I probably ought not to recommend anything affiliated with demon online megastore ‘Amazon’. But ‘Audible’ their audiobook sibling, really is fantastic. So many books these days are released by audiobook, with either the author or great actors telling the story. 

In 2012, Irishman Sean Doran started a festival in Beckett's honour. He found all sorts of quirky venues: church halls, masonic lodges and the Marble Arch Caves. The Beckett recitals at dawn and dusk, in an abandoned monastery on Devenish Island, a few miles by boat from Enniskillen are a must see.

My favourite spot in Enniskillen. The fortress that gave this hill its name was demolished in the 19th century. Only the foundations survive. A park was planted in its place, with a grandstand for brass bands to play in.

Its full of old-fashioned shops and handsome Victorian and Georgian houses, and it's setting is stunning, on an island surrounded by the River Erne. Enniskillen’s ancient castle houses a fine museum, charting every chapter of its tangled history, from Celtic prehistory to the present day.

The dilapidated medieval castle at Fotheringhay was pulled down in the 17th century – but you can still have a drink in it, since its stones are said to have been used to build the Talbot Hotel in nearby Oundle.

The former home of our late editor, Alexander Chancellor, can play host to company ‘brainstorming’ sessions, as well as what-might-be-dreaded away days. The lawns provide ample space for marquees – and it’s where Tim Walker saw fit to do one of his surreal fashion photoshoots.

If you do nothing else in Northamptonshire, visit Geddington church and hope that volunteer Kam Caddell is on duty. Let him take you on a tour that is part history lesson, part stand-up comedy. This man brings the ages alive via tales of the many monarchs who walked and worshipped here.

Ayckbourn has 82 full-length plays to his credit, with more in the pipeline. Recently The Divided was on at the Old Vic, after a stint at the Edinburgh Fringe and he has Better Off Dead coming up in Scarborough in September. If it’s written by Ayckbourn, it’s likely to be worth getting tickets for.

Burma (Myanmar) is a land of rivers. Not just the Irrawaddy, navigable for 1000 miles, or its main tributary the Chindwin river, navigable for 600 miles, but other rivers too. Pandaw cruises will take you there!

Masham has one of the very finest market squares in Yorkshire – or even England. This makes it a prime spot for the annual sheep fair, where people flock from far and wide (in order to bid on new sheep). A joyful activity for a September weekend that makes much money for charity – morris dances, fleece stalls and wool competitions are also on offer.

Manchester’s great theatrical tradition is best expressed by the Royal Exchange in St Ann’s Square. Established in 1976, out of steel and glass, in the old cotton exchange that was called ‘the biggest room in the world’, it was set in motion by Michael Elliott, one of the great heroes of English theatre. Well worth a visit today.

For a Manchester story of outstanding musical achievement look no further than the Hallé. They play now at Bridgewater Hall, a stone’s throw from the Free Trade Hall, and under Sir Mark Elder, music director since 2000, who has them playing better than at any time since Sir John Barbirolli 60 years ago.

It’s only open six months of the year, closing to the public once again on the 22nd April. It is worth going alone, for the alluring wood panelled rooms, gothic chandeliers and stained glass; but the ‘Rhythm and Reaction’ The Age of Jazz in Britain is also excellently curated.

The Sky Garden, located at the top of the 'Walkie Talkie' building, offers stunning views of the capital city. Set in a sky-high botanical paradise, the gardens themselves are a delight to walk through, particularly set beside the vista of London's iconic skyline. The venue also has a restaurant and a bar.

Herne Hill has a splattering of terribly fine pubs ­– arguably, it’s finest, is The Prince Regent. The most ye oldie of the public houses and with a glorious front beer-patio. It's perfect for people watching – out to the lido and beyond to the sprawling park! Plus, does a tasty roast.

When the Thames Tunnel opened in 1843, the public queued up to pay a penny each to visit this civil engineering miracle: it was the first tunnel ever to pass under a river and was nicknamed the Eighth Wonder of the World. It is now home to a bijou history museum and the Grand Entrance Hall is used as a performance space thanks to its brilliant acoustics – go visit.

I don't know what's more delicious - the food at this cafe, or its views of Tower Bridge and the Thames. On Saturdays, tasty brunches can be washed down with bottomless prosecco (particularly useful if nursing a heavy Friday night). The cafe also offers an a la carte menu, a set menu and a Sunday lunch.

Toby Jones, Stephen Mangan and Zoë Wanamaker star in the Harold Pinter Theatre’s production of Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party. Prepare yourself for the sinister wit of Stephen Mangan’s Goldberg, Zoë Wanamaker’s doting affection for Stanley Webber (Toby Jones) and even a cheeky nod to ‘The Donald’.

Gore Vidal's The Best Man, on show at the Playhouse theatre, charts the course of a Presidential primary election in the US. Both candidates have pasts they would rather hide, one lacks scruples and, coincidentally, loves a bit of liberal-bashing. Very relevant and certainly worth a watch.

There’s train-spotting, there are train-station enthusiasts and then there are people who like bus stations. The very best in south London is the Stockwell bus garage. Ask a friendly worker to let you in for a nip round (you’ll be forced to don high-vis), or admire from Binfield Road.

This good old-fashioned record shop is close by East Putney tube station. Fantastic selection of jazz, blues, funk, soul and reggae, plus knowledgeable staff.