Countryside

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

Dog sitting on wall with owner
Knole park deer rut
Walking 

Autumn wildlife walks

Autumn is the time some of the UK’s most impressive wildlife events take place including deer ruts, seal pupping and the arrival of migrant birds – spectacles best glimpsed on foot. You can also spot fungi of all shapes, colours and textures on woodland floors and on the trees.

Walks for autumn wildlife
Swans on the river Wey, frosty towpath

Rivers and lakes 

Rivers and lakes have helped to create some of Britain's most iconic scenery. There's a great chance to see an array of wildlife or take to the water for a spot of watersports.

Some of our top rivers and lakes
Family stargazing evening at Fountains Abbey

Seeing stars 

Exploring our twinkling night sky is an adventure the whole family can enjoy. If you haven't been winter stargazing, now's a good time, so check out our beginners' guide.

A sunrise view of Minchinhampton Common, Gloucestershire, looking towards Burleigh from near Bownham

Top five grasslands 

Enjoy the peaceful open spaces of our grassy meadows, teeming with flowers and wildlife.

Our top five grasslands

Explore the Lake District

Young people wearing lifejackets paddling six canoes on Derwentwater in the Lake District

Sport for sceptics: the Lake District, Cumbria 

From family activities to tough mountain trails, there's something active for everyone to do at the places we look after in the Lake District.

Fly agaric mushroom close up, Lake District

The colours and scents of autumn in Borrowdale 

Explore Borrowdale in autumn, breathe in the scents and soak up the colours, whether you choose woodland walks, riverside rambles or easy access viewpoints.

Red cliffs, Cumbria

Whitehaven Coast, Cumbria 

Just a few miles from the border of the Lake District National Park, the Whitehaven Coast is known as the ‘colourful coast’. On a clear day you can even see across to Northern Ireland.

Discover

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

Use our Land Map

Shop online

Not quite set for your trip outdoors? We've got blankets, binoculars and outdoor gadgets to help you get the most from your visit

Browse our online shop

Active holidays

Ideally placed for watersports, walks and cycle paths, our countryside escapes will mean you're not short of things to do

Find your perfect holiday cottage