Northumberland, England’s northernmost county, is emerging from her winter hibernation and bursting into a blaze of colour. With the long-awaited arrival of longer, lighter days and sunset’s ‘golden hour’ nudging past 8pm, the county is enticing visitors with open arms to experience its symbolic reawakening with a packed calendar of events.

Getting off the beaten track when travelling is no mean achievement in today’s world of mass tourism - especially in countries like Spain whose growing population hit 49 million last year.

The appeal of travelling into the unknown can also be tinged with trepidation as to what may be waiting on arrival - particularly if the destination is off the beaten track. Not ones to do things by halves, Our Lifestyle and Leisure Editor, Sharon Cain and Sharon’s husband and Yorkshire Times photographer, Steve Hare, traversed the globe to Ushuaia in Argentina.

January and February can be gloomy months - and not just weather-wise - with many of us counting the financial cost of Christmas and feeling demotivated and lethargic.

The Danube, a majestic waterway which Napoleon called the ‘Queen of European Rivers’, is the only river in the world to border ten countries. Flowing 1,770 miles from Germany’s Black Forest to the mouth of the Black Sea, its rich, cultural diversity spanning Imperial cities, fairytale castles, vineyards, and wildlife make it an increasingly popular destination.

With hazy summer days a distant memory, autumn brings a season of transformation with crisp, vibrant leaves, harvests of colourful fruit and vegetables and crackling log fires.

Welcome to our newly launched column ‘The Magic of Motorhoming’ where we share fascinating insights and tips on a world which opens new and exciting explorations. Valued at a jaw-dropping £1.15 billion, the UK motorhome industry has witnessed an incredible boom as those with a sense of adventure embrace the independence of travel at home and abroad.

An historic, opulent gem in Andalucia’s crown, Granada embodies the energy and passion of Spain, elevating the buzz of a city break to new levels. While exploring the city’s architectural and cultural treasures without visiting the Alhambra would be like visiting Rome and giving the Colosseum a wide berth, Granada’s magic extends far beyond the palace walls.

Connecting with nature and its wondrous wildlife and birdlife is therapeutic for our health, bringing a wealth of rewards and an enormous wellbeing boost. With almost 630 species of birdlife in the UK alone, the opportunities and magnificent backdrops to enjoy this leisurely pursuit are plentiful – whether it be the golden eagles in Scotland or ravens on the cliffs at Land’s End. Our Time for Life Correspondent, Sharon Cain, and photographer, Steve Hare, have been exploring in Northumberland – an acclaimed bird watchers utopia.

Did you know that listening to jazz music can bring a wealth of benefits which include lowering stress levels and blood pressure and boosting our mental and physical well-being? Additional bonuses result in the vibes stimulating our brain - which in turn can increase creativity, lower depression and lighten our mood.

Satirical impressionist supremo, Rory Bremner, is smashing it as Chris Tarrant in Quiz – a fast paced drama based on the notorious Who Wants to Be A Millionaire ‘Coughing Major’ scandal. The high-profile scam, which took place in 2001, centred on disgraced army officer, Charles Ingram, who was nicknamed the 'Coughing Major’.

True farce is defined by ludicrous situations, stereotyped characters, extravagant exaggeration - not to mention hilarious horseplay. Author Michael’s Frayn’s 40th anniversary of the multi award-winning farce, Noises Off ticks all the boxes as ‘the play within a play’ deteriorates from the ridiculous to the utterly shambolic.