Literature, film and TV
Many of our famous writers have been inspired by the drama of the landscape. Wordsworth loved the light on a Cumbrian lake. The wildness of the Yorkshire Moors compelled Emily Bronte to write Wuthering Heights. The misty marshlands of Kent feature in many of Charles Dickens’ novels, and the rural idylls of Dorset were beloved by Thomas Hardy. But if writing a great English novel is not on your agenda, visit one of the many stately homes which are regularly used for film locations and TV locations. Make your own costume drama at houses like Highclere Castle, the setting of the fictional Downton Abbey.
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Rediscover the house that time forgot at Calke Abbey
By their very nature gardens are emotional places and none more so than the surroundings of this once magnificent country estate.
Location: Ticknall, Derbyshire
See The National Forest in bloom at Yoxall Lodge
Too many hours indoors during winter’s gloomy days and you’re looking to break out into spring’s fresh air and lengthening daylight hours.
Location: Yoxall, Staffordshire
Experience steam-age travel on the Nene Valley Railway
Visit one of England’s leading steam engine and locomotive attractions, based in Northamptonshire's Nene Valley.
Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Step into the Industrial Revolution at Quarry Bank
This fascinating industrial heritage site transports visitors back to 18th century Northern England and the life of a thriving cotton mill community.
Location: Styal, Cheshire
Get lost in the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens
Explore 300 acres of plants in one of the world's leading botanic gardens.
Location: Richmond, London
Discover The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Explore hidden paths and bamboo tunnels on this aristocratic Cornwall estate.
Location: Heligan, Cornwall
Walk the breadth of spectacular Stanage Edge
Follow in the footsteps of your literary heroes on Stanage Edge, a dramatic rocky outcrop with equally dramatic moorland views in the Peak District.
Location: Stanage Edge, Derbyshire
Discover Cornwall's Eden Project
Five biomes nestled under five giant bubbles in the hills of Cornwall make for one of Britain's most impressive indoor eco-attractions.
Location: St Austell, Cornwall
Uncover Cliveden's unique past
Discover a country house in Berkshire with a chequered past.
Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire
Explore captivating Alnwick Castle
Walk through history and admire world-class art at this fascinating castle, then stroll through spectacular floral displays at The Alnwick Garden.
Location: Alnwick, Northumberland
Watch the changing of the Guards in London
For sheer pomp and ceremony, you can’t beat the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.
Location: London, Greater London
Discover the Witterings on a coastal break
Spot multi-coloured sailing boats, follow your nose in fudge shops and snuggle down in cosy pubs on a visit to The Witterings.
Location: Witterings, West Sussex
See the changing of the Guards at Windsor
If there’s one essential experience in Windsor, it’s taking in the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard. This tradition brings history and the public together.
Location: Windsor, Berkshire
Sample over 800 years of Surrey’s history
Come and discover Surrey’s history, including the open meadows of from the internationally-know Runnymede and Hampton Court Palace.
Location: London, Greater London
Head to Salcombe for butterscotch beaches and electric blue water
A haven for yachties and those who prefer to keep their deck shoes firmly on dry land.
Location: Salcombe, Devon
June events: Enjoy a flutter on the horses at Royal Ascot
Enjoy a quintessentially British day out at Royal Ascot – a highlight of the summer social calendar and one of the most exciting events of the year.
Location: Ascot, Berkshire
Float along London's Regent's Canal
Take a boat from Little Venice to Camden Town along the Regent's Canal
Location: London, Greater London
Visit the Diamond Isle
Enjoy a 10 min trip on the Needles Park Chairlift and go dinosaur hunting.
Location: Isle of Wight
Pier to Pier in Bournemouth
Got a spare hour or two in Bournemouth? Then take a stroll between the two piers.
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
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