Britain’s Best Countryside Destinations
For a fairly small country, the UK has impressive expanses of beautiful natural surroundings, and it’s not surprising that so many holidaymakers decide to take a break in the British countryside. Here’s our pick of the best of British, along with some suggestions on what to do while you’re there:
The Lake District, Cumbria
With some of the most stunning scenery in the country, the Lake District has been inspiring artists and poets for centuries. Spanning over 2,000 sq km, the national park contains a few of Britain’s best-known natural features, including Lake Windermere, Ullswater and Scafell Pike – the latter making it as popular with mountain climbers as it is with those who want a relaxing country break.
What to do
Enjoy a steamboat ride on Windermere or Ullswater, visit Wordsworth’s former home (and the nearby museum) at Dove Cottage, and feed the giraffes at South Lakes Wild Animal Park. You could stay in a hotel or B&B.
The Isle of Wight
It’s amazing that more Brits don’t holiday in the Isle of Wight – it has great beaches, charming seaside towns, a relaxed pace of life and a warmer, sunnier climate than the mainland. More than half of the diamond-shaped island is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so there’s no shortage of spectacular views and great walking routes.
What to do
Visit Carisbrooke Castle, where King Charles I was imprisoned, ride a steam train through the scenic countryside and go on the fairground rides at Blackgang Chine. If this all sounds a bit sleepy for you, the world-famous Bestival in August certainly brings the island to life.
Glencoe, Scotland
Towering mountains, lochs and rivers make up the incredible scenery of Glencoe, whose wild landscapes are a world away from the cosy English countryside. Wildlife spotters can keep their eyes peeled for red and roe deer, buzzards and wildcats, and the more adventurous can hire kayaks and mountain bikes, or go skiing at the mountain resort.
What to do
Take in some live music and a home-cooked meal at the Clachaig Inn, follow the River Coe to Loch Leven and discover the region’s history at the Glencoe and North Lorn Folk Museum. Golfers can try their hand at the picturesque Dragon’s Tooth golf course.
The Lake District, Cumbria
With some of the most stunning scenery in the country, the Lake District has been inspiring artists and poets for centuries. Spanning over 2,000 sq km, the national park contains a few of Britain’s best-known natural features, including Lake Windermere, Ullswater and Scafell Pike – the latter making it as popular with mountain climbers as it is with those who want a relaxing country break.
What to do
Enjoy a steamboat ride on Windermere or Ullswater, visit Wordsworth’s former home (and the nearby museum) at Dove Cottage, and feed the giraffes at South Lakes Wild Animal Park. You could stay in a hotel or B&B.
The Isle of Wight
It’s amazing that more Brits don’t holiday in the Isle of Wight – it has great beaches, charming seaside towns, a relaxed pace of life and a warmer, sunnier climate than the mainland. More than half of the diamond-shaped island is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so there’s no shortage of spectacular views and great walking routes.
What to do
Visit Carisbrooke Castle, where King Charles I was imprisoned, ride a steam train through the scenic countryside and go on the fairground rides at Blackgang Chine. If this all sounds a bit sleepy for you, the world-famous Bestival in August certainly brings the island to life.
Glencoe, Scotland
Towering mountains, lochs and rivers make up the incredible scenery of Glencoe, whose wild landscapes are a world away from the cosy English countryside. Wildlife spotters can keep their eyes peeled for red and roe deer, buzzards and wildcats, and the more adventurous can hire kayaks and mountain bikes, or go skiing at the mountain resort.
What to do
Take in some live music and a home-cooked meal at the Clachaig Inn, follow the River Coe to Loch Leven and discover the region’s history at the Glencoe and North Lorn Folk Museum. Golfers can try their hand at the picturesque Dragon’s Tooth golf course.
Kalyan Panja
Kalyan Panja is a photographer and a travel writer sharing stories and experiences through photographs and words
