An unearthly cry rings out through the streets and earthlings flee as the enormous creature sweeps its prehistoric gaze across the crowds. It stalks through the scattering people, searching out its prey. Two more monsters join it and they perform some kind of weird, spookily hypnotic dance – a mating...

“An atmosphere of fantasy enwraps this northern land, more intense and apparent than in any other provinces.” On Arctic Norway from ‘Scandinavia’ by Dore Ogrizek Protected by undulating, snow-covered mountains, surrounded by icy waters, fjord-safe and imbued with exploration history, Tromso (Tromsø) has a maverick feel to it that gives an exciting...

If you think of a ‘girlie weekend-away’ where do you imagine going? Maybe a luxury spa break in a country house hotel? Or a city break with lots of shopping and eating out? Possibly a quick jaunt off to a foreign capital or sunkissed beach? What I bet you won’t...

It was the morning after the night before, and everyone was looking surprisingly chipper. Breakfast was on the table and people were helping themselves to bacon and eggs, cereal, toast, coffee and juice – with an aspirin or two for those feeling a tad fragile. My son and his girlfriend...

Mount Teide from the north – image Philipp N Quirky Travel Fact: Tenerife means ‘White Mountain’ in the ancient Guanches language of this attractive island off the coast of Africa. The Guanches, according to my Berlitz ‘Tenerife’ guide book, were. “tall, fair-skinned, blue-eyed people who somehow reached the Canary Islands...

Exploring Switzerland by train has to be one of the best ways to see this perfect country. Yes, it has excellent motorways and roads but rail travel is a pleasure and often quicker than by car or coach. In winter a large area of the country is covered in snow,...

It’s a real pleasure listening to people talk about their passions. They become animated, articulate and  engaging. Their enthusiasm is infectious and can be a catalyst for change. In recent weeks I have been chatting to a number of people closely linked to the cultural scene in Cumbria and each person...