Holiday ideas: tips and trips

Cycling in Oxfordshire, the alternative Algarve and three of the best gourmet glamping breaksInspired by the efforts of Team GB in the Olympic cycling events? Then get on your bike and head down to Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, where this year's Festival of Cycling is expected to be the biggest yet. There will be time trials and road races for wannabe Wiggos, family trails through the magnificent grounds, and quirky events such as bike polo and the Brompton world championships (dress code: jackets and ties), a pop-up cycle caf� and appearances from the GB Para Cycling team. The Festival of Cycling takes place next Saturday and Sunday. For details, click the what's on section at blenheimpalace.comTravel clinicThe dilemma My husband, who is a keen golfer, wants us to go to the Algarve in September. I've done some research and can't say I feel very inspired. I don't mind being a golf widow, but I don't want to be stuck in a package holiday hotel or villa with nothing to do. Liz, by emailMuch of the development along the Algarve is indeed uninspiring (unless golf buggies and high-rise hotels set your pulse racing), but fortunately there are still pockets which have resisted the onslaught of mass tourism.The historic town of Tavira in the eastern Algarve retains a distinctive Portuguese flavour with its elegant tiled buildings, twisting streets and riverside caf�s.Just 15 minutes away, Fazenda Nova is a new boutique hotel in a traditional country house surrounded by orchards and olive groves (fazendanova.eu; rooms from ?170). Each of the 10 stylish suites has its own garden or terrace and there's a lovely infinity pool and plenty of shady nooks in the gardens where you can relax with a book. The British owners, Hallie and Tim, can book golf courses for your husband and will be happy to organise anything from boat trips to yoga classes for you.If you have a travel dilemma, email Joanne O'Connor at magazine@observer.co.uk Three of the best? gourmet glamping breaks1. Pop-Up Hotel, River Cottage, Dorset Luxury bell tents and cookery classes in the gardens of River Cottage HQ. Three nights from �495. Until 7 Sept (thepopuphotel.com)2. The Big Feastival, Oxfordshire Jamie Oliver hosts a food and music mash-up on Alex James's farm. 1-2 September. Camping from �130 (jamieoliver.com/thebigfeastival)3. Abbey Home Farm, Cirencester Stay in a shepherd's hut on this working farm famed for its cheese-making courses, farmshop and caf�. �60 a night (theorganicfarmshop.co.uk)Joanne O'Connorguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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