As one of Britain’s busiest harbours with a rich maritime heritage, a visit to the Maritime Museum with its splendid views of the harbour is a must when visiting Aberdeen. Find out what it is like to work on a North Sea oil rig or explore the hundreds of ship models and exhibits about shipbuilding, whaling, life and work at sea, and learn about Aberdeen’s special relationship with the sea.

In the middle of the Øresund strait, right between Sweden and Denmark, lies the idyllic island of Ven. The astronomer Tycho Brahe was gifted the whole island by King Fredrik II after he discovered a new star in the Cassiopeia constellation. Here he constructed one of the most interesting buildings of the time: the Uraniborg castle, a subterranean observatory called Stjerneborg and a renaissance garden. The New Church of Ven has now been turned into a museum, the garden has been renovated, and in the observatory you can watch a light and sound show. The light in Ven is said to have a unique quality, which has attracted many an artist and ceramist to the island. Take a tour among the studios and workshops, and meet with sculptors and silversmiths along the way. Ven is a small island, and the best way to get around is by bike, which you can easily rent when you get off the ferry.

Nowhere in Europe will you find anywhere to match to Fredriksdal. This is Skåne in miniature, with 360,000 square metres of unique settings, buildings and gardens. The history and diversity of the countryside are kept alive with care here. With its museums and gardens, Fredriksdal offers interesting activities for all ages, all year round. Take an exploratory walk, watch the animals grazing or join the manor maids on an interesting tour. Buy a bag of old-fashioned sweets in the old town quarter or your favourite rose in the flower shop. Find answers to your questions about nature or folklore, or just lie back and relax in a hammock. With its historical parks and gardens, houses and farms, animals, meadows, woods and pastures, all situated around an eighteenth century manor house, a visit to Fredriksdal is like making a journey back into the past.

Casa de Campo, the largest and most significant public park in Madrid, was once a Royal Forest and is now open to the public. The park boasts many attractions, including the Madrid Zoo, an amusement park, a Teleférico, cable car, and a lake. In addition, the park is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as working out and swimming during the summer. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy over 1.5 hectares of natural surroundings before returning to the vibrant city.