Joanne's travel clinic: hen-party spa weekend
The dilemma I'm organising a hen weekend for my best friend in October. We want a spa weekend with lots of pampering, but it needs to cost less than £300 per head. There will be six of us. Charlotte, by email
The new outdoor spa set within the ancient moat of the four-star Ruthin Castle in north Wales (fihotels.com) offers the perfect combination of socialising and pampering with some added novelty factor. Highlights include a log-fired sauna tent, an outdoor hot tub filled with seaweed and spring water from the Clwydian mountains, and one- and two-person relaxation "cocoons" swinging from the trees.
The facilities can be hired for exclusive use, or you can book one of the hotel's "social spa" party evenings – a three-hour package which includes use of all the outdoor facilities plus a barbecue supper and bottle of wine each (next dates are 5 and 19 October).
A two-night weekend break costs £315 per person, based on two sharing. It's a little over budget, but it does include the outdoor spa experience, plus a one-hour treatment, use of the indoor spa facilities which include a thermal suite and gym, and breakfast and dinner in the hotel restaurant on the second night.
Take me there: Folkestone with Martin Parr
The British seaside in all its kitsch glory has long been a favourite subject for Martin Parr. Now fans of the Magnum photographer's work are being given the opportunity to go "on holiday" with him to Folkestone and see the world through his eyes. There will be guided tours accompanied by Parr, and plenty of chances to pick up practical photography tips, too. The weekend trip is being offered by the School of Life (theschooloflife.com) and costs £750 per person. From 31 August to 2 September.
Three of the best: Urban summer festivals
From graffiti art projects to community block parties, and from music and street theatre to floating cinemas, cities around Britain will be putting the arts centre stage this summer
Canal Festival, Manchester "Float-in" movies, art installations and family events on the Rochdale canal, 18-26 August (summer.visitmanchester.com)
See No Evil, Bristol Street artists transform the city centre, climaxing in a New York-style block party, 13-19 August (seenoevilbristol.co.uk)
The Urban Games, Newcastle From BMX to breakdance, the northeast's answer to the Olympics with added street cred. 17–19 August (theurbangames.org.uk)
