Castles of Britain and Ireland by Lise Hull, softback published by New Holland. ISBN 978-1-84773-920-9, price 14.99 available from www.newhollandpublishers.com

For anyone who loves castles, this is a beautiful book with superb photography and relevant text. There’s nothing like escaping the humdrum of life, getting away from the busy city and steeping yourself in history. Dramatic and majestic, castles evoke legend, lore and times gone by. The introduction tells us about different types of castle and fortification. The book is divided into chapters of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. There is a map at the beginning of each section. Each castle has essential information for visiting, historical and interesting facts. This is a wonderful compact book for the enthusiast of history and castles.

Lost Cities of The Ancient World by Joel Levy, softback published by New Holland. ISBN 978-1084773-991-9, price 14.99 available from www.newhollandpublishers.com

This is an intriguing book that looks at ancient sites around the world. It covers the Near and Middle East, Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Far East as well as the Americas. From well-known sites like Macchu Pichu to the lesser known, this is a wonderful armchair traveller book. If you cannot get there, this compact volume will help transport you from your armchair to places dreams are made of. For the person lucky enough to entertain the idea of physically travelling, this book is a good introduction to the sites. It gives the historical background and key facts including dates. What really makes this book special is the photography. I have only visited one of the sites in the book, but this book is going to keep my dreams alive of one day visiting all of them.

Britain’s Best Historic Sites by Tom Quinn, softback published by New Holland. ISBN 978-1-84773-984-1, price 14.99 available from www.newhollandpublishers.com

Celebrating a range of magnificent sites from prehistory to the Industrial Revolution this book fills the reader with wonder and awe. Each period is introduced with a map showing the sites in Britain. The fascinating information includes contact details and transport plus a description of each site. The book is illustrated throughout in colour. This book helps to bring history to life and helps you discover Britain’s heritage.

Royal Britain by Jane Struthers, softback published by New Holland. ISBN 978-1-78009-009-2, price 14.99 available from www.newhollandpublishers.com

Subtitled ‘Historic Palaces, Castles and Houses’, this fascinating book takes the reader on a mini tour of Britain’s royal buildings. Information, interesting features and key dates are highlighted for each property plus a detailed description offering absorbing facts. It includes palaces past and present in England, Scotland and Wales. Illustrated throughout in colour, this is a superb book for royalists, those who love history or buildings. Its neat and compact format is easy to use.

Globetrotter The Best of Amsterdam by Robin Gauldie, softback published by New Holland. ISBN 1-84537-219-0, price 4.99 available from www.newhollandpublishers.com

Slip this guide into your pocket for a weekend getaway or a midweek visit. It will provide you with all you need to know, giving the essentials in a simple format that is easy to use. There are pull out maps of Amsterdam and places to visit, but these maps are not easy to read, so you make want to pick up a map of the area. Activities, sightseeing, where to stay and eat, all the suggestions are here. I would have added the Trompenburg gardens in Rotterdam, a must for all gardeners but this book has more than enough to keep you busy.

London Dawn to Dusk by Jenny Oulton, hardcover published by New Holland. ISBN 978-1847739889, price 19.99 available from www.newhollandpublishers.com

A lovely hardback book that will make you fall in love with London at any time of day. Great photography and sights from one of the greatest capital cities in the world.

Granada, Seville & Cordoba by Dana Facaros & Michael Pauls, softback published by New Holland. ISBN 978-1-86011-434-2, price 10.99 available from www.newhollandpublishers.com

This triangle of cities is popular with visitors and this book scores a big hit for including all three. I spent my year abroad for my Spanish degree in Sevilla and travelled to the other two cities. Whilst this has the practical information you need for a holiday, I thought something was missing. I did not ‘feel’ the ambience of the cities, there was nothing that explained to me the magic that is Andalucia, the soul of Spain. This is the 5th revised edition.

Walks Along the Thames Path by Ron Emmons, softback published by New Holland. ISBN 978-1-84773-799-1, price 9.99 available from www.newhollandpublishers.co.uk

An updated edition of this popular book that has achieved much acclaim for its detailed and accurate walks. Choose from 25 walks from Thames Head to Greenwich, each with precise instructions and a map. In addition the book is illustrated with colour photographs. Enjoy the pleasures of the Thames on a gentle stroll, see the sights. I was impressed with the text and I now know where to find the snake’s head fritillary in bloom.

Berlitz Thailand handbook, softback published by Berlitz. ISBN 978-981-268-903-0, price 12.99 available from www.berlitzpublishing.com

This handbook offers enough advice for any traveller to get the best out of their visit. The information is very comprehensive. Whether you are heading for the capital or beach, going to shop or spa, this book has plenty of useful information. It offers tips for a unique experience. You’ll find the top 25 attractions in a handy guide at the front of the book; essential information including a fact file; a trip planner, essential events and itineraries plus the usual where to eat, what to see and where to stay for all budgets. The book is split into areas of Thailand to facilitate the planning of your trip.

Great Breaks Guernsey, softback published by Insight Guides. ISBN 978-981-282-324-3, price 6.99 available from www.insightguides.com

All you need from a great, compact guide. Information on reasonably priced places to stay, what to see and do with photography that will whet your appetite and more. The book is divided into interesting tours with small but detailed maps. Lightweight and easy to carry around.