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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

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

Midlands

Visit Leicester

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

VisitBritain/Becky Stacey

A woman with her arms raised enjoying the view from high

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

VisitBritain/Ryan Lomas

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

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

VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

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

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

Lowland Scotland

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

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 - it’s bursting with bombastic scenery.

North Wales

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

VisitBritain/Chris Ceasar

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

National Trust/Greentraveller

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

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

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

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

VisitBritain/MattCant

Cyclist riding on road through green dales. Panoramic views

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

South West England

Shutterstock / Hugh O'Connor

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

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Horses and riders trotting through the shallow water.

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

South East England

VisitBritain/Dipyourtoesin

Kent

Man and woman walking between vines at a vineyard

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

South West England

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

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

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

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

VisitBritain

Cotswolds, England

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

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

North Wales

VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Castle standing on a grassy hilltop. Blue skies and clouds

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

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

The Cairngorms National Park

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

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

Michael Whitefoot

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

Welcome to Yorkshire

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

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

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

VisitBritain/Jack Anstey

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

VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

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

Peter Morgan

A long range shot of Pembroke Castle at night
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

Dartmoor National Park Authority

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

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

The Cairngorms National Park

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

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

Michael Whitefoot

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

Welcome to Yorkshire

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

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

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

VisitBritain/Jack Anstey

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

VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

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

Peter Morgan

A long range shot of Pembroke Castle at night
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

Dartmoor National Park Authority

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…