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.
Weekend theme
Fortresses, ruins and Roman stones.
23 guides
Shortlist
Ten castles worth building a weekend around, with the booking rules and winter hours that catch people out.
Shortlist
The largest Roman amphitheatres in Europe, ranked by size, and eight arenas worth crossing Europe for, with the booking rules and seasons to know.
United KingdomShortlist
Ten ways to fill a family weekend in York: a Viking time-travel ride, the National Railway Museum, a cat-spotting trail, city walls and chocolate-making.
Germany48-hour guide
A two-day Berlin route through Cold War history, Museum Island and the city’s best neighbourhoods, with the closures and bookings to know this autumn.
ItalyRegion guide
Sicily is too big for one weekend, so pick a side. Two long-weekend routes, east and west, with Etna, Greek temples, Palermo’s markets and winter 2026–27 tips.
Ireland48-hour guide
Dublin rewards a weekend of books, history and pub talk. A clear 48-hour route, with winter 2026–27 hours, festive plans and St Patrick’s Festival 2027 dates.