Of course, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are different – as different as pasties, haggis, colcannon and Welsh cakes. As for landscapes, contrast the Scottish Highlands and islands with the Welsh valleys and dramatic coastline. Natural wonders? How about the extraordinary Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland (that’s Game of Thrones country). And England’s variety astonishes visitors, from the romantic Lake District and Cornwall to castles, stately homes and elegant gardens. Follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare and Harry Potter; visit the free, world-class museums and galleries in cities, such as London, Manchester, Liverpool, Oxford and Bath, Glasgow and Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
TIP: Herefordshire’s Golden Valley looks ‘forever England’. Stroll round picture-postcard villages, such as Peterchurch, Vowchurch and Turnastone. At the 800-year-old Pandy Inn in Dorstone, relax over pints of proper cider produced by Gwatkin’s, just down the valley in Abbey Dore.
The Pennine Way is a long-distance trail in England, spanning 268 miles (429 km) from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. Walking the section from Edale to Horton in Ribblesdale is a popular route, covering approximately 46 miles (74 km) and taking 3-4 days to complete, depending on your pace.
Fly to Barra in the Outer Hebrides where you can land on a sparkling sandy beach. Even the terminal building has a seaview and serves homemade scones and fresh coffee to passengers - air travel will never seem the same again. What’s more this small island makes for a perfect escape for a few days with plenty to explore.
Lady Anne’s Way is a classic long distance walk . It extends for 100 miles, starting in the rugged limestone countryside of the Yorkshire Dales, all the way to the villages of the Eden Valley, ending in Penrith.
Our most popular wildlife holiday in search of whales, otters and eagles
Enjoy walking in one of the sunniest places in the UK.
The island is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Marvel at the iconic chalk edge ‘The Needles’ with its 33-metre-high lighthouse.
Seasoned walkers will enjoy this long distance walking challenge. Starting in the UNESCO Wolrd Heritage site of Saltaire and finishing in Appleby in Cumbria this is a moderate to challenging walk over a combination of open moorland, limestone pavement, prominent hills and valley floors.
The Northumberland Coast is well known for its striking landscape - sweeping beaches, castles, rocky cliffs, sand dunes and isolated islands. The route is a mainly flat walk . It can be completed by those with limited walking experience.
An easy-to-follow gentle walk through the Norfolk countryside.
Lovely coastal villages and interesting historical buildings.
Lots of birdlife and internationally recognised wildlife reserves.
Beautiful beaches.
No hills!
Soak up 5,000 years of history on Britain’s oldest road.
Walk within two designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Enjoy easy walking over the North Wessex chalk downs with far reaching views.
Pass through five of the greenest counties in England.
The Cumbria Way starts in the market town of Ulverston in the south of Cumbria, to Carlisle on the Scottish Border in the north. It runs for 72 miles, passing through some of the Lake Districts most spectacular scenery.
