Visit England’s countryside

The Broads is Britain’s magical waterland, 125 miles of peaceful waterways that you can navigate at your own pace, on a day boat, sailing boat or luxury cruiser. To start, head for Wroxham – only eight miles from Norwich – with numerous places to hire a boat, canoe or bike to explore the landscapes and wildlife. And it’s not all about birds: try an evening bat or moth tour, a wildflower walk, otter spotting or a photographic day out under the guidance of a local photographer. Or keep it simple and relax; take a picnic on board or find a mooring and sample the local ales at waterside pubs.

There aren’t many places where you can combine all-out physical activity with complete relaxation – but the Peak District is undoubtedly one of them. For taking it easy there’s the historic spa town of Buxton, the magnificent stately home of Chatsworth and the picturesque tea shops and country pubs of Derbyshire. However, with the spectacular underground/overground combination of Poole’s Cavern, the treetop zipwire thrills of Go Ape and the four mile-long rock climbers’ playground that is the gritstone crag Stanage Edge, you can get as full-on as you want. And with expert training offered for all abilities, anyone can experience the thrills.

The Durham Dales are a breathtaking landscape of heather moors, rivers, waterfalls, meadows, hills and valleys, dotted with lovely villages and market towns. The area’s beauty has inspired great works of creativity, including the poems of Sir Walter Scott and the paintings of JMW Turner. You’ll be inspired by the five-mile jaunt between High Force and Low Force waterfalls, or head for Hamsterley Forest for a poetic wander through nature. There are cycle routes, too, for the freewheeling and for those who prefer a serious challenge. Beyond these inland pleasures, the Durham Heritage Coast offers glorious beaches and rugged clifftop walks.