Arundel, Sussex

On the southern edge of the South Downs National Park, the ancient town of Arundel overlooks the marshes and wetlands that surround the river Arun. The 1,000-year old seat of the Dukes of Norfok, Arundel Castle looms high above this atmospheric town and port.  Although much of it has been rebuilt over the centuries, the castle, which contains 40 acres of grounds and gardens, dates back to 1068.

Next to the castle, is the Parish Church of St. Nicholas, built in 1380, while further down the high street is a Georgian coaching inn, The Norfolk Arms, built by the 10th Duke of Norfolk. Upholding an 18th century tradition, the Arundel Society for the Prosecution of Thieves and Felons still holds its annual dinner at this hotel.

Arundel's striking cathedral, which also sits high on a hillside, was built as a church by the 15th Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal, between 1868 and 1873 in French Gothic style.  It was re-designated as a cathedral in 1965. It celebrates the feast of Corpus Christi – the Body and Blood of Christ, 60 days after Easter. A  carpet of flowers is laid out a few days before the Mass and a procession of the Blessed Sacrament to Arundel Castle.

Covent Garden, Central London

 

The neo-classical columns and Victorian cobbles, lead-paned windows and tiles of Covent Garden are best savoured on a sunny winter's morning before the tourists are out in force.

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. 

Portobello Road, Notting Hill, West London

One of the most colourful streets in London, Portobello Road is famous for its market, its quirky antique and bric-a-brac shops and its vibrant early Victorian houses with their wrought iron railings. It is more than a mile long, with both residential and retail stretches. The antique traders first moved in 1948, supplanting the original fruit and veg market.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Controlled by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British at various times, the fortified seaside town of Galle is awash with old-school atmosphere. Its broad earth and stone ramparts completely enclose a dozen or so streets of restored colonial buildings, mostly occupied by hotels, shops and restaurants aimed at middle class Europeans. There are also some fine public buildings, churches and squares to admire, as well as a white-washed lighthouse and dagoba. The locals play impromptu games of football and cricket in the open spaces, while tethered cows graze the lush green banks around the walls. Just outside the old town's main gateway is an impressive cricket ground, which is still used for international fixtures.  Even in the rain, Galle is a fine place to chill out for a few days. 8/10

Kandy, Sri Lanka

After working your way through the congested suburbs, the lake in the heart of Kandy is a welcome oasis of space and tranquility. It is overlooked by the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world and the beating, bustling heart of the city.  This revered religious complex is surrounded by venerable colonial-era white-washed buildings. 

Poḷonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Stretching over a 4km long site, the extensive and varied ruins of the medieval city of Polonnaruwa are both atmospheric and absorbing - well worth the US$25 entrance fee and braving the hot and humid micro-climate.  In this major World Heritage Site, there are at least six clusters of buildings you will want to see. As they are spread out, you are probably best hiring a bike or getting a lift from one location to another. In the twelfth century, much of Sri Lanka was ruled from Poḷonnaruwa's Royal Palace and the nearby council chamber in the citadel in the heart of this garden city.

Belém, Lisbon

With several fine parks, gardens and major historical sites, the suburb of Belém should be on any Lisbon itinerary. Although a dual carriageway and a train line has cut the town centre off from the riverfront,  Belém is a pleasant place to wander and enjoy a beer of a coffee in the sunshine.

Xàtiva, Spain

Just 50 km south of the city of Valencia, Xàtiva is well worth a day trip, especially if the weather is cool and you fancy climbing the steep steps and rocky paths up to the sprawling medieval castle overlooking the town. In the middle of August, you might prefer to stay in the shade around the elegant streets flanking the handsome Collegiate Basilica, which was once a cathedral. There are several marked trails taking in a clutch of fine churches and mansions, close to Xàtiva's cafe and tree-lined beating heart. In mid-August, you might stumble on a fiesta, featuring some very loud motorbike racing.

Altea, Spain

Although it is within easy reach of Benidorm, Altea is a world away from the high rise, low rent resort to the south. Cobbled streets lined with white-washed houses, sporting wrought iron balconies, span out from the central square, making their way down to a fairly smart restaurant-lined seafront, complete with palm trees and tasteful paving stones. In some of the narrow streets, blossom and canvas paintings add a splash of colour. Although the beach itself is full of pebbles, the water can be clear and inviting. The square is dominated by the La Mare de Déu del Consol with its exotic octagonal blue-tiled domes. Altea conjures up North Africa.

Castellfollit de la Roca, Catalonia

Built on a basalt crag, about 1 km in length and 50 metres high, Castellfollit de la Roca has a medieval core built from the local volcanic rock.

Besalú, Catalonia

Famous for its fortified 12th century Romanesque bridge, Besalú is a well-preserved county town with a clutch of medieval Christian and Jewish buildings.  If you get there early enough, you'll have the cobbled riverside walkway and atmospheric old streets and squares almost to yourself

Olot, Catalonia

The capital of the volcanic Garrotxa region nestling in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Olot is a popular base for road cyclists and mountain bikes alike. Although the town sprawls across the rolling countryside and it has all the amenities, hotels and restaurants you'll need, the historic and commercial heart is pretty compact.  Charismatic modernista buildings are dotted around the old town and the substantial Church of Sant Esteve forms an imposing centrepiece, but Olot is not pretty in the way some Catalan settlements are. In fact, it has a slightly raw edge, giving it the character of a working town, rather than a tourist trap. You can enjoy a few days here.

Begur, Catalonia

Perched on the top of a steep hill, Begur is crowned by a dilapidated sixteenth century castle. It is a stiff walk or cycle to the very top, but from here there are far-reaching views of the Costa Brava's lush coastline and Begur's beguiling beaches.

Cadaqués, Catalonia

Close to the French border and the former stomping ground of Salvador Dalí, the white-washed seaside town of Cadaqués retains a remote and bohemian vibe distinct from that of the rest of the Costa Brava. A picturesque port surrounded by hills, the town has both charm and character.  With bougainvillea in abundance and hints of the surrealist style favoured by Dalí, Cadaqués is an antidote to the bland beach resorts that plague parts of the Med. Although tourists are here in force in August, the extended bay with its pebbly beach seems to absorb them easily enough, making the town a pleasant place to explore.

The South Rim, The Grand Canyon, Arizona

Although some sections of the South Rim can be mobbed in August and the heat can be intense, there are plenty of viewpoints where you can escape the crowds without hiking too far.  With a bit of local knowledge, you may even locate the secluded, but spectacular Shoshone Point, which has been set-aside for booked functions. When this area hasn't been reserved, you can park your car at the start of the Shoshone trail (off Desert View Drive) and hike a kilometre or so through the woods to a rocky spur protruding out into the canyon. Although there may be a handful of fellow visitors, you'll find the experience quite different to the hustle and bustle near the visitor centre and the shuttle bus routes.  If you suffer from vertigo, you might find the spur itself a bit scary, but it does offer sweeping 270 degree views of the awe-inspiring Arizona landscape.

Las Vegas Skyline, Nevada

Views of Vegas from the Marriott's Grand Chateau hotel, which has a rooftop bar on the 38th floor

Chinatown, San Francisco, California

The largest Chinatown outside of Asia dates from California's Gold Rush in the mid-nineteenth century and feels deeply entrenched in the city. Right in the heart of San Francisco, Chinatown's alleyways and thoroughfares are an eclectic mix of Asian and American architecture. Although it is a major tourist destination, the district feels authentic and many of the shops and restaurants are aimed at locals, as much as visitors.

Trilj, Croatia

A low-key outdoor tourist resort with lots of bars, Trilj sits on the banks of the picturesque Cetina river not too far from the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Alfriston, Sussex

At the foot of the South Downs, the village of Alfriston is dotted with half-timbered buildings with lead-paned windows and period lamps.