north is Glasgow, packed full of culture, history and, yes, lip-smacking vegan and vegetarian food. Mono and Stereo are live entertainment venues that specialise in meat-free food, offering everything from a vegan Philly cheese steak sandwich to banana blossom tacos. Meanwhile the menu at vegan bar, restaurant and music venue The Hug and Pint takes inspiration from Asian cuisines, cosy bar and restaurant, The 78 offers delicious vegan food like jackfruit shawarma and grilled artichoke hearts and local gem Suissi Vegan Asian Kitchen offers Pan-Asian food totally free of animal products with a menu featuring vegan spring rolls, gyozas, noodle soups, pad thai and salt and chilli tofu.

Veganizza offer a range of sourdough meat-free pizzas, and how could you not want to visit somewhere with a name as on-point as The Glasvegan, a meat-free fast food deli-style eatery serving not-dogs with toppings like sweet fried onions, roast peppers, avocado and coriander and more, as well as savoury crêpes, nachos, burgers, wraps and even a 'doner vebab'. There’s a Biff’s in Glasgow too, for the vegan junk-food addicts, while Vivi’s Deli is a 100% vegan venue offering plant-based comfort foods like Buffalo ‘chicken’ mac and cheese. And finally, check out not-for-profit arts hub The Glad Cafe which offers a delicious and fully plant-based menu. Glasgow’s packed with interesting places to stay, like the Georgian apartments of 52 Charlotte Street, which offer a touch of 18th Century elegance and charm in the centre of old Glasgow, and Rab Ha's, a hotel, pub and restaurant that offers welcoming accommodation in the heart of the city's merchant district.