Countryside

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

A beautiful autumn landscape full of autumn colour — The land ablaze with Autumn colour

View through woodland alley with autumnal trees at the Ashridge Estate

Woodland walks

Majestic landscaped woodlands and tranquil tree-lined avenues are the perfect spaces to get closer to nature, particularly in autumn when they burst with colour and wildlife.

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.

Brent geese over Strangford Lough, County Down, Northern Ireland

Autumn is the time to look out for hundreds of varieties of migrant birds, seeking refuge from the harsh winters of Scandinavia, the Arctic and northern Europe. From geese and swans to redwings and fieldfares, there are plenty of birds to look out for. Here are some of our top autumn walks for bird-watching - don't forget to take your binoculars.

Walker enjoys the view at Brecon Beacons National Park

Walks for challenge seekers

Push yourself further on one of our favourite challenging walking routes; from mountain hikes and lengthy trails to upland walks and difficult terrain.

Countryside we recommend

Bath Skyline

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

Wide open space overlooking the World Heritage City of Bath

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Chilterns Countryside

Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

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

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River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf

Guildford, Surrey

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

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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 — The mass trespass of Kinder Scout, Derbyshire in 1932 was a pivotal moment in the fight for access to the countryside

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