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Thank you for registering Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in Jump to content Open full menu UK Edition US Edition Asia Edition Edición en Español Log in Log in News Premium Sport Voices Culture Lifestyle IndyBest Travel More Travel Top picks for memorable days out and stays in the UK and Europe Start making plans for a September adventure with unforgettable days out and weekend escapes that make the most of your leisure time Advertisement feature Wednesday 02 September 2026 16:49 BST Bookmark Bookmark popover Removed from bookmarks Close popover ( Getty Images ) There’s no need to start lamenting the end of summer just yet. As the season turns autumnal, there’s still plenty of fun to be had in getting out and about. These stylish places to stay and days out provide a pleasing mix of indoor and outdoor activities, from cultural hotspots to sports events and new flavours to savour. Step through 1,400 years of history at Canterbury Cathedral ( Canterbury Cathedral ) Take the whole family to discover Canterbury Cathedral, a remarkable place of worship and one of England’s most important historic sites. Founded by St Augustine in 597 CE, the cathedral has witnessed more than 1,400 years of history, from royal events and pilgrimages to moments that helped shape the nation. Admire its striking architecture, spectacular stained-glass windows and fascinating collections, then take a stroll through the historic gardens. There are plenty of ways to explore the cathedral, too. Pick up a guidebook or media guide to discover its wonders independently or join a guided tour. You can even purchase an annual ticket to return throughout the year and enhance the experience with an overnight stay in Cathedral Lodge, a unique building in the grounds that offers a full Kentish breakfast (cathedral admission included). Book a visit at Canterbury-cathedral.org Book now See the best views of the capital from the Thames ( Thames Clippers ) Explore London from the river and make travel time part of your urban adventure with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. As the UK's first fully electric passenger ferry with four hybrid vessels, a trip by Uber Boat offers one of the most sustainable ways to travel in London. Enjoy personal space, an onboard cafe/bar and an open back deck as you call at 24 piers that connect central London’s famous landmarks, from Putney in the west to Barking Riverside at the mouth of the Thames. Explore more with Hop on Hop off tickets that provide unlimited all-day travel across the length of the route, and with a Family Hop on Hop off ticket, kids travel free. You can also touch in and out with your Oyster or contactless card to pay as you go. Save by booking ahead online or via the app at Thamesclippers.com Book now Head to the North East to view Turner Prize-winning art ( MIMA ) This autumn, MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art), hosts the Turner Prize 2026 exhibition, bringing one of the world’s most celebrated contemporary art prizes to the North East. From 26 September, visitors can get a close look at work by this year’s four shortlisted artists for the prestigious prize: Simeon Barclay, Kira Freije, Marguerite Humeau and Tanoa Sasraku. Themes include identity, history, industry and the environment and are displayed in sculpture, film, sound and installation. Organised by Tate, the Turner Prize celebrates the most exciting and radical British contemporary art that promotes public debate and attracts visitors from across the UK and beyond. The exhibition will appeal to regular gallery-goers and new art fans alike and will be on display until 29 March 2027. Plan your visit at Mima.art Find out more Watch AC Milan play from the best seats in the house ( AC Milan ) Calling all football fans looking to elevate the match day experience. San Siro is the hallowed home ground of AC Milan, and its Club1899 premium hospitality experience beckons with an unbeatable game viewing. The Front Row experience offers just 14 exclusive places alongside the AC Milan bench, with pitchside access during the players’ pre-match preparations, luxury seating, a glass of Dom Pérignon in the Champagnerie and a souvenir gift to commemorate the day. The Corner Experience places lucky visitors beside the corner flag, close to where the Rossoneri faithful gather to sing and where players celebrate goals with fans. Both of these superfan experiences combine prime match view with premium hospitality, including private dining and VIP reception. Club 1899 offers a truly unforgettable way to experience one of Europe’s most iconic stadiums, with packages available for matches throughout the season. See all VIP hospitality experiences at Booking.acmilan.com Book now Jump for joy at a trampoline park ( AirHop Adventure & Trampoline Parks ) Get the whole family moving with a trip to AirHop Adventure & Trampoline Parks. With 27 venues across the UK, its open jump sessions are suitable for ages four and up, giving visitors the freedom to explore a huge range of activities, from interconnected trampolines and giant airbags to obstacle courses and dodgeball. It’s a great way to burn off some energy while having fun, whether as a rainy-day activity or a weekend treat. If it’s for a birthday or celebration, AirHop offers party and group packages that include jump socks, food and a sweet treat for each guest, with the cleaning up left to the team so you don’t have to worry. Book a 60-, 90- or 120-minute session between 7 September and 31 December 2026 at Airhop.co.uk and use code AIRHOP20 for 20 per cent off (offer valid on bookings made by 30 November 2026, attractions may vary by park) Book now Add a contemporary art museum to your Porto itinerary ( Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art ) Porto is an ever-inviting city break destination for its pretty waterfront, food scene and namesake aperitif, but you should also make time to visit Serralves. The 44-acre park brings together contemporary art, architecture and beautiful landscapes in an unmissable cultural district. The Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza and houses exhibitions of influential Portuguese and international artists. Elsewhere on the site, visit the Art Deco Serralves Villa, Manoel de Oliveira Cinema House and the Álvaro Siza Wing. Together they host a fascinating programme that spans art, architecture, cinema and events. In September and October, highlights include the Duerckheim Collection, featuring works by majorly influential artists, including Anselm Kiefer, Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, and an exhibition dedicated to Alice Neel, one of the most distinctive American painters of the 20th century. Find out more at Serralves.pt Find out more Stay in contemporary luxury in historic Cambridge ( The Hobson Cambridge ) Step inside a restored former Victorian police station and discover The Hobson Cambridge, a stylish base for exploring one of England’s most celebrated university cities. The 56 contemporary studios feature open-plan living spaces with kitchenettes, making them well-suited to both a city break weekend or a longer stay. Original features of the police station have been retained and restored, including the grand staircase and ornate windows that nod to the building’s past. Outside, the pretty courtyard is the setting for breakfast, seasonal plates and drinks at Oz & Isle, with its distinctly British and Australian flavours. The hotel’s location on St Andrew’s Street puts the market square, green spaces, Cambridge’s historic colleges, shopping and sightseeing practically on your doorstep. Book a stay at Thehobsoncambridge.com Book now Sip and dip in this underrated northern Portugal gem ( Vila Nova de Gaia ) On the south bank of the Douro River, facing the city of Porto, is the historic home of port wine. Vila Nova de Gaia is defined by its swathe of terracotta-roofed, centuries-old wine cellars beside the river and sandy beaches and coves on the Atlantic. Wander along the Cais de Gaia waterfront, stopping for tastings of port wine and tours of wine cellars, then climb to viewpoints including Jardim do Morro and Serra do Pilar for striking panoramas over the river. Join a river cruise to enjoy another perspective of the sister cities or spend leisurely lunches and dinners savouring local flavours with a backdrop of the bustling waterfront. It's compact, scenic and easy to combine with a stay in Porto, making it a worthy stop for wine-lovers, culture vultures and seaside goers on a northern Portugal city break. Learn more at Cm-gaia.pt/pt/turismo/ Find out more Be immersed in modern art in the centre of London ( Moco Museum ) For something a little different in one of London’s busiest shopping and hospitality districts, drop into Moco Museum, an independent modern and contemporary art museum. Featuring works by influential names including Banksy, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Yayoi Kusama among many others, the museum is dedicated to immersive and digital art, giving a fresh perspective on artists that have shaped culture through the 20th century to the current day. Rather than expecting visitors to be knowledgeable about the arts, Moco Museum has curated an accessible, engaging and meaningful experience intended to spark curiosity. Visitors will spot instantly recognisable works as well as pieces by emerging talent, emphasising the ethos that art is for everyone. Both passionate art buffs and those simply looking for something a little unexpected in London will be drawn to Moco’s collection. Plan a visit at Mocomuseum.com Find out more This content is brought to you by Living360 , a digital lifestyle destination keeping you up to date with health and fitness, food and drink, homes and gardens, beauty, travel, finance trends and more. 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https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/memorable-days-out-and-stays-uk-europe-b3043265.html

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