Excel Marina, East London

Something of a back water in East London, the Excel Marina provides sweeping views of the O2, the Thames cable car and Canary Wharf, as well as new housing developments and ornamental cranes.

Tivoli Park, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Although you have to get across a busy ring road to get there, Tivoli Park is pretty much in the centre of Ljubljana. This large green space has smart landscaping, the heavily-forested Rožnik hill, striking sculptures and a couple of handsome mansions that now double as restaurants and exhibition spaces. Designed in 1813 by the French engineer Jean Blanchard, Tivoli Park is about five square kilometres, dissected by three walks lined with horse chestnut trees and distant views of the city's castle. In September 2023, the park's broad Jakopič Promenades was lined by large format prints celebrating the work of Ivan Tavčar, a leading Slovenian writer and politician.

Petkovškovo Nabrežje, Ljubljana, Slovenia

 

A buzzy tree-lined riverside road, Petkovškovo Nabrežje is packed with tables and chairs in the summer months. 

The Rooftops of Ljubljana, Slovenia

 

From the top of the Nebotičnik skyscraper (built in 1933 and one of the tallest buildings in Europe at the time) there are fine views over the rooftops of Ljubljana. At 70 metres high, the terrace of the top floor cafe provides the ideal vantage point from which to survey the city's historic core. Note, you are supposed to buy something before you can take pics.

Trubarjeva Cesta, Ljubljana, Slovenia

One of the thoroughfares connecting Ljubljana's pristine old town with the more scruffy areas on the east of the city, cobbled Trubarjeva Cesta retains a slight bohemian vibe despite ongoing gentrification.

Mesarski most, Ljubljana, Slovenia

 

Pedestrianised and bedecked with thousands of padlocks, Ljubljana's Butchers' Bridge hosts a couple of almost demonic statues by the Slovenian sculptor Jakov Brdar. Built in 2010, the footbridge connects the Central Market's colonnade, designed by the architect Jože Plečnik, with the Petkovškovo Nabrežje embankment. 

Dušan Cunjak, Gallusovo nabrežje, Ljubljana, Slovenia

 

On the banks of the Ljubljanica river,  rare book shop Dušan Cunjak is a real head-turner.

Street Art, Resljeva Cesta, Ljubljana, Slovenia

 

To cover up unsightly graffiti, Ljubljana's skate and snowboard shop has decorated its facade with a striking Bauhaus look.

The National Gallery, Ljubljana, Slovenia

 

Built in 1896, Slovenia's elegant National Gallery houses almost 600 works of art by European artists dating from the Middle Ages.

Ulica na Grad, Ljubljana, Slovenia

A quiet back route up to Ljubljana castle, the cobbled Ulica na Grad is lined with ancient houses that wouldn't look out of place in a rustic village.

Ciril-Metodov trg, Ljubljana, Slovenia

 

One of the most scenic streets in Ljubljana's old town, cobbled Ciril-Metodov trg is lined with creamy mansion houses, as well as one side of the city's Baroque cathedral. 

A Food Stall, Plečnik's Covered Market, Ljubljana, Slovenia

 

One of a row of pricey food shops in the 'Plečnik's Covered Market' that lines the river Ljubljanica.

Ljubljana's Allotments, Krakovo, Slovenia

A short walk from the centre of Ljubljana, in the suburb of Krakovo, you'll find peaceful allotments with views of the castle. 

Kongresni trg, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Although you can't see much of Ljubljana's charming old town from the castle, you do get a fine aerial view of the west end of Kongresni trg, particularly the grand Palladian facade of the Uršulinska cerkev svete Trojice

Le Petit Cafe, Trg francoske revolucije, Ljubljana

Bringing a flavour of Paris to Ljubljana, the longstanding Le Petit Cafe is something of an institution in Slovenia's capital. In the summer, the outdoor tables can be buzzing mid morning with breakfasters. Inside, the distressed decor and the vintage Gallic art on the walls conjures up a bygone era. While the hot food can be overcooked and the coffee a bit bland, the menu offers plenty of choice and is reasonably priced given the popularity of this distinguished establishment. Better still, the waiters have perfected the haughty gruffness you associate with cafes in the French capital.

Hradeckega most, Ljubljana, Slovenia

 

A fine cast-iron bridge dating from the mid-nineteenth century, Hradeckega most was restored and relocated from the centre of the city to a more suburban location in 2011.  Connecting the Trnovo District and the Prule neighbourhood, the bridge can now only be used by pedestrians and cyclists. 

Mestno igrišče, Ljubljana, Slovenia

 

A squat, but eye catching, church on the corner between Precna Ulica and Mala Ulica, near the centre of Ljubljana

Prešernov Trg, Ljubljana, Slovenia

At the heart of Slovenia's compact capital, Prešernov trg sees a steady stream of pedestrians and cyclists criss-crossing the city.  The square's Prešeren Monument celebrates France Prešeren (1800–1849), the greatest Slovenian poet. It is surrounded by handsome buildings, the most striking of which is the salmon-pink Franciscan church of the Annunciation. The square leads on to the distinctive Triple Bridge, designed by architect Jože Plečnik and built in the 1930s, to separate pedestrians from faster moving traffic. On the other side of the river, is a grand Chateauesque mansion, now housing local government offices. 

Old Quebec Street, London

 

 

Not far from Marble Arch, Old Quebec Street is a good place to lock up your own bike or collect a shared bike from a cycle hire scheme. CCTV keeps watch over this historic semi-pedestranised alleyway.

La Rambla, Figueres, Catalonia

 

A historic tree-lined square in the heart of Figueres, La Rambla has plenty of benches shaded from the heat of the Catalan sun. 

Stockmore Street Mural, Oxford

 

The vibrant mural on the entrance to Stockmore Street celebrates the community street band, The Horns of Plenty. Painted in 2018, this exuberant street art marks the band’s first 10 years of making music on the Cowley Road.

Magdalen College Commemoration Ball, Oxford

An extraordinarily elaborate event organised by undergraduate students, the Magdalen College Commemoration Ball actually lived up to its billing as a magical evening of revelry. It successfully delivered an array of live music, culinary treats, entertainments and fireworks, in a truly historic setting.

The Queue for Magdalen College Commemoration Ball, Oxford

The Magdalen College Commemoration Ball - the first in seven years - generates one of the most elegant queues you will find anywhere.

The Mighty Hoopla, Brockwell Park, South London

Held in Brockwell Park on a gloriously sunny weekend, the Mighty Hoopla staged Years & Years, Róisín Murphy, Jake Shears, the Venga Boys and other cabaret-style sets.  Depending on who was on stage, the vibe ranged from chill to shrill.

Statue of Winston Churchill, Parliament Square, Central London

The hunched bronze statue of Winston Churchill glowers over Parliament Square in the heart of London. 

Westminster Abbey, Central London

 

The scene of the coronation of King Charles III, Westminster Abbey attracts more tourists than ever.

The Albert, Victoria Street, Central London

Built in 1862, the four-storey The Albert pub survived The Blitz during World War II almost unscathed. Now surrounded by glass and steel, it retains its original ornate ceilings, hand-etched frosted glass windows and iron balconies.

Twilight in Herne Hill, South London

 

Herne Hill must have one of the worst junctions in London, but you can admire the old-school commercial facades while waiting to cross the road.

Plaza de la Alianza, Seville

Shaded by citrus trees and with its own drinking fountain, Plaza de la Alianza is a picturesque cobbled square with a cafe-bar that is popular with tourists. From here, you can admire the stunning Giralda - the bell tower of the nearby cathedral.

Calle Alfarería, Seville, Andalusia

 

One of the main thoroughfares in the old part of Triana, Calle Alfarería still has cobbles and some well-preserved shop facades, awash with wrought iron balconies and colourful tiles

Plaza del Altozano, Triana, Seville

 

After you leave the heart of Seville and cross the Puente de Isabel II Bridge into Triana, you are immediately greeted by the elegant and ornate buildings of the Plaza del Altozano. A clutch of bars and restaurants are strategically positioned to provide fine views back across the river.

Plaza Jesus de la Pasion, Seville

 Plaza de Jesús de la Pasion is a pleasant pedestrianised square in Seville's shopping district.

Calle Betis, Seville

Running along the west side of the Guadalquivir river, the flagstones of Calle Betis make for a much more peaceful and pleasant stroll than walking alongside the main road next to the east bank.

Calle Gamazo, Seville

 

The enticing facade of a restaurant dating from the nineteenth century in the heart of Seville

Mercado de Triana, Seville

 

An atmospheric food and drink market close to Puente de Isabel II Bridge,  Mercado de Triana is popular with local office workers on a Friday afternoon.

Ide Hill, Kent

 

The village green in Ide Hill, home to the highest church in Kent.

The Nower, Kent

 

A quiet lane in the North Downs, The Nower's lower section has far-reaching views south. If you are on a bike, it's a good place to catch your breath before you descend Brasted Hill at high speed or after you've dragged yourself up this demanding climb.

The Castle Inn, Chiddingstone, Kent

 

Dating back to the 15th Century, the Grade II-listed Castle Inn in Chiddingstone is a gathering point for horse riders dressed in Easter attire

Cherry Blossom in Herne Hill, South London

 

Native to the Yoshino District in Nara, Japan, Yoshino cherry trees are thriving on Winterbrook Road and Stradella Road in Herne Hill.

Spring Blossom on Camberwell Grove, South London

 

Sunset in Brockwell Park, South London

 

No need for a filter on this photo of a vibrant evening sky in south London.

La Plaça España, Barcelona

 

From the top of the former bull ring on La Plaça España, you get a fine view of the ornate fountain in the middle of the roundabout, the neo-classical entrance to the Fira de Montjuïc exhibition space, complete with Venetian-style towers, and the grandeur of the Palau Nacional in the background. 

Barcelona Waterfront, Catalonia

 

The sail-shaped W Hotel is a prominent landmark on Barcelona's waterfront

The South Downs, near Plumpton, East Sussex

 

The South Downs - a crease in the countryside - is clearly visible from an Easyjet flight from Gatwick to Barcelona

Trinity Church Square, South London

 

Evelina Mansions, New Church Road, South London

 

Built in 1901, handsome red brick Evelina Mansions now houses 83 flats across five stories.

The Nuclear Dawn Mural, Coldharbour Lane, South London

 

Originally painted in the 1980s during the Cold War, the apocalyptic Nuclear Dawn Mural was restored in 2021, after years of neglect and vandalism.

Walking in Marden Park, near Woldingham, Surrey

 

Just south of Woldingham Station, a number of scenic circular walks climb up into the North Downs overlooking Woldingham School. You pass through patches of woodland that were once part of Marden Park Manor. William Wilberforce, campaigner for the abolition of slavery, lived here towards the end of the 18th century.