39 h. ago ‘If you love adventure but not tourists’: readers’ favourite wild places in Europe

Readers revel in extraordinary landscapes from black sand deserts in Iceland to haunting forests in Poland, spotting wolves, bears and honey buzzards along the way• Tell us about a trip to Turkey – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucherThe Julian Alps are mostly in Slovenia, but I have gone on many trips to the little known Italian portion of this mountain range to visit old friends in the ski town Sella Nevea. The scenery is awesome: pointed white, limestone peaks above deep and mysterious pine-forested valleys. The books of mountaineer Julius Kugy romantically describe this large wilderness, the obscurity of which amazes me. Nature is abundant with various large mammals, bird life and flora. If you love alpine adventure but don’t like tourists then seek it out, there’s nobody there!Paul Continue reading...

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3 d. ago ‘We think Princess Pearl is a feminist icon’: readers’ favourite Julia Donaldson books

Characters who challenge stereotypes, stories that stimulate little ones’ vocabulary, endless laughter and moments guaranteed to make any dad cry. Here are your takes on the work of a beloved children’s author• Julia Donaldson’s best books – ranked!Last week, Stuart Heritage ranked his 15 favourite books by Julia Donaldson, and readers have responded with their own opinions, along with memories of reading her beloved stories to their children. Here are some of the most popular picks from the Gruffalo author’s gigantic oeuvre.*** Continue reading...

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1 week ago ‘The best thing I’ve seen in my life’ – your top TV of 2025 so far

From the gothic noir of Dept. Q to the continued cool of Andor and a miraculous show about a fungus that can heal all illnesses, here are Guardian readers’ favourite shows of the year to date(Disney+) Andor is a cool, intelligent look at how fascism grows and the cost of resistance. It may be set in a galaxy far far away, but it is in an entirely different universe to any other Star Wars production. No lightsabers; no magic space wizards; barely a stormtrooper in sight – until the grim and horrifying mid-season climax. Who knew committee meetings and wedding parties could be so gripping? It’s as though George Lucas placed the keys to his kingdom in the hands of John le Carré instead of Disney. Remember that fizz of excitement you got as an eight-year-old heading in to see A New Hope? Andor makes this 55-year-old feel the same way. Russell Jones, Cheshire Continue reading...

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1 week ago ‘Oh no! It’s a Gruffalo!’ Julia Donaldson’s 15 best books – ranked!

Her rhyming tales have enchanted children and parents the world over – but which is the best? From a busker’s cat to a greedy rat, it’s time to rate the hits• Parents: what is your child’s favourite Julia Donaldson book?Although Julia Donaldson is best known for her work with Axel Scheffler, her books made with other illustrators yield their own delights. Illustrated by Rebecca Cobb, 2012’s The Paper Dolls has an irresistible sense of childlike wonder, following a string of cut-out dolls as they explore a house while trying to avoid scissors. Continue reading...

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2 w. ago ‘Framed by jagged peaks, it felt like stepping into a dream’: readers’ favourite mountain trips in Europe

From the Alpujarras to the Dolomites, our tipsters hike, camp and devour hearty mountain food in some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery• Send us a tip on European wilderness – the best wins a £200 holiday voucherAfter a gruelling journey from the UK, arriving at Alpe di Siusi during golden hour felt like stepping into a dream. Farmers turned hay in some of Europe’s highest alpine meadows, framed by jagged Dolomite peaks glowing in soft evening light. We can recommend staying at the Hotel Schmung, a family-run gem with delicious northern Italian food and direct access to scenic hikes. Rifugios provide great lunch stops along the trails. The peaceful setting, breathtaking views and freedom to explore on foot without needing a car make this a perfect base for the Dolomites.Louise Continue reading...

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4 w. ago ‘Beautiful locations to learn in’: readers’ favourite creative breaks

Photography, writing, painting and music learning holidays have all ignited our readers’ creative spark, at retreats from Snowdonia to Sicily• Tell us about your favourite mountain trip – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucherWider Horizons is an outdoor gathering in Berkshire dedicated to reigniting young attendees’ (18 to 30 years old) creative spark through workshops, music, ceremony and movement. On the glorious July afternoon I arrived, oak trees cast elongated shadows on the soft earth, a gentle breeze stirred the tall grass, and I found myself surrounded by a group of eccentric, vivacious young adults. A key element of the weekend is transformation: Wild Woman circles channelled sacred rage into empowerment, Forest Play turned ennui into childlike wonder, and poetry workshops used the surrounding woodlands as inspiration. My phone lay untouched, my mind grew quiet, and from that place of silence, the words poured out of me like rainfall. This year’s event is from 22-28 July...

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