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.
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Sleep in the treetops on an overnight safari in Kent
Get in touch with your wild side in Kent this spring with a true African experience that the whole family will rave about.
Location: Lympne, Kent
Trip-trap along the Red Squirrel Trail
This family-friendly cycle and walking path encompasses an exciting trail of artwork, sculpture and trolls under bridges.
Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
Pedal along 100 miles of off-road cycling tracks
Pedal the extensive, year-round network of cycling routes criss-crossing the woodland, heathland and quiet country roads of the New Forest.
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
How did the leopard get his spots? Visit Rudyard Kipling’s home
Explore Bateman's, the 17th century home of the Jungle Book and The Just So Stories author, nestled in the leafy Sussex Weald.
Location: Burwash, East Sussex
Follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror
The Battle of Hastings in 1066 changed the course of English history forever. Explore the site and learn about history’s most famous date.
Location: Battle, East Sussex
Sheffield Park Garden
The perfect place for relaxation and nature photography.
Location: Brighton, East Sussex
Explore Romney Marsh
This patch of pristine wetland near the south east coast covers a whopping 100 square miles and is packed with wildlife – including the curious ‘laughing frogs’.
Location: Romney Marsh, Kent
Pick your own at Parkside Farm
Blackberries, raspberries, strawberries... time to get picking and fill those baskets at Parkside Farm.
Location: Enfield, London
Recreate the real Alice in Wonderland’s river trip
Take an Oxford River Cruise trip along the Thames just like the real Alice in Wonderland many years ago.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Go on a ‘legless ramble’ through East Sussex’s countryside
Escape to the English countryside and explore Beachy Head in East Sussex, first on a brewery tour and then on foot.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Wildlife skills and forest fun in the South Downs
Family holidays in the South Downs National Park are perfect for venturing out into the fresh air, to learn about camping, nature and wildlife.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Raise a glass of English sparkling wine to the South Downs
Bathed in the sunshine and shelter of the South Downs in Sussex, enjoy some fine English wines direct from grape to glass.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Discover ‘The Good Life’ amongst Kent’s farmyards and gardens
There’s no better time to visit Kent than in the spring so why not follow your nose and discover the county’s fragrant countryside and gardens?
Location: Maidstone, Kent
Enjoy afternoon tea in a thatched Cotswolds cottage
Tour the Cotswolds’ hidden gems and receive a warm welcome at the Secret Cottage, a private home where you are invited to traditional afternoon tea.
Location: Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
Meet Downton Abbey's farmyard animals at Cogges Manor Farm
A place of family fun and learning and one of the idyllic settings for ITV’s Downton Abbey, Cogges is a wonderful family attraction in Oxfordshire.
Location: Witney, Oxfordshire
Trot over to meet Redwings Horse Sanctuary's rescued residents
Come nose to nose with some of Redwings Horse Sanctuary's most delightful residents at Redwings Ada Cole Rescue Centre in Essex.
Location: Nazeing, Essex
Have a close encounter with Daleks and medieval peasants in Essex
Choose to travel back in time to medieval England in 1066, the toys of your childhood or even WWII (though chances are you’ll want to do all three).
Location: Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex
Explore Rottingdean, the home of Rudyard Kipling
Step into the world of Rudyard Kipling by visiting his traditional English gardens in Rottingdean, near Brighton and Hove.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex