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.
Stay in a cottage built by an amazing Victorian inventor
Experience Cragside in Northumberland as many have never seen it before – by staying in the spectacular and dramatic grounds of the Cragside Estate.
Location: Rothbury, Northumberland
Sip Earl Grey where it was created: Howick Hall
Earl Grey tea is enjoyed – usually at around 4pm – all over the world, but few know it was invented in Northumberland for Charles, 2nd Earl Grey.
Location: Howick, Northumberland
Lose yourself in England’s hottest garden
Experience the Isle of Wight’s incredible microclimate firsthand at the exotic Ventnor Botanic Gardens.
Location: Ventnor, Isle of Wight
Trip-trap along the Red Squirrel Trail
This family-friendly cycle and walking path encompasses an exciting trail of artwork, sculpture and trolls under bridges.
Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
Keeping it in the family at Castle Howard
The Howard family has called Castle Howard home for 300 years but their house is your house as you explore one of Yorkshire’s finest historic estates.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Celebrate Ryedale's heritage at the Folk Museum
Discover this hidden gem deep in the North York Moors National Park and uncover English antiques and curiosities.
Location: Hutton-le-Hole, North Yorkshire
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
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
Discover Wiltshire's oldest White Horse chalk carving
Enjoy an undulating walk to the Westbury White Horse, whilst being presented with fabulous views of the Wiltshire countryside.
Location: Westbury, Wiltshire
Travel across Hampshire’s countryside on the Watercress Line
Witness the sights, sounds, smells and magic of steam travel from a bygone age and journey through Hampshire’s countryside on a restored steam train.
Location: Alresford, Hampshire
Walk and picnic amongst the prehistoric landscape at Avebury
Step into the largest stone circle in the world, standing for over 4500 years, and the site of a host of archaeological excavations.
Location: Marlborough, Wiltshire
Spend a day exploring the sights of Tisbury
With art and beauty steeped in history, Tisbury is an excellent base from which to explore Wiltshire’s countryside.
Location: Tisbury, Wiltshire
Discover wildlife and the history of Derwent Reservoir
Spot red squirrels, adders and bog plants at Derwent Reservoir and Pow Hill Country Park in the Durham Dales.
Location: Durham Dales
Recreate film scenes at Stourhead gardens
See the changing colours on a visit to breath-taking Stourhead, where you can see the beauty of nature through the seasons.
Location: Mere, Wiltshire
Walk in the footsteps of the famous Brontë sisters
Visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum and explore the beautiful home and surroundings that inspired classic Brontë novels.
Location: Haworth, West Yorkshire
Uncover history and heritage at Blenheim Palace
Home to the 12th Duke Marlborough & birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim is a super family day out.
Location: Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Ride on down to the Didcot Railway Centre
Enjoy a trip to Didcot Railway Centre, whose magnificent restored engines will take you steaming through most of the Oxfordshire countryside.
Location: Didcot, Oxfordshire
Walk the Wall at Steel Rigg
Take a walk around Steel Rigg and Crag Lough to see how the Romans used the natural landscape to maximise the strength of the Empire's frontier.
Location: Steel Rigg, Northumberland
Dig for buried treasure at Roman Vindolanda
See live archaeological excavations before your eyes at the ancient fort of Vindolanda.
Location: Vindolanda, Northumberland
Discover the Isle of Eels in Ely
Visit the cathedral city of Ely, and discover why the humble eel is so important in its history, as you walk its unique Eel Trail.
Location: Ely, Cambridgeshire
