If you're one of those people who are always looking for the 'hidden gems' when you visit a city, then you'll love Don't Be a Tourist in Paris, which is dedicated to unveiling the best that Paris has to offer - outside the tourist traps.

I've been to Paris on several occasions, but after having read this book, it makes me want to visit all over again - and this time I'll ensure I do it properly by avoiding the usual haunts.

​Recommendations within the book cover everything from hotels to bars, restaurants, clubs and bistros to creative haunts such as bookshops and galleries.  I loved the playful tone of some of the headings within the book like where to go if you're 'feeding a broken heart or a hangover' and 'Top 5 for a detox (after two much wine and cheese)', which let's be honest, we can all relate to! There are also tips on how to find French village life in the city and where to 'eat like a local', to ensure you'll find some authentic treasures along the way.

When I next board the Eurostar, I'll be clutching my copy of this book ready to explore all of the wonderful places that Vanessa has taken the time to painstakingly explore, so that we can all feel like cool Parisians - even if it's only for a weekend.

​Don't Be a Tourist in Paris is published by ROADS Publishing and is available from Amazon.co.uk (£25.00 for a hardcover).

A.A. Miln

Good things come in small packages. At least that's the premise of this book dedicated to tiny campsites. Featuring more than 80 tiny campsites across the UK (determined by its size being less than an acre in size), this useful holiday guide provides camping lovers with full details for each campsite, so they're armed with all of the information they need to find the tiny campsite that's perfect for them. 

The guide provides a wealth of information including an overview of the facilities, nearby pubs and supplies, contact details, a list of nearby rail stations and recommendations for what to see and do in the local area.

We've rounded up our favourite tiny campsites...

This campsite in a small forest glade in Inverness-shire even comes complete with an outdoor bush shower.  There is also an independent, mountain-hut style hostel sleeping up to 8 people privately, which is great for families and small groups.

www.lazyduck.co.uk
​

Located near Hay-on-Wye in Herefordshire, Walkers Cottage Camping boasts a 180-degree view of the  picturesque Wye Valley. Here campers will be able to mix with the local wildlife including a field of sheep and beehives hidden amongst wildflowers.  Given its location on the edge of the Brecon Beacons Dark Sky Reserve, you'll be rewarded with stunning starry nights. 

www.hay-on-wye-camping.co.uk
​

At Ten Acres Vineyard guests will be able to camp amongst the vines. Animal lovers will also love the pigs that live on site whose job it is to graze the grass amongst the vines - aww.

www.tenacresvineyardcamping.co.uk

Tiny Campsites by Dixe Wills is published by AA Publishing and is available from Amazon.co.uk  (£11.99 for a paperback).

A.A. Miln

To commemorate its 80th anniversary, Butlin’s has created a gorgeous coffee table book, The Nation’s Host: Butlin’s and the Story of the British Seaside, which showcases many never-before-seen images from Butlin's archives.

Butlin’s developed the book in collaboration with The History of Advertising Trust (HAT), the largest archive of British advertising and marketing communications in the world, and acclaimed seaside historian Katherine Ferry, ​who was granted unique access to the archives to tell the incredible inside story of Butlin's and the British seaside. 

The book reveals the tale of the brand's origins in a British society still reeling from the economic downturn of the 1920s, to its heyday in the mid-twentieth century, and the challenges posed by the arrival of overseas package holidays to the company’s plan for reinvention in the present day. 

Since its inception in 1936, Butlin's resorts were seen as aspirational, yet within reach of the average person - in other words, affordable but not cheap. Billy Butlin, the founder of Butlin's resorts, was a true entrepreneur who helped revolutionise the travel industry by making travel accessible for all, offering a week's holiday for a week's wages. 

Butlin's has long been renowned for it wealth of activities under one roof - perfect for the unpredictable British weather - and visitors could take advantage of all activities on offer - at no additional charge. From an amusement park to  fitness classes, dancing, waterskiing, and much more, there really was something for everyone to enjoy. In addition to these activities, Butlin's also offered performances from top singers and musicians, with many stars cutting their teeth at Butlin's such as Paul McCartney, Cliff Richard, Ringo Starr, and Annie Lennox, to name a few.  

During the wartime years (1939-1945), Butlin's resorts were transformed from holiday bungalows into housing for soldiers from The Royal Navy. After the war, Butlin's welcomed back tourists, which was made easier thanks to easier access from new railways that had been built.  For people who had become accustomed to queuing for rations, the promise of no queues at Butlin's was an enticing one.

By the late 1950s, a prosperous era returned and Butlin's had come to symbolise the affluence of the working class, with people being able to enjoy leisure pursuits once again. By 1963, Butlin's had welcomed 1 million visitors in one season - a long-held dream for Billy Butlin. 

Today, Butlin's continues to delight its guests with a variety of activities to keep the whole family entertained.  If you're a history lover, a seaside lover or simply a fan of Butlin's resorts, then this is a must-read book.

The Nation's Host: Butlin's and the Story of  the British Seaside is available from Butlin's store for £20.