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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Discover a medieval house at a Cumbrian gateway
An imposing Cumbrian castle boasting an award-winning rock garden.
Location: Kendal, Cumbria
Explore the Lake District
Discover the 200 fells, pikes and dales of the Lakes in a vintage camper van.
Location: Cumbria
Bird watching in St Bees
The largest seabird colony on the west coast of England is at St Bees Head.
Location: St Bees, Cumbria
May events: Celebrate nature at Keswick Mountain Festival
Enjoy outdoor activities, world class speakers, sporting events, camping, and live music at this unique festival in the heart of the Lake District.
Location: Keswick, Cumbria
Take a walk with the wildlife in the Lake District
Keep your eyes peeled and cameras at the ready for some serious Cumbrian wildlife spotting.
Location: Lake District, Cumbria
Go horseriding in the Lake District
Saddle up for a two-day horseriding trek around the fells of the Lake District.
Location: Lake District, Cumbria
Enjoy a taste of Grasmere Gingerbread
Stock up on one of the Lake District’s most famous exports: Grasmere Gingerbread.
Location: Ambleside, Cumbria
Escape to the Lake District for a dog friendly weekend break
Head to Coniston in the Lake District for a multitude of dog friendly days out, including long walks, boat rides and lots of cake.
Location: Lake District, Cumbria
Enjoy country-chic style at No1 Silverbank
It’s a bit of an understatement to call No1 Silverbank a cottage. Yes, it has exposed beams, a log fire and a pretty garden filled with perennials – but that’s only half the story.
Location: Coniston, Cumbria
Enjoy a romantic escape to the Lakes
Exploring the natural phenomena that is the Lake District costs nothing and is arguably the most romantic place in England.
Location: Windermere, Cumbria
Enjoy fine dining at The Samling
Top grub and sweeping views of Lake Windermere.
Location: Windermere, Cumbria
Enjoy a romantic escape at Overwater Hall
Book a table and a room at this elegant 18th century country house hotel within the Lake District.
Location: Ireby, Cumbria
Breathtaking views and an incredible menu at Holbeck Ghyll
Plan that perfect foodie break to a gorgeous country house hotel set against a perfect Cumbrian backdrop.
Location: Windermere, Cumbria
Drive through the Lake District in a classic car
Explore the Lake District in style. Only the sexiest sports car will do, the top has to be down, and the roads have to be winding.
Location: Lake District, Cumbria
Enjoy luxury by the lake at Storrs Hall Hotel
Perched on the edge of the famous Lake Windermere, this Grade-II-listed Georgian mansion is surrounded by 17 acres of neatly trimmed grounds – plus the obligatory folly (in this case a temple).
Location: Windermere, Cumbria
November events: Experience Kendal’s version of the Oscars
Kendal is a magnet for mountaineers who don’t just come to climb, but to gather and celebrate all things mountainous at its annual festival.
Location: Kendal, Cumbria
Cycle across two national parks
The new Lakes and Dales Loop takes in two National Parks and some of the most scenic landscapes across Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales.
Location: Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
Enjoy a family break in the artistic surroundings of Nelson Barn
Ramble around the Cumbrian countryside with the whole family and get a good night’s sleep at Nelson Barn.
Location: Kaber, Cumbria
Let the little ones run wild at Lowther's Lost Castle
The Lost Castle at Lowther Castle and Gardens is an enchanted world of twists and turrets will give visitors little and large a place of adventure and play like no other.
Location: Penrith, Cumbria
Steam into spring on board the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Jump on board the Lake District’s oldest, longest and most scenic railway.
Location: Ravenglass, Cumbria
Spread the joy at the World’s Original Marmalade Festival
Unleash your inner Paddington Bear on a visit to the World’s Original Marmalade Festival, which will be held on the historic Dalemain estate in Penrith.
Location: Penrith, Cumbria
