Britons don't seem to shout too much about trips to Germany, but we're flocking there in record numbers. According to the most recent figures from the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), 5.9m overnight stays were made by UK holidaymakers in 2018 – up five per cent on the previous year. Indeed, ONS data suggests it is our sixth favourite holiday destination, ahead of Portugal, Greece and Turkey – all of which, arguably, receive far more plaudits. 

What's behind Germany's growing popularity? The GNTO points to the country's "sheer choice and variety of holidays", from stays in "picture-box" villages to hiking breaks through its 16 national parks and along its "bracing coastline". But there are...