In England, discover the scenic splendour of the Lake District, walk in the footsteps of Roman legionaries along Hadrian's Wall and hike or bike through the Pennines one of England's last great expanses of wilderness. Experience honey-coloured limestone cottages and picturesque villages that dot green meadows, rolling hills and wooden vales in the Cotswolds. Abseil into the Cheddar Gorge and hike the dramatic south-west coast amid Celtic crosses and the remains of ancient castles.

In Wales, hike to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, walk in the footsteps of SAS warriors on the gruelling slopes of Pen y Fan or stroll the 299km-long national trail that follows the rugged coastline of Pembrokeshire. Explore the Crychan Forest in the Brecon Beacons on horseback or rent a barge and glide down the 56km-long Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

England's North Country

Explore some of England's most scenic national parks on a hiking, biking or horse riding tour along the backbone of Britain. Discover a scenic splendour of lakes, wild mountains and wooded dales.

The Lake District - Walk in the footsteps of English literary greats such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge and, like them, be inspired by the natural beauty of one of England's most scenic areas. Explore more than 2000 square km of rugged mountains, wooded valleys and meadows scattered with grazing sheep, waterfalls, stone villages, more than 15 major lakes and dozens of smaller ones. The best way to experience the Lake District is on foot and you can choose from almost 3000km of short and long distance trails. Try the 122km long Cumbria Way or the magnificent Coast-to-Coast Walk, a 305km long route that stretches from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, passing through the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.

Tramp across heather moorlands, over crags, through ravines and across high fells to the boulder field summit of Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain at 978m. Discover panoramic views over the Lake District and as far away as Snowdonia in Wales and the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland. Or hike to the grassy plateau of Castle Fell to see the ancient and dramatic stone circle at Castlerigg, one of England's more impressive prehistoric monuments, dating from around 3000 BC.

Later, relax with a pint of real ale in one of the region's atmospheric pubs. Or watch daffodils dance in the breeze from one of England's most scenic railway journeys: the 115km long settle Carlisle Railway, which runs over 20 major viaducts and through 24 tunnels on its journey across the scenic Eden Valley in the northern Lake District. You can also view the Lake District from the water: try a sunset cruise past forested islands and secluded bays on Lake Ullswater or on England's longest lake, Lake Windermere.

The Pennines - Discover one of England's last great expanses of wilderness. Hike the upland plateau across a wild landscape of undulating heather moorland and blanket peat. Try the Pennine Way, a classic 429km long traverse up the backbone of England through the Peak District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Northumberland National Park; allow 16 days to complete the walk. Thirty per cent of the trail is also open for biking and horse riding. Or try the Pennine Bridleway, a 209km route consisting of three stages that wind through the Pennine Hills past stone walls and across heather moorland and steep-sided gritstone valleys. This route is also open for biking and horse riding.

Hadrian's Wall - Explore on foot or bike a succession of mile-castles, turrets, forts and museums stretching along the Hadrian's Wall Path. Ordered built by the Roman emperor Hadrian in 122 AD to restrain contentious Scots and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 135km-long wall snakes across a stunning landscape from Wall's End in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west. Highlights along the route include the best-preserved stretch of the wall to the north of the Lake District in Northumberland; the Roman cavalry fort at Chesters Roman Fort and Museum in Humshaugh; and the Housestead's Roman Fort in Hexham, probably the most impressive of Britain's Roman forts. For an insight into the daily life of a Roman soldier, visit the nearby Roman Army Museum.

Peak District National Park - Hike or bike across this stunning 1449 square km region of sweeping moorland, valleys and steep hills scattered with meadows, streams and waterfalls. Choose from several trails, including the Monsal Trail between Buxton and Bakewell. For breathtaking views across the Peak District, hike to the ruins of Peveril Castle, which dates to the Norman Conquest.

South West England

Discover the charming Cotswolds, ponder the prehistoric ring of monolithic stones of Stonehenge, bike through the ancient New Forest, hike across the purple heather of Dartmoor, revitalise in Bath's warm mineral waters and discover some of the most beautiful beaches in Britain.

Cotswolds - Explore this evocative slice of England on foot, bike, horseback or car. The Cotswolds is famous for its honey-coloured limestone cottages and picturesque villages that dot the green meadows, rolling hills and wooded valleys rich with ancient beechwood trees and rare flora. Wander around the charming villages of Chipping Campden, Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury and Castle Combe. Hike the Cotswold Way National Trail, a 167km path that bisects some of England's most beautiful countryside and is renowned as one of England's great hiking trails.

The clearly signposted trail runs from Chipping Campden to the spa city of Bath and can take up to eight days to complete. Or try the shorter Warden's Way, a 1.6km long walk along the banks of the River Eye between the honey-coloured stone villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. Meander across footbridges and past stately trees and old millponds. The trail continues another 2.5km to the evocative Bourton-on-the-Water. Other highlights not to be missed include the Corinium Museum at Cirencester, home to one of the best collections of archaeological remains from the Roman occupation of Britain.

Bath- Revitalise in Bath's warm mineral waters, England's only hot springs. First discovered by the Celts and heralded for the water's natural purifying elements, then again later by the Romans, who built a temple and bathing complex during the 1st century AD for pilgrims journeying across the Empire. Bath is a masterpiece of Georgian architecture and a designated World Heritage Site.

Stonehenge - Stand beside the huge prehistoric ring of monolithic stones of Stonehenge, built between 2100 BC and 1500 BC, and ponder one of Britain's great archaeological mysteries: are they a sacrificial centre, a celestial timepiece, an ancient graveyard or something else entirely? The UNESCO World Heritage Site, which consists of two concentric stone circles encircled by a deep trench, stands on a small mound in the Wiltshire countryside not far from Salisbury.

Avebury Stone Circles - Discover the largest stone circle in Europe and one of Europe's leading prehistoric monuments, erected more than 4500 years ago and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander among the 100 huge stones that surround the village of Avebury, then relax over a pint of ale in the village pub, which stands at the centre of the circles.

Longleat - Discover African wildlife including lions, tigers and giraffes at the Safari Park. Get lost in the 'Hedge Maze' then explore one of the England's most beautiful stately homes, a magnificent Elizabethan property that is home to the 7th Marques of Bath.

Glastonbury Abbey - Explore one of the great abbeys of England and learn about its intriguing legends. One story says that Jesus came here as a child with Joseph of Arimathea, while another says that King Arthur was buried at Glastonbury, the site of the fabled Avalon.

Cheddar Caves & Gorge - Go caving, climbing and abseiling in the Cheddar Gorge, a karst limestone and grassland nature reserve that is home to many rare plants and animals, including Peregrine falcons and the endangered greater horseshoe bat. See spectacular stalactites and stalagmites mirrored in pools of water in the Cheddar Caves, once inhabited around 40,000 years ago. Climb the lookout tower for stunning views over the countryside, take a 5km cliff-top walk around Britain's biggest gorge at 121m in height and then watch cheese being made in the nearby village.

South west coast - This dramatic 1014km-long coastline is best experienced on foot. Don't miss the 152km long section between Orcombe Point in East Devon and Old Harry Rocks in Dorset, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This section provides an almost continuous geological time capsule spanning the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods: 185 million years of the earth's history. Look out for fossils while enjoying the dramatic scenery. Part of the trail is divided into sections, with 21km also available for biking. In Cornwall, explore Britain's most southerly point and discover stunning landscapes of wooded valleys, historic market towns and picturesque fishing villages. Walk among ancient antiquities, such as Celtic crosses, stone circles and the remains of Iron Age villages. Don't miss Tintagel Castle; occupied since Roman times and the legendary birthplace of King Arthur and home of Merlin the Magician. Discover the 2nd century AD Cerne Abbas Giant, a 54m-high club-wielding man etched into the grassy slopes; it has long been regarded as an ancient sign of fertility.

Dartmoor National Park -Discover some of the more than 800km of trails that unwind across fields of purple heather in this national park, home to the famous Dartmoor pony. Join one of the guided walks offered by the Dartmoor National Park Authority to see the best of the moor.

Exmoor - Hike across heather-clad moorlands to a rugged coastline of plunging cliffs and secluded bays. Discover ancient oak woodlands, England's highest sea cliffs, rivers and waterfalls in a landscape dotted with medieval towns, villages and harbours. Go walking, cycling, horse riding and fishing or spot wildlife such as the Exmoor Pony and wild red deer.

New Forest - Discover on foot, bike or horseback a protected paradise of open heathland that has changed little since it was first requisitioned as a game reserve by William the Conqueror in 1079 AD. Watch wild ponies graze by the roadside and deer on the tree line as pigs forage for beechnuts and donkeys amble along the many pathways. In spring and autumn, discover a purple carpet of heather speckled with bright yellow splashes of gorse and listen out for the haunting cries of the curlew and lapwing or the mellow tune of the woodlark.

Wales

Walk in the footsteps of SAS warriors on the gruelling slopes of Pen y Fan or hike to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. Saddle up and explore the Crychan Forest in the Brecon Beacons or rent a bike and cycle through meadows of wildflowers along the banks of the 56km-long Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

Snowdonia - Explore on foot, horseback or by mountain bike the numerous trails that meander through some of the most spectacular countryside in Wales. In Snowdonia National Park, an unspoilt region covering 2131 square km in northern Wales, discover mountain peaks, dense forests, windswept moorland, lakes, tranquil estuaries and rivers that flow through picturesque valleys dotted with charming stone villages. Hike one of several trails to the summit of Mount Snowdon - at 1085m the highest peak in Wales and England - or ride the charming one-carriage narrow-gauge Snowdon Mountain Railway, the only rack and pinion railway left in the United Kingdom. Either way you will discover great views across the park and as far away as the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland.

Sail or kayak Llyn Tegid, Wales's largest natural lake and enjoy year-round white water rafting on tumultuous rivers near the town of Bala. Hike the more than 40km of coastline or cycle through Gwydir Forest. Saddle up for a scenic ride along the Mawddach Valley or into the foothills of Mount Snowdon and spot various wading birds at the Conwy Estuary Reserve. Snowdonia is also famous for its well-preserved medieval castles of Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech, which were built by Edward 1st and are now a designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The massive Caernarfon Castle, built in 1283 AD on the site of an earthen Norman motte-and-bailey castle and former Roman fort, is particularly worth exploring.

Brecon Beacons - Experience a wilderness region in south-east Wales of rounded hills, ancient woodlands, breathtaking waterfalls, sweeping moorlands and caves perfect for exploring on foot, horseback or by mountain bike. Explore the Brecon Beacons National Park, 835 square km of natural beauty that takes in the Black Mountains and the 886m Pen Y Fan, the highest point in southern Britain (and used by Britain's elite Special Air Service Regiment for selection and continuous training). Hike across a series of hills known as 'Fans' to the sandstone massif of Fawr Forest and discover steep river valleys with spectacular waterfalls. Or climb to the summit of Fan Brycheiniog (802m), which contains two glacial lakes. Stroll through steep-sided, tree-lined gorges along the Mellte River to see caves and stunning waterfalls. Saddle up and explore some of the 900km of bridle paths that criss-cross the spectacular scenery through Crychan Forest, Torfaen and along the western flank of the Black Mountains. Or rent a barge and glide down the 56km long Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Along the way, look out for mallards, moorhens, kingfishers, herons and butterflies; fish for carp and bream; and perhaps cycle or walk part of the way through meadows of wildflowers.

Pembrokeshire Coast - In western Wales, explore the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, acclaimed for its dramatic coastal scenery and the only coastal park in Britain. Choose from more than 200 trails that are equally enjoyable on bike or horseback. Try the 299km long national trail that runs along a rugged coastline past frothing seas, towering cliffs, wooded estuaries and beaches nestled in sheltered coves. Along the way look out for Neolithic cromlechs, Iron Age promontory forts and the chapels of early Celtic worshippers. Try rock climbing or coasteeing a locally invented sport where, dressed in wet suits and hard hats, you rock climb across cliff faces until you can't go any further, at which point you simply jump into the sea and start white water swimming to the next cliff! (Not for the faint or weak hearted). Alternatively, explore the coast by kayak or high-speed inflatable to see birds such as puffins, razorbills and oystercatchers as well as grey seals and bottle- nosed dolphins.

Best time to go

Any time. England's climate is generally mild with damp winters and moderate summers. Typically, weather varies from day to day with the southern regions being warmer and sunnier than the north, where you can expect a colder and windier climate. Summer averages 18 degrees celsius with a high of 30 degrees celsius, while spring and autumn average 13 degrees celsius and winter averages 5 degree celsius with a low of –4 degrees celsius.

Things to do

Choose to walk, bike or horseback ride along some of the 15 long distance national trails that reveal some of the most outstanding natural beauty in England and Wales, or discover countless other signposted trails.

Hiking - England and Wales alone offer more than 161,000km of trails and footpaths that range across the best of Britain's landscape. Explore the Lake District and the Cotswolds on a privately guided tour, or journey independently; you'll never be far from a hospitable country inn or hotel. Try the Thames Path, a 290km long car-free path that traces the river from its source near Kemble in the Cotswolds to the London flood barrier. Some 15 national trails in England and Wales provide walkers with around 4000km of long distance paths through Britain's countryside. In Wales, try the Mawddach Trail, a traffic-free trail that follows the beautiful Mawddach Estuary in the Snowdonia National Park and is considered to be one of the best walking trails in the UK.

Biking - Discover the National Cycle Network, which runs from Dover in south-east England to Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland. Paths range through nearly 16,000km of bike paths following old railway lines, along canal towpaths and riverbanks and through some of England's most charming villages. The more popular routes include: the Sea-to-Sea Cycle Route, a 225km path that links the Irish Sea with the North Sea across north Lake District and the Pennine Hills; the 402km-long Essex Cycle Route; the Devon Coast-to-Coast, a 145km route in south-west England, skirting Dartmoor; the West Country Way, a 399km route linking the Cornish coast to Bath and Bristol; the 157km-long Thames Valley Cycle Route from London to Oxford; and the 320km-long Oxfordshire Cycleway that flows through the Chilterns.

Horseback riding - England offers a great variety of trails for horseback riding and horses are available for rent by the hour or longer. From wild moorland and unspoilt forests to hidden valleys and dramatic coastlines, you're never far from an exciting horseback riding experience. Try the 400km long Heritage Trail across open moorlands and rolling hills through Lincolnshire and East and North Yorkshire; the Pennine Bridleway, a 330km long hack through Derbyshire and Cumbria passing green fields bounded by dry stone walls; the Three Rivers Ride from Worcestershire through Herefordshire into Wales, passing through the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park; or the Ceiriog Trail, a 37km trail across mainly flat meadowland bounded by steep tree-covered hillsides.

Fly-fishing - Fly-fishing was born in England, so cast your line in the quick flowing rivers of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District of Cumbria for wild brown trout and grayling, or in the wild rivers of Wales for salmon, sea trout and brown trout. Or make the pilgrimage to probably the most famous trout stream in the world; the River Test in Hampshire is regarded as the birthplace of modern fly-fishing.

Golf - While some of the most prestigious courses are usually reserved exclusively for members, other private clubs are available for play as are all public courses. Try a golf package to see the best of England and play on some of her best courses.