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Things to do in the countryside

Britain’s greatest palace is in the Cotswolds – the magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Explore Blenheim Palace

Photo by: VisitBritain/Marina Comes

Location: Blenheim Palace

Woman walking in Blenheim Palace gardens surrounded by greenery
Blenheim Palace

Travel back in time on a steam-powered train – between the market town of Pickering, and Whitby on the coast.

Hop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lucy Ellis

Steam train on train tracks and old-fashioned carriages at Goathland Railway Station
North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Meander the ancient trackways and spy dazzling chalklands along the South Downs Way National Trail.

Discover more about the South Downs Way

Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Two men on mountain bikes cycling at Devil's Dyke. Sunrise
South Downs Way

Beloved by Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, you can visit Balmoral Castle and estate in Aberdeenshire.

Plan a visit to beautiful Balmoral, beloved by Queen Elizabeth II

Photo by: @pumpkin_the_pompom

Location: Highlands

Balmoral Castle and Estate
Balmoral Castle

You’ve been swept away by the Highlands magic on screen – now see it for yourself.

See the Outlander filming locations

Photo by: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Location: Cairngorms

Outlander filming locations, Faskally Wood
Outlander filming locations

Experience the thrill of the world’s fastest zip wire, try out surfing or steer a canoe through the crashing rapids at one of Britain’s adventure capitals.

Discover Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Couple hiking in the mountains on a cloudy day
Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park

Explore the stunning Chapel Down Winery in Tenterden, Kent and taste English wine at its best.

Take a tour of Chapel Down Winery

Photo by: VisitBritain/Stuart Harper

Location: Kent

Bearded man with long hair holding glass at wine tasting
Chapel Down Winery

Take to the helm of your very own boat to explore this glorious waterway.

Discover the beautiful Broads by boat

Photo by: Norfolk Broads Direct

A family riding on a boat in the Norfolk Broads
Boat hire in the Broads

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

Photo by: The Cairngorms National Park

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

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Two glasses of whisky standing on an oak barrel
The Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery

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

Visit Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

Photo by: VisitScotland

visitscotland_29407110986
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

The only castle in Britain to be built over a natural cavern.

Explore Pembroke Castle

Photo by: Peter Morgan

A long range shot of Pembroke Castle at night
Pembroke Castle

One of Britain’s grandest stately homes, the beautiful Chatsworth House sits in a 400-hectare (1,000-acre) park in the Peak District.

Visit Chatsworth House

Photo by: VisitBritain

Group of people walking down stairs under a painted ceiling
Chatsworth House

At the foot of The Malvern Hills, discover the waters of this quaint town.

Discover more about Malvern

Photo by: Michael Whitefoot

16 Great Malvern Priory 044 credit Michael Whitefoot
Malvern

Get behind the wheel of an off-roading powerhouse as you tackle tough terrains behind the wheel of an iconic Land Rover.

Drive off-road in a Land Rover

Photo by: Exeter City Council

A Land Rover being driven over an off-road track near Exeter
Land Rover West Country Driving Experience

Conquer the three hills of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside – a 24-mile (38.6km) circular challenge for walkers.

Find out more about the routes

Photo by: VisitBritain/MattCant

Location: Malham Cove

People walking on the limestone pavement above the cliffs
Yorkshire Three Peaks

Adventure is always just around the corner in Exmoor National Park, home to Europe’s first Dark Sky Reserve.

Get starry eyed on Exmoor

Photo by: Getty Images/Martyn Ferry

A wild pony standing in the heather on the side of a hill.
Exmoor National Park

For one of Britain’s best walks, trek the Beacons Way over hills and hollows in the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog).

Hit the trail on the Beacons Way

Photo by: TOM MARTIN/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Mynydd_Illtyd
The Beacons Way

For invigorating mountain hikes, you’ve come to the right place: Langdale is famous for its lofty peaks, with cosy pubs and guesthouses too.

Plan your Langdale Valley adventure

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jack Anstey

Man skateboarding down valley paths. Green landscape
Langdale Valley

Discover soaring cliffs and spectacular caves, sculpted by the elements over many thousands of years.

Explore Cheddar Gorge and Caves

Photo by: National Trust Images/John Mill

The view from Gorge Walk at Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Cheddar Gorge and Caves

Take in the sweeping views across Dartmoor and the south Devon coast at these majestic granite rocks dating back 280 million years.

Find out more about the mysteries of Haytor

Photo by: Dartmoor National Park Authority

Visitors on top of Haytor rocks
Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre, Haytor

From cabins in the woods to off-road dirt tracks, paintball and tree-top obstacle courses, eco-adventurers will love the action at Thetford Forest.

Adventure awaits in Thetford Forest and The Brecks

Photo by: Visit East of England/Keiron Tovell Photography

Location: Thetford, England

Two people walking along a path in Thetford Forest
Thetford Forest and The Brecks

Head to this single estate vineyard and sample the harvests of this sustainably produced local wine.

Bottoms up at Chet Valley Vineyard

Photo by: Visit Norwich/Chet Valley Vineyard

Location: Norwich, England

A woman harvesting fruit from vines at Chet Valley Vineyard
Chet Valley Vineyard Tasting Tour

Take a cable car to the popular Peak District attraction, Heights of Abraham, a 60-acre hilltop park and caverns above pretty Matlock Bath.

Take a trip to the Heights of Abraham

Photo by: life_at_fox_hollow

Autumn-natural highs
Heights of Abraham

Epic mountain biking, hiking, wildlife watching and more: this UNESCO Geopark is full of adventures.

Go green at Fforest Fawr

Photo by: Neil Mansfield

Location: Brecon Beacon

Mynydd Illtyd, near Libanus, Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark
Fforest Fawr

Head south from Edinburgh to Glentress Forest for epic mountain biking trails, treetop adventures and rare wildlife.

Hit the trail at Glentress

Photo by: VisitScotland / David N Anderson

Biking the cycle paths of Glentress Forest
Glentress

For charming countryside and a wild coastline, look to England's very first National Landscape.

Head to the Quantock Hills

Photo by: the.mudgley.father

Quantock Hills
Quantock Hills, Somerset

Climb the side of this spectacular Yorkshire waterfall, deep in the Scaleber Wood Nature Reserve.

Discover Scaleber Force Waterfall

Photo by: Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority

Scaleber Force
Scaleber Force Waterfall

Give a round of applause for the Theatre by the Lake, in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Enjoy the productions at Theatre by the Lake

Photo by: Theatre by The Lake

Location: Lake District

Theatre by The Lake
Theatre by the Lake

Enjoy a peaceful meander through the Peak District National Park on the Monsal Trail, a flat route along a disused railway.

Discover the Monsal Trail

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Two women and a man walking on a country lane in autumn
Monsal Trail

Discover the gleaming Marble Hall, an abundant antiques collection, and 800 acres of pristine countryside.

Get to know Kedleston Hall

Photo by: National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Location: Peak District

Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire.
Kedleston Hall

There are bags of family fun to be had – petting animals, a play park and plenty of ice cream! 

Have fun at Bluebell Dairy Farm

Photo by: Visit Derby

Woman feeding an alpaca
Bluebell Dairy Farm

Ride heritage trams, sip beer in a traditional pub and discover pioneering inventions through the ages.

Visit Crich Tramway Village

Photo by: steven hatton / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Peak District

An old vintage tram at the National Tramway Museum at Crich
Crich Tramway Village

Sample the grapes from a working Somerset Vineyard on a 90-minute tour and tasting.

Visit Aldwick Estate

Photo by: Visit Somerset / Cross Jones Photography

Location: Somerset, England

Exterior shot of a country estate
Aldwick Estate Vineyard Tours and Wine Tasting

It’s full steam ahead at this heritage railway. Tuck into afternoon tea or get behind the wheel on a driver taster session.

Ride the East Somerset Railway

Photo by: Visit Somerset

Location: Cranmore, Somerset

A steam train moving down a track
East Somerset Railway

You’ll leap, climb and swing through the trees, on this wild woodland’s thrilling high ropes courses.

Explore Go Ape Thetford

Photo by: Keiron Tovell Photography

Location: Broads

A group of people on high wires at Go Ape in Thetford Forest
Go Ape Thetford

Enter the forest of family fun – with treehouses, wobbly wires, storytelling, boat rides, marsh walks and more.

Go wild for BeWILDerwood

Photo by: journeyof_maisonmorgan

Person in raincoat pushing buggy along trail in woodland
BeWILDerwood

With activities for all the family, get ready to make a splash and climb high at this outdoor activity centre.

Get active at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

An overhead view of a person kayaking down a river in Leicestershire
Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre

Hire a narrowboat and enjoy a leisurely day out on the water as you navigate through Foxton's 10 locks.

Spend a day on the water at Foxton Locks

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

A barge sailing through Foxton Locks in Leicestershire
Foxton Locks

Reach for the treetops on a climbing, swinging and branch walking adventure in the canopy of Appley Park.

Soar high with Goodleaf Tree Climbing

Photo by: Visit Isle of Wight

Man hanging from trees in hammock
Goodleaf Tree Climbing

With the world at your feet, it’s just you and the pilot soaring and spiralling above the peaks.

More about Black Mountains Gliding Club

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Brecon Beacon

Black Mountains Gliding Club. Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales, UK
Black Mountains Gliding Club

This family-run company offers everything from beginners’ rides to multi-day trips for experienced equestrians.

Visit Ellesmere Riding & Trekking Centre

Photo by: Hepburn Photography/Ellesmere Riding Centre

Location: Brecon Beacon

Ellesmere Riding Centre, Llangorse, Powys, Wales
Ellesmere Riding & Trekking Centre

Maybe you’ll walk with the goats, bottle-feed the lambs or snooze overnight in a cosy yurt?

Explore Cantref Adventure Farm

Photo by: Cantref Adventure Farm

Location: Brecon Beacon

Pony trekking in the Brecon Beacons National Park with Cantref Riding Centre, Cantref, Monmouthshire
Cantref Adventure Farm

Experience canyoning, gorge walking, white water rafting and river tubing in the Cairngorms National Park.

Plan your trip to G2 Adventure Hub Aviemore

Photo by: VisitScotland / Airborne Lens

Location: Cairngorms

The Alvie Estate, G2 Adventure Hub
G2 Adventure Hub, Aviemore

Combine epic hiking and outdoor adventures with a photography masterclass – all in the Scottish peaks.

More about Highlands Wildscapes

Photo by: VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Location: Cairngorms

Highlands Wildscapes, Loch Duich from Mam Rattachan
Highlands Wildscapes

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s incredible natural wonders on a guided tour with wildlife experts.

More about Speyside Wildlife

Photo by: VisitScotland / Greme Macdonald

Location: Cairngorms

Speyside Wildlife Tours
Speyside Wildlife

These rolling countryside valleys are heaven for hikers and cyclists, and reach from the Antrim plateau to the coast.

Discover the Glens of Antrim

Photo by: nickscott_scapes

Man walking up hillside as the sun goes down
Glens of Antrim

Enjoy cycling trails, treasure hunts, orienteering, face-painting and bungee trampolines at this action-packed park.

Explore Carnfunnock Country Park

Photo by: Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

Location: Northern Ireland

Carnfunnock Country Park
Carnfunnock Country Park

Founded in 1951, this is one of Belfast's top spots for picnics, walking and outdoor events.

Be inspired by Barnett Demesne

Photo by: Visit Belfast

Location: Northern Ireland

Person walking through Barnett Demesne Park
Barnett Demesne

Tracing the route of an old railway line, this 7.4-mile (12km) trail makes for spectacular hiking and cycling.

Follow the Tweed Valley Railway Path

Photo by: Ian Linton Photography/Go Tweed Valley

Location: Lowlands

Tweed Valley Railway Path
Tweed Valley Railway Path

Discover the many stories and myths behind the Arthurian legend on this immersive sightseeing route.

More about The Merlin Trail

Photo by: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Location: Lowlands

An overhead view of the Moffat Hills in Scotland's Southern Uplands
The Merlin Trail

This mighty stronghold dates back to the 14th century, and has a fascinating royal history.

Discover Craigmillar Castle

Photo by: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

Location: Lowlands

Craigmillar Castle
Craigmillar Castle

This garden is always in bloom – from its blue poppies in summer, to winter’s white snowdrops.

Visit Dawyck Botanic Garden

Photo by: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Location: Lowlands

The Swiss Bridge at Dawyck Botanic Garden
Dawyck Botanic Garden

Britain’s greatest palace is in the Cotswolds – the magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Explore Blenheim Palace

Photo by: VisitBritain/Marina Comes

Location: Blenheim Palace

Woman walking in Blenheim Palace gardens surrounded by greenery
Blenheim Palace

Travel back in time on a steam-powered train – between the market town of Pickering, and Whitby on the coast.

Hop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lucy Ellis

Steam train on train tracks and old-fashioned carriages at Goathland Railway Station
North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Meander the ancient trackways and spy dazzling chalklands along the South Downs Way National Trail.

Discover more about the South Downs Way

Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Two men on mountain bikes cycling at Devil's Dyke. Sunrise
South Downs Way

Beloved by Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, you can visit Balmoral Castle and estate in Aberdeenshire.

Plan a visit to beautiful Balmoral, beloved by Queen Elizabeth II

Photo by: @pumpkin_the_pompom

Location: Highlands

Balmoral Castle and Estate
Balmoral Castle

You’ve been swept away by the Highlands magic on screen – now see it for yourself.

See the Outlander filming locations

Photo by: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Location: Cairngorms

Outlander filming locations, Faskally Wood
Outlander filming locations

Experience the thrill of the world’s fastest zip wire, try out surfing or steer a canoe through the crashing rapids at one of Britain’s adventure capitals.

Discover Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Couple hiking in the mountains on a cloudy day
Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park

Explore the stunning Chapel Down Winery in Tenterden, Kent and taste English wine at its best.

Take a tour of Chapel Down Winery

Photo by: VisitBritain/Stuart Harper

Location: Kent

Bearded man with long hair holding glass at wine tasting
Chapel Down Winery

Take to the helm of your very own boat to explore this glorious waterway.

Discover the beautiful Broads by boat

Photo by: Norfolk Broads Direct

A family riding on a boat in the Norfolk Broads
Boat hire in the Broads

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

Photo by: The Cairngorms National Park

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

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Two glasses of whisky standing on an oak barrel
The Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery

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

Visit Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

Photo by: VisitScotland

visitscotland_29407110986
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

The only castle in Britain to be built over a natural cavern.

Explore Pembroke Castle

Photo by: Peter Morgan

A long range shot of Pembroke Castle at night
Pembroke Castle

One of Britain’s grandest stately homes, the beautiful Chatsworth House sits in a 400-hectare (1,000-acre) park in the Peak District.

Visit Chatsworth House

Photo by: VisitBritain

Group of people walking down stairs under a painted ceiling
Chatsworth House

At the foot of The Malvern Hills, discover the waters of this quaint town.

Discover more about Malvern

Photo by: Michael Whitefoot

16 Great Malvern Priory 044 credit Michael Whitefoot
Malvern

Get behind the wheel of an off-roading powerhouse as you tackle tough terrains behind the wheel of an iconic Land Rover.

Drive off-road in a Land Rover

Photo by: Exeter City Council

A Land Rover being driven over an off-road track near Exeter
Land Rover West Country Driving Experience

Conquer the three hills of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside – a 24-mile (38.6km) circular challenge for walkers.

Find out more about the routes

Photo by: VisitBritain/MattCant

Location: Malham Cove

People walking on the limestone pavement above the cliffs
Yorkshire Three Peaks

Adventure is always just around the corner in Exmoor National Park, home to Europe’s first Dark Sky Reserve.

Get starry eyed on Exmoor

Photo by: Getty Images/Martyn Ferry

A wild pony standing in the heather on the side of a hill.
Exmoor National Park

For one of Britain’s best walks, trek the Beacons Way over hills and hollows in the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog).

Hit the trail on the Beacons Way

Photo by: TOM MARTIN/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Mynydd_Illtyd
The Beacons Way

For invigorating mountain hikes, you’ve come to the right place: Langdale is famous for its lofty peaks, with cosy pubs and guesthouses too.

Plan your Langdale Valley adventure

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jack Anstey

Man skateboarding down valley paths. Green landscape
Langdale Valley

Discover soaring cliffs and spectacular caves, sculpted by the elements over many thousands of years.

Explore Cheddar Gorge and Caves

Photo by: National Trust Images/John Mill

The view from Gorge Walk at Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Cheddar Gorge and Caves

Take in the sweeping views across Dartmoor and the south Devon coast at these majestic granite rocks dating back 280 million years.

Find out more about the mysteries of Haytor

Photo by: Dartmoor National Park Authority

Visitors on top of Haytor rocks
Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre, Haytor

From cabins in the woods to off-road dirt tracks, paintball and tree-top obstacle courses, eco-adventurers will love the action at Thetford Forest.

Adventure awaits in Thetford Forest and The Brecks

Photo by: Visit East of England/Keiron Tovell Photography

Location: Thetford, England

Two people walking along a path in Thetford Forest
Thetford Forest and The Brecks

Head to this single estate vineyard and sample the harvests of this sustainably produced local wine.

Bottoms up at Chet Valley Vineyard

Photo by: Visit Norwich/Chet Valley Vineyard

Location: Norwich, England

A woman harvesting fruit from vines at Chet Valley Vineyard
Chet Valley Vineyard Tasting Tour

Take a cable car to the popular Peak District attraction, Heights of Abraham, a 60-acre hilltop park and caverns above pretty Matlock Bath.

Take a trip to the Heights of Abraham

Photo by: life_at_fox_hollow

Autumn-natural highs
Heights of Abraham

Epic mountain biking, hiking, wildlife watching and more: this UNESCO Geopark is full of adventures.

Go green at Fforest Fawr

Photo by: Neil Mansfield

Location: Brecon Beacon

Mynydd Illtyd, near Libanus, Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark
Fforest Fawr

Head south from Edinburgh to Glentress Forest for epic mountain biking trails, treetop adventures and rare wildlife.

Hit the trail at Glentress

Photo by: VisitScotland / David N Anderson

Biking the cycle paths of Glentress Forest
Glentress

For charming countryside and a wild coastline, look to England's very first National Landscape.

Head to the Quantock Hills

Photo by: the.mudgley.father

Quantock Hills
Quantock Hills, Somerset

Climb the side of this spectacular Yorkshire waterfall, deep in the Scaleber Wood Nature Reserve.

Discover Scaleber Force Waterfall

Photo by: Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority

Scaleber Force
Scaleber Force Waterfall

Give a round of applause for the Theatre by the Lake, in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Enjoy the productions at Theatre by the Lake

Photo by: Theatre by The Lake

Location: Lake District

Theatre by The Lake
Theatre by the Lake

Enjoy a peaceful meander through the Peak District National Park on the Monsal Trail, a flat route along a disused railway.

Discover the Monsal Trail

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Two women and a man walking on a country lane in autumn
Monsal Trail

Discover the gleaming Marble Hall, an abundant antiques collection, and 800 acres of pristine countryside.

Get to know Kedleston Hall

Photo by: National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Location: Peak District

Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire.
Kedleston Hall

There are bags of family fun to be had – petting animals, a play park and plenty of ice cream! 

Have fun at Bluebell Dairy Farm

Photo by: Visit Derby

Woman feeding an alpaca
Bluebell Dairy Farm

Ride heritage trams, sip beer in a traditional pub and discover pioneering inventions through the ages.

Visit Crich Tramway Village

Photo by: steven hatton / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Peak District

An old vintage tram at the National Tramway Museum at Crich
Crich Tramway Village

Sample the grapes from a working Somerset Vineyard on a 90-minute tour and tasting.

Visit Aldwick Estate

Photo by: Visit Somerset / Cross Jones Photography

Location: Somerset, England

Exterior shot of a country estate
Aldwick Estate Vineyard Tours and Wine Tasting

It’s full steam ahead at this heritage railway. Tuck into afternoon tea or get behind the wheel on a driver taster session.

Ride the East Somerset Railway

Photo by: Visit Somerset

Location: Cranmore, Somerset

A steam train moving down a track
East Somerset Railway

You’ll leap, climb and swing through the trees, on this wild woodland’s thrilling high ropes courses.

Explore Go Ape Thetford

Photo by: Keiron Tovell Photography

Location: Broads

A group of people on high wires at Go Ape in Thetford Forest
Go Ape Thetford

Enter the forest of family fun – with treehouses, wobbly wires, storytelling, boat rides, marsh walks and more.

Go wild for BeWILDerwood

Photo by: journeyof_maisonmorgan

Person in raincoat pushing buggy along trail in woodland
BeWILDerwood

With activities for all the family, get ready to make a splash and climb high at this outdoor activity centre.

Get active at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

An overhead view of a person kayaking down a river in Leicestershire
Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre

Hire a narrowboat and enjoy a leisurely day out on the water as you navigate through Foxton's 10 locks.

Spend a day on the water at Foxton Locks

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

A barge sailing through Foxton Locks in Leicestershire
Foxton Locks

Reach for the treetops on a climbing, swinging and branch walking adventure in the canopy of Appley Park.

Soar high with Goodleaf Tree Climbing

Photo by: Visit Isle of Wight

Man hanging from trees in hammock
Goodleaf Tree Climbing

With the world at your feet, it’s just you and the pilot soaring and spiralling above the peaks.

More about Black Mountains Gliding Club

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Brecon Beacon

Black Mountains Gliding Club. Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales, UK
Black Mountains Gliding Club

This family-run company offers everything from beginners’ rides to multi-day trips for experienced equestrians.

Visit Ellesmere Riding & Trekking Centre

Photo by: Hepburn Photography/Ellesmere Riding Centre

Location: Brecon Beacon

Ellesmere Riding Centre, Llangorse, Powys, Wales
Ellesmere Riding & Trekking Centre

Maybe you’ll walk with the goats, bottle-feed the lambs or snooze overnight in a cosy yurt?

Explore Cantref Adventure Farm

Photo by: Cantref Adventure Farm

Location: Brecon Beacon

Pony trekking in the Brecon Beacons National Park with Cantref Riding Centre, Cantref, Monmouthshire
Cantref Adventure Farm

Experience canyoning, gorge walking, white water rafting and river tubing in the Cairngorms National Park.

Plan your trip to G2 Adventure Hub Aviemore

Photo by: VisitScotland / Airborne Lens

Location: Cairngorms

The Alvie Estate, G2 Adventure Hub
G2 Adventure Hub, Aviemore

Combine epic hiking and outdoor adventures with a photography masterclass – all in the Scottish peaks.

More about Highlands Wildscapes

Photo by: VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Location: Cairngorms

Highlands Wildscapes, Loch Duich from Mam Rattachan
Highlands Wildscapes

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s incredible natural wonders on a guided tour with wildlife experts.

More about Speyside Wildlife

Photo by: VisitScotland / Greme Macdonald

Location: Cairngorms

Speyside Wildlife Tours
Speyside Wildlife

These rolling countryside valleys are heaven for hikers and cyclists, and reach from the Antrim plateau to the coast.

Discover the Glens of Antrim

Photo by: nickscott_scapes

Man walking up hillside as the sun goes down
Glens of Antrim

Enjoy cycling trails, treasure hunts, orienteering, face-painting and bungee trampolines at this action-packed park.

Explore Carnfunnock Country Park

Photo by: Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

Location: Northern Ireland

Carnfunnock Country Park
Carnfunnock Country Park

Founded in 1951, this is one of Belfast's top spots for picnics, walking and outdoor events.

Be inspired by Barnett Demesne

Photo by: Visit Belfast

Location: Northern Ireland

Person walking through Barnett Demesne Park
Barnett Demesne

Tracing the route of an old railway line, this 7.4-mile (12km) trail makes for spectacular hiking and cycling.

Follow the Tweed Valley Railway Path

Photo by: Ian Linton Photography/Go Tweed Valley

Location: Lowlands

Tweed Valley Railway Path
Tweed Valley Railway Path

Discover the many stories and myths behind the Arthurian legend on this immersive sightseeing route.

More about The Merlin Trail

Photo by: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Location: Lowlands

An overhead view of the Moffat Hills in Scotland's Southern Uplands
The Merlin Trail

This mighty stronghold dates back to the 14th century, and has a fascinating royal history.

Discover Craigmillar Castle

Photo by: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

Location: Lowlands

Craigmillar Castle
Craigmillar Castle

This garden is always in bloom – from its blue poppies in summer, to winter’s white snowdrops.

Visit Dawyck Botanic Garden

Photo by: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Location: Lowlands

The Swiss Bridge at Dawyck Botanic Garden
Dawyck Botanic Garden

Top countryside destinations to visit in Britain

All British countryside destinations

A slice of tranquil island life, yet a stone’s throw from the bustling mainland: the Isle of Wight is small but mighty.

South East England

Photo by: Visit Isle of Wight

Landscape shot of chalk cliffs and ocean

Peppered with rolling hills, ancient woodlands and unique local flavours, Somerset is calling out to be explored.

South West England

Photo by: Glastonbury Festival

Crowd at Glastonbury Festival

From traditional seaside towns to adventure sports and charming cities with heaps of history, the East of England has something for everyone.

East England

Photo by: Visit East of England

Location: Dunwich, England

A woman carrying a dog along a beach in Dunwich

From a medieval monarch found under a car park to the city’s celebration of multicultural modern life, Leicester has it all.

Midlands

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

An outdoor view of Leicester's historic Guild Hall

For hikers, cyclists, horse riders and thrill seekers, the Peak District offers adventures galore.

North West England

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Location: The Peak District, England

Woman skipping on rocks at edge of hill. Landscape view

From the tip of England’s tallest peak to the nation’s deepest lake, this national park is stacked with super-sized scenery.

North West England

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ryan Lomas

Location: Lake District, England

Rear view of young woman on a hillside with two dogs

Looming peaks over thick forests, sheep-grazed valleys and open moors – adventure awaits in Wales.

South Wales

Photo by: Nici Eberl

Crowd at the Green Man Festival in front of the stage

Discover epic trails, rivers to kayak, castles to conquer and wild woods to explore.

South East England

Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Two men on mountain bikes cycling at Devil's Dyke. Sunrise

The gateway into Scotland, the Borders and Lowlands pack a punch.

Lowland Scotland

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Jarratt

Girls standing on the zipwire platform in the pine forest

Rugged yet beautiful, wild yet welcoming – the North York Moors National Park is full of surprises.

Yorkshire and Humber

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Chef wearing apron on pier holding lobster trap with lobster

Full of adventure, from its sky-scraping peaks to plunging glacial valleys, Snowdonia's scenery is guaranteed to blow your mind.

North Wales

Photo by: VisitBritain/Daniel Struthers

A man jumping across a stream whilst hiking

Historical hot property – evident in its castles, citadels and 2,000-year-old Hadrian’s Wall.

North East England

Photo by: VisitBritain/Chris Ceasar

View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach

For a real adventure, head to Wales' westernmost tip. A paradise for hikers, swimmers, thrill-seekers and birdwatchers.

South Wales

Photo by: National Trust/Greentraveller

Location: Pembrokeshire, Wales

Back view of two young boys in wetsuits sitting on a rock looking out to sea with blue sky

Step into nature with tufty-haired ponies, wild countryside and a labyrinth of bike trails.

South East England

Photo by: VisitBritain/Raul Alex Caramizaru

Girl, in a white skirt, walking beside a Highland cow

The Cairngorms is a playground for wildlife lovers, hill climbers, thrill seekers and more.

Highland Scotland

Photo by: VisitBritain/Graham Niven

A man canoeing with two spaniels. Clear blue skies

Explore pristine woods, climb mountains and paddle the waters of Scotland's wild landscape.

Lowland Scotland

Photo by: VisitScotland

A woman sitting and looking out across Loch Lomond

Proof that perfection can’t be rushed, the Yorkshire Dales was millions of years in the making.

Yorkshire and Humber

Photo by: VisitBritain/MattCant

Cyclist riding on road through green dales. Panoramic views

Hugging the south-west, Devon is a playground for adventurers, explorers and foodies.

South West England

Photo by: Shutterstock / Hugh O'Connor

Location: Devon, England

Idyllic Scene On Surfers Beach With Beautiful Beach Huts Reflecting In The Water

With tangled oak forests and looming peaks, it can feel like the edge of the world.

South West England

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Horses and riders trotting through the shallow water.

From ice-cream parlours to seafood festivals, the ‘Garden of England’ is meant for discovery.

South East England

Photo by: VisitBritain/Dipyourtoesin

Location: Kent

Man and woman walking between vines at a vineyard

Renowned for its glorious countryside, striking coastline and unique attractions.

South West England

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Surfer in a wetsuit surfing a large wave on a red surfboard

Located in the northern reaches of Scotland, the Highlands are about beauty and adventure.

Highland Scotland

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Location: Highlands

Rear view of two men jumping with joy on a country road

The Broads is a breath of fresh air, beautifully webbed with lakes, fens and rivers.

East England

Photo by: Norfolk Broads Direct

A family riding on a boat in the Norfolk Broads

Lush rolling pastures, pretty stone villages and rambling rivers - the Cotswolds has it all.

South West England

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Cotswolds, England

Pärchen, das sich im Garten in der Nähe eines Springbrunnens umarmt

From lush valleys to epic shorelines and charming towns, find north Wales packed with adventure.

North Wales

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Castle standing on a grassy hilltop. Blue skies and clouds

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Still not sure where to go?

Our cities are full of innovative ways to explore: from London’s secret supper clubs and Edinburgh’s underground ghost hunts to star-studded music gigs at Cardiff Castle…