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.
Tree top adventures and forest segways at Wendover Woods
Take to the trees for breath-taking views of the Chilterns and Black Park.
Location: Wendover, Buckinghamshire
Swing through the trees at Leeds Castle
Clamber the treetops of 'the loveliest castle in the world'.
Location: Maidstone, Kent
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
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
Explore the Hanson Way on National Cycle Route 5
Enjoy a gentle bike ride along cycle tracks or quiet country roads in the fresh air to discover the delights of Oxford, Abingdon and Didcot.
Location: Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Venture to the tree tops at Go Ape!
Enjoy fun and adventure in the trees, taking on epic zip wires, Tarzan swings, rope ladders and a variety of obstacles.
Location: Wendover, Buckinghamshire
Explore the Midsomer Murders locations
Follow in the footsteps of Inspector Barnaby as you explore Causton, Midsomer Newton and more on the trail of the Midsomer Murders locations.
Location: Wallingford, Oxfordshire
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
Master the Greensand Ridge Walk
Follows a ridge of greensand through on a green path through Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire.
Location: Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
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
Delve deep inside the Hellfire Caves
Venture into the Buckinghamshire chalk caves that held the notorious Hellfire Club, founded by Sir Francis Dashwood in the 18th century.
Location: West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
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
