Take a foodie tour of Malaga and get off the tourist trail

CHATSWORTH House in Derbyshire closes its doors during January and February for restoration and repairs but now guests staying in the estate’s hotels are being offered private behind-the-scenes tours during winter.

Each tour will delve into the work taking place at that time, whether restoring gold leaf on a wood carving or deep cleaning a rare silk tapestry.

Behind the Scenes is a twonight package on offer at the Cavendish luxury country house hotel (from £299pp); Devonshire Arms at Beeley (from £162.50pp) or The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley (from £158.50), valid from January 22 – February 28. To book call 01756 718111. or visit devonshirehotels.co.uk for details.

KEEPING AN EYE ON HOLIDAY COSTS

COST-CONSCIOUS Brits are still going on their holidays but are watching the pennies more than before.

The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) says that, in the 12 months to August, 60% took a foreign holiday, up from 57% the previous year, and the highest figure since 2011.

But rising pressures on household finances and a weak pound, particularly against the euro, have made many of us increasingly aware of prices.

The average spend is down £24 (£586 to £562) for longer holidays abroad, and has dropped £40 (£311 to £271) for longer holidays here.

MAKE A DATE FOR MARRAKECH

THOMAS Cook is operating holidays to Marrakech in Morocco with flights from Manchester.

Choose from six hotels with prices from £679pp for a week on all-inclusive. Visit thomascook. com for more details.