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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Be at one with birds of prey at Rosliston Forestry Centre

There’s something special about being close to a bird of prey; those round watchful eyes on high alert, fixing you with a dominating stare.

Location: Rosliston, Derbyshire

 

Enjoy a wild night out with bushcraft at Catton Hall

Let Woodland Ways teach you the basics of bushcraft in a fun and safe environment whilst spending time outdoors and sleeping under the stars.

Location: Catton, Derbyshire

 

Rediscover the house that time forgot at Calke Abbey

By their very nature gardens are emotional places and none more so than the surroundings of this once magnificent country estate.

Location: Ticknall, Derbyshire

 

See The National Forest in bloom at Yoxall Lodge

Too many hours indoors during winter’s gloomy days and you’re looking to break out into spring’s fresh air and lengthening daylight hours.

Location: Yoxall, Staffordshire

 

Walk the breadth of spectacular Stanage Edge

Follow in the footsteps of your literary heroes on Stanage Edge, a dramatic rocky outcrop with equally dramatic moorland views in the Peak District.

Location: Stanage Edge, Derbyshire

 
Two people sat on grass with bikes in orchard

Herefordshire Cider Circuits

Cycling and cider makes for a great combination in Herefordshire.

Location: Ledbury, Herefordshire

 

Small pleasures come free at Dimminsdale Nature Reserve

Just a few small snowdrops bring cheer to the colder, shorter days of England’s winter, and seen at Dimminsdale, they’re simply breathtaking.

Location: Staunton Harold, Leicestershire

 

Enjoy creature comforts at the Dandelion Hideaway

Down on the farm there are tents that think they’re cottages, roll-top baths, proper beds, fresh food, plenty of fresh air, and plenty to see and do.

Location: Osbaston, Leicestershire

 

Choose between red, white or rosé at Sealwood Cottage

Sample the fruits of this Derbyshire vineyard in the charming countryside of The National Forest, and then go to sleep in a pyramid-roofed bedroom.

Location: Swadlincote, Derbyshire

 

Experience the adventure and thrills of the Monsal Trail

Whizz through four former railway tunnels on your bicycle and enjoy breathtaking views on the Monsal Trail.

Location: Hassop, Derbyshire

 

Underground & over ground adventures at Go Ape

Release your Tarzan and journey to the centre of the earth on an epic double adventure in Derbyshire’s beautiful Buxton.

Location: Buxton, Derbyshire

 

Get lost in the twists and turns of Wistow Maze

Over the summer, pay a visit to the famous Wistow Maze, a versatile puzzle in the English countryside that changes shape each year.

Location: Wistow, Leicestershire

 

Elegance and nature at University of Leicester’s Botanic Garden

See how The University of Leicester’s Botanic Garden enhances the beauty of an already breathtaking place.

Location: Oadby, Leicestershire

 

Chainsaw sculptures capture the eye at Beacon Hill

Where would you expect to see a sheep duo, rock character, miniature train and fairy castle, all carefully carved out of wood?

Location: Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire

 

Lunch with the deer at Bradgate Park

If you’d like a little history with your sandwiches then take your picnic to Bradgate Park.

Location: Newtown Linford, Leicestershire

 

Enjoy scenic holiday routes in style with a Morgan car

Hire a Morgan Motor Car from the original Morgan factory which still produces British cars in Malvern Link over 100 years since production began.

Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

 

Be inspired with a visit to Tudor House

Tudor House is one of the most prominent buildings in Broadway which houses objects and artefacts on loan from the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.

Location: Broadway, Worcestershire

 

Peace and quiet at Belgrave Hall and Gardens

Belgrave Hall was built in the early 18th century, in what was then a small village three miles from the town of Leicester.

Location: Leicester, Leicestershire

 

Encounter wildlife on the UK's first boating ring

Set sail on a narrow boat trip on the historic Droitwich Canals to the River Severn and beyond, the Mid Worcestershire boating ring now offers a perfect weekend getaway.

Location: Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire

 

Enjoy fresh, local produce on The Vale Trail

Have a unique horticultural experience in one of England's most fertile lands. Sample fresh produce from local food and drink producers.

Location: Evesham, Worcestershire

 

Explore the ruins of Ashby Castle

Sir Walter Scott’s classic novel of 1819, Ivanhoe featured Ashby Castle as the backdrop to the famous jousting scenes.

Location: Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire

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