Countryside

Revitalise your senses and explore hills, valleys, woodlands and rivers

Bluebell wood at Badbury Rings Kingston Lacy
Visitors walking in bluebell woodland at Hatchlands Park, Surrey

Bluebell woods near you 

Bluebells are a celebrated sign of spring. Find out where you can spot bluebells at one of our woodlands, gardens or parks near you.

Wild ponies grazing, Snowdonia

Wild places to get away from it all 

There are still areas of wilderness where you can really get away from it all. Here are some of our favourite wild places to get out and enjoy.

The Whitelady Waterfall, Lydford Gorge, Devon

Force of nature: waterfall walks 

We care for places with some breathtaking waterfalls. Venture out to one to fully experience the power and beauty of nature.

Visitors having a rest in parkland at Attingham Park, Shropshire

Our top spring nature walks 

Now's the perfect time to get outdoors for a walk, and see if you can spot signs of spring in our gardens and countryside.

Welsh mountain lambs exploring rocky terrain

Places you can see lambs 

Newborn lambs are one of the earliest signs of spring. Why not take a stroll through some of our places and see if you can spot the new arrivals taking their first steps?

Wicken Fen - Male bearded tit with fledglings

Places you can hear birdsong 

The return of birdsong and the dawn chorus is a sure sign that spring is on the way. Take a trip to one of these places to hear the local songbird populations in full voice.

Discover more top signs of spring More signs of spring
Countryside we recommend
View of Bath from the Skyline on Bathwick Fields

Bath Skyline 

South East of the city of Bath, Bath and NE Somerset

Wide open space overlooking the World Heritage City of Bath

Open today
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Boer War Monument at Coombe Hill

Chilterns Countryside 

Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

Rolling hills, distant views, chalk grassland, and acres of woodland to explore

River Wey near Newark road bridge

River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf 

Guildford, Surrey

Tranquil waterway running for nearly 20 miles through the heart of Surrey

Open today
View all opening times 

Find more countryside near you Explore the outdoors
An archive image of the people marching in the 1932 Kinder Scout trespass overlaid onto a modern day image of the landscape

People’s Landscapes: Explore the places that have shaped the nation 

In 2019 we’re marking the 200th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre, a turning point in our democracy, with a year-long programme that explores the role our places have played in social change. Through events, exhibitions and podcasts, you’ll be able to explore the untold histories that hide behind our landscapes.

Places that shaped the nation
Fingle Bridge in May

A beginner's guide to forest bathing 

Forest bathing is the practice of spending time among trees, which has been recognised for its benefits to the mind and body. If you've never tried it before, this handy guide will give you some top tips and places to go, so you can return to your roots.

Refresh yourself with a spot of forest bathing
Rangers surveying meadows in Langdale

Save the nation’s meadows 

Sadly, 97 per cent of our meadows have disappeared since the 1930s. Help us restore 1,000 hectares of wildflower meadows and protect species like the large blue butterfly, the turtledove and the great yellow bumblebee before it's too late.

Donate to the Making Meadows appeal

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Activities in your area

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See how the number of places we protect has grown and learn more about the special places we care for.

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