Countryside
Both genteel and wild, there’s nothing quite like the English countryside for rural escapes with its patchwork hills, dramatic dales, ancient woodlands and winding country roads. All well and good, but what is there to do in England’s countryside exactly? Quite a lot, actually. Admire the grand interiors of a stately home before catching a play in the surrounding gardens, travel back in time with visits to ancient stone circles and crumbling castles, or step into a chocolate box of quaint villages and market towns and live like a local, trying farmhouse cheeses, cream teas and real ales along the way.
Rainy Day Activities: Embark on an expedition into Cheddar Gorge
This ultimate indoor activity will have you venture deep into the famous caves at Cheddar to see where the Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest skeleton, was discovered.
Location: Cheddar, Somerset
Create your own goodies at The Chocolate Factory Hawkshead
Take the family on a sweet adventure with a hands-on experience at the Lake District's own Chocolate Factory.
Location: Hawkshead, Cumbria
Discover hidden Ice Age art at Creswell Crags
Hidden in a beautiful limestone gorge you'll find some of Britain's only known Ice Age art.
Location: Creswell, Nottinghamshire
Make Christmas a family time with Forest Holidays
Gather your friends and family and start planning a memorable Christmas in one of Forest Holiday’s luxurious log cabins in Sherwood Forest.
Location: Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire
Take a flight to the Heights of Abraham
Discover famous show caverns beneath a 60-acre hilltop park overlooking a deep, dramatic limestone gorge in the Peak District.
Location: Matlock, Derbyshire
Explore Blue John Cavern
Take your own journey to the centre of the earth in search of the mysterious Blue John - originally discovered by the Romans.
Location: Castleton, Derbyshire
Rise above it all with a stay at Chewton Glen’s treehouses
Escape to your very own luxury treehouse for panoramic views and nature at your fingertips at Chewton Glen.
Location: New Milton, Hampshire
Enjoy a family getaway at Upper Rectory Farm Cottages
The idyllic Upper Rectory Farm Cottages in Leicestershire offers a perfect retreat if you’re looking for a luxurious festive getaway.
Location: Swadlincote, Leicestershire
Enjoy a relaxing break in Bradford on Avon
Perfect for family breaks, a stay at Church Farm Country Cottages in Bradford on Avon offers an ideal countryside retreat.
Location: Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire
Book a magical family break at Center Parcs
With hundreds of acres of forest to explore and a constantly expanding list of activities, Center Parcs offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Location: Rufford, Nottinghamshire
Cycle along the old coastal railway line to Whitby
Ride 21 view-filled and traffic-free miles along the ‘Cinder Track’, the old coastal railway line between Scarborough and Whitby.
Location: Whitby, Yorkshire
Ride the Whitby train from moor to sea
Delightful villages, dramatic views and gentle country walks – do it all by train from Whitby on a ride through the delightful Esk Valley.
Location: Whitby, Yorkshire
Enjoy a cosy family getaway in a luxury log cabin
Explore the Somerset countryside on foot or in the saddle, before heading home to Tamarack Lodge’s toasty log cabin.
Location: Otterford, Near Chard, Somerset
Enjoy a family break in the artistic surroundings of Nelson Barn
Ramble around the Cumbrian countryside with the whole family and get a good night’s sleep at Nelson Barn.
Location: Kaber, Cumbria
Enjoy a family stay in a 14th century house in the Peak District
Spend the day ambling around mountains and fells of the Peak District before enjoying a relaxing evening with whole family at The Old Bakehouse.
Location: Hope Valley, Peak District
Enjoy a luxurious family getaway at the Manor Farmhouse
With a heated pool, sauna, cinema and billiard room on site, your family will never want to leave the Manor Farmhouse.
Location: Milstead, Kent
Escape on a winter family getaway at Middle Farm Cottages
Enjoy a family holiday at Middle Farm Cottages, where you can get to know their growing range of farm animals and escape from the daily grind.
Location: Church Stretton, Shropshire
December events: Enter an underground Christmas cave
Follow the story of Archie and the Unicorn, told through glittering lights in an underground cavern.
Location: Clearwell Caves, Gloucestershire