Drone photographer Johan Vandenhecke’s epic images of the world from above from Australia to Belgium

Johan Vandenhecke taught himself drone photography by watching ‘a ton of YouTube videos’ – and it’s clear he was paying attention. Because his aerial snaps are sensational. And now he’s set up a drone photography masterclass to save budding amateurs the hassle of churning through endless online videos like he did. The Belgian kick-started his … Read more

Drone photographer Johan Vandenhecke’s epic images of the world from above from Australia to Belgium

Johan Vandenhecke taught himself drone photography by watching ‘a ton of YouTube videos’ – and it’s clear he was paying attention. Because his aerial snaps are sensational. And now he’s set up a drone photography masterclass to save budding amateurs the hassle of churning through endless online videos like he did. The Belgian kick-started his … Read more

Home Secretary enrages Paris by telling Tory MPs migrants want to cross Channel to escape prejudice 

Priti Patel sparked a diplomatic row last night by claiming migrants were crossing the Channel to escape ‘racist’ France, where they feared they would be tortured. The Home Secretary’s inflammatory remarks, in a private meeting with Tory MPs, infuriated French politicians. One blasted: ‘Madam Patel is not a politician who does much thinking.’ But the … Read more

Celebs love to paddleboard in exotic locations, but what’s it like for a beginner in Pembrokeshire?

The workout that rules the waves! Toned celebs love to paddleboard in exotic locations, but what’s it like for a beginner in blustery Pembrokeshire? There are now holidays and retreats dedicated to the phenomenon of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) Harriet Sime gave the popular watersport a go with TYF Adventure in Solva harbour, Pembrokeshire She said … Read more

Great British boltholes: A review of The Pig at Harlyn Bay, Cornwall

As a Cornwall resident, I’ve seen Rock, Polzeath and Padstow draw staycationers by the carload. But now there’s a great new diversion from the main drag: The Pig at Harlyn Bay, which will entice not only the hotel group’s faithful (and fashionable) following but grateful locals alike. A stroll away from Harlyn’s expansive beach, this … Read more

From walking trails to Michelin-starred restaurants, the best things to do in Ribble Valley

There is a horse on the ceiling. Not Pegasus, but Kettledrum, winner of the 1861 Derby. This, in the apse of a church, is surprising. Designed by Edward Pugin (son of the architect of the Palace of Westminster) and secreted down a remote country lane in the Ribble Valley, the tiny Catholic Church of St … Read more

From walking trails to Michelin-starred restaurants, the best things to do in Ribble Valley

There is a horse on the ceiling. Not Pegasus, but Kettledrum, winner of the 1861 Derby. This, in the apse of a church, is surprising. Designed by Edward Pugin (son of the architect of the Palace of Westminster) and secreted down a remote country lane in the Ribble Valley, the tiny Catholic Church of St … Read more

The best hobby-based holidays around the world, from painting in Greece to knitting in Ireland

For all its frustrations and difficulties, lockdown had some silver linings.  Simply being able to avoid crammed commutes was the biggest for many, while for others it was the opportunity to try new hobbies: watercolour painting, gardening or learning a language, perhaps. Now restrictions have eased, we can take these skills on holiday — or … Read more

Greece? Book me in! Author Victoria Hislop raises a glass to the country that stole her heart

She had scarcely travelled anywhere at all. Yet, recently separated from my father and keen for adventure, my mother, Mary, decided to whisk my sister and me to Athens. It was the late 1970s. I was 17 years old — and promptly fell in love at first sight. Not with a dark-eyed local boy, but … Read more

Celebs love to paddleboard in exotic locations, but what’s it like for a beginner in Pembrokeshire?

The workout that rules the waves! Toned celebs love to paddleboard in exotic locations, but what’s it like for a beginner in blustery Pembrokeshire? Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is the world’s fastest-growing watersport  Harriet Sime gave it a go with TYF Adventure in Solva harbour, Pembrokeshire She concluded it was ‘harder but far more invigorating than … Read more