If you’re looking for some travel inspiration to get you through the neverending month of January, one ridiculously cool spa destination is worth having on your radar. 

Fortunately, one of the world’s largest spas is just a short journey from the UK. Therme Erding in Munich, suitable for both adults and children, offers a comprehensive spa experience even if you don’t have childcare.

This immense indoor and outdoor complex, crowned by its distinctive glass dome, features 35 saunas and steam baths, 40 pools and baths, and 28 waterslides and virtual reality rides catering to all ages.

Outdoors, guests can immerse themselves in the therapeutic warmth of the Ardeo spring, naturally heated between 26C and 38C. The healing properties of these waters are said to alleviate various health issues, as well as relieving muscle tension and stress.

Inside, further relaxation awaits in the tropical spa pool, equipped with bubble loungers and massage jets designed to promote tranquillity. A serene river ride connects the indoor and outdoor pools, reports the Mirror.

After your swim, savour a cocktail or a freshly-squeezed juice at the swim-up bar without leaving the water. The spa also houses several therapeutic tubs, including a salt grotto and sulphur bath, each set at different temperatures and offering unique health benefits. On terra firma, guests can bask in the heat of a sauna or steam room, or experience the Hydrojet massage bed without getting wet.

The Galaxy area offers a faster-paced experience with a variety of exciting waterslides. While some are designed for adrenaline junkies, there are also gentler rides for younger guests and virtual reality experiences for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground.

The spa also boasts the Magic Eye, the world’s longest enclosed tube slide, stretching an impressive 360 metres.

If you’re planning to spend the entire day at the spa, it might be worth booking a lounger or private lounge for some downtime. Whether you fancy a cosy lounger in the adults-only section or a private chalet for a nap, reading, or simply relaxing between treatments, there’s something for everyone.

Therme Erding operates from 10am to 11pm on most days, extending its hours from 9am to midnight on Saturdays, providing ample time to explore its extensive facilities. While a two-hour ticket is available for €25 (approximately £21), many visitors find the full-day pass, priced at €54 (around £47) and inclusive of access to the Therme, Wave Pool, and Galaxy areas, to be more economical.

Detailed information about ticket prices and bookings can be found on the Therme Erding website.

Therme Erding is a hit with international tourists, thanks to its convenient location near Munich airport. A mere 15-minute taxi journey separates the arrivals lounge from the spa.

For those travelling from the UK, airlines such as easyJet, British Airways, and Lufthansa offer flights, with the journey from London Gatwick taking just under two hours.

With one-way fares on easyJet starting from £17, a day trip to this destination could prove more cost-effective than visiting a spa in the UK.

For years, markets were the vibrant centres of towns nationwide before the supermarket came along. From fresh produce and meat to baked goods and cheese, everything was available at these bustling hubs. Despite the rise of giants like Sainsbury’s and Asda, markets in northern towns continue to buzz with activity.

In Greater Manchester, Bury market remains a popular destination, famed for its Bury Black Pudding among other delicacies. In 2025, it even made the list of top-10 coach trip destinations in the country. Nearby, Stockport Market, housed in a stunning Victorian hall, also thrives. 

Venture to other northern towns and you’re likely to discover a market hall waiting to be explored. I had such an experience on a recent visit to Halifax, which felt like stepping back in time.

Halifax is easily accessible by train, with the journey through the brooding West Yorkshire countryside especially captivating during the winter months.

Upon setting foot in Halifax, it’s evident that the town shares a common heritage with its Calderdale neighbours Hebden Bridge and Todmorden. The Yorkshire Pennines’ towns and villages are characterised by dark millstone grit buildings and historic mills.

However, Halifax boasts an extraordinary feature: the magnificent Piece Hall. This striking Grade-I Georgian edifice, dating back to 1779, houses a vast 66,000sq ft open courtyard, giving it an air of a grand European city square rather than a West Yorkshire town centre.

The four sides of the Piece Hall are lined with shops, cafes and restaurants, all overlooking the expansive square which hosts Christmas markets in November and December, and live music events during the summer months.

Venturing beyond the Georgian splendour, another focal point emerges in Halifax: the town’s market. First opened in 1896, the Grade II*-listed Halifax Borough Market may not be as ancient as the Piece Hall, but it proudly showcases its Victorian charm.

Stepping inside feels like entering a time capsule, transporting you back to not only the Victorian era but also the bustling market days of the 70s and 80s. The first thing that strikes you is the impressive glass roof, supported by towering metal pillars and archways, allowing natural light to illuminate the space below.

The market has recently been revitalised thanks to £4.5million secured from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, which financed crucial upgrades to the historic building. The improvements encompassed major restoration work on the structure’s roof, featuring fresh reglazing, whilst the ceiling and ornate wrought iron features received a fresh coat of paint.

At the heart of the market stands the magnificent clock tower, surrounded by wooden benches at its base – yet another section that has been beautifully restored. The outcome is a bright and spacious environment, courtesy of the enhanced roofing, and one can easily picture this as the perfect gathering spot where shoppers would congregate for a chinwag in days of old.

The stalls themselves feel wonderfully nostalgic – and that’s absolutely a compliment. Mister Dee’s Verandah Coffee Shop presents a striking contrast to today’s trendy coffee houses, adorned with charming net curtains, whilst the Tobacconist maintains its classic name, despite now offering vapes alongside traditional products.

As I wander through, I encounter all the familiar market essentials: a fruit and vegetable stand bursting with colourful produce, a haberdashery overflowing with every conceivable trim and ribbon, a florist displaying rows of beautiful bouquets, and a distinctly vintage-style lingerie stall – Carters – where mannequin legs showcase hosiery in every shade and design imaginable. Beyond the vibrant stalls and sun-drenched hall, Halifax Borough Market harbours a fascinating secret.

Perched above the market are two hidden residential streets, aptly named ‘Streets in the Sky’.

These rooftop terraces were once home to those who ran businesses in the market below. As of 2023, a few residents remain, although most of the houses now stand empty.

Before the market’s renovation, Visit Calderdale used to conduct guided tours of these unique streets, but these were temporarily halted due to construction work. While it’s currently not possible to explore these hidden streets, it’s captivating to imagine life unfolding above the bustling market stalls.

Despite its nostalgic charm, Halifax’s market is undeniably a thriving hub for the local community. During my visit, the market was alive with the steady hum of weekday shoppers, traders peddling their goods, and workers grabbing a quick bacon sandwich before resuming their tasks.

It’s heartening to see such historic sites still in active use, making it a must-visit destination if you find yourself in this Yorkshire town.