Small in size but well worth a visit. Housed in an Edwardian villa in the centre of town. It includes Robert Southey’s death mask; a huge musical instrument, the ‘keys’ of which are slabs of stone; and much taxidermy – while a second room is devoted to temporary exhibitions of local interest.

The visitors come because it is sublimely beautiful; the mountains (here called fells), valleys, woodland, lakes and tarns (little lakes) combine in such a way that the scenery is neither bleak nor cloyingly pretty. It can be wild and hazardous on the higher peaks, but the farmstead-scattered valleys and smooth-surfaced lakes are tranquil.

Take a ‘study break in the lake’ with a course at Higham Hall in a manor built in 1828 and supposedly the former site of a Druid temple. Courses in literature appreciation, ‘carols for the terrified’, wood carving and – supposedly the very best – the Raku Pottery Workshop, that takes place twice yearly.

Take part in the annual gathering of gypsies and travellers in the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland in Cumbria, for what is generally regarded as the most important date in the gypsy calendar. Enjoy a tipple at The Grapes public house, where horses are regularly tied up outside!

CDs designed to reintroduce the piano to people who gave it up. Chilly Gonzales is a charismatic Canadian pianist, well worth getting tickets to see live. Gonzo shares his point of view on scales, explains how melodies are designed, how modern pop harmony works and his own secret musical shortcuts.

Three apartments in the medieval center of Beaulieu next to the Dordogne river. Fully furnished to the highest standard and ready to welcome you. Laura was most helpful during our stay.  The apartments are fully inspected and accredited by French tourist association.

A wonderful rumbly old bridge connects mainland Argyll to little Eriska and its Scots Baronial mansion. It’s very comfortable and there’s a nine-hole golf course and a leisure centre, but, above all, it’s the island itself, with seals and otters and dreamlike views, that lingers in the memory.

Early-20th-century palace with twisting marble staircases and chandeliers; quite surprising given the entrance that suggests it’s a derelict hovel. The rabbit parfait and suckling pig are the favourites. A spectacular, high-ceilinged bathroom. Describes itself as an ‘emblem of Havana’ and was recommended by all ahead of my trip there.

More contemporary than Havana's much-praised La Guarida, but equally intriguing. Owned by a Swedish film director, it’s a minimalist hot spot inspired by avant-garde cinema and offers Swedish-Cuban fusion food such as skagen (shrimps on toast) and Grandma’s Swedish meatballs. I would encourage you to try the souvlaki.

Fans of Rose Macaulay (The Towers of Trebizond) will be delighted to know that these two books have been reissued in paperback by Virago Modern Classics.

We ventured in his direction for a family geological field trip – I would encourage others to do the same. The mines are part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. It was absolutely incredible, particularly the Crowns engine houses which cling to the cliffs here. Amazing scenery, too.

St Mawes is one of the prettiest fishing villages in Cornwall, and the Tresanton celebrates this. It's perched on the coast, with views out to the sea towards St Anthony’s Lighthouse. We spent hours in the comfort of the dining room and Italian sitting room. I never wanted to leave.

This newish event is already noted for its classic repertory and the quality of the artists it provides. The line-up is curated by pianist Paul Lewis in the acoustically superb ‘wool’ church of St James.

Built in the 1130s this house was recreated and made famous as the house of Green Knowe by Lucy Boston in her children’s books. The moated house is surround by four acres of garden and a collection of more than 200 old roses and irises, some dating from the 1950s. Visit the house by appointment, or the garden all year round.

Jim Ede is remembered as ‘a friend to the artists’ – at least he is immortalised as such – in a blue plaque on his former house, now owned by the University of Cambridge. After more than a year, it has now been reopened to the public. Known as the ‘Louvre of the Shell’; the pristine white surroundings are filled with works by artists such as Moore, Mirò and Gaudier-Brzeska.

This city was chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2019. It’s all ready and waiting to be visited. Rarely have I seen a place so prepared. The most spectacular Roman ruins, of which there are several, have been excavated and explained. The hotels have been modernised, their Ottoman features, where possible, retained. Plan a trip to find unknown splendours.

A serene colonial mansion with wooden floors, high ceilings and French windows on to a wraparound balcony with views of Guanabara Bay that take your breath away. A pair of striking tangerine sofas dominates the sleek sitting room. A design showcase that is also homely and welcoming.

Chippendale 300 is a nationwide celebration of Thomas Chippendale, explore Paxton House and its collection - one of the best house tours in the UK, extensive grounds, play park, tearoom, boat trips and much more.

A marvellous French restaurant – and country pub – serving rustic regional French cuisine. A true entente cordiale. Fires (and red wine) in the winter and garden (and rosé) in the summer. That’s the seasonal order of the day, which sounds perfect to us.

Kakadu will become nature’s kitchen in May, bringing together the best native food chefs for Australia’s premier indigenous food festival. A Taste of Kakadu will be held from 18th to 27th May, showcasing the variety of bush food and the culinary potential of one of the world’s great national parks. 

Author Tara Button runs a full-time business encouraging people to shift their ‘short-term’ buying habits. 'A Life Less Throwaway' encourages people to ‘buy for life’ and celebrates sustainable and life-lasting products. Visit her website or read her book for ‘buy me once’ ideas.

Go to the theatre in a restored mill in Sonning, a village described by author Jerome K Jerome, as ‘the most fairy-like little nook on the whole river’ in his book, Three Men in a Boat. The theatre is powered in full by a hydro-electric current generated by the River Thames.

This is a book that will offer you a sense of the ambience and rhythm of life on a Greek island and the culture that still exists on some of the smaller and more remote islands.