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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Take a wander around Brotherswater
The Lake District in Cumbria is famous for its stunning landscapes of lakes and fells and is the perfect place for family walks of all ages.
Location: Ambleside, Cumbria
Go wildlife spotting at Hastings Country Park
Explore over 660 acres of countryside, and uncover the rare wildlife that inhabit the area all year round.
Location: Hastings, East Sussex
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
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
Head off-road on two wheels in Sherwood Forest
From family cycle trails to extreme mountain biking, Sherwood Pines Forest offers the best when it comes to getting active on two wheels.
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
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
Take on the challenging Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail
Follow in the footsteps of an Emperor along the Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail.
Location: Wallsend, Tyne and Wear
Camp next to Hadrian's Wall
This isn't just any wall, this is an impressive piece of roman architecture.
Location: Melkridge, Cumbria
Hunt for the witches in the woods of Pendle
Embark on the interactive Pendle Sculpture Trail, and find the witches ceramic plaques in an atmospheric woodland setting.
Location: Pendle, Lancashire
Explore Nymans estate
Commanding great views from atop the rolling hills of Sussex, Nymans stands proud as one of Britain’s top gardens.
Location: Haywards Heath, Sussex
Go wild camping on Dartmoor
When it comes to experiencing the unspoiled and unique environment of the wilds of Dartmoor, nothing compares to wild camping.
Location: Dartmoor, Devon
Cycle The Camel Trail to Bodmin Gaol
The Camel Trail provides access to the beautiful Cornish countryside along a disused railway line.
Location: Padstow to Bodmin, Cornwall
Master the Greensand Ridge Walk
Follows a ridge of greensand through on a green path through Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire.
Location: Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
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
Bird watching in St Bees
The largest seabird colony on the west coast of England is at St Bees Head.
Location: St Bees, Cumbria
Spot deer in the city
It might come as a surprise to discover a deer-filled oasis just a tube ride away from the hustle and bustle of London.
Location: Richmond, Surrey
Rock Climb in the Peak District
With 10,000 recorded climbs the Peak District is widely recognised as having some of the best climbing in the country.
Location: Peak District, Derbyshire
Wild Swimming in Grassington
Grassington is an idyllic little Dales market town with a cobbled square, quirky shops and cosy pubs.
Location: Grassignton, North Yorkshire
