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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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
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
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
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
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
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
Experience David Hockney’s inspiring landscapes
Widely considered Britain’s most important living artist, David Hockney has long been fascinated by the nature and landscapes of the Yorkshire Wolds.
Location: East Yorkshire
Discover Laurie Lee Country
Take inspiration from the BBC adaptation of the classic novel ‘Cider with Rosie’ and follow in the footsteps of author Laurie Lee through the Slad Valley.
Location: Slad village near Stroud, Gloucestershire
Enjoy a family day out at Batsford Arboretum
Experience the wild beauty of Batsford Arboretum in autumn and the splendid sight of rare birds of prey soaring above the surrounding Cotswolds Hills.
Location: Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
Try traditional trades at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum
The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, home to over 50 historic building exhibits, demonstrates how barley and hops are transformed into ale and beer.
Location: Singleton, Nr Chichester, West Sussex
Take a nature break at Westonbirt Arboretum
Venture into Westonbirt’s leafy grounds for a touch of nature’s magic and see the English countryside at its verdant best.
Location: Tetbury, Gloucs
Follow in the footsteps of great artists in Constable Country
Explore the Suffolk landscape that has inspired artists for centuries, rambling across dramatic open spaces backed by huge skies.
Location: Flatford Mill, Suffolk
May the force be with you in Puzzlewood
See where scenes of Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens were filmed as you explore the enchanting woodlands of Puzzlewood.
Location: Coleford, Gloucestershire
Dip into a well of history in beautiful Dukes Wood
Feel the crunch of leaves beneath your feet as you enjoy autumnal walks in Clumber Park and uncover the past of the UK's first oilfield in Dukes Wood.
Location: Eakring, Nottinghamshire
Discover the fictional home of Home Fires
Follow in the footsteps of the Great Paxford Women’s Institute with a visit to the picturesque Cheshire village of Bunbury.
Location: Bunbury, Cheshire
