Category: Columns

When there’s yet another war that sees fuel prices continually rise, you need a vehicle that avoids petrol stations. While I am driving the Honda CR-V full hybrid, which will travel almost 600 miles on a tank, we enter the sixth week of the war in Iran, which sees fuel prices soar to almost two […]

Good quality family time can be had in Exmouth. We’re only here for a day, but that’s enough to create lasting memories. A leisurely three-course meal at Prezzo in The Strand is an excellent start. “I love Italian food,” says Heidi (13), as she soaks up the atmosphere. The interior design is tasteful and welcoming. We […]

Time: 3½ hours Distance: 8 miles Poppleton, Red House and the Ouse This walk explores the countryside west of Poppleton, between the Ouse and the A59. With just a few farms and scattered houses, this is one of the quietest and least frequented areas close to the city. About a third of the route is […]

From travel tech to festival favourites, discover the gadgets making summer that little bit smarter. From holidays and festivals to camping trips and days out, the right gadget can make all the difference. This month’s Summer Tech Essentials roundup showcases clever tech, innovative accessories and practical problem-solvers designed to keep you connected, entertained and ready […]

History fascinates me. From the stories that have been forgotten to the sweeping tales of humankind, there is something for everyone, even those of you who think history books are confined to one style. Here, I have given you a selection of books about human history, a novel about the Cold War, and a factual retelling of […]

Time: 2½ hours Distance: 5 miles Coneysthorpe The area around Castle Howard is one of the most popular walking areas in the Howardian Hills. This route, largely on bridleways, avoids some of the busier paths. About a third of the walk follows the long track that leads along the wooded edge of the hills overlooking […]

From clever everyday tech to lifestyle upgrades you didn’t know you needed MARSHALL WILLEN II PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER£99.99 from Argos & AmazonBig sound, small speaker. The Marshall Willen II delivers over 17 hours of portable playtime in a compact design built for life on the move. With Bluetooth connectivity, IP67 dust and waterproof protection, and […]

The term ‘snickelway’ was popularised by local author Mark W. Jones in his 1983 book, A Walk Around the Snickelways of York, combining the words ‘snicket’, ‘ginnel’, and ‘alleyway’. Broadly classified as “a narrow place to walk along, leading from somewhere to somewhere else”, snickelways are a charmingly unique feature of our city.  Carr’s Lane  […]

Ripon and Studley Park Time: 3 hours Distance: 6 miles This varied walk from the edge of Ripon largely avoids the crowds that throng Studley Park and Fountains Abbey. Omitting the Abbey (entry charges apply), although it is easily possible to extend the walk to include it, the route traverses nature reserves, woodland and a […]

By Ben Robinson Looking for inspiration for your next great read? Each month, Ben dives into a selection of page turners, hidden gems, and noteworthy new releases, sharing honest reviews and thoughtful recollections along the way… Mortal Monarchs: 1000 Years of Royal Deaths – by Suzie Edge  ‘Mortal Monarchs’ was one of the easiest and […]

By Tim Saunders  The importance of vaccines and antibiotics takes centre stage at the History of Science Museum in Broad Street, Oxford. Here, there is a room dedicated to penicillin and eradicating typhoid – Oxford scientists have played an important part in this. This excellent free resource also has Einstein’s inspirational blackboard showing his theory […]

The term ‘snickelway’ was popularised by local author Mark W. Jones in his 1983 book, A Walk Around the Snickelways of York, combining the words ‘snicket’, ‘ginnel’, and ‘alleyway’. Broadly classified as “a narrow place to walk along, leading from somewhere to somewhere else”, snickelways are a charmingly unique feature of our city… Dean’s Park […]

Kirkham Gorge & Welburn Time: 2½ hours Distance: 5¼ miles Starting from Kirkham Priory, this varied walk passes through the most scenic section of the Kirkham Gorge, where the River Derwent flows through the Howardian Hills. It then weaves through a mix of woodland and fields on the edge of the Castle Howard Estate, returning to […]

Time: 3hours 6½ miles Traversing varied countryside, this route links no less than five villages. Apart from Copmanthorpe, all are relatively small and quiet, despite the proximity of the busy A64. Is This Walk For Me? Medium length with just minor slopes, this walk is generally easy. The A64 is crossed safely on bridges, however, […]

Every year, I like to give our readers a selection of some of the best biographies and memoirs I’ve recently read, especially those that have left me pondering them long after I’ve finished the final page. Each of these stories absolutely captures a tale that will reel you in from the first word to the […]