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.
Take a bargain break with all the trimmings at Totland
On the west coast of the Isle of Wight, YHA Totland has the beach, heaps of countryside walks and great local attractions on its doorstep.
Location: Totland, Isle of Wight
Tuck into a home cooked meal at The Kirkstile Inn
Enjoy a delicious menu made from the best Cumbrian produce, washed down with a pint of freshly brewed ale at the Kirkstile Inn in the heart of the North Lake District.
Location: Loweswater, Cumbria
Take in magnificent views from Bempton Cliffs
Bempton’s towering chalk cliffs skyrocket to over 100 metres (109 yards) in points, with awe-inspiring views overlooking the coast of East Yorkshire.
Location: Bempton, East Yorkshire
Go seal and puffin spotting on the Farne Islands
Visit Farne Islands to see thousands of seabirds and a huge Grey seal colony.
Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland
A botanical treasure trove on the Jurassic Coast
Sniff your way around the award-winning Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, a coastal haven filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world.
Location: Abbotsbury, Dorset
Rise above it all with a stay at Chewton Glen’s treehouses
Escape to your very own luxury treehouse for panoramic views and nature at your fingertips at Chewton Glen.
Location: New Milton, Hampshire
Cycle country and coast along the Crab and Winkle Way to Whitstable
With 7 miles of almost traffic-free cycling, the Crab and Winkle Way trails between Kent’s historical heart, Canterbury, and Whitstable on the north Kent coast.
Location: Canterbury, Kent
Cycle along the old coastal railway line to Whitby
Ride 21 view-filled and traffic-free miles along the ‘Cinder Track’, the old coastal railway line between Scarborough and Whitby.
Location: Whitby, Yorkshire
Take the family pet along on a dog friendly break in Dorset
Thanks to Dorset’s dog friendly places, there’s no need to leave your favourite canine companion at home on a family holiday.
Location: Dorset
Wildlife skills and forest fun in the South Downs
Family holidays in the South Downs National Park are perfect for venturing out into the fresh air, to learn about camping, nature and wildlife.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
All the fun of the fair with Dorset’s summer festivals
Dorset entertains the whole family all summer long hosting an array of amazing events and festivals that are unique, nostalgic or just plain fun!
Location: Dorset
See thousands of cute puffins on the Farne Islands
Around 150,000 breeding pairs of seabirds make the Farne Islands their home each summer. Hop on a boat to see and hear them up close!
Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland
Take on the South West Coast Path National Trail
Wander the South West Coast Path and see the trail that allowed officials to catch smugglers in their coves and hideouts.
Location: Somerset
Take on the Tarka Trail for your next break
For the challenge of the 'Exmoor Beast' 100km/100m cycle sportive, or a gentle potter along the Tarka Trail with the family, North Devon is the place.
Location: North Devon