From the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales to the sights worth seeing across influential cities like London and Manchester, England is home to highly diverse landscapes perfect for an active holiday to unravel. Whether you want to cycle through busy cityscapes on riversides or be in a secluded ambiance up charming greenery and mountainscapes, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Here is a guide to everything you need to know for an active getaway here, pre-departure.
The Best Places to Go on an Active Holiday in England
From North to South, East to West, England hosts an array of cultural attractions and natural landscapes, for travelers to get active in. Head to the globally renowned UNESCO-protected site of the Lake District in Cumbria. Trek up the highest peak in the country, Scarfell Pike, and sit at the summit with local sandwiches for a quintessential English enjoyment to make the ascent all worth it. If you’d rather get on two wheels, cycle on the flat land lakeside, or mountain bike up the hills. You can even face natural rock climbing walls with the likes of Langdale before cooling off in the largest lake in England, Derwentwater.
If a coastal retreat is more ideal, Cornwall is a paradise of beachfront promenades lined with local shops and eateries. Trek the rugged coastline, including cliff-side climbs, and capture the picturesque sea views from hilltops. From novice to experts, surfing is a phenomenon here. Uncover the paradise feels of Fistral Beach in Newquay and head out to sea with board in hand. No matter the weather, locals and tourists alike love the scramble into the sea. For a more Northern alternative to the Cornish coast, Northumberland offers a seamless mix of coast lining cascading greenery, and natural wonder. Hike in The Northumberland National Park or consider cycling up and along the rolling cliffside coastline. Many also love horseback riding here, so take a load off your feet and get even closer to animal life in the area.
The Best Places to Stay on an Active Holiday in England
No matter whether you’re booking well in advance, or require last-minute accommodation deals, England is scattered with unique hubs to stay in for a getaway, no matter the occasion or party size. Pick out serene houses nestled within countryside landscapes, or quaint cottages overlooking the seafront. You could even stay in the surrounding seclusion of a city. Pick Kent, for instance, and stay amid refined greenery, while still having the accessibility of shopping days in London.
If it’s a corporate retreat or a full family affair, even consider renting out a traditional English mansion. With intricate architectural detailing and grand rooms inside, enjoy restful nights cooking all together after busy days on foot. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a romantic weekend retreat or a week-long holiday, the English landscape is scattered with unique, creative accommodation options.
The Best Time to Go on Holiday in England
While England is renowned for unpredictable climates, the landscape can still be visited at any time of the year. For the greatest chance of a somewhat tropical feel on the beaches, the summer months prove year after year to be the most popular for warmer travel. The country also hosts a wide array of outdoor music festivals from June to August, so it’s prime time for attracting fans from around the world to England. Family-friendly destinations are in full swing during this season too following the school holidays for children.
In the Spring, countryside destinations like the Cotswolds come alive with budding floral hues. With fewer tourists than in peak summer months, this is a great time for adults wanting a more secluded retreat to unfold amid walks up and down hillsides. Take on city dreams at this time in the quaint walls of Bath or York, to embrace traditional architecture forming local shopping and eatery districts. Meanwhile, autumn leaves create scenic trails for woodland walking and the crunch underfoot is guaranteed to please little legs. Stay in cozy lodges to spend evenings wrapped up together around fireplaces lit by movie screens.
The Best Things to Do in England
There is a wide array of fun to be had for all, in England. From playing cards around the table together in the winter to large scale, there is something for every enthusiast to enjoy. Why not try to find Grandstand tickets for the renowned motorsport racing in Silverstone? While you won’t be behind the wheel yourselves, the high step count of walking around the paddocks is more than likely to tire you out enough for well-earned sleep in traditional tenting. Cycle, run, walk, or sail around the British Isles and uncover a world of adventure and exploration in England.
Packing for England
Packing for any holiday can be strenuous and that’s no less apparent with an English escape. The unpredictability of the climate means it’s best to be prepared for all seasons in one trip. Lightweight layers, to thick waterproof outerwear are your best bets. Walking boots are essential for an active getaway, or the necessary cycling or climbing equipment. Just make sure to save some extra room in suitcases for the perfect take-home mementos to remind you of your English adventure forever!
Summary
Enjoy an enchanting escape like no other. Whether it’s a trip to the bright lights of London or the quaint feel of the Cotswolds, quintessential England can be relished up and down the country. Get active in the beautiful natural world here. England, awaits.
