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.
Follow the Shipwrights Way sculpture trail
Walk or cycle through beautiful English countryside along the Shipwrights Way, where sculptures tell stories of Hampshire’s history and culture.
Location: Bentley near Farnham to Portsmouth, Hampshire
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
Go on safari in the New Forest
Explore the Forest in a unique and exciting way. Hop on and off at villages, attractions and forest walks, or just sit back, relax and enjoy the view…
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
Walking in the New Forest
Twist and turn through vibrant gorse, imposing woodland and bubbling streams as you stroll through the Forest’s 143 miles of trails.
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
Cycle the Test Way and relax by the world-famous River Test
From the experienced cyclist to a family fun day out, this gentle ride is an excellent way to experience the tranquil Test Valley countryside.
Location: Test Valley, Hampshire
Get to grips with nature & play in the trees at Tree Runners
Get Dad out of the house, take the kids off the computer and climb, swing or hug a tree at Tree Runners.
Location: Test Valley, Hampshire
Plan a New Forest adventure
Remember family holidays? The rain hammering down on the caravan roof; the endless games of cards, and interminable bickering? All that can be a thing of the past.
Location: Hampshire
Walk the Hangers Way
Walking route for history buffs along the steep, densely wooded East Hampshire Hangers.
Location: Alton, Hampshire
Travel the Solent Way
Get your boots on, pick up some treats and strike out on The Solent Way.
Location: Lymington, Hampshire
Forage tasty mushrooms for your dinner at Fungi Foray
Get an insight into the wonderful world of mushrooms, and find out what you can pick, and what you should avoid.
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
Get back to nature with a cycling break in the New Forest
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a 5-star luxury log cabin break in the heart of the New Forest.
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
Go wild at the south coast’s only inflatable water park
The New Forest Water Park in Fordingbridge is a unique outdoor attraction with 50 acres of countryside and lakes for the whole family to enjoy.
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
