While the world is still waiting for the pandemic to pass, many have already started to plan their trips for when the lockdown ends and it's safe to jet off again. Ahead of World Museum Day on 18 May, we have compiled a selection of cultural suggestions with social distancing measures in mind. These outdoor sites combine art, history, cultural heritage and fresh air.

BEST FOR CONTEMPORARY ART LOVERS

Es Baluard, the contemporary art museum in Palma, is a thoroughly modern piece of architecture made of concrete and glass juxtaposed against the ancient city walls and bastions dominating the seafront of the Mallorcan capital. Besides a simply designed building with characteristic diaphanous lines, which is home to over 700 works, the museum offers also an equally attractive outdoor space ideal for an evening stroll along the ancient ramparts featuring a cluster of striking outdoor contemporary art pieces. The Mirador (or the ‘Viewpoint’) also offers spectacular views of the Gothic cathedral, the Bay of Palma and the Puig de Sant Pere neighbourhood.

Palma’s cultural heritage is also reflected in the city’s array of unique accommodation, housed in historic palaces and town houses. For example, the characterful Ca Sa Galesa, located in the heart of Palma’s historical old town, offers a space of calm and tranquillity just a stone’s throw away from the majestic La Seu cathedral. With panoramic views of the city from the private rooftop, guests can relax with a book after a long day of sightseeing in Palma.

For more information on Palma as a tourist destination, please visit www.visitpalma.com/en.

Images can be downloaded here.

BEST FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Efteling – the fairytale theme park in the south of Holland – is home to the enchanted Fairytale Forest, where 30 classic fairytales come to life. Children and adults will love taking a stroll through the Fairytale Forest, where they can discover all the traditional family-favourite stories by the likes of Hans Christian Andersen, Brothers Grimm, and Charles Perrault - including Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty and the Little Matchstick Girl. The 30th fairytale to join the Fairytale Forest, The Six Swans, is the first to feature a miniature ride where guests can choose to visit the King’s castle via foot or on the back of a swan.

Fairytale fans will also enjoy becoming the stars of their own fairy-tale at the Efteling Hotel, where themed family suites include the Cinderella Suite, Sleeping Beauty Suite and a Hans Christian Anderson Suite. A two-night stay in the Sleeping Beauty Suite starts from £701 based on two adults and two children sharing the suite. This price includes breakfast and unlimited access to Efteling.

For more information, please visit: https://www.efteling.com/en.

Images can be downloaded here.

BEST FOR WARTIME HISTORY

One of the most significant periods of history for the Channel Islands was the Occupation by German forces during World War Two.

During the Occupation, German troops went about fortifying Guernsey, building reinforced bunkers as well as adapting existing fortifications which still punctuate the coastline today. These remnants of the Occupation offer a fascinating glimpse into this turbulent part of the island’s history and are best discovered on foot while enjoying stunning coastal views, secret coves and wide sandy beaches.

The self-guided ‘Occupation reminders and folklore legend’ walk curves along the south-west coast of the island around Pleinmont headland. In addition to L'Angle, a direction-finding tower, and the imposing Batterie Dollmann, a command post, this cliff-top walk also passes ‘The Fairy Ring’ (a site linked to local folklore), the impressive Hanois lighthouse and finishes in the small fishing village of Portelet Harbour. The walk takes around 2 – 2.5 hours to complete.

In 2020, the Islands of Guernsey are marking the 75th anniversary of their Liberation with a series of virtual, online and ‘at-home’ events in the run up to Liberation Day on 9 May 2020. For more information please visit www.visitguernsey.com/heritage75.

Images can be downloaded here.

BEST FOR STREET ART

The hippy-chic coastal town of Sayulita, on the west coast of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, is a bohemian art colony with a thriving expat community. It was discovered by surfers in the 1960s and today boasts red- and orange-painted shops, brightly decorated cafés, numerous art galleries and colourful street art.

Street art in Sayulita has exploded in the last several years with colourful art in the heart of town reflecting the culture of the local Huichol Indians. Muralism became famous in the 1920’s after the Mexican Revolution when the government commissioned murals for public buildings to reinforce its political message. Over time, artists began to paint their own ideas and values and these days murals cover a wide range of themes extending far beyond that of politics and religion. It’s this history of muralism that makes the urban art movement in Mexico different from other movements around the world.

Visitors can visit Sayulita for a day trip and immerse themselves in this quirky and colourful ‘open-air art gallery’. Senses will be stimulated by the art that is everywhere from colourful skulls that are a recurring theme on buildings, to seascapes, artfully drawn comic strips and religious symbols. Visitors can weave through the cobbled streets that overflow with these unique artworks, interpret the fascinating murals for free, either alone or in a group, and end the day exploring the shops with ceramics, pottery and locally, hand-crafted jewellery.

For more information, visit www.rivieranayarit.com / www.sayulita.com.

Images are available here.