Rural retreats in summer

Rural escapes in summer

Enter a world of peace and tranquility on a rural break in the English countryside, where a world of historic castle grounds alive with colour, unspoilt woodlands, lush landscapes and quaint English villages await you. Be pampered from head to toe in your own moorland lodge on a spa break in Bradford, explore quaint market towns and walk alongside awe-inspiring waterfalls in the Durham Dales, or hop aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a luxurious train ride through picturesque moorlands.

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Get lost in the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens

Explore 300 acres of plants in one of the world's leading botanic gardens.

Location: Richmond, London

 

Sail on posh boats on the Broads

Take a well-earned break from life.

Location: The Broads, Norfolk

 

Escape to Surrey’s hills and English gardens

With wonderful English gardens like RHS Wisley, the hills of Box Hill and Leith Hill and access to the North Downs Way, Surrey is a real rural treat.

Location: Dorking, Surrey

 

Glide through the waterways of unspoilt Cheshire

Take in quaint villages, welcoming country pubs, majestic industrial heritage sites and even castles on a boat trip through the county’s canals.

Location: Audlem, Cheshire

 

Take a cruise on the Grand Union Canal

Get on-board for a leisurely cruise into the heart of the Chiltern Hills, enjoying impressive views of the Buckinghamshire countryside.

Location: Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

 

Get back to nature at High Force waterfall

Explore a peaceful landscape of moors and hills, valleys, waterfalls and rivers dotted with picturesque villages and historic market towns.

Location: Durham Dales

 

Discover the walled gardens at medieval Raby Castle

Visit one of England’s finest medieval castles, and explore the medieval walled gardens and 200 acre deer park.

Location: Durham Dales, Durham

 

See breathtaking vistas at Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens

Explore these breathtaking and inspirational gardens created by 10-time Chelsea Gold Medal Winner and Gardening Author, Beth Chatto OBE.

Location: Colchester, Essex

 

Discover something for all ages to enjoy at Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle in Kent – once described by Lord Conway as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’ – is the perfect place for families to escape to.

Location: Lenham, Kent

 

Be King or Queen of the Castle at Hylands Park

Whether it’s a short stroll or a long walk there are many routes to choose from at 574-acre Hylands Park.

Location: Chelmsford, Essex

 

Visit the dramatic landscape that inspired John Constable

Follow in the footsteps of John Constable and explore Dedham Vale and Stour Valley an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Location: Dedham, Colchester

 

Keeping it in the family at Castle Howard

The Howard family has called Castle Howard home for 300 years but their house is your house as you explore one of Yorkshire’s finest historic estates.

Location: York, North Yorkshire

 

Discover Wiltshire's oldest White Horse chalk carving

Enjoy an undulating walk to the Westbury White Horse, whilst being presented with fabulous views of the Wiltshire countryside.

Location: Westbury, Wiltshire

 

Take a stroll around Shearwater Lake on the Longleat Estate

Enjoy the sights and blooms of the Longleat Estate.

Location: Warminster, Wiltshire

 

Walk and picnic amongst the prehistoric landscape at Avebury

Step into the largest stone circle in the world, standing for over 4500 years, and the site of a host of archaeological excavations.

Location: Marlborough, Wiltshire

 

Visit Jesmond Dene, a little green in the City

Do you love to picnic? Visit NewcastleGateshead to experience the beautiful wildlife corridor that leads to the centre of Newcastle.

Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear

 

Take a wander around Brotherswater

The Lake District in Cumbria is famous for its stunning landscapes of lakes and fells and is the perfect place for family walks of all ages.

Location: Ambleside, Cumbria

 

Enjoy a relaxing break at Alveston Manor Hotel

Enjoy England’s beautiful countryside at its rural best, along with great hospitality at Alveston Manor.

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

 

Explore The Lake District's Secret Valley

Rannerdale lies between the smaller lakes of Buttermere and Loweswater, a true hidden gem in a place brimming with atmosphere and local legend.

Location: Buttermere, Cumbria

 

Join the A-List on a narrow boat holiday

You just can’t beat messing about in boats and travelling at just 4 miles an hour you are sure to unwind.

Location: Chirk, Shropshire

 

Experience a stunning Lakeland waterfall walk

Don’t miss a trip to the Taylor Gill Force to see fabulous streams and waterfalls set against a backdrop of stunning scenery.

Location: Keswick, Cumbria

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