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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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
Discover Jane Austen’s legacy in Hampshire
Celebrate Jane Austen at the Jane Austen Regency Festival in June and visit her much loved home in Hampshire and the countryside that inspired her.
Location: Alton, Hampshire
Follow the Shipwrights Way sculpture trail
Walk or cycle through beautiful English countryside along the Shipwrights Way, where sculptures tell stories of Hampshire’s history and culture.
Location: Bentley near Farnham to Portsmouth, Hampshire
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
Get up close with the farm animals at Staunton Country Park
Come and meet friendly farm animals, have a rainforest experience in Victorian glasshouses or get lost in the maze.
Location: Havant, Hampshire
Pedal along 100 miles of off-road cycling tracks
Pedal the extensive, year-round network of cycling routes criss-crossing the woodland, heathland and quiet country roads of the New Forest.
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
Go on safari in the New Forest
Explore the Forest in a unique and exciting way. Hop on and off at villages, attractions and forest walks, or just sit back, relax and enjoy the view…
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
Walking in the New Forest
Twist and turn through vibrant gorse, imposing woodland and bubbling streams as you stroll through the Forest’s 143 miles of trails.
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
A foodie break in the forest
Get a taste of the New Forest where locally produced and caught food takes pride of place on the menu.
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
Explore the Hanson Way on National Cycle Route 5
Enjoy a gentle bike ride along cycle tracks or quiet country roads in the fresh air to discover the delights of Oxford, Abingdon and Didcot.
Location: Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Venture to the tree tops at Go Ape!
Enjoy fun and adventure in the trees, taking on epic zip wires, Tarzan swings, rope ladders and a variety of obstacles.
Location: Wendover, Buckinghamshire
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
Fairytale Farm: a farm park with a difference
A sensory and learning wonderland, Fairytale Farm will delight the whole family.
Location: Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
Family fun at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
The appeal of Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens goes way beyond its remarkable wildlife collection to breeding programmes and exuberant gardens.
Location: Burford, 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
Explore the Midsomer Murders locations
Follow in the footsteps of Inspector Barnaby as you explore Causton, Midsomer Newton and more on the trail of the Midsomer Murders locations.
Location: Wallingford, Oxfordshire
Explore the quintessential English garden of Pashley Manor
Pashley Manor is the very essence of an English garden, and is set in a well-wooded park with superb views over the surrounding countryside.
Location: Wadhurst, East Sussex
How did the leopard get his spots? Visit Rudyard Kipling’s home
Explore Bateman's, the 17th century home of the Jungle Book and The Just So Stories author, nestled in the leafy Sussex Weald.
Location: Burwash, East Sussex
Follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror
The Battle of Hastings in 1066 changed the course of English history forever. Explore the site and learn about history’s most famous date.
Location: Battle, East Sussex
Sample Surrey’s top tipples
Surrey has a wealth of drinks producers creating delicious award-winning wines and beers right across the county.
Location: Dorking, Surrey
Go wildlife spotting at Hastings Country Park
Explore over 660 acres of countryside, and uncover the rare wildlife that inhabit the area all year round.
Location: Hastings, East Sussex
