An escape to the country on a UK break offers a wealth of choice, in terms of the possible destinations and the itinerary. There are any number of small historic villages and towns filled with graceful mansions and Churches, and surrounded by picturesque countryside vistas. Travelers in these parts can expect areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs), nature reserves, parks and open spaces around every town.
The English countryside alone will fill up any possible itinerary. Visitors can plan to visit either the Peak District or Dartmoor, or enjoy the beauty of the Lake District and Cumbria. Some may prefer an Arthurian trip to Somerset, to see Glastonbury and the Cheddar Caves.
The Cotswolds and the verdant Yorkshire Dales form the heart of the countryside. Bath is a popular destination, and a visit here would be incomplete without a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare's home turns out to be quite a tourist hotspot, and perhaps less rural than one expects.
Another huge destination is the million acres of drained marshland in the Fens, spread over four counties including Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire. The black soil has been a boon to agriculture, and the towns here are very prosperous. Visitors will find these villages filled with Tudor era and Georgian structures and old Churches, and surrounded by natural attractions and wetlands.
Those intent on visiting the Welsh countryside can start with a visit to Pembrokeshire in West Wales. Brecon Beacon dominates the landscape with 519 miles of rolling green hills and mountains, valleys and lakes in mid-Wales. Visitors are also urged to take a tour of the Gower Peninsula, which is the first AONB in Britain.
The Scottish countryside is a mystical and mysterious place for visitors. A visit to the Scottish Highlands to see Loch Ness, Glen Coe and Ben Nevis will thrill anyone who has not been here before. In N. Ireland, most of the tourists get caught up in the cities and coastal attractions in County Antrim, but the real beauty is in the countryside in Islandmagee, Minnowburn, and Divis and the Black Mountain.
Above all, do not forget about the Countryside Code. While on an escape to the country on a UK break, visitors are allowed land access and can roam around mostly as they please. But in turn they have to make sure the needs of locals are respected, and gates should be left as they are. Use paths when crossing crop fields, and keep dogs under control. Wildlife and farm animals need to be given their due space.
The English countryside alone will fill up any possible itinerary. Visitors can plan to visit either the Peak District or Dartmoor, or enjoy the beauty of the Lake District and Cumbria. Some may prefer an Arthurian trip to Somerset, to see Glastonbury and the Cheddar Caves.
The Cotswolds and the verdant Yorkshire Dales form the heart of the countryside. Bath is a popular destination, and a visit here would be incomplete without a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare's home turns out to be quite a tourist hotspot, and perhaps less rural than one expects.
Another huge destination is the million acres of drained marshland in the Fens, spread over four counties including Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire. The black soil has been a boon to agriculture, and the towns here are very prosperous. Visitors will find these villages filled with Tudor era and Georgian structures and old Churches, and surrounded by natural attractions and wetlands.
Those intent on visiting the Welsh countryside can start with a visit to Pembrokeshire in West Wales. Brecon Beacon dominates the landscape with 519 miles of rolling green hills and mountains, valleys and lakes in mid-Wales. Visitors are also urged to take a tour of the Gower Peninsula, which is the first AONB in Britain.
The Scottish countryside is a mystical and mysterious place for visitors. A visit to the Scottish Highlands to see Loch Ness, Glen Coe and Ben Nevis will thrill anyone who has not been here before. In N. Ireland, most of the tourists get caught up in the cities and coastal attractions in County Antrim, but the real beauty is in the countryside in Islandmagee, Minnowburn, and Divis and the Black Mountain.
Above all, do not forget about the Countryside Code. While on an escape to the country on a UK break, visitors are allowed land access and can roam around mostly as they please. But in turn they have to make sure the needs of locals are respected, and gates should be left as they are. Use paths when crossing crop fields, and keep dogs under control. Wildlife and farm animals need to be given their due space.
