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Even our quietest corners are full of surprises. Yes, rural Britain is famous for its flower-filled meadows and charming thatched villages – but what about our mountain-top ski resorts, world-class vineyards and dazzlingly diverse national parks? Whether you’re craving a sumptuous break in a former royal castle, or an invigorating hike up our wildest peaks – adventure is calling!

Top countryside destinations to visit

All countryside destinations

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

South West England
A woman cycles along a Cornish beach with her surfboard

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

South West England
Couple carrying surfboards and wearing wet suits on beach

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

South West England
Male and female couple hugging in the garden near a fountain

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

South West England
Horses and riders trotting through the shallow water.

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

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

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
A group of friends having fun kayaking on Derwent Water in The Lake District, mountains in the distance

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

North West England
Cyclist riding on road through green dales. Panoramic views

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

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

Full of adventure from its sky-scraping peaks to plunging glacial valleys - it’s bursting with bombastic scenery.

North Wales
A man jumping across a stream whilst hiking

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

Lowland Scotland
Girls standing on the zipwire platform in the pine forest

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

North West England
A woman with her arms raised enjoying the view from high

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

South East England
Man and woman walking between vines at a vineyard

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

North East England
View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach

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

South Wales
Man surfing al dusk leaving a large spray of water

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

North East England
Chef wearing apron on pier holding lobster trap with lobster

From valleys, shorelines to towns, find North Wales packed with adventure.

North Wales
Castle standing on a grassy hilltop. Blue skies and clouds

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

South East England
Girl, in a white skirt, walking beside a Highland cow

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

Lowland Scotland
A woman sitting and looking out across Loch Lomond

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

Highland Scotland
A man canoeing with two spaniels. Clear blue skies

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

East England
Familydayboatfeedswans2, Norfolk Broads

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

South Wales
Crowd at the Green Man Festival in front of the stage

Things to do in the countryside

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

Discover the beautiful Broads by boat
Familydayboatfeedswans2, 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
A view across the hills and woodlands of the Cairngorms National Park.
Cairngorm Mountain

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_29407110986
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

On the foothills of The Malverns, discover the waters of this quaint town.

Discover more about Malvern
16 Great Malvern Priory 044 credit Michael Whitefoot
Malvern

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

Find out more about the routes
Hawnby Peak Scar Three Riders Pan Shot
Yorkshire Three Peaks

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

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
Man skateboarding down valley paths. Green landscape
Langdale Valley

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

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

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

Explore Pembroke Castle
SVW-C87-1920-0012
Pembroke Castle

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

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

Discover the beautiful Broads by boat
Familydayboatfeedswans2, 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
A view across the hills and woodlands of the Cairngorms National Park.
Cairngorm Mountain

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_29407110986
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

On the foothills of The Malverns, discover the waters of this quaint town.

Discover more about Malvern
16 Great Malvern Priory 044 credit Michael Whitefoot
Malvern

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

Find out more about the routes
Hawnby Peak Scar Three Riders Pan Shot
Yorkshire Three Peaks

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

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
Man skateboarding down valley paths. Green landscape
Langdale Valley

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

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

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

Explore Pembroke Castle
SVW-C87-1920-0012
Pembroke Castle

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

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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’sunderground ghost hunts to star-studded music gigs at Cardiff Castle…