Hamburg

This was my first visit to Germany in years, and the first summer visit since a school exchange trip, but many memories came flooding back, as did my GCSE German when faced with ordering food, or asking for directions!

Hamburg is a port, so quite industrial, but there are opportunities to ride the ferries out to some small beaches and see the city from the water are fun. Leaving from in front of the very impressive Opera House, you can spend an hour on the comfy boat rides even if you just do a round trip to rest your legs. Inland there are many waterways through the city and it's enhances the beauty as a result.

There were two big hits for me - and because of Hamburg's location in Northern Germany, they are indoor attractions you can call on if it gets a little wet, or too chilly!

The first is the Miniature Wonderland - an excellent model railway exhibition of many countries - the largest in the world of its kind - excellent value for money and you really can spend hours here, whatever your age.

The second great Dialog im Dunkeln (translates to Dialog in the Dark) - a fantastic indoor 'exhibition'. This is an experience you take, led by partially sighted or blind guides, in complete darkness, experiencing an hour similar to a day in the life for them, where they can see nothing or very little. A thought provoking experience I did with my children and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

The train network in Northern Germany is very efficient and you can get to Bremen for another city experience in just over an hour, on the same trip.

Add to that the numerous restaurants, beer halls, great shopping and a walk or cycle around the beautiful Alster Lake this city really does have a lot to offer for a 2/3 night break. And of course from November the Christmas markets set up in various locations too.

And all in less than 90 minutes flight from the North of the UK.