Skip page header and navigation

Outdoors and nature

Britain is blooming with green spaces. From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, to the soaring peaks of the Cairngorms our landscapes are packed with opportunities to step into a world of adventure. Whether it’s an speedy zip wire experience, an invigorating hiking route or discovering our coastal creatures get ready for adventure that really packs the punch.

An outdoor and nature showcase

Why Britain's best for outdoor and nature

From stepping into ancient woodlands, to embarking on a prehistoric fossil hunting adventure along the Jurassic Coast, Britain’s outdoor experiences are brimming with excitement. Pick up the pedalling pace on a cycle through the Yorkshire Dales or snap that perfect sunset shot along the England Coast Path. Head into the wilds of Scotland’s rugged Highlands, or delve into the hidden coves along Wales’ expansive coastline. For unexpected moments, go underground for a bouncing subterranean adventure, or take to our waters to get to know some of our aquatic inhabitants.

And on a outdoors discovery in Britain, one thing is for certain - wherever the journey takes you, you’ll discover a nation filled with unmissable nature inspired moments.

Top outdoor experiences

From England’s striking south coast, to Scotland’s West Highland Way, you’ll find landscapes steeped in history and beauty.

VisitBritain/Lars Schneider

Two people hiking along flatland with views of mountains

Whether you’re cruising clifftops, or winding your way round lakes, discover spectacular cycling routes round Britain.

VisitBritain/Getty Images/Oscar Wong

Young asian Woman Renting Bicycle From Bike Share Service

Lose yourself in acres of ancient woodland, amble among prehistoric Wiltshire, and end with a dip in Roman Bath.

VisitBritain/LifewithBugo

Smiling woman, wearing sunglasses and sundress, outside Clevedon Hotel

Discover one of its 15 National Parks, which are dotted all across the country, from England’s south coast to the far reaches of Scotland.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Horses and riders trotting through the shallow water.

Britain’s landscapes are as dramatic as they are diverse, from mountains to meadows, cliffs to caves, and wild moors to wetland.

VisitScotland

Loch Katrine seen from the summit of Ben A'an in The Trossachs

Top outdoors and nature destinations

Where to find the best outdoors and nature experiences

A world of romance, heritage and adventure awaits at Europe’s largest garden restoration project.

Discover the Lost Gardens of Heligan

VisitBritain/Ida Eriksson

Young woman walking across a rope bridge surrounded by trees
Lost Gardens of Heligan

A true work of art, this estate features 35 acres of individual gardens – all planted and preened to perfection.

Step into The Savill Garden

inca_theboxer

A woman holding a dog in front of a lake in Savill Garden, Windsor
The Savill Garden

The island of Coll in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides is renowned for stargazing, celebrated at this annual festival.

Find out more about the Hebridean Dark Skies Festival
Awaiting image
Hebridean Dark Skies Festival

Were these 40,000 interlocking basalt columns created by an ancient volcanic eruption, or built by the fabled giant Finn MacCool? You decide…

Discover the legends at Giant’s Causeway

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Sunset over the red basalt column. Sea views
Giant's Causeway

Feeling adventurous? Try wild swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing on England’s largest lake.

Make a splash at Lake Windermere

VisitBritain/Adam Burton

Stile over a drystone wall overlooking landscape of valleys
Lake Windermere

For beautiful beaches and charming seaside villages, look to the Llŷn Peninsula on the North Wales coast.

Explore the Llŷn Peninsula

Crown Copyright

North Wales

Aerial view of the Llŷn Peninsula, Wales
Llŷn Peninsula, North Wales

A haven for hikers, cyclists and art lovers, this wild nature reserve has an outdoor sculpture trail and stargazing observatory.

Explore Kielder Water and Forest Park

raineyrebs

Female hiker with a backpack and walking poles, hiking through the countryside of Kilder in Northumberland at sunrise
Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumberland

With its tranquil walking trails and 1,000-year-old ‘Major Oak’ tree, this historic forest is a joy to explore.

Go wild at Sherwood Forest

Andrew Hallsworth @ Marlow Photographic

Robin Hood pictured in Sherwood Forest.
Sherwood Forest

See owls, eagles, hawks and falcons in flight, and get hands-on with conservation at this wildlife-focused attraction.

Book tickets to Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centr

VisitScotland

visitscotland_29407110986
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

Rent a Santander bike and head off along the Thames Path, especially the six-mile (10-km) section from Battersea Park to Tower Bridge, which takes in major landmarks such as the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

London cycle hire

VisitBritain/Getty Images/Oscar Wong

Young asian Woman Renting Bicycle From Bike Share Service
Pedal past London’s landmarks

This action-packed mountain offers skiing in the winter and epic hiking in the summer – with a thrilling ‘tubing park’ too.

Plan your trip to Cairngorm Mountain

The Cairngorms National Park

A view across the hills and woodlands of the Cairngorms National Park.
Cairngorm Mountain

No trip to Cambridge is complete without a punting trip on the River Cam – so hop aboard with the Traditional Punting Company!

Book your punting trip on the River Cam

Traditional Punting Company

A punting tour passing a historic university building in Cambridge
Punting on the River Cam

A world of romance, heritage and adventure awaits at Europe’s largest garden restoration project.

Discover the Lost Gardens of Heligan

VisitBritain/Ida Eriksson

Young woman walking across a rope bridge surrounded by trees
Lost Gardens of Heligan

A true work of art, this estate features 35 acres of individual gardens – all planted and preened to perfection.

Step into The Savill Garden

inca_theboxer

A woman holding a dog in front of a lake in Savill Garden, Windsor
The Savill Garden

The island of Coll in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides is renowned for stargazing, celebrated at this annual festival.

Find out more about the Hebridean Dark Skies Festival
Awaiting image
Hebridean Dark Skies Festival

Were these 40,000 interlocking basalt columns created by an ancient volcanic eruption, or built by the fabled giant Finn MacCool? You decide…

Discover the legends at Giant’s Causeway

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Sunset over the red basalt column. Sea views
Giant's Causeway

Feeling adventurous? Try wild swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing on England’s largest lake.

Make a splash at Lake Windermere

VisitBritain/Adam Burton

Stile over a drystone wall overlooking landscape of valleys
Lake Windermere

For beautiful beaches and charming seaside villages, look to the Llŷn Peninsula on the North Wales coast.

Explore the Llŷn Peninsula

Crown Copyright

North Wales

Aerial view of the Llŷn Peninsula, Wales
Llŷn Peninsula, North Wales

A haven for hikers, cyclists and art lovers, this wild nature reserve has an outdoor sculpture trail and stargazing observatory.

Explore Kielder Water and Forest Park

raineyrebs

Female hiker with a backpack and walking poles, hiking through the countryside of Kilder in Northumberland at sunrise
Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumberland

With its tranquil walking trails and 1,000-year-old ‘Major Oak’ tree, this historic forest is a joy to explore.

Go wild at Sherwood Forest

Andrew Hallsworth @ Marlow Photographic

Robin Hood pictured in Sherwood Forest.
Sherwood Forest

See owls, eagles, hawks and falcons in flight, and get hands-on with conservation at this wildlife-focused attraction.

Book tickets to Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centr

VisitScotland

visitscotland_29407110986
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

Rent a Santander bike and head off along the Thames Path, especially the six-mile (10-km) section from Battersea Park to Tower Bridge, which takes in major landmarks such as the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

London cycle hire

VisitBritain/Getty Images/Oscar Wong

Young asian Woman Renting Bicycle From Bike Share Service
Pedal past London’s landmarks

This action-packed mountain offers skiing in the winter and epic hiking in the summer – with a thrilling ‘tubing park’ too.

Plan your trip to Cairngorm Mountain

The Cairngorms National Park

A view across the hills and woodlands of the Cairngorms National Park.
Cairngorm Mountain

No trip to Cambridge is complete without a punting trip on the River Cam – so hop aboard with the Traditional Punting Company!

Book your punting trip on the River Cam

Traditional Punting Company

A punting tour passing a historic university building in Cambridge
Punting on the River Cam