Shore thing A festival taking place along 10 miles of partly forgotten shoreline in the UK should delight architectural fans. Artists and architects from around the world were asked to re-imagine the humble beach hut and the results will be shown at the first Festival of Bathing Beauties, 22-23 September between Mablethorpe and Chapel St Leonards. Family events include the opening of five new Bathing Beauties huts, where owners of huts will be awarded prizes for best exterior, interior, and best dressed owners. It's a far cry from deckchairs and knotted handkerchiefs, as featured huts like Jabba, (pictured) a construction of wood and organic glass, will prove. See www. bathingbeauties. org. uk for more.

Border jumping The idea of having lunch in Denmark, followed by dinner in Sweden, appeals immensely to our cosmopolitan aspirations as well as our gourmet ones. While it might sound like a bit of a hike, it's only half an hour by car or train when you cross Copenhagen to Malmo or vice versa via the spectacular Oresund Bridge. Copenhagen has more Michelin stars - nine in total - than any other Scandinavian city and options vary wildly from traditional meatballs and smorrebrod (open sandwiches) to Thai red curries. Across the bridge is Malmo in the Skane region, and the home of Swedish fine dining. Eel is a speciality and the area is also renowned for its goose, apples, cheese and mushrooms. While gastronomic tours are on the rise, this is definitely one of the more unusual ones. Check www. visitoresund. ifro for more information and www. flysas. ie for flights.

In the club The Castle at Castle Leslie Estate in Co Monaghan has now become a private member's club and if you have the readies, it's difficult to think of a more salubrious home away from home. The owners ask that you think of it like sharing a private estate with like-minded individuals. Membership means unlimited stays, allowing you to live the gentrified life on a 1,000acre country estate, complete with Victorian Castle, private cinema, cookery school and equestrian centre. It also has its own Organic Spa in the old Hunting Lodge, and special members-only events. Members can also avail of Castle Leslie's outposts in the sunnier climes of France and Italy. Annual membership is Euro3,000 and lifetime membership is Euro50,000. Contact beyourself@castleleslie. com.