ESSENTIALS

Getting there & around

British Airways flies direct from Heathrow to George Bush Intercontinental Airport three times a week. United Airlines offers multiple departures daily, flying via Chicago. ba.com united.com Average flight time: 10h25m.

While walking tours can be a good way to get a feel for Houston (book with preservationhouston.org), this is truly a driving city. Hire cars or Uber taxis are recommended, particularly for attractions such as Space Center Houston and Seismique. The light rail service, METRORail, is useful for travelling to and from the museum district, Downtown and the NRG Stadium

(for NFL games). ridemetro.org

When to go

Houston is very hot and humid in summer, with July often reaching a clammy 40C. The city is far more comfortable from February to May or September to November.

More info

Visit Houston. visithoustontexas.com

Hokulele Paddling Club. hokulele.org

Houston 2020: America’s Boom Town - An Extreme Close Up, by Ralph Bivins, RRP: £21.

100 Things to Do in Houston Before You Die, by A J Mistretta. RRP: £16.

How to do it

has city break and fly-drive packages to Houston, including a four-night trip from £995 per person, with return flights from Heathrow to Houston with United Airlines and four nights at the Hotel Derek in The Galleria, room only. americaasyoulikeit.com