Checking in... Andrew Wincott

Actor (Adam in The Archers)

EARLIEST HOLIDAY?

GOING on a trip aged three or four to the south coast of Devon, where my aunt and uncle lived. We drove there in my parents’ Humber Sceptre. I’ll never forget my first magical glimpse of the sea after the long journey from our home in Oxfordshire.

FIRST TRIP ABROAD?

A SCHOOL skiing trip to the Italian Alps. We caught the train and had to change at Zurich where I first got to try Swiss chocolate. Ski-wise I survived to tell the tale.

EVER GONE IN SEARCH OF ARCHERS’ COUNTRY?

A DOZEN or so years ago we did a photoshoot in Ledbury, fairly close to Inkberrow, Worcestershire, which is often thought to be the model for Ambridge: everyone’s perfect village.

TOP LOCATION?

LAS Alpujarras in the foothills of Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains. The hills are wonderful for walking and, on a clear day, you can see the Mediterranean.

BEST FOREIGN RESTAURANT?

THE Restaurante Teide in Bubion, which serves typical Andalusian fare and has fabulous views of the valley.

TIP IF VISITING THE AREA? ORDER a caña (small glass) of draught beer because if you order a pint, it will be warm by the time you finish it. In Andalusia, they serve a free snack or tapa with every beer.

HOLIDAY FROM HELL?

IN MY youth, I spent a grim night sleeping on a Frankfurt platform while Interrailing.

DREAM DESTINATION?

THE Atacama Desert in Chile. It’s the best place to see the stars as

it’s so free of pollution. n The Archers, Radio 4 weekdays, 7pm; omnibus, Sundays, 10am. Andrew will be among the stars of the show appearing at the hay Festival on June 2 (hayfestival.com)

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