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Outdoors and nature

Britain is blooming with green spaces. From the soaring peaks of the Cairngorms to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, our landscapes offer a world of adventure. Whether it’s a speedy zip wire ride, an invigorating hiking route or an encounter with coastal creatures, our great outdoors really packs a punch. 

It’s no wonder our natural landscapes play starring roles in big and small screen hits. Soar through the skies of the Lake District in your own action blockbuster or hike through craggy valleys from fantasy adventures. Are you ready to embrace your wild side?

An outdoors and nature showcase

Why Britain's best for outdoors 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 pace on a cycle through the Yorkshire Dales, or snap that perfect sunset shot along the King Charles III 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 on a subterranean adventure, or take to our waters to get to know some of our aquatic inhabitants.

In Britain’s great outdoors, one thing is for certain — wherever the journey takes you, you’ll discover a nation filled with unmissable nature.

Where to find the best outdoors and nature experiences

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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

Location: Settle, England

Scaleber Force, waterfall near Settle
Scaleber Force Waterfall

This long-distance trail boasts some of the most picturesque and invigorating coastal scenery in Britain.

More about the Wales Coast Path

Photo by: Crown Copyright/Visit Wales/Keith Freeburn

Location: Aberdaron, Wales

Marker alongside a coastal walking trail
Wales Coast Path

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

Photo by: raineyrebs

Location: Kielder, England

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 moonlit walks, workshops, stargazing and more, celebrate the International Dark Sky Status of the North York Moors.

What’s on at the Dark Skies Fringe Festival

Photo by: Polly A Baldwin

Child stargazing through telescope
Dark Skies Fringe Festival, North York Moors

Explore the moorlands, woodlands and dramatic views of Derwent Valley at the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate.

Explore Longshaw Estate

Photo by: sarkadventures

Location: England

A man posing on top of Higger Tor with a wide view of the Peak District behind
Longshaw Estate

Set against the backdrop of north Wales’ Carneddau mountains, these pioneering Victorian gardens were home to many of Britain’s horticultural firsts.

Visit Bodnant Garden

Photo by: partycjaandjack

Location: Colwyn Bay, Wales

Pink Flowers in Bodnant Gardens
Bodnant Garden

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

Explore the Llŷn Peninsula

Photo by: Visit Wales/Crown Copyright

Location: Llyn Peninsula, Wales

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

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

Photo by: Andrew Hallsworth @ Marlow Photographic

Location: Nottingham, England

Man dressed up as Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest
Sherwood Forest

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

Make a splash at Lake Windermere

Photo by: VisitBritain/Adam Burton

Location: England

Stile over a drystone wall overlooking landscape of valleys
Lake Windermere

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: Libanus, Wales

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

You’ll swing, leap and climb through the trees, braving wobbly rope bridges and thrilling zip wires.

Discover Go Ape

Photo by: Go Ape

Location: Birmingham, England

An underneath shot of a person on a zipwire at Go Ape in Birmingham
Go Ape Cannock Chase

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

Location: Stronachlachar, Scotland

Steam boat docked on a lake
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

When you explore the ancient forest of Puzzlewood, some places might feel eerily familiar.

Plan your trip to Puzzlewood

Photo by: Puzzlewood

Location: Milkwall, England

A low wooden bridge in the beautiful Puzzlewood woodland, Forest of Dean
Puzzlewood

A once-disused Victorian bridge transformed into an urban sky park and ‘garden in the sky’, where lush planting combines with its original 19th-century features.

Learn more about Castlefield Viaduct

Photo by: National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

Location: Manchester, England

A woman taking a picture of plants and flowers in the gardens of Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester
Castlefield Viaduct

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: VisitScotland/Jakub Iwanicki

Location: Scotland

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.

Take a punting trip on the River Cam

Photo by: Traditional Punting Company

Location: Cambridge, England

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

Explore the Devon coast a whole new way, on a sea safari boat trip from Teignmouth.

Jump on board a Devon Sea Safari

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Torbay, England

Dolphin blow hole, close up,Torbay Devon, England, United Kingdom
Devon Sea Safari

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

Discover the legends at Giant’s Causeway

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway/National Trust

Location: Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

Man standing on a rock formation on the edge of the sea
Giant's Causeway

Hit the road with one of Britain’s most spectacular driving routes – the North Coast 500.

Plan your journey along the North Coast 500

Photo by: VisitScotland/North Highlands

Location: Shieldaig, Scotland

View of seaside village
North Coast 500

This is a landscape of countless adventures: think coasteering, cycling, boat trips, camping and hiking.

Explore Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Photo by: Visit Wales/Crown Copyright

Location: Ramsey Island, Wales

Kayakers carrying their kayaks
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

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

Location: Bushmills, Northern Ireland

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

For wildlife-filled hikes, great food and invigorating road trips, look to this vast nature reserve.

Go wild at Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

Photo by: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

Location: Whithorn, Scotland

Person walking along a coastal path with a view of a bay
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

From sand dunes to a pine forest, and star of the silver screen, discover the beauty of Holkham Beach.

Hit the sands of Holkham Beach

Photo by: Visit East of England/Ian Watts

Location: Holkham, England

A girl running down a path to Holkham Beach
Holkham Beach

Filled with tropical plants and trees, the vast Eden Project even has an indoor waterfall and bamboo huts, and hosts live music and events year-round.

Go green at The Eden Project

Photo by: VisitBritain/Eden Project

Location: England

Woman propagating seeds in a green house at the Eden Project
The Eden Project

Visit the medieval deer park and magnificent Knole, one of Britain’s finest stately homes.

Roam around splendid Knole

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo/Luke Farmer/National Trust

Location: Sevenoaks, England

A deer standing in a grassy field with another deer grazing in the background.
Knole Park

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

Location: Cheddar, England

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

Explore the highest point in the South Downs National Park for a true sense of escape.

Find out more about National Trust Black Down

Photo by: National Park

Location: England

A man and woman walking along the National Trust Black Down
National Trust Black Down

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

Step into The Savill Garden

Photo by: inca_theboxer

Location: Windsor, England

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

Look to the night skies with a spot of stargazing from Butser Hill, in the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire.

Go stargazing at Butser Hill

Photo by: Dan Oakley

Location: Petersfield, England

Stargazing at Butser Hill
Stargazing at Butser Hill

The breathtaking Elan Valley, with its four dramatic dams, is a haven for hikers and bikers, as well as nature lovers.

Explore the Elan Valley

Photo by: Crown Copyright/Visit Wales

Location: Elan Village, Wales

Two people walking on an arched bridge spanning a lake, with a valley in the background
Elan Valley

Spot bottlenose dolphins in the summer at Aberdeen Beach.

Discover the beautiful sands of Aberdeen Beach

Photo by: kerrphotos

Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

View of Aberdeen Beach Front, blue skies
Aberdeen Beach

Canoe, kayak, sail or paddleboard the Broads, meet local artists, tuck into regional cuisine, get out on your bike or horseback ride, all just two hours from London.

Aquatic adventures in The Broads National Park

Photo by: Visit East of England

Location: England

A family relaxing on a boat in the Broads
The Broads National Park

Award-winning Highland coach tours and bespoke private tours, led by expert guides.

Take a Timberbush Tour

Photo by: Timberbush Tours

Location: Glencoe, Scotland

A woman sitting in the countryside in autumn.
Timberbush Tours

Above the Sound of Raasay, this monumental natural landscape is a spectacular hiking location.

Meet the Old Man of Storr

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: Isle of Skye, Scotland

Couple standing near basalt pinnacles, watching mist
Old Man of Storr

As you walk, listen out for the strange squeaking, rustling ‘song’ of the sand as you step.

Plan your trip to Singing Sands Beach

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Acharacle, Scotland

Woman standing in water at Singing Sands beach
Singing Sands Beach

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

Discover the Lost Gardens of Heligan

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ida Eriksson

Location: Heligan, England

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

From the daffodils in spring to the blazing maples in autumn, every season brings a new spectacle.

Discover Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre

Photo by: Batsford Arboretum

Location: Moreton-in-Marsh, England

A woman and her young daughter walking their black dog in Batsford Arboretum
Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre

Whether for summer sunbathing or a bracing winter’s walk, this long sandy beach is beautiful year-round.

Head to Portobello Beach

Photo by: Shutterstock

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Kayaks and kayakers on beach at sunset. Portobello beach, Edinburgh
Portobello Beach

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: Stobo, Scotland

The Swiss Bridge at Dawyck Botanic Garden
Dawyck Botanic Garden

With its red deer, pine martens, otters and more, the New Forest is a wildlife haven – as these expert-led tours reveal.

Find your Wild New Forest Tour

Photo by: Wild New Forest Tours

Location: England

A group of people looking out over the landscape on a tour of the New Forest
Wild New Forest Tours

An astrologer's haven, look up into the inky dark skies above Teesdale’s Grassholme Reservoir for an out-of-this-world experience.

See the stars at Grassholme Observatory

Photo by: Grassholme Observatory

Location: Durham, England

Rows of telescopes being prepared for an evening of stargazing at Grassholme Observatory, Durham
Grassholme Observatory

This tranquil natural waterway is a haven for kayaking, hiking, fishing and paddleboarding.

Learn a sustainable skill at Llangorse Lake

Photo by: Crown Copyright/Visit Wales/Naomi Llewellyn

Location: Llangorse, Wales

A woman stepping over a bridge, near a moored boat.
Llangorse Lake

This tiny archipelago is big on wildlife – and offers boat cruises, diving trips and kayaking adventures.

Explore the Farne Islands

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Northumberland

Grey seal nibbling the hood of a scuba diver.
Farne Islands

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: Brandon, England

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

Explore this tranquil haven near the bustling city centre, with a miniature railway, Pets Corner, oodles of green space and the remains of the 12th-century Leicester Abbey.

Relax in Abbey Park

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

People walking across a bridge in Abbey Park, Leicester
Abbey Park

A glorious spot for walks and picnics, with a huge range of events too – such as outdoor concerts and wild cooking workshops.

Enjoy the blooms at Exbury Gardens

Photo by: Visit The New Forest

Location: England

Woman and child looking at tree blossom
Exbury Gardens

Hire a kayak or hop on a boat cruise to explore these chalk-white rock towers, which stand tall in the English Channel.

Set your sights on Old Harry Rocks

Photo by: foreadventure

Location: Studland, England

Person in canoe navigating coastline with cliffs in the background
Old Harry Rocks, Dorset

A popular spot for keen birdwatchers, there are chances to spot buzzards, green woodpeckers and more.

Visit Brading Marshes RSPB Reserve

Photo by: Visit Isle of Wight

Location: Brading, England

A man and a woman stand at gate with the town and sea beyond
Brading Marshes RSPB Reserve

The ponds are busy with dragonflies, while the towering treetops bristle with birds and squirrels.

More about C S Lewis Nature Reserve

Photo by: Ross Mackenzie/CS Lewis Nature Reserve

Location: Oxford, England

A lake in the CS Lewis Nature Reserve in Oxford
C S Lewis Nature Reserve

Enjoy an up-close alpaca experience where you'll get a chance to hand feed, capture photos and learn about the adorable animals.

Plan your alpaca encounter with London Alpacas

Photo by: London Alpacas

Location: London, England

Portrait shot of a white baby alpaca.
London Alpacas

London’s eight Royal Parks offer an oasis of calm in the city – as well as amazing venues for live music, festivals and theatre.

Explore London’s Royal Parks

Photo by: VisitBritain/Tareq Mooradun

Location: London, England

Man and woman walking in a park with pink spring blossom on the trees
London’s Royal Parks

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

Location: Settle, England

Scaleber Force, waterfall near Settle
Scaleber Force Waterfall

This long-distance trail boasts some of the most picturesque and invigorating coastal scenery in Britain.

More about the Wales Coast Path

Photo by: Crown Copyright/Visit Wales/Keith Freeburn

Location: Aberdaron, Wales

Marker alongside a coastal walking trail
Wales Coast Path

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

Photo by: raineyrebs

Location: Kielder, England

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 moonlit walks, workshops, stargazing and more, celebrate the International Dark Sky Status of the North York Moors.

What’s on at the Dark Skies Fringe Festival

Photo by: Polly A Baldwin

Child stargazing through telescope
Dark Skies Fringe Festival, North York Moors

Explore the moorlands, woodlands and dramatic views of Derwent Valley at the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate.

Explore Longshaw Estate

Photo by: sarkadventures

Location: England

A man posing on top of Higger Tor with a wide view of the Peak District behind
Longshaw Estate

Set against the backdrop of north Wales’ Carneddau mountains, these pioneering Victorian gardens were home to many of Britain’s horticultural firsts.

Visit Bodnant Garden

Photo by: partycjaandjack

Location: Colwyn Bay, Wales

Pink Flowers in Bodnant Gardens
Bodnant Garden

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

Explore the Llŷn Peninsula

Photo by: Visit Wales/Crown Copyright

Location: Llyn Peninsula, Wales

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

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

Photo by: Andrew Hallsworth @ Marlow Photographic

Location: Nottingham, England

Man dressed up as Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest
Sherwood Forest

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

Make a splash at Lake Windermere

Photo by: VisitBritain/Adam Burton

Location: England

Stile over a drystone wall overlooking landscape of valleys
Lake Windermere

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: Libanus, Wales

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

You’ll swing, leap and climb through the trees, braving wobbly rope bridges and thrilling zip wires.

Discover Go Ape

Photo by: Go Ape

Location: Birmingham, England

An underneath shot of a person on a zipwire at Go Ape in Birmingham
Go Ape Cannock Chase

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

Location: Stronachlachar, Scotland

Steam boat docked on a lake
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

When you explore the ancient forest of Puzzlewood, some places might feel eerily familiar.

Plan your trip to Puzzlewood

Photo by: Puzzlewood

Location: Milkwall, England

A low wooden bridge in the beautiful Puzzlewood woodland, Forest of Dean
Puzzlewood

A once-disused Victorian bridge transformed into an urban sky park and ‘garden in the sky’, where lush planting combines with its original 19th-century features.

Learn more about Castlefield Viaduct

Photo by: National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

Location: Manchester, England

A woman taking a picture of plants and flowers in the gardens of Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester
Castlefield Viaduct

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: VisitScotland/Jakub Iwanicki

Location: Scotland

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.

Take a punting trip on the River Cam

Photo by: Traditional Punting Company

Location: Cambridge, England

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

Explore the Devon coast a whole new way, on a sea safari boat trip from Teignmouth.

Jump on board a Devon Sea Safari

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Torbay, England

Dolphin blow hole, close up,Torbay Devon, England, United Kingdom
Devon Sea Safari

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

Discover the legends at Giant’s Causeway

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway/National Trust

Location: Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

Man standing on a rock formation on the edge of the sea
Giant's Causeway

Hit the road with one of Britain’s most spectacular driving routes – the North Coast 500.

Plan your journey along the North Coast 500

Photo by: VisitScotland/North Highlands

Location: Shieldaig, Scotland

View of seaside village
North Coast 500

This is a landscape of countless adventures: think coasteering, cycling, boat trips, camping and hiking.

Explore Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Photo by: Visit Wales/Crown Copyright

Location: Ramsey Island, Wales

Kayakers carrying their kayaks
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

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

Location: Bushmills, Northern Ireland

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

For wildlife-filled hikes, great food and invigorating road trips, look to this vast nature reserve.

Go wild at Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

Photo by: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

Location: Whithorn, Scotland

Person walking along a coastal path with a view of a bay
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

From sand dunes to a pine forest, and star of the silver screen, discover the beauty of Holkham Beach.

Hit the sands of Holkham Beach

Photo by: Visit East of England/Ian Watts

Location: Holkham, England

A girl running down a path to Holkham Beach
Holkham Beach

Filled with tropical plants and trees, the vast Eden Project even has an indoor waterfall and bamboo huts, and hosts live music and events year-round.

Go green at The Eden Project

Photo by: VisitBritain/Eden Project

Location: England

Woman propagating seeds in a green house at the Eden Project
The Eden Project

Visit the medieval deer park and magnificent Knole, one of Britain’s finest stately homes.

Roam around splendid Knole

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo/Luke Farmer/National Trust

Location: Sevenoaks, England

A deer standing in a grassy field with another deer grazing in the background.
Knole Park

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

Location: Cheddar, England

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

Explore the highest point in the South Downs National Park for a true sense of escape.

Find out more about National Trust Black Down

Photo by: National Park

Location: England

A man and woman walking along the National Trust Black Down
National Trust Black Down

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

Step into The Savill Garden

Photo by: inca_theboxer

Location: Windsor, England

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

Look to the night skies with a spot of stargazing from Butser Hill, in the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire.

Go stargazing at Butser Hill

Photo by: Dan Oakley

Location: Petersfield, England

Stargazing at Butser Hill
Stargazing at Butser Hill

The breathtaking Elan Valley, with its four dramatic dams, is a haven for hikers and bikers, as well as nature lovers.

Explore the Elan Valley

Photo by: Crown Copyright/Visit Wales

Location: Elan Village, Wales

Two people walking on an arched bridge spanning a lake, with a valley in the background
Elan Valley

Spot bottlenose dolphins in the summer at Aberdeen Beach.

Discover the beautiful sands of Aberdeen Beach

Photo by: kerrphotos

Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

View of Aberdeen Beach Front, blue skies
Aberdeen Beach

Canoe, kayak, sail or paddleboard the Broads, meet local artists, tuck into regional cuisine, get out on your bike or horseback ride, all just two hours from London.

Aquatic adventures in The Broads National Park

Photo by: Visit East of England

Location: England

A family relaxing on a boat in the Broads
The Broads National Park

Award-winning Highland coach tours and bespoke private tours, led by expert guides.

Take a Timberbush Tour

Photo by: Timberbush Tours

Location: Glencoe, Scotland

A woman sitting in the countryside in autumn.
Timberbush Tours

Above the Sound of Raasay, this monumental natural landscape is a spectacular hiking location.

Meet the Old Man of Storr

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: Isle of Skye, Scotland

Couple standing near basalt pinnacles, watching mist
Old Man of Storr

As you walk, listen out for the strange squeaking, rustling ‘song’ of the sand as you step.

Plan your trip to Singing Sands Beach

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Acharacle, Scotland

Woman standing in water at Singing Sands beach
Singing Sands Beach

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

Discover the Lost Gardens of Heligan

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ida Eriksson

Location: Heligan, England

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

From the daffodils in spring to the blazing maples in autumn, every season brings a new spectacle.

Discover Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre

Photo by: Batsford Arboretum

Location: Moreton-in-Marsh, England

A woman and her young daughter walking their black dog in Batsford Arboretum
Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre

Whether for summer sunbathing or a bracing winter’s walk, this long sandy beach is beautiful year-round.

Head to Portobello Beach

Photo by: Shutterstock

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Kayaks and kayakers on beach at sunset. Portobello beach, Edinburgh
Portobello Beach

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: Stobo, Scotland

The Swiss Bridge at Dawyck Botanic Garden
Dawyck Botanic Garden

With its red deer, pine martens, otters and more, the New Forest is a wildlife haven – as these expert-led tours reveal.

Find your Wild New Forest Tour

Photo by: Wild New Forest Tours

Location: England

A group of people looking out over the landscape on a tour of the New Forest
Wild New Forest Tours

An astrologer's haven, look up into the inky dark skies above Teesdale’s Grassholme Reservoir for an out-of-this-world experience.

See the stars at Grassholme Observatory

Photo by: Grassholme Observatory

Location: Durham, England

Rows of telescopes being prepared for an evening of stargazing at Grassholme Observatory, Durham
Grassholme Observatory

This tranquil natural waterway is a haven for kayaking, hiking, fishing and paddleboarding.

Learn a sustainable skill at Llangorse Lake

Photo by: Crown Copyright/Visit Wales/Naomi Llewellyn

Location: Llangorse, Wales

A woman stepping over a bridge, near a moored boat.
Llangorse Lake

This tiny archipelago is big on wildlife – and offers boat cruises, diving trips and kayaking adventures.

Explore the Farne Islands

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Northumberland

Grey seal nibbling the hood of a scuba diver.
Farne Islands

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: Brandon, England

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

Explore this tranquil haven near the bustling city centre, with a miniature railway, Pets Corner, oodles of green space and the remains of the 12th-century Leicester Abbey.

Relax in Abbey Park

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

People walking across a bridge in Abbey Park, Leicester
Abbey Park

A glorious spot for walks and picnics, with a huge range of events too – such as outdoor concerts and wild cooking workshops.

Enjoy the blooms at Exbury Gardens

Photo by: Visit The New Forest

Location: England

Woman and child looking at tree blossom
Exbury Gardens

Hire a kayak or hop on a boat cruise to explore these chalk-white rock towers, which stand tall in the English Channel.

Set your sights on Old Harry Rocks

Photo by: foreadventure

Location: Studland, England

Person in canoe navigating coastline with cliffs in the background
Old Harry Rocks, Dorset

A popular spot for keen birdwatchers, there are chances to spot buzzards, green woodpeckers and more.

Visit Brading Marshes RSPB Reserve

Photo by: Visit Isle of Wight

Location: Brading, England

A man and a woman stand at gate with the town and sea beyond
Brading Marshes RSPB Reserve

The ponds are busy with dragonflies, while the towering treetops bristle with birds and squirrels.

More about C S Lewis Nature Reserve

Photo by: Ross Mackenzie/CS Lewis Nature Reserve

Location: Oxford, England

A lake in the CS Lewis Nature Reserve in Oxford
C S Lewis Nature Reserve

Enjoy an up-close alpaca experience where you'll get a chance to hand feed, capture photos and learn about the adorable animals.

Plan your alpaca encounter with London Alpacas

Photo by: London Alpacas

Location: London, England

Portrait shot of a white baby alpaca.
London Alpacas

London’s eight Royal Parks offer an oasis of calm in the city – as well as amazing venues for live music, festivals and theatre.

Explore London’s Royal Parks

Photo by: VisitBritain/Tareq Mooradun

Location: London, England

Man and woman walking in a park with pink spring blossom on the trees
London’s Royal Parks

Top outdoor experiences

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

    Photo by: Getty Images/E+/SolStock

    Location: Bardon Mill, England

    Two young adults walking the Northumberland, UK countryside.
  • Whether you’re cruising clifftops, or winding your way round lakes, discover spectacular cycling routes round Britain.

    Photo by: Getty Images/Peter Cade

    Location: Torpoint, England

    Family on bicycles looking across a field towards the horizon in the summer
  • Lose yourself in acres of ancient woodland, amble among prehistoric Wiltshire, and end with a dip in Roman Bath.

    Photo by: VisitBritain/LifewithBugo

    Location: Taplow, England

    Woman laughing sitting on the grass in front of a stately home
  • Discover one of 15 National Parks, which are dotted all across the country, from England’s south coast to the far reaches of Scotland.

    Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

    Location: Ashwick, England

    Horses and riders trotting through the shallow water.
  • Britain’s landscapes are as dramatic as they are diverse.

    Photo by: VisitScotland

    Location: Loch Katrine, Scotland

    Loch Katrine seen from the summit of Ben A'an in The Trossachs
  • See Britain's urban and rural areas from our waterways - from private canal boats to high speed jaunts along rivers.

    Photo by: VisitBritain/Mollie Bylett

    Location: London, England

    Two women paddling in a kayak on a river towards a bridge in a city
  • From kite surfing to kicking back on golden sands, Britain's beaches are waiting to be explored.

    Photo by: Shutterstock / Hugh O'Connor

    A surfer walking the beach in front of colourful beach huts
  • With peaceful gardens tucked away in bustling cities and a countryside full of enchanting green spaces, nourish your soul in nature across all corners of Britain.

    Photo by: VisitBritain/NYMNPA/Dependable Productions

    Location: Helmsley, England

    Two female friends walking through a formal garden
  • From the wild mountains and moors of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) to the slate slopes of Snowdonia (Eryri), the Cambrian Way takes in some of Wales’ most diverse landscapes.

    Photo by: VisitBritain/Storyman

    Location: Cardiff, Wales

    Woman standing with arms outstretched on a model Welsh dragon in front of a castle

Top outdoors and nature destinations

Plan your trip to Britain

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