Motovun, Istria, Croatia

 

It's a steep climb up through atmospheric streets (or a more prosaic bus ride) from the large car park to the heart of the hilltop town of Motovun. Although very much a tourist trap, the well-preserved squares, streets and fortifications are worth checking out, even on an overcast day. You will also be treated to eye-catching views across the cobbled streets and terracotta roofs into the Istrian countryside, particularly if you pay a few euros to climb the church's bell tower. Although you also have to pay to access much of the town walls (and the public loos), you can see a lot without coughing up. Still, you might want to have a drink or a bite to eat in one of the many (generally) upmarket restaurants and cafes.

Hilltop Settlements, Istria, Croatia

 The historic hilltop settlement of Motovun as viewed from the balcony of the Truba jazz bar in another lofty medieval village - Grožnjan.

High Summer in Brockwell Park, South London

Fluffy clouds mirror the fluffy vegetation (thistles) in a parched Brockwell Park.

Cycling Southbound Across Waterloo Bridge, Central London

Riding south across Waterloo Bridge, you get fine views of London's business district, the City, and the skyscrapers rising on the opposite bank of the Thames.

Cycling in Richmond Park, South West London

On a sunny Sunday morning, hundreds of lycra-clad road cyclists are doing laps of Richmond Park.

Lime Biking Ludgate Circus, Central London

For many younger Londoners, Lime bikes have become a key mode of transport, further fuelling the city's cycling boom. The cycle lanes around Ludgate Circus must be some of the most congested in the capital. 

Herne Hill Market, South London

 

Every Sunday, the pedestrianised area near Herne Hill station hosts a market and the surrounding cafes and restaurants welcome the resulting influx.

Wellington Street, Central London

Near the tourist hotspot of Covent Garden, Wellington Street is home to several of London't renown theatres.