The countryside offers ample opportunities for a variety of different interests.
Activities to enjoy on country breaks include:
- Sightseeing
- Rambling
- Cycling
- Horse riding
- Wildlife watching
- Fishing
- Clay pigeon shooting
Sightseeing:
People enjoying cottage holidays can visit innumerable magnificent parks in the British countryside. These calm, quiet and scenic natural treasures are wonderful places to relax and rejuvenate. Relaxing strolls in these parks can be great fun for all the family and for four legged friends too. Some of the wonderful parks in the UK countryside are smaller local parks such as Aldenham Country Park, Avon Heath Country Park, and Wellington Country Park. The Afan Forest Park, Almondell and Calderwood Country Park, Baggeridge Country Park and Beecraigs Country Park are some of the other areas which boast splendid beauty. Most areas in the UK have their own country park which can be a delight to visit.
Nationally, there are 15 national parks in the United Kingdom which are officially recognised areas of outstanding countryside. Within England the National Parks are the Norfolk Broads, Dartmoor, Exmoor, the Lake District, the New Forest, Northumberland, the North York Moors, the South Downs and the Yorkshire Dales. Scotland has the Cairngorms, in the Scottish Highlands and Loch Lomond in central Scotland. Wales has the Brecon Beacons national park, the Pembrokeshire Coast and Snowdonia.
Some people adore being immersed in the greenery of the countryside whereas others love to visit small villages nestled in the countryside. Britain has a number of fascinating historical villages nestled amongst pleasant countryside, many of which have delightful tea shops where you can have a well earned rest.
Rambling:
Whether you enjoy walking through greenery, passing through pretty villages, or walking by the coast there are miles and miles of pastures new to explore in the UK. National parks tend to have excellent facilities for tourists, as do many Forestry Commission parks. For serious walking remember to wear walking boots, appropriate clothing for all weathers and take a walking pole.
Horse riding:
Horse riding can be an exhilarating affair. May be the last time you got on a horse was when you were just a child? It could now be time to get back on the horse. There are various stables offering horse riding lessons throughout the British countryside. Some of these offer treks through beautiful countryside, which may suit you down to the ground.
Wildlife watching:
Britain is home to an amazing array of different birds. Brightly coloured pheasants can be seen particularly in and near fields and pastures. Certain birds of prey can also be spotted in parts of the UK. These include hawks, red kites and even eagles. In deep countryside you may even be lucky enough to spot an owl.
Other wildlife in Britain include foxes, squirrels, badgers and otters. Foxes can sometimes be seen in country areas and even in certain parts of towns at night time. Deer can also be found within the forests. Looking out for deer whilst on forest walks can be an exhilarating experience.
Off the coast in the UK, mainly in Scotland, it is possible to spot dolphins or Whales. Dolphins are known to be found in the Moray Firth in the North of Scotland and certain Scottish islands such as the Inner Hebrides, the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland are known for good whale watching opportunities in season. Remember to check out the best times of year for spotting whales before booking your holiday if you want to enjoy some whale watching on your holiday.
Fishing:
Some find fishing quite a tranquil experience, sitting waiting for the fish to bite. A number of cottages specialise in fishing breaks, which is good news if you are looking for accommodation with fishing facilities nearby or on site. Fishing can be for freshwater or saltwater fish and different people prefer different types of fishing with their different techniques. Click for self catering with fishing.
Clay pigeon shooting:
Anyone who has tried clay pigeon shooting will know that it is not as easy as it looks. Clay pigeon shooting can get the adrenaline running and is bound to be enjoyed by those with a good aim. With clay pigeon shooting no birds are hurt, as the activity consists of firing rounds at clay discs.
Some people take part in blood sports in the countryside. Examples of such blood sports include fox hunting and deer stalking. Laws in the UK regulate such activities though. Many nowadays find the thought of such 'sports' quite distasteful, particularly if the animal being hunted is not being hunted for food.
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