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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Spy on endangered wildfowl at Rutland Water Nature Reserve
Visit Rutland Water's famous wildfowl sanctuary, covering a 1,000 acres of bird hides, mucky nature trails and interactive visitor centres.
Location: Rutland Water, Rutland
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
Uncover history and heritage at Blenheim Palace
Home to the 12th Duke Marlborough & birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim is a super family day out.
Location: Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Dig for buried treasure at Roman Vindolanda
See live archaeological excavations before your eyes at the ancient fort of Vindolanda.
Location: Vindolanda, Northumberland
Get close to the deer at the Red Deer rut
The majestic red deer is our largest land mammal: a beautiful creature, from hoof to antler, whose iconic silhouette has captivated us for centuries.
Location: Minsmere, Suffolk
Walk with Offa in the Shropshire Hills
Follow in King Offa’s footsteps with 18 way-marked pub walks taking you through border country between England & Wales and along Offa’s Dyke.
Location: Clun, Shropshire
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
See unusual sculptures in Grizedale Forest
Discover the unexpected, the quirky, the confounding and the confusing in Grizedale Forest with a whole host of art inspired by the landscape.
Location: Windermere, Cumbria
Take in 'Swallows and Amazons' landscapes on a relaxing cruise
Take a trip around the landscape used in the film ‘Swallows and Amazons’ and discover what inspired Arthur Ransome to write his famous book.
Location: Derwentwater, Cumbria
Discover Lowther Castle & Gardens
Of the many treasures waiting to be discovered in the Lake District, Lowther Castle is a particular gem.
Location: Penrith, Cumbria
Explore world-famous gardens at Levens Hall
Discover the Elizabethan house and world-famous gardens, a place of discovery, a place to drink in its rich history, a place that all ages enjoy.
Location: Kendal, Cumbria
Stand where Mary, Queen of Scots was executed
Now only the earthworks and the conical motte remain of Fotheringhay Castle, standing above the peaceful River Nene.
Location: Fotheringhay, Northamptonshire
Banish the autumn blues in a 13th century retreat fit for a queen
As the nights draw in, make yourself at home in a 13th century royal retreat that is anything but old and stuffy.
Location: Penrith, Cumbria
Get closer to the animals at Paradise Wildlife Park
Venture to Hertfordshire for an exciting day out with the family at this award-winning zoo; see a range of exotic animals and enjoy a whole host of experiences and attractions.
Location: Broxbourne, Hertfordshire
Swing through the treetops in Sherwood Forest
Connect with your inner monkey as you swing through the trees at Go Ape in Sherwood Forest.
Location: Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire
Get back to nature at Attenborough Nature Reserve
The tranquil waters of the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve in Nottingham set the landscape for discovering and watching wildlife at its best.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Wig wam your way to Clumber Park
Camping in tents is so last year – why not try sleeping in a yurt or wigwam in the beautiful surrounds of Clumber Park?
Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Discover a secluded fortified manor house at Aydon Castle
Over 900 years old and pretty much unaltered since then, Aydon Castle sits proudly upon its crag; a true survivor of some rough times and visitors.
Location: Corbridge, Northumberland
Enjoy a camping weekend at the National Water Sports Centre
Take advantage of a budget break in Nottingham with a camping weekend at the National Water Sports centre, just 10 minutes from the heart of the city.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Explore the picturesque Lake District on an activity holiday
If you're looking for a heart-bumping adventure weekend, then a trip to the Lake District is a must. Adrenaline junkies sign up here...
Location: Borrowdale, Cumbria
Explore the beautiful and curious Rushton Triangular Lodge
This place is proof that in England you'll find architectural treasures in the most unlikely places.
Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire
