The Mornington Peninsula remains a secret gem on the Australian wine scene. Less than a couple of hours drive from Melbourne it is a maze of forested roads, rolling green pastures, vineyards and breathtaking sea vistas.

Beyond its natural beauty, it is a Mecca for food and wine lovers. Think Pinot Noirs that rival the world’s best, eating in vineyards that look over the grapes to the sea and local markets where growers boast the best fresh produce you can buy.

For those who make the trip there is no shortage of tempting options. With over 50 cellar doors you could spend a week traversing the vineyard laced hills and still be wanting more.

With time take advantage of the area by booking onto a tour. If you have a couple of days to explore it’s worth getting to some of the following standout wineries:

• Merrick’s Estate: This is a special one. Nestled down a pine-lined drive, Merricks Estate’s understated cellar door sells some of the best wine in the region. Here you can pick up reasonably priced bottles of wine served at the most exclusive restaurants around Australia. Only open on the first weekend of each month you have to plan your visit here carefully.

• Foxy’s Hangout:  This is not only a place to source stunning sparkling wine. A lunchtime trip to Foxy’s will see you enjoying a spread of delicately composed tasting plates – each one equally delicious. Run by brothers Michael and Tony Lee the historic property boasts vines nestled in a valley flooded with sun in the afternoons.

• Ocean Eight: Owned by the Aylward family this winery operates on grapes picked from 17 Hectares of vineyards. If you’re a fan of French Burgundian Pinot Noir, winemaker Mike Aylward – passionate about this particular variety – believes that it won’t be long before the Mornington is producing wine as sought after as their French counterparts.

• Willow Creek: The 20-year-old vines at Willow Creek Vineyard are some of the oldest on the Peninsula. If you’re after views and good wine, this is the place to go. Even better, sit down to a meal at Salix Restaurant and soak it in for longer.

Let’s face it; Mornington wines are unique ‘maritime climate’ drops you’d be best sampling on location. If rolling vineyards that meet the ocean sound up your alley, get online to look at cheap airfares. Once you have secured your flights to Melbourne the hallmark Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards are only a short drive away.

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Planning a trip to the land of leprechauns and ale? Whilst there is no guarantee of an actual sighting of a real life leprechaun, Ireland most definitely promises a vast natural beauty and a hospitable atmosphere to boot. Made up of two parts, Ireland comprises of the Republic of Ireland (which covers the land’s majority) and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. Although sharing a relatively modest and unpredictable climate with Great Britain, Ireland offers a multitude of unique and inspiring activities amidst a picturesque natural setting with a rich cultural heritage. Ireland is bursting with unusual outdoor holiday experiences, and is the perfect destination for those who seek outdoor adventure.

Some perfect ways to soak in some fresh air and breath-taking views are through hikes around Walkabout Wicklow, Skellig Michael and the Mountain View Horse Riding Centre. If the weather doesn’t allow for outdoor escapades, another interesting option would be to opt for one of Ireland’s infamous cooking courses. Some of the more popular cookery schools include; Ballyknocken House and Cookery School in Glenealy, where courses are taught in the beautiful grounds of a Victorian country house; Donnybrook Fair Restaurant, Food Hall and Cookery School, which fuses a restaurant, school and deli in an urban setting, and the Ballymaloe Cookery School in Shanagarry.

If it’s the eating part that appeals most, rather than slaving away over a stove yourself, then luckily you’ll find a multitude of well-respected eateries that exhibit everything that Irish cuisine has to offer. Typically you’ll find national dishes like hearty Irish stews, boxty (Irish potato pancake), colcannon (mash potato with kale or cabbage), coddle (stewed pork, bacon and potato) and black pudding. You’ll also find an impressive selection of real ales and stouts in one of the many friendly local pubs, where the choices on offer will suit everyone from the selective drinker to the full blown alcohol connoisseur. There are also dozens of recommendable restaurants in Ireland to choose from, with different areas offering various takes on the Irish culinary experience.

Depending on where you decide to stay, the list below covers some critically acclaimed restaurants to sink your teeth into. Some popular Ireland restaurants include; The Huntsman Inn in Galway, The Upper Deck Cafe in New Ross, Fenns Quay Restaurant in Cork, and The Aquarium Restaurant in Offaly. There are also a number of themed eating experiences, from the historic surroundings of Harrigan’s Cafe Bar in Kildare and Kilgraney House in Carlow, to the romantic waterside settings of Aqua Restaurant in Dublin and Gargoyles in Kildare. If you’re unsure about where to anchor your travels, click here for more information on Ireland.

Once you’ve decided on a region, there are plenty of places to stay in Ireland, from high end hotels to characteristic bed and breakfasts. On the hotel front, there’s the highly recommended Old Imperial in Cork, the Wellington Park Hotel in Belfast and the Diamond Coast Hotel in Sligo. If you’re after a more intimate and homely experience, there are plenty of lovely little bed and breakfasts to try out across Ireland. Some particularly noteworthy establishments include the Seaview in Galway, Calhame House in Mayo and Ballyboy House in Tipperary. Whilst hotels and bed and breakfasts are popular accommodation options, they are by no means the only ones; there are also a number of hostels, camp sites and guest houses to choose from. To sample the full extent of Irish hospitality, a great idea would be to plan a combination of a few. If doing this, I’d recommend starting with the camping and ending in a hotel- nothing beats concluding your holiday in luxury!

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Marrakech has the right amount of attractions, heritage sites and landmarks to keep a family, couple or group of friends easily entertained for a weekend or longer. It’s a city built on ancient traditions and houses a vibrant culture, with fascinating sights to be experienced and explored. Whether you choose to discover things to do in Marrakech for yourself or benefit from the wisdom of a tour guide, there’s plenty to be getting on with. Here are some top tips for making the most of a break away in Marrakech.

Get authentic accommodation.

Riads are a historic way of Moroccan living which truly brings Marrakech holidays to life – and there’s often one to suit every budget. These large, windowless palaces are found down quiet backstreets and alleys, opening their large wooden doors to hidden oasis’s of calm. Inside the grand stone buildings are leafy patios, fountains and terraces where you can relax from the bustle of the city, while being simultaneously right in the heart of it. Roof terraces and open ceilings allow for pools, around which you can enjoy a sophisticated evening dinner, or skyline views over the minarets and rooftops of Marrakech’s historic medina. These provide a great taste of Marrakech, whether you’re travelling with family or looking for a romantic break away.

Eat where the locals do

The Djemaa-el Fna is the social, historical and cultural hub of Marrakech and by night becomes a huge open-air restaurant, providing an eating experience like no other. Heading for the stalls which seem busy with locals and don’t pander too hard to attract tourist trade is a good idea as this is the food enjoyed by the locals and you can expect to get great value for money. Try traditional dishes like couscous, tagines, and hoummous. During the day, the freshly squeezed orange juice available from the carts in the square is truly delicious and a great way to refresh.

Enjoy the sights

While the streets of Marrakech are busy, hot and prove why it is known as Morocco’s Red City, its sights are a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle. Koutoubia Mosque and El Bahia Palace are both grand, beautifully decorated attractions in the heart of the city but, once you get inside, offer a peace and tranquillity like no other. Well worth a visit. Not to mention the nearby Altas Mountains, a walker paradise which offers a perspective of the country only attainable by being there yourself.

Barter your heart out

The Djemaa-el Fna market is a labyrinthine like market with countless food stalls and interesting artefacts to buy. They are a great place to soak up the real atmosphere of day-to-day Marrakech, as well as pick up a few souvenirs. Be prepared to make like a local and haggle with the vendors – a key part of Marrakech custom, they will be offended if you don’t try and barter for a lower price.

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There can be no denying that roaming around the UK on holiday can be intensely rewarding. Having the freedom to explore all the different regions of the country is incredibly liberating and it is easy to find wonderfully well-equipped accommodation.

Excellent transport links make it especially easy to get out and about in the UK, but arguably the most important factor into making any trip a success is the accommodation. Stopping in a soulless hotel can prove both costly and massively underwhelming, depending on the size of the travelling party. It could ultimately determine whether or not you return to a certain area ever again or even head abroad the next time it comes to booking a holiday.

Renting a cottage, though, will enhance rather than undermine the whole holiday experience and in the UK we’re fortunate to have a diverse range of charismatic and enchanting cottages in every possible hamlet, town or village you can think of.

Probably the biggest advantage of staying in a cottage is the intimacy and privacy that you and your family members and friends will be afforded. If a big group stays in a hotel, usually you’ll be separated on different floors and you’re then basically paying for a basic bed in a basic room.

A cottage comes complete with all your usual home comforts and will make you feel like part of the local community. You’ll feel more relaxed as a result and that bit of extra space and ability to come and go as you please should make all the difference.

Then there is the choice on offer the length and breadth of the UK. For instance, there are cottages in Wales, cottages in Yorkshire and cottages in Northumberland that will all be very unique in their own way. The scenic backdrops and range of activities available locally will also be vastly different.

In Wales, you may fancy tackling Snowdonia. And what better way to round off a day walking up the biggest mountain in Wales than enjoying a home-cooked meal in a picturesque cottage with your loved ones around you?
Head to Yorkshire and the lure of the excellent shopping available in Leeds or York could be too strong. With aching feet and empty pockets, you’ll be glad of a quiet night in sat in front of a roaring fire in a country cottage. And after checking out all the historic sites in abundance in Northumberland, like Hadrian’s Wall, you can make your own home from home in a rustic cottage.

No matter where you fancy staying in the UK or what time of the year you want to get away, there is bound to be a cottage nearby to satisfy your every need.

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