The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
‘The small, marshy island on the edge of the lagoon was a complete contrast to Venice’
Your letters about less-visited corners of popular destinations transported us to the likes of Torcello, Mariemont and Brno
PAS DE PROBLÈME
Our secret corner of France is SteCécile in the Pas-de-Calais, the part English tourists rush through to get to the Dordogne or the Riviera. It has a wonderful sandy beach backed by natural dunes, and lovely walks north to Hardelot or south to Le Touquet.
The tide goes out gently for miles, making it safe for young children. There are restaurants and cafés, none of which are overpriced, and our favourite is right on the edge of the dunes, from where you can see amazing sunsets. This delightful place is popular with the French, so it is best avoided in August. For the rest of the year, it is a quiet oasis of tranquillity. We hope it never changes.
Judith Skilleter, East Yorkshire
STATE SECRET
This year we will make our 20th trip to Mariemont, Ohio. On one visit, as we cruised uphill at just over 30mph, we were tailed by a patrol car from the Mariemont signpost to the National Exemplar hotel. As we passed the English-looking church, my heartbeat slowed – but increased on seeing the neo-Tudor façades at the focal point of America’s oldest planned settlement.
A baronial hall filled with medieval flags, suits of armour and heraldic decor greeted us on checking in. We dined at the National Exemplar restaurant, which lived up to its name, then retired to the pub next door. The Coolest Toys on Earth retail outlet in the village is ideal for Christmas gifts. David Conway, London
BUCK THE TREND
Devon teems with visitors in summer, but in the north there is an off-theradar spot where tourists can find a peacefulness reminiscent of bygone days: Buck’s Mills, a quaint, secluded village of chocolate-box cottages on either side of a steep coombe.
As we walk down the winding path, we pass what was once an artists’ studio, with views across the bay to Lundy Island. The beach is strewn with granite boulders and rock pools, though at low tide a stretch of sand appears. Behind, a small waterfall cascades onto the beach. There are few traces of commercialism or modern-day trappings to distract visitors from the charm.
Margaret Reed, Wiltshire
RETURN TO ZIM
I used to live in Zimbabwe, until leaving 12 years ago due to the loss of my farm. A few weeks ago, my wife and I went back there for the first time since our departure. We were delighted to discover that some of the beautiful camps we had known in the Zambezi Valley had reopened and were keen to attract tourists. The best was in Mana Pools National Park – a refurbished wooden lodge catering for a maximum of 16 guests, on the banks of the mighty Zambezi river. We loved the food and a resident professional guide took us on gameviewing walks along the riverbank and into some of the thicker bush. Despite its political and economic troubles, Zimbabwe is certainly not all bad – and you will be as welcome as we were. Mark Milbank, Dorset
THE WIGHT CHOICE
Visiting friends on the Isle of Wight more than 30 years ago, we rounded the corner of a country road and had to stop behind a car turning right into a narrow lane concealed by high hedges. It led to the clifftops, so the next day we decided to investigate. Thereafter, we visited this hidden spot at least twice a year – and each time seemed like our first. The views are ever-changing but always spectacular, and the excitement of exploring the Second World War gun emplacements never dims. It is a wonderful place to sit among wildflowers and watch the shipping go by while listening to melodious birdsong.
We used to take our grandchildren there and all of them fell under its spell – even if they spent too much time climbing around the remains of military hardware. Despite such relics, the sense of peace is de-stressing and guaranteed. Marion Heywood, Leicester
CZECH IT OUT
Standing halfway between Prague and Vienna is the beautiful but relatively unknown city of Brno, in Czechia. We stayed near the top of Petrov Hill, where the Cathedral of St Peter and Paul dominates the skyline with its beautiful views across the whole of the city.
Sitting in deckchairs, we snacked on strawberries from the local market and took a tour of the Labyrinth beneath it. A short tram ride away is Brno Dam, with its lake offering daily cruises to Veveří Castle. Alternatively, get off the tram the stop before and visit Brno Zoo.
Back in Brno, a short climb will take you to the top of the 13th-century Old Town Hall tower. The Moravian Gallery of modern art and furniture, with its Café Robot, is fascinating. On the opposite side of the road is a Second World War bunker, which is open to the public for visits or even overnight stays. Marion Byrne, West Midlands