You know the perennially-in-crisis Brexit negotiations are getting that sinking feeling when even the city you are in is struggling to keep its head above water.

Michele Browne adores Venice and advises that it’s on the ether of your timeline, at least once. Thronged in summer, but quieter in winter the visitor will have to contend with floods off season — but the city, which heaves with art, architecture and history, is worth it.