Take me there: Keswick Mountain Festival
The gentle rustle of weather-resistant trousers, the sweet taste of Kendal Mint Cake – it can mean only one thing: the return of the Keswick Mountain Festival (16–20 May). This five-day celebration offers an action-packed programme ranging from wild swimming workshops on the lakes to gorge-scrambling and photography masterclasses. Expect inspirational talks from the likes of Sir Chris Bonington, stalls selling real ale and local food, live music, and the happy murmur of outdoor enthusiasts comparing storm flaps. One of the few places on the planet where Gore-Tex and gaiters might actually help you to pull.
Travel clinic: foodie short break
The dilemma I'd like to take my husband, who turns 40 in June, away for a foodie short break, somewhere we can have a memorable meal without spending a fortune. Sam, Bishop's Stortford
Joanne replies With an abundance of farm produce and fresh seafood, great gastro pubs and speciality food shops, north Norfolk is a gourmet hotspot. The recently opened Gunton Arms is a quirky pub with rooms combining rural charm with a contemporary edge, but the food is the star.
Stuart Tattersall, former head chef to Mark Hix, is causing a stir with his gutsy, seasonal fare including venison from the surrounding park and Cromer crab. With rooms starting at £95 and a three-course meal from £25 a head (excluding wine) the bill won't give you indigestion.
Stock up on local specialities such as hot-smoked salmon at the Cley Smokehouse, Binham Blue cheese from Mrs Temple's Cheeses in Wells-Next-The-Sea and charcuterie from Byfords Deli in Holt. The excellent Wiveton Farm Café is a great-value lunch stop and from June you can pick your own produce, including asparagus, strawberries and globe artichokes. For a hands-on finale, treat your husband to a half-day cookery demo run by Michelin-starred chef Galton Blackiston at Morston Hall hotel (£75).
Three of the best… Amsterdam boutique hotels
The Dutch city is enjoying something of a hotel boom at the moment. Here are three stylish but affordable new addresses where you can enjoy a spring break
1. Hotel JL No76 Funky wallpaper, contemporary art and laid-back vibes in an elegant mansion that comes with a cute courtyard garden. From €110 (vondelhotels.com)
2. The Poet Hotel Sleek, contemporary rooms, 24-hour bar and bike shed right in the heart of the Museum district. From €75 (poethotelamsterdam.com)
3. Hotel Notting Hill Stylish retreat with super-friendly staff, just a short tram ride from the action at Dam Square. From €129 (hotelnottinghill.nl/en)
If you have a travel dilemma, email Joanne O'Connor at magazine@observer.co.uk
