The Avebury stone circle, a World Heritage site in Britain, has been revealed to be largely a reconstruction from the 1930s, financed by marmalade tycoon Alexander Keiller. Historic England released photographs showing men using trucks, ropes, and pulleys to erect the stones on new concrete plinths. While some experts were aware of Keiller's work, the public release of these images has surprised many visitors. The restoration was deemed necessary after the original Neolithic stones were destroyed or buried by Christians trying to erase pagan traces. The site, which also includes Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow, has been considered sacred, especially during the solstice. The revelation has altered the perception of the site for many, highlighting the modern contributions to its current appearance.

UK airports have introduced 'drop-off' charges, with some like Heathrow and Gatwick now charging £5, and Stansted charging £7 plus a £25 fee for stays over 15 minutes. To avoid these charges, passengers can be dropped at long-stay car parks and take a courtesy bus. Short-stay parking is expensive, with one hour costing £21 at Gatwick and £73.30 at Heathrow. Long-stay parking is cheaper, especially when booked in advance. 'Meet and greet' valet services are more expensive but convenient. Holiday Extras offers discounted airport parking, and Maple Parking provides valet services with car cleaning. Daily Mail readers can get a 20% discount with Maple Parking using the code Mail20.

Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, a secluded hamlet in Wales, is home to The Hand, an award-winning hotel known for its fine cuisine and mix of authentic countryside experiences. The hotel, owned by Jonathan Greatorex, offers a variety of country pursuits and attracts guests from distant cities. Chef Grant Mulholland, who has been with The Hand for 18 years, is celebrated for his culinary expertise and locally sourced ingredients. The hotel features a range of rooms, some dog-friendly, and amenities like a hot tub, sauna, and spa treatments. The surrounding area, including the Berwyn Mountains and Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

Simon Heptinstall recounts his experience driving from Rapallo to Portofino along the SP227 for a marketing campaign featuring the Peugeot 308CC. Despite the car's modesty compared to the luxurious backdrop, the road trip showcases the glamour of Italy's most expensive address, with its picturesque landscapes, celebrity connections, and the challenge of capturing the perfect promotional photograph.

The South West 660 is a new 660-mile driving route around the southwest peninsula of the UK, designed to become an iconic road trip akin to Route 66. It starts from Poole in Dorset, traverses the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, and ends in Watchet, Somerset, avoiding trunk roads and busy resorts in favor of quieter, scenic routes through areas of natural beauty and heritage sites. The route is a commercial project initiated by Devon-based businessmen and offers drivers special routes and discounts, with involvement from hotels and hospitality businesses. The AA has partnered with the project to add credibility. The South West 660 is divided into 12 sections, each about 50 miles long, and is best enjoyed slowly to appreciate the journey, with highlights like the remote Hartland Quay offering dramatic coastal views and historical insights.

Simon Heptinstall explores the coast of Northern Ireland, starting from Warrenpoint and covering 350 miles to Derry. He describes the journey as one of the great coastal drives, highlighting the scenic Mourne Mountains, the picturesque villages with their pastel-painted cottages and poetry quotes, and the famous Antrim Coast. Heptinstall advises travelers to skip the sat-nav and stick to the shore as closely as possible, enjoying local seafood cafes and the Giant's Causeway. The trip concludes with a drive through the old walled city of Derry, entering through the narrow Bishops Gate.

The road to Maratea on the Mediterranean coast of Italy offers a thrilling experience with 18 hairpin bends leading to a 2,000ft pinnacle with a statue of Christ the Redeemer. The statue, carved from Carrara marble by Florentine sculptor Bruno Innocent in 1965, is similar to Rio de Janeiro's Corcovado but faces inland. The road and statue were funded by a wealthy Italian count to attract visitors in the 1960s. The area offers stunning views of the Basilicata coastline and has a history of poverty and neglect.

Simon Heptinstall describes the challenging Hardknott Pass in Cumbria, known for its steep gradients and hairpin turns. He recounts experiences of traversing the pass in various conditions and vehicles, emphasizing the difficulty of the drive. Despite the challenges, he notes the pass's beauty and its history, including its use for testing tanks during World War II and its failure to become a tourist route in the 1880s. The pass offers access to a stunning, untouched mountain landscape, though it is often subject to harsh weather conditions.