Latest news with #SimonReeve
Daily Record
10-06-2025
- Daily Record
BBC travel expert Simon Reeve says this is the best city in the world blending history and culture
BBC travel presenter Simon Reeve has explored more than 130 countries during his career, and now he has named his favourite city in the world. BBC explorer Simon Reeve has named a city straddling the East and West as his favourite destination worldwide. He expressed his profound connection to a place where, he feels, history and culture can be felt in the air. Having travelled to more than 130 countries, Simon recently wrapped up his latest journey, 'Scandinavia with Simon Reeve' – a breathtaking three-part series for the BBC, reports the Mirror. Now, he has revealed his most cherished city. His selection is based on a sprawling metropolis that bridges the European and Asian continents and is home to what he describes as "one of the most stunning buildings on the planet". Speaking to The Express, he said: "In terms of a city, I think Istanbul is not just spectacular, but you can't go there and not smell the history and the culture there. You know, I love how it's clearly divided. You've got your old bit. You've got your modern bit. You've got your Eastern area, as well - the other side of the Bosphorus, Asia, basically. It is the point where, for a thousand years and more, the East and the West have met." He also shared his "favourite little quirky thing" about the city, which is Hagia Sophia – the ancient basilica turned mosque that stands as a testament to history at 1,600 years old. Simon elaborated on how this emblematic monument continues to captivate visitors as a magnificent structure that remains an active site of worship. He shared: "I'll tell you my favourite little quirky thing actually, in many a way; there's a building in Istanbul called Hagia Sophia, which was a church, then a mosque, is now sort of a museum, just open as an attraction." Simon went on to say: "But it's an incredible building - one of the most stunning buildings on the planet, and up at the top, inside on the upper balcony, there's a bit of graffiti carved into the balcony." He was referring to ancient Viking runes inscribed into the Hagia Sophia during its tenure as a church. The National Museum of Denmark has identified the Viking visitors as Halvdan and Are. According to Atlas Obscura, the inscription likely reads "Halfdan carved these runes" or "Halfdan was here", a detail that Simon found particularly captivating, dubbing it his "favourite little bit". For the presenter, uncovering the story of the rune-carving Vikings was a "chill down the spine moment", underscoring that people have been explorers since the dawn of humanity. He noted that throughout history, humans have always felt compelled to leave their mark and connect with these "incredible sights". He concluded: "It's just a reminder that our ancestors travelled, and they were quite similar to us, actually. They probably wanted a beer, a selfie, and to leave a little bit of a mark behind." All three episodes of Scandinavia with Simon Reeve are available for streaming on BBC iPlayer NOW.
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Simon Reeve picks his best city on the planet having explored 130 countries
BBC presenter Simon Reeve has travelled to more than 130 countries during his career - and there's one city that he loves more than anywhere else BBC adventurer Simon Reeve has called a certain city situated at the crossroads of East and West his top pick in the world. He shared his deep affection for a place where he said history and culture are almost tangible. Simon, with over 130 countries under his belt, recently concluded a Scandinavian adventure filming 'Scandinavia with Simon Reeve' – a stunning three-part series for the BBC. And following this he has now disclosed his prized city. His choice hinges on a metropolis that spans the continents of Europe and Asia and houses an awe-inspiring edifice rated as "one of the most stunning buildings on the planet". He told The Express: "In terms of a city, I think Istanbul is not just spectacular, but you can't go there and not smell the history and the culture there. You know, I love how it's clearly divided. You've got your old bit. "You've got your modern bit. You've got your Eastern area, as well - the other side of the Bosphorus, Asia, basically. It is the point where, for a thousand years and more, the East and the West have met." Talking about what he calls his "favourite little quirky thing", Simon zeroes in on Hagia Sophia – the venerable former basilica, now a grand mosque, which is some 1,600 years old. He detailed how this iconic site serves as an open attraction while retaining its status as an "incredible building". He remarked: "I'll tell you my favourite little quirky thing actually, in many a way; there's a building in Istanbul called Hagia Sophia, which was a church, then a mosque, is now sort of a museum, just open as an attraction." Simon continued: "But it's an incredible building - one of the most stunning buildings on the planet, and up at the top, inside on the upper balcony, there's a bit of graffiti carved into the balcony." He was alluding to ancient Viking runes etched into the Hagia Sophia during its time as a church. The National Museum of Denmark has identified the Viking visitors as Halvdan and Are. Atlas Obscura reports that the inscription likely says "Halfdan carved these runes" or "Halfdan was here", a discovery that Simon found particularly enchanting, calling it his "favourite little bit". For the presenter, uncovering the tale of the rune-carving Vikings was a "chill down the spine moment", highlighting that people have been explorers since the dawn of humanity. He observed that throughout history, humans have always had the urge to leave their imprint and connect with these "incredible sights". He concluded: "It's just a reminder that our ancestors travelled, and they were quite similar to us, actually. They probably wanted a beer, a selfie, and to leave a little bit of a mark behind." All three episodes of Scandinavia with Simon Reeve are available for streaming on BBC iPlayer NOW.
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The Independent
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Simon Reeve: ‘Travel helps us to question who we are and where we're from – that's how we learn'
'I left a little bit of my heart in Norway,' says Simon Reeve, speaking between shows on his current UK tour. 'I think a lot of Scandinavia is proper, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. I was in a sports café by the coast in the Lofoten Islands in Norway, and I sent my family a video saying, 'I really hope we'll make it here someday,' ideally in an electric campervan. That would be my nerdy green dream,' he says. Reeve recently released the three-part series Scandinavia on BBC, which charts his journey through pockets of Denmark, Sweden, Norway and its honorary Nordic members Finland and Iceland to discover what drives the region's reputation of being so happy, organised and successful. 'I think we've been dragged into the divisions of the United States. Of course, it's interesting and there are big characters,' says Reeve. 'But if we look at areas of the world where people are happiest and the most content – it isn't the United States, it is Scandinavia. 'We met lots of great characters there who were changing lives and trying to change the world. We've stuffed it all into three programs.' Looking from the outside in, the Scandi countries seem almost utopian-like, with the levels of trust in society demonstrated through honesty shops and leaving babies outside in prams, pioneering green technology such as wind farms and carbon capture machines, and a deep connection to outdoor 'Friluftsliv' living and a love of nature. Unlike the United States, Scandinavian countries stay relatively out of the world's headlines. Yet what Reeve discovered is that the region is also full of surprises, from Finland's large investment in military at NATO's longest border with Russia, the constant threat of volcanic eruptions in Iceland, to the wave of gang violence using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Swedish suburbs. While no part of the world can claim the title of a perfect utopia, free from challenges and injustices, Reeve did encounter almost fairy-tale-like landscapes throughout his journey to the land of snow, picturesque fjords and colossal glaciers. Yet, there was one location that left him spellbound, and that was Norway. It has the second longest coastline on the planet; ludicrously jagged and broken up with thousands of tiny islands.' Cities such as Stockholm and Malmö were featured in the series, but the main focus was Scandinavia's magnificent rural vistas, which show us why so many people are be drawn to off-grid escapes over urban mini-breaks. 'Stockholm is often rated as the most beautiful city in Scandinavia, admittedly, mainly by the Swedes,' Reeve recalled himself saying during one episode. 'That was a little cheeky, because [Sweden] is gorgeous and it was breathtaking to film there. 'I'm not undermining the beauty of the cities either, but I do think that the countryside in Scandinavia is glorious. They've got much more space than we have on our crowded little islands. 'But of course, people there don't take the p*** the way people sometimes do in the UK. They don't wander about having spontaneous festivals or fires on other people's land. You can walk and camp almost anywhere in Scandinavia, which is an amazing freedom.' The lure of the Arctic has previously seen travellers head to Scandinavia for winter sports activities and adventure tourism, and Reeve explains that the region is now more accessible than ever. 'In the past, it wasn't easy to get hold of the kit you needed to visit, and the clothing wasn't as readily available either. And in truth, it is a bit cheaper now as well. Whether it's Lapland, Svalbard, or Iceland, oh my goodness, the sights you'll see, the experiences you'll have are intensely memorable, and that surely is one of the best things about travel.' Flying out into colder landscapes calls for more preparation than just throwing your swimsuit and flip-flops into your carry-on, as Reeve explains: 'Follow the advice I was given by an elderly woman selling vegetables outdoors at a market in Siberia. She said, 'You need to dress like a cabbage', that is the key to dressing for the cold.' Reeve recommends getting to know the area through a local. 'I think you always want a guide if possible. We've been taught for a while now to do things spontaneously,' says Reeve, 'which you can do, but you'll miss out on that local knowledge. It doesn't have to be horrifically expensive.' 'A lot of people want to share their area with you. We just had a guide when we were in Laos as a family, and the experience we had as a result was so much richer.' During Reeve's journey through Scandinavia, he was led by several guides, from a Sami reindeer herder in northern Sweden to a young volcanologist in Iceland, and he explains how these encounters with local communities were enriching. 'My favourite form of travel is when wealthy folk take their hard-earned money and spend it in parts of the world that need it; giving back to local communities and helping to support wilderness areas,' he adds. 'Scandinavia is an ethical place to go on a holiday, if you do it carefully. You can travel cleanly and greenly on public transport, much more so than you can in many other parts of the world. It's not guilt-free travel, that doesn't exist. But I certainly think, because they've made great strides towards becoming cleaner and greener, we can benefit from that as travellers.' While Reeve's series uncovers that not all is paradisiacal in this region, he also took a lot from the way Scandinavians live their lives. 'It made me question where I'm from, and the direction of travel that we're [the UK] on.' 'Maybe we need to take inspiration from how they're living in Scandinavia and consider how that way of life could benefit us. 'Travel helps us to question who we are and where we're from. That's how we learn.'
Dublin Live
25-05-2025
- Dublin Live
'I've visited over 130 countries but one nation stands out as my favourite'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Adventure traveller and TV presenter Simon Reeve has shared his top pick for the most extraordinary country on Earth, boasting sights not found "anywhere else on the planet". Known for traversing some of the world's most breathtaking and perilous locales, Simon's escapades have ranged from close encounters with the KGB to adrenaline-fueled pursuits by cheetahs. His latest BBC series, 'Scandinavia with Simon Reeve', sees the daring host explore the Nordic countries' wild beauty, from tundra to forests and fjords. However, this is just the latest in a long line of expeditions for Simon, who has racked up visits to over 130 countries, an impressive tally for someone who didn't fly until adulthood, reports the Express. Simon reflected: "You know, I'm a very lucky bloke. I've been to more than 130 countries now and travelled pretty extensively, I grant you, but almost all as an adult. You know, I don't come from a 'travel-ly' family. I didn't get on a plane until I was growing up and properly working." Simon also opened up about his modest upbringing, lacking "fancy foreign holidays" as a child, which he feels has made him even more grateful for his current role. He doesn't overlook the privilege of his remarkable career and recalls times spent on the dole during his teenage years, keeping him grounded and "very aware" of his good fortune. Choosing a favourite destination from his extensive travels is quite the challenge for the seasoned presenter, but with a bit of arm-twisting, he admits there's one place that truly captivates him. He said: "So, I've always got my eyes open when I'm travelling. I'm always trying to soak it up like a human sponge, and I absolutely love the journeys still. If you twist my arm and you say, 'You've gotta come up with somewhere that you really love', Madagascar." (Image: (Image: BBC)) Madagascar, ranking as the world's fourth-largest island, is famed for its unique wildlife - an incredible variety of reptiles, plants, and mammals found nowhere else on Earth. The WWF notes that this 144-million-acre island off Africa's southeast coast boasts an eclectic mix of ecosystems, ranging from lush rainforests to arid deserts. Simon added: "Madagascar was staggeringly different and beautiful and surprising, and obviously, that's off the east coast of Africa. It's got a bit of Africa in it. It's got a bit of Asia in it. But it's quite unique, as well. "You see stuff there that you don't see anywhere else on the planet. You know, a group of cowboys wearing huge floppy hats taking a huge herd of buffalo across the country to market." Climb another hill, and you might find yourself overlooking a "huge plain of spiny cactus", shared Simon, who asserts that Madagascar is a land of "weird stuff happening there". He went on to say: "You know, when humans first arrived on Madagascar, there were lemurs the size of gorillas. You know, things have evolved there in very different and special ways, so that is a place that has really amazed me." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Simon Reeve names his 'favourite' country - and you can see 'weird stuff' there
BBC presenter Simon Reeve has opened up about his favourite country - and says it has 'staggeringly beautiful' landscapes and wildlife that can't be found 'anywhere else' Renowned adventurer Simon Reeve has revealed his top destination on the planet, where travellers can experience sights unlike "anywhere else on the planet". Throughout his illustrious career, Simon has explored some of the world's most breathtaking and treacherous regions, including run-ins with the KGB and narrow escapes from cheetahs. In his latest three-part BBC series, Scandinavia with Simon Reeve, the fearless presenter embarks on a journey across the Nordic nations, taking in the dramatic landscapes of tundra, forest, and fjord. This latest adventure adds to Simon's impressive tally of over 130 countries visited, a remarkable feat considering he didn't board a plane until he was "an adult and working full-time". Simon reflected: "You know, I'm a very lucky bloke. I've been to more than 130 countries now and travelled pretty extensively, I grant you, but almost all as an adult. You know, I don't come from a 'travel-ly' family. I didn't get on a plane until I was growing up and properly working." Simon shared that his childhood didn't involve "fancy foreign holidays", but he believes this has made him "appreciate" his role even more. In fact, he remains humble about his incredible job, recalling his time on the dole as a teenager, which has left him "very aware" of "how lucky" he's been. Choosing a favourite from his extensive travels proved a tough call for the seasoned globetrotter, but with some persuasion, one destination holds a special place, reports the Express. Simon shared: "So, I've always got my eyes open when I'm travelling. I'm always trying to soak it up like a human sponge, and I absolutely love the journeys still. If you twist my arm and you say: 'You've gotta come up with somewhere that you really love', Madagascar." Famous for its unique creatures, Madagascar, the world's fourth largest island, boasts an unmatched array of wildlife seen nowhere else on earth. According to the WWF, this 144-million-acre landmass off Africa's southeast coast shelters diverse ecosystems ranging from lush jungles to stark deserts. Expanding further, Simon added: "Madagascar was staggeringly different and beautiful and surprising, and obviously, that's off the east coast of Africa. It's got a bit of Africa in it. It's got a bit of Asia in it. But it's quite unique, as well. "You see stuff there that you don't see anywhere else on the planet. You know, a group of cowboys wearing huge floppy hats taking a huge herd of buffalo across the country to market." According to Simon, clambering up another rise might unveil a vast "huge plain of spiny cactus", revealing the island's curious charm. He added with a sense of wonder: "You know, when humans first arrived on Madagascar, there were lemurs the size of gorillas. You know, things have evolved there in very different and special ways, so that is a place that has really amazed me."
