Horse riding in Iceland: everything you need to know

Horse riding in Iceland: everything you need to know

Short, stocky and shaggy they may be – but don’t judge Icelandic horses by their looks. Thoroughbred since the Vikings brought them here 1,000 years ago, this endemic breed is known for being incredibly easy to ride. Thanks to the horses’ relaxed and reliable natures, novices and pro-riders alike can easily saddle up and trot around Iceland’s snow-spotted... Read more »

Video: Walking the Wales Coast Path

The world’s first footpath to trace an entire country’s coastline, The Wales Coast Path offers walkers an epic 870 mile journey through Wales, past beautiful beaches, charming villages and some stunning scenery that you may not have thought existed in this corner of the UK. Watch the video for the Rough Guide to the Wales Coast... Read more »

12 extraordinary experiences to enjoy in Edinburgh, the Festival City

Most of us have heard of the Edinburgh Fringe, the Military Tattoo and the International Festival. But did you know there are 11 different festivals throughout the year in Scotland’s capital? It’s the ultimate festival city, with everything from science experiments to storytelling evenings happening year-round. Here are 12 things not to miss in Edinburgh,... Read more »

Things to do in Switzerland this Summer

The first thing you might think of doing in Switzerland is skiing, but a summer holiday there can be just as much fun – that’s why we picked the country as one of our top places to visit in 2019. Here are ten things to do in Switzerland during the summer months in the land of peaks, lakes... Read more »

August in Edinburgh: How to Spend 48 hours in the Festival City

August in Edinburgh is simply thrilling. The Festival City’s busiest period, you won’t be left wanting for things to do. In fact, it might all seem a bit overwhelming, what with five festivals taking place throughout this one month and literally thousands of events, from plays to parades, to attend. There’s the world-famous Fringe, the... Read more »

5 Festivals in June Worth Travelling For

If you’re looking for a reason to get out explore, we’ve got you covered with our pick of the best festivals in June worth travelling for. Take your pick from a boozy wine fight in La Rioja, or the chance to visit a town named Vulcan that has reinvented itself as the Star Trek Capital... Read more »

Mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day at these great British events

The moment the Allied forces landed in Normandy on the 6th June 1944, the liberation of Europe began. From there the troops marched through Europe freeing the countries that had been occupied by the Nazis, which ultimately lead to the end of the Second World War in 1945. As a result, D-Day is often seen as the... Read more »

From literary romance to wild scenery: top things to do in Kefalonia

From sublime fishing villages to the epic romance of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin — set on the ravishing Ionian island and published 25 years ago this summer — Kefalonia is so perfect it almost feels imaginary. It’s the old-fashioned Greek island you’ve searched so long to find, with pinch-yourself beaches, mint-blue seas and pastel-painted villages, plus... Read more »

Rough Guides Podcast: Witchcraft in Western Iceland

We’re in Iceland for episode two of the Rough Guide to Everywhere podcast. The home of monster glaciers, thunderous waterfalls and bubbling hot springs, there’s plenty to take in here, from lively Akureyri on the north coast to the ever-popular Reykjavik in the south. We’re an inquisitive bunch here at Rough Guides and wanted to... Read more »

Scotland’s city of cool: why Glasgow should be your next weekend break

Long overshadowed by refined, tourist-clogged Edinburgh, Scotland’s second city has been quietly proving that it’s far from second best. Glasgow’s cultural plaudits are hefty, from Rennie Mackintosh’s architectural triumphs (beyond the sadly fire-damaged School of Art) to the street-art-splashed east end. Culture aside, Glasgow’s food scene is one of the most vibrant in Scotland –... Read more »

Why 2019 is the year to explore Italy’s art history

Italy’s contribution to our global cultural history is hard to overstate – the great painters of the Renaissance left a legacy that still shapes our understanding of the art world today. 2019 is a banner year for arts and culture in the country, with celebrations and exhibitions celebrating this artistic heritage and looking forward to... Read more »

5 fantastic Scottish road trips to take this Summer

With extra long days and scenery that reveals itself in a palette of soft blues, greens and browns, summer is the best time to explore the spectacular Scottish Highlands. Driving along the Highland’s winding lanes will reveal unexpected views, quaint villages and of course, country pubs. When it comes to getting there, the traditional choices are driving... Read more »