Joanne O'connor, The Guardian, April 6, 2015
Take me there: St Albans
Why go?
It’s a long way from the freeways of LA to the cobbled streets of St Albans, but this genteel cathedral city has – somewhat improbably – carved a reputation for itself as the “Hertfordshire Hollywood”. Its proximity to Pinewood and Elstree Studios has made it a popular filming location and the director Stanley Kubrick lived in the area for more than 20 years. The launch of the St Albans Film Festival three years ago only increased its appeal to film buffs. The festival returns next month with a weekend of screenings, workshops and events, including a “swim-in cinema” with inflatable loungers and a designated “alien day” (1-3 May, stalbansfilmfestival.com).
Where to eat
Where to stay
St Michael’s Manor Hotel is an elegant and understated boutique hotel set in peaceful gardens a 10-minute walk from the cathedral (Prices from £125 per night, stmichaelsmanor.com).
What to do
Insider tip
“The Saturday charter market is fantastic for artisan food, jewellery and clothes,” says film festival director Leoni Kibbey. “It’s colourful and vibrant and has been held in Market Place for more than 1,000 years.”
Give me a break
Go on puffin patrol in a kayak on the car-free island of Herm. Photograph: Derek Croucher/Alamy
HOME Puffin spotting in the Channel Islands: Join nature guides on a sea kayaking puffin patrol. The car-free island of Herm has one of the most southerly puffin-breeding colonies in Europe. Two-hour trips depart from Herm’s Shell Beach and can be booked through Outdoor Guernsey (£35pp, outdoorguernsey.co.uk). Channel Islands Direct offers a three-night stay at the White House Hotel from £379pp, including flights (channelislandsdirect.co.uk).
Bag a discount and avoid the summer crowds in Corsica.
AWAY Corsica without the prices: Travel in May and you can avoid the summer crowds and bag a 44% discount on a trip to Corsica with Corsican Places. The operator is offering a week at Le Home studio apartments in the heart of Calvi from £349pp, a saving of £270pp. The offer is valid for departures on 3 and 10 May and includes return Gatwick to Bastia flights. Apartments sleep two and have a balcony or terrace and shared swimming pool (corsica.co.uk).
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This article originally appeared on guardian.co.uk
This article was written by Joanne O'connor from The Guardian and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.