ScotlandShortlist
The 10 Best Places to Visit in Scotland for a Short Break
Castles, lochs, islands and two great cities. These are the best places to visit in Scotland on a short break, with the booking checks that matter.
Weekend theme
Castles and history
Fortresses, ruins and Roman stones.
16 guides
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United Kingdom48-hour guide
Best Things to Do in Cardiff: A 48-Hour City Guide
A two-day Cardiff route: a Gothic fantasy castle, shopping arcades, free museums at St Fagans and Cathays Park, and a waterfront walk round the Bay.
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United KingdomShortlist
The Best Castles in Ireland and Northern Ireland to Visit
Clifftop ruins, royal rocks and a stone with a famous kiss. Here are the best castles across the island of Ireland, with the closures to know before you go.
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United KingdomChristmas market
York Christmas Market 2026: Dates, Location and Tips
Alpine chalets on Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square from 12 November to 21 December 2026, in one of England’s most festive cities.
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United KingdomBefore you go
Leeds Castle, Kent: Christmas 2026 and a Practical Visitor Guide
Leeds Castle sits on a lake in Kent, not in Yorkshire. Here’s what to see, when it’s closed in late 2026 and how to plan a day there.
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Shortlist
The Best Castles in Europe for a Weekend Trip
Ten castles worth building a weekend around, with the booking rules and winter hours that catch people out.
