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.
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
See England's finest view from Sutton Bank
Celebrated author and vet James Herriot gave the view from Sutton Bank the ultimate accolade – “England’s finest”. Find out if he was right…
Location: Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire
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
Rainy Day Activities: Embark on an expedition into Cheddar Gorge
This ultimate indoor activity will have you venture deep into the famous caves at Cheddar to see where the Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest skeleton, was discovered.
Location: Cheddar, Somerset
Heart-pumping mountain biking in the Forest of Dean
Feel the adrenaline flow through you as you experience downhill mountain bike tracks in the Forest of Dean.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Take on adventures aplenty in Dalby Forest
See some of Yorkshire’s beautiful countryside from a mountain bike, Segway, tree-top trail and by night, at one of the UK’s premier activity centres.
Location: Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire
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
Try a canoeing adventure along the River Wye
Become one with the water as you canoe through the rapid waters of the River Wye.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Uncover the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
For lovers of the great outdoors, the Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst showcases giant pieces created from materials you might find in the Forest.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
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
Take a stroll around Shearwater Lake on the Longleat Estate
Enjoy the sights and blooms of the Longleat Estate.
Location: Warminster, Wiltshire
Be inspired by the grand Malvern Hills
Enjoy great views on top of the Worcestershire Beacon and follow in the footsteps of writers and composers including Sir Edward Elgar and C.S Lewis.
Location: Malvern, Worcestershire
Discover wildlife and the history of Derwent Reservoir
Spot red squirrels, adders and bog plants at Derwent Reservoir and Pow Hill Country Park in the Durham Dales.
Location: Durham Dales
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
Enjoy the great outdoors at Cannock Chase Forest
Cannock Chase is the UK’s smallest mainland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here you can ride, hike, climb or just wander at your own pace.
Location: Rugeley , Staffordshire
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
Reconnect with nature at Dunwich Heath
Tucked away on the coast, Dunwich Heath is one of the more remote and dramatically beautiful parts of Suffolk.
Location: Dunwich , Suffolk
