Britain’s cities buzz with energy, but just a short hop away is another world – a scenic, tranquil world: the great British countryside.
Picture this: wild mountains, rolling hills, picture-perfect farms and fields, woodland floors decked with bluebells, gorse-clad moorland dropping down to the sea, pristine beaches, majestic cliffs, rocky islands, manicured village greens, hidden hamlets, colourful fishing harbours and thriving market towns.
Now imagine a trip through Britain’s history – from the ancient megaliths of Stonehenge to the space-age domes of the Eden Project. Britain is dotted with battlefields, stately homes, Roman villas, medieval forts, ruined abbeys, prehistoric burial mounds, tiny chapels, atmospheric churches and world-famous cathedrals. Scotland particularly is renowned for its castles, while in England and Wales you’re never far from a site connected to King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.
Where to go first? It depends how long you have. In southern England, the Cotswold Hills, New Forest and South Downs offer classic English countryside, while the West Country tempts with fishing villages, windswept moors and sandy beaches, not to mention Devon cream and Somerset cider.
Head north to the Pennine Hills, ‘the backbone of England’, which run from Derbyshire to Northumberland. Here you’ll discover the Peak District, the wild moors immortalised by Brontë novels, the delightful Yorkshire Dales and the high peaks of the Lake District.
In Wales, the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons dominate the south, while the spiky summits of Snowdonia are a focal point of the north. In between lie the rolling hills of mid-Wales and to the southwest the rugged coast of Pembrokeshire attracts hikers, surfers and other outdoor fans.
For real mountains you’ve got to go to Scotland – especially the northwest Highlands; to the east are the grand Grampians and Cairngorm peaks. Then go west to fall in love with the enchanted islands and loch-indented sea-board – easily topping Britain’s beauty stakes.
Without doubt Britain offers stunning variety and the short distances can take you by surprise. From the heart of most cities it’s no more than a short drive or bus-ride to reach the countryside. Free from the urban life, this is the place to recharge your batteries, replenish your soul and fill your lungs with fresh air.