Travel agenda: From the stars of the Lego film to a suitcase exhibition in Amsterdam and a former abbey hotel in Northumberland
Where to go and what to know
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.1. Top table
Lime Wood hotel in the New Forest is the venue for Hartnett Holder & Co restaurant. The chefs behind it, Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder, are due to host cookery classes from 25 March to 30 September. You'll spend the morning in the kitchen learning to create a three-course meal using seasonal ingredients, which you can then replicate at home. From £195. limewoodhotel.co.uk
2. Park life
Next weekend, the stars of The Lego Movie will be dropping in to Legoland Windsor Resort to open the 2014 season. Children will be treated to special appearances from Minifigures, Emmet and Wyldstyle; the soundtrack will be playing throughout the park; and the first 100 guests each day will receive a complimentary gift from the film. legoland.co.uk
3. Street eats
To sample the delights of Sicily, consider taking one of the new Street Food Tours, offered by soloSicily. The local-led walking tours take place day or night in the capital, Palermo. Find out where locals shop, taste treats from backstreet vendors and stroll through markets. Prices start at €20pp for guests staying at one of the company's villas, from €1,095pw. solosicily.com
4. Wing it
Crees wildlife lodge, hidden within Peru's Manu Biosphere Reserve, has launched a tour dedicated to birdwatching. The eight-night trip looks at the feathered inhabitants of one of the world's most diverse patches of rainforest, in the hope of seeing the country's national bird, the Cock-of-the-Rock, as well as macaws and hoatzins; US$2,625pp (£1,740). crees-manu.org
5. Peer in
The Lord Crewe Arms opens next month in the Northumberland village of in Blanchland. The former abbey was founded by monks from Normandy in the 12th century but has been given a £1.5m overhaul by Calcot Hotels – of Calcot Manor and Barnsley House in the Cotswolds. Expect a restaurant by Simon Hicks and doubles from £140. lordcrewearms blanch land.co.uk
6. Hugo's there
Book now for a spring break to Guernsey, where from 5 April, Victor Hugo's time on the island will be commemorated in a new exhibition at the Museum and Art Gallery. Hugo left France in 1855 for a 15-year exile that would see some of his greatest works, including Les Miserables, come to life. You can also visit his home, Hauteville House, which reopens on 1 April. museums.gov.gg
7. Bag it
A new exhibition at the Tassenmuseum in Amsterdam's looks at the history of the humble suitcase. From Wednesday until 31 August, "Welcome Aboard" hops from 1850 to the present day, detailing the progression of cases from the sturdy travelling trunks that accompanied bygone train, coach and steamship journeys, to the air-appropriate carry-ons of today. tassenmuseum.nl
8. Shine on
If you're looking for an alternative festival this summer, how about a three-day party under the Midnight Sun in Iceland? The new Secret Solstice event is headlined by Massive Attack and takes place in Reykjavik from 20-22 June, over summer solstice weekend. The site also features Laugardalslaug – the country's largest geo-thermal pool. Tickets Ikr15,000 (£85). secretsolstice.is
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments