
Countryside breaks
See the famous moors and National Parks that have inspired writers such as Michael Morpurgo, Ted Hughes, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Walk through the hills of England’s countryside, and see it teeming with wildlife, or explore the strangely temperate microclimates of Scilly where you can find birds and plants that can’t be found elsewhere in the UK. An active holiday in the English countryside is perfect for tuckering out the kids or blowing away the cobwebs of everyday living – so grab a bike and ride some of the trails and villages of the outdoors. The beautiful Cotswolds provide the perfect picnicking spot. Or you could wander Wiltshire with its heritage sights like Stonehenge, and take in some of the country’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; we have thirty-three!
Explore Nene Park in the River Nene Valley
Imagine somewhere beautiful, safe and unspoilt where you can explore endless meadows, lakes and woodland, and the River Nene.
Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
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
Stay in a cottage built by an amazing Victorian inventor
Experience Cragside in Northumberland as many have never seen it before – by staying in the spectacular and dramatic grounds of the Cragside Estate.
Location: Rothbury, Northumberland
Visit the home of the Dymock Poets in the Forest of Dean
In the quiet village of Dymock, literacy history was being made by six of the finest poets of the early 20th century.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Stay at All Stretton Bunkhouse in the Shropshire Hills
Experience the great outdoors with a stay at All Stretton Bunkhouse, nestled deep in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Location: Church Stretton, Shropshire
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
September events: Enjoy Nordic walking at the Walking and Outdoors Festival
The annual Yorkshire Wolds Walking and Outdoors Festival offers a host of exciting outdoor pursuits and taster sessions.
Location: Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire
Cycle along a disused railway line in Stratford-upon-Avon
Explore the English countryside saddle side whilst cycling the 5-mile long Stratford Greenway.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Stay at stylish Middlethorpe Hall and Spa
Treat yourself to good food and plenty of relaxation at Middlethorpe Hall.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Enjoy a rural escape at Kitley House Hotel
This 500 year old country house is set in the heart of the South Devon countryside making it the perfect destination for a relaxing and enjoyable break.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Discover Yorkshire fayre and hospitality at the Shibden Mill Inn
Nestling in the fold of the picturesque Shibden Valley is fantastic food, drink and sumptuous accommodation at the 17th century Shibden Mill Inn.
Location: Halifax, Yorkshire
Enjoy an award-winning rural retreat
This 16th century manor house near Clitheroe, in the heart of Lancashire's Ribble Valley, is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing break.
Location: Clitheroe, Lancashire
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
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
Lounge and dine in a Georgian Country House
Stay in an early Georgian country house set in three acres of mature English gardens and woodland, just a short journey from historic Lincoln.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Cycle, sail or swim in the Norfolk Broads
Sense the sounds, smells and colours of spring at Waveney River Centre in Norfolk, a serene countryside retreat with plenty of outdoor activities.
Location: Norwich, Norfolk
Escape to Winchcombe, the walking capital of the Cotswolds
Explore an undiscovered side to the north Cotswolds by combining a tranquil stay in the ancient town of Winchcombe with some fantastic walking routes.
Location: Winchcombe, Gloucestershire
Castles, keeps and country retreats
Explore the keep and ramparts of a 12th century castle, and the ornate interiors and gardens of Houghton Hall and Sandringham House.
Location: King's Lynn, Norfolk
Enjoy tiger walks and water sports in Norfolk
Try out a variety of family-friendly watersports on the broads. Discover rare animals from Asia on a tiger walk, all close to Great Yarmouth.
Location: Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Wonder at windmills and wander the Weavers Way
Take a hike on the network of pathways under the vast Norfolk skies to the Berney Arms windmill and the remotest railway station in England.
Location: Berney Arms and the Halvergate Marshes, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk