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Steve McKenna

Steve McKenna

Travel writer

Steve McKenna is based in the UK, but is usually drawn to sunnier climes. He has a special affection for Mediterranean Europe, south-east Asia and Latin America.

Montreux by the lake, with the alps in the distance.

It’s not the French Riviera, but this land-locked version is just as entrancing

Hugging the lake for almost seven kilometres, the promenade in Montreux rouses the senses with cinematic scenery, creativity and charisma.

  • Steve McKenna
Montpellier, France

The underrated, beautiful French city most visitors miss

Think of a city in the south of France beginning with an “M” and Marseille comes to mind. But there’s another vibrant, buzzing city to put on your itinerary.

  • Steve McKenna
Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort is just 10 minutes’ drive from Glasgow airport.

Built for a lord, this estate now hosts the world’s biggest stars (including Kylie)

This country house, built in the 1820s and reopened last year after a $38 million renovation, is popular with the likes of Brad Pitt, Ed Sheeran and Kylie Minogue.

  • Steve McKenna
The rooms may be on the small side but they evoke a cosy charm.

One block from the Seine, this family-owned hotel oozes period charm

Intimate, chic, colourful – this is a genial and delightfully placed Parisian address.

  • Steve McKenna
Stretching 4.5 kilometres on the south-eastern fringes of France’s capital, Cable C1 was built principally for commuters.

The newest tourist attraction in Paris was never supposed to be one

Cable C1 was built principally for commuters. But since opening, it’s become something of a visitor attraction for Parisians and overseas tourists alike.

  • Steve McKenna
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Chester’s Tudor-style shop-lined streets.

Move over, Manchester. This historic English city is a storied wonder

While its bigger, brasher neighbours generate more noise, this former Roman fortress remains the most charming city in the country’s north-west.

  • Steve McKenna
Bordeaux’s fortunes have been shaped by the Garonne River.

My dream French holiday was rained out. Here’s how I salvaged it

I’d long pictured wandering the region’s sun-kissed old streets and sipping its wine. Then, when I finally visit, it doesn’t stop raining for our entire stay.

  • Steve McKenna
Jaw-dropping: Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher.

Australians stay longer in this country than anyone else. It’s not enough

Ireland might only be slightly larger than Tasmania, but two weeks is barely enough to scratch the surface of the Emerald Isle.

  • Steve McKenna
Lucerne and its medieval old town.

In a country obsessed with trains, I used an alternative transport

I had my doubts about “doing” Switzerland by coach. But it’s just as spectacular and we frequently reach places trains can’t.

  • Steve McKenna
The Morecambe seafront.

One of the most stunning, underrated parts of the UK is a delight

Sprawling 310 square kilometres, Morecambe Bay is one of the most unsung, serene and loveliest pockets of England’s coastline.

  • Steve McKenna