There is really nowhere else quite like England’s Great Outdoors. From tranquil countrysides to National Parks with World Heritage statuses, there’s a high chance you won’t find anywhere else with as many walking trails, photo opportunities or country pubs! Find out the best of England’s great outdoors below.
Lake District National Park
If you are visiting England solely for its great outdoors, you’d be silly to miss out the Lake District National Park, England’s largest National Park. Here you’ll find England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and its largest natural lake, Windermere. It’s really no wonder why this amazing outdoors space was awarded World Heritage status in 2017. The park is open to the public at all times, all year round. With more than 3,100km of rights way, visitors can walk or cycle around the beautiful countryside in the northwest of England.
Hadrian’s Wall Path
Walk the 84-mile-long National Trail of the Hadrian’s Wall Path and follow the remains of the Roman Empire’s mighty stone frontier. Stretching from Wallsend in Newcastle upon Tyne, all the way to Bowness-on-Solway, the whole trail would take around 6 or 7 days to complete. But you don’t have to do it all in the one go, there are plenty of circular walks around the trail that everyone can enjoy! Aside from taking in the great scenery, embrace history every step of the way, whilst stopping off at snug pubs and busy market towns. The walls itself was awarded World Heritage Status in 1987.
New Forest National Park
Once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror, New Forest National Park is today one of the largest remaining unspoilt tracts of unenclosed heathland and forest in Southern England. Saddle up for a bit of horse riding alongside the clear rivers, or simply roam around and spot the wild deer, ponies and cattle that wander freely around the woodland. Although you’ll feel like you are in a world a million miles away, would you believe that such a place is only a 90-minute train journey away from London?
Norfolk Broads
The Norfolk Broads, otherwise known as The Broads National Park is made up over 60 man-made open areas of water and seven rivers in which visitors can sail along in a boat, canoe, kayak or paddleboard. With many rare and unusual birds that are spotted here all year round, the Broads is an ideal location for birdwatchers to spy the likes of common cranes, marsh harriers and bearded tits. Although exploring this vast landscape by boat is the most popular method, there are over 300km of footpaths through picturesque landscapes and nature reserves.
Durham Heritage Coast
From colliery waste, to beautiful clifftop scenery and sandy beaches, the Durham Heritage Coast is one that has been affected by constant change. It’s hard to believe that one of the finest coastlines in England was once a waste land, especially when you witness just how colourful and natural the landscape is. Here, you can take to the waves on a surfboard or learn about the extensive history of the Coast and how other people have helped shape the landscape.
Experience the great English outdoors with Best of Scotland Holidays. You’ll spend 6 nights in hotel accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast basis, with a self-drive rental car and a English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass.
Get in touch with us today to find out more about our English Outdoors package.