The prize
The winner and a guest will stay for three nights, B&B, at Canal House, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. This chic and historic property occupies three 17th-century merchants’ houses beside the Keizersgracht canal, and offers guests a convenient base in the heart of Amsterdam, complete with a cocktail bar and an elegant garden. Anne Frank’s House is just around the corner, and the Rijksmuseum a short tram ride away, while back at base the 23 bedrooms are decked out in purples, coppers and blacks. For details, or to book, visit Small Luxury Hotels of the World (slh.com).
Return rail travel is courtesy of Eurostar, travelling in its spacious Standard Premier class. Eurostar will be launching its first fully direct service between London, Rotterdam and Amsterdam on April 30, with fares starting at £35 one way (eurostar.com).
The prize must be taken between April 30 and December 1, 2020, subject to availability and excluding July and August, as well as public holidays.
The clue
“Oh, come on,” I say to my friend. “It’s not unusual to change our plans like this.”
But he shoots me a look that’s as black as coal. He wanted to see a castle — a mighty 13th-century fortress, built when the big cheese in these parts (mother: Maud) was trying to ward off the attentions of a local prince. But I’ve just discovered it hosts a three-day festival in summer, celebrating the area’s food as well as its history. Given we both love a product named after the town in which the castle is situated, I think we should save our visit until late July.
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Currently, we’re refuelling in another town, 5½ miles west-northwest of the castle. So, instead of pressing on, why don’t we head to a visitor attraction that commemorates another local speciality? After all, it had a far bigger impact on this area than any castle, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Friend sighs. “It’s not unusual for us to argue like this, is it? In fact, it happens all the time.” So, in a bid to lighten the mood, I tell him our current location is the old home town of a famous singer (father: Thomas), and I’ve lined up a playlist of his hits for us to listen to. Finally, Friend’s face cracks into a smile.
Thus we drive to the visitor attraction, two miles west-northwest of the second town — singing at the top of our voices about a cat. Then it’s time to explore the attraction. It’s based in a heritage park, on a site first opened in 1850.
“What did you think of it?” I ask Friend as we re-emerge. “The pits,” he says. “But I enjoyed every minute.”
Enter the competition
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Can’t see the competition form? Enter at thesundaytimes.co.uk/wherewasi
Last week’s prize
The answers are Stamford Bridge and Castle Howard. Philip Robinson, of Swansea, wins a Michelin-starred short break for two, as a guest of Hambleton Hall, Rutland.