Travel News

A sing-a-long Sound of Music tour in the picturesque Austrian town of Innsbruck usually ranks among visitors' favourite things to do.

The day invariably commences with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside where the opening credits to the 1965 Julie Andrews classic were filmed.

From there film fans can expect briefs on historical and architectural landmarks in the city itself, which were also used in the movie.

Among these are Mirabell Gardens (the backdrop of Do-Re-Mi), Leopoldskron Castle (the facade featured as the Von Trapp family home) and the romantic glass pavilion of Hellbrun Castle.

Nonnberg Abbey is another popular stop-off point. As well as being the oldest convent in the German speaking part of Europe, it was also used for a string of convent scenes in The Sound of Music.

For more film fun in Europe head to London's Prince Charles Cinema before December for special karaoke screenings of the motion picture.

For a rather luxurious home away from home head to Fritton House in Norfolk.

The Grade II listed building is part of the nearby Somerlyton estate and provides a rare mixture of grandeur and intimate domesticity.

The usual hotel trappings are gone and each of the nine rooms instead focuses on a more familial style of accommodation that oozes antique character with classic furniture and scattered photos.

Meals are sourced from local seasonal produce and provide no excuse to venture further afield for food. Meanwhile the cosy bar generously stays open until the last guest retires for bed.

The surrounding country park makes for excellent exploration with ballooning, boating, riding and rambling on offer. There is also a small golf course on site.

To see the estate at its best, make sure bookings coincide with some of the fabulous summer events being held, from rowing night in July to tug-of-war in August.

Attracting some of the world's top organists on some of Estonia's oldest instruments, the Tallinn International Organ Festival is not to be missed.

The event was first held in 1987 under the directorship of Andres Uibo. Although he still takes charge of proceedings, the festival itself has snowballed into a much bigger venture now boasting more than 30 concerts all over Estonia.

It begins on August 1st and main events are concentrated in Tallinn's St Nicholas' Church. The venue is a veritable treasure trove of art and music and even holds fragments of Bernt Notke's 1466 painting Dance Macabre.

This year the ten-day festival billing includes a performance by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, accompanied by organist Christopher Bowers-Broadbent and conducted by Paul Hillier, featuring the music of Arvo Pärt.

As well as organs and orchestras, audiences will also be wowed by folk singers, jazz artists, Estonian early music ensembles, the Estonian National Male Choir and the Estonian Dream Big Band.

For more organ activities in Europe check out the Prague festival in September.

Fitness fiends will be pleased to know there is a healthy way to enjoy a break in the British capital thanks to exclusive new exercise suite Gymbox.

The Covent Garden establishment attracts London's trendiest tracksuit-clad residents, from TV stars to fashion types, but with extensive facilities including more than 70 treadmills there is plenty of room for curious visitors too.

Bikes have been Playstation-enabled and there are nightly DJ sets meaning staying fit has never been so much fun.

Classes also offer more range than the yoga, step and pilates staples of normal gyms. Take your pick from American-style bootcamp, Brazilian ju-jitsu and BeeGee Boogie, to name but a few.

Gymbox was originally set up in Holborn to concentrate on boxing's health benefits and the sport remains strong across the two venues with an Olympic-size ring, expert instruction and more punch bags than you can throw a left hook at.

For more fitness feasts in the capital make sure you visit during April's gruelling marathon.

Bavaria is famed for its beautiful castles and stunning monasteries but no other place epitomises the fairytale surrounds as well as Neuschwanstein Castle.

Elle magazine recently tipped this one of the top ten places to propose, hailing it: "One of the most spectacular sights in Germany."

It is hard to resist the romantic spell of the place, sitting atop a sprawling mountain range and surrounded by exquisite lakes and forests.

The castle itself was built in the 19th century by Ludwig II as a retreat and homage to his friend and musical muse Richard Wagner.

Since then it has received over 50 million visitors and unsurprisingly served as the castle inspiration for Disney fairytale classics including Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.

Paris' Eiffel Tower made the top spot in Elle's list of most romantic proposal sites, followed by the Grand Canyon, London Eye, Niagara Falls and Rome's Trevi Fountain.