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Discover some of the best places for walks, including ancient woodland, stretches of coast and green parkland.
Places that could be abroad
Have you been craving sandy beaches, turquoise waters, Mediterranean landscapes or alpine forests? If you think you have to travel abroad to see these exotic settings, think again. You can find places of international beauty right here on your doorstep, at places in our care. Here’s our pick of the best.
- International influence at Biddulph Grange Garden, Staffordshire
- A stroll around the garden at Biddulph takes you on a global journey. Wander from the Italian countryside to the pyramids of Egypt, then look out from the Chinese watchtower or visit a recreation of a Himalayan glen. There are plenty of exotic plants to discover too, thanks to the work of Victorian plant collectors.Visit Biddulph Grange Garden
- Towering trees at The Pinetum, Cragside, Northumberland
- Step into a shaded woodland at Cragside's pinetum. Its towering conifers and rugged landscape are reminiscent of the dramatic Rocky Mountains range in North America. Follow the weaving path alongside the babbling stream and spot birds swooping and diving across the water.Visit Cragside
- Mediterranean planting at Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk
- With climate change indicating a long-term rise in temperatures, the team at Felbrigg have chosen their planting scheme with warmer weather in mind. The Walled Garden is brimming with Mediterranean plants, including fragrant herbs like sage, lavender and mint. Have a visit on a warm day to feel instantly transported to sunnier shores.Visit Felbrigg Hall
- German-inspired woodland at Hughenden, Buckinghamshire
- Delve into the evergreen woodland on the Hughenden estate. Inspired by Benjamin and Mary Anne Disraeli's visits to the Northern Bohemian forests on Germany's border, this 1.5 mile walk winds through woodland, valleys and fields that wouldn't be out of place in the German countryside.Visit Hughenden
- Italianate garden at Ickworth, Suffolk
- For a taste of Italy, head to the Italianate Garden at Ickworth with its corridors of manicured hedges and towering cypress trees. Encircling the Rotunda, the garden is inspired by the Hervey family’s travels in Europe.Visit Ickworth
- Explorer's paradise at Kingston Lacy, Dorset
- Explore the seven-acre Japanese garden which was created in the early 1900s at Kingston Lacy. You'll see bamboo plants, granite lanterns and an authentic Japanese tea house. Trees from Japan have been planted around the garden, which adds to the feeling that you're travelling abroad.Visit Kingston Lacy
- Vibrant colour at Mottistone Gardens, Isle of Wight
- The Isle of Wight's warm maritime climate and Mottistone’s sheltered valley setting allow exotic plants to flourish here. Discover red spider flowers, palms and banana plants. Fragrant ginger lilies mingle with the feathery leaves of African grasses and there’s even a small olive grove.Visit Mottistone Gardens
- Exotic blooms at Mount Stewart, County Down
- Visit the Italian and Spanish gardens at Mount Stewart for a taste of Southern Europe. Lady Londonderry designed the gardens herself, inspired by her travels in Andalusia and the famous Renaissance gardens of Italy. Thanks to Mount Stewart’s mild microclimate, she was able to grow many exotic plants that provide vivid colour and sweet perfume to this day.Visit Mount Stewart
- Golden sands at Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry
- The beach at Portstewart Strand is known for its scenic sand dunes and dramatic cliffs. Take a leisurely afternoon stroll here, next to rippling waves, to feel like you're walking on a tropical island, even if you still have your coat on.Visit Portstewart Strand
- Italianate influences at Powis Castle and Garden, Powys
- Powis Castle and Garden still has many of its original features, including 17th-century Italianate terraces lined with vibrant herbaceous borders. They're considered to be the most well-preserved terraces of this kind. Venture up on them and you'll get sweeping views across the garden, deer park and mountains beyond.Visit Powis Castle and Garden
- Delos at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent
- Experience a taste of island life as you stroll through Delos, the garden area named after the Greek island. It's inspired by the visits of Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson.Visit Sissinghurst Castle Garden
- Dutch landscapes at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire
- With its flat, open landscapes and tranquil waterways, Wicken Fen could easily be confused for rural Holland. If you follow the boardwalk through the rushes, you’ll even come across a historic windpump. Keep an eye out for the Konik ponies too, the same breed used for conservation grazing along the River Meuse near Maastricht.Visit Wicken Fen
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Outdoor activities
Searching for a new outdoor activity to try? Discover the best places in our care for outdoor activities, including off-road cycle tracks, walking trails and coastlines for watersports.