Sandy beaches, golden dunes, and coastal promenades make Southport a popular escape from the nearby cities of Liverpool and Manchester. Add in a fairground, a historic pier, and a thriving nightlife scene, and you have one of the west coast’s most exciting seaside resorts.

Cumbria's valleys and fells (as the low mountains are known) are home to idyllic villages, high moorlands and picturesque lakes. Literary buffs will enjoy Wordsworth's Dove Cottage (go in March to see daffodils), and if you've got kids in tow, visit The World of Beatrix Potter. Or just enjoy a leisurely drive through beautiful scenery.

Grindelwald is postcard-perfect, a charming example of a Swiss ski resort. There are slopes for all experience levels, plus plenty of snowy activities for those who don’t ski, such as sledding, hiking or snowshoeing. Not feeling particularly active? Just cozy up by crackling fire and enjoy the merry atmosphere. After a long day, nothing’s better than lingering over a pot of Swiss fondue and a glass of crisp wine as you plan the next day’s adventures.

Poznan was once the capital of Poland and is still the capital of the Wielkopolska region. Poznan lies midway between Berlin and Warsaw, which has helped make it an important town for centuries. Badly damaged in World War II, the city (especially its Old Town) has been beautifully restored. The huge Old Town Square (Stary Rynek) is one of Europe’s nicest, and is lined by fabulous historic attractions, restaurants and nightlife. The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is Poland’s oldest cathedral.