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.
Picture Mr Darcy coming out of the lake
The magnificent house, gardens and deer park at Lyme Park was the filming location for the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice.
Location: Lyme Handley, Cheshire
Wander like Wordsworth around Ullswater
Take a trip to Ullswater and enjoy the fabulous lake and the crowd of golden daffodils which inspired the poet William Wordsworth.
Location: Ullswater, Cumbria
Take in 'Swallows and Amazons' landscapes on a relaxing cruise
Take a trip around the landscape used in the film ‘Swallows and Amazons’ and discover what inspired Arthur Ransome to write his famous book.
Location: Derwentwater, Cumbria
Follow in the footsteps of filmmakers in Lancashire
For film fans visiting Lancashire for the first time can lead to a feeling of déjà vu... Lancashire is no stranger to the small or big screen.
Location: Lancashire
Cast a spell at Arley Hall and Gardens
Explore the magical home of multi-part movie, 'Evermoor', a Disney production filmed at Arley Hall and Gardens in Cheshire's Northwich.
Location: Northwich, Cheshire
Take a tour of Beatrix Potter's Lake District
Mountain Goat offer superb minibus tours of the Lake District – discover much-loved author Beatrix Potter’s favourite countryside on a half-day trip.
Location: Lake District, Cumbria
Journey to the centre of England
Head to the geographic centre of England, the Forest of Bowland, via pretty English villages, traditional pubs and film and literature locations.
Location: Ribble Valley, Lancashire
Rainy Day Activities: Visit much-loved author Beatrix Potter’s home
Uncover the life of the children’s author and illustrator as you explore the enchanting landscapes that inspired her.
Location: Near Sawrey, Hawkshead, Cumbria
Visit poet William Wordsworth's most famous home
See where the author of ‘Daffodils’ was inspired to write most of his work and take a guided tour of Dove Cottage, his home.
Location: Grasmere, Cumbria
Discover the fictional home of Home Fires
Follow in the footsteps of the Great Paxford Women’s Institute with a visit to the picturesque Cheshire village of Bunbury.
Location: Bunbury, Cheshire
Follow in the footsteps of Tolkien on the Tolkien Trail
From the twin towers of Stonyhurst College to the dramatic countryside of the Ribble Valley, follow in the footsteps of JRR Tolkien.
Location: Hurst Green, Lancashire
Enjoy Bronte rambles in Lancashire
Head off the beaten track and walk in the footsteps of the Bronte sisters in Lancashire.
Location: Wycoller and Burnley, Lancashire