There’s nothing quite like rambling through the English countryside, with its dramatic dales, patchwork hills, winding roads and ancient woodlands. Those who haven’t visited before may be doubtful about whether they can keep themselves entertained, but with so many stunning gardens, ancient stone circles, quaint villages, crumbling castles and market towns, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
What does it mean to ramble? For those who are new the term, rambling is like wandering, with no true aim other than to enjoy the destination and the walk.
Here are some of the best rambling destinations in the English Countryside:
Wiltshire
Located in South West England, Wiltshire is where you’ll find Stonehenge and Avebury, with ancient history easy to find. Salisbury is a medieval city where you’ll find a magnificent cathedral, and while you’re welcome, of course, to ramble throughout the countryside, you’ll also find plenty of opportunities for golf, fishing, horseback riding and cycling as well. Throughout the county are pubs, tea shops and restaurants along with independent retailers and factory and designer outlets.
Kenmore
With plenty of whitewashed houses right beside the River Tay which is a bright Mediterranean blue on a sunny day, this is the perfect place to go for a walk or even hire a boat for a day of fishing or sailing.
Lancashire
Get a little rural and you’ll see the view which stretches all the way to the Yorkshire Dales, with a vivid green you’ll see in few other places. With so many farmer’s markets, food festivals and farm shops, you’ll be able to enjoy a bite and chat with the locals as you ramble throughout the countryside.
The Lake District
This is the most famous part of the English countryside, with valleys, small villages and lakes. The climate is rough and windy during winter and inviting and soft during summer. While the area is great for a ramble, it’s also popular with hikers due to the many mountains in the region.
Cotswolds
Cotswolds is known for its rolling hills (also known as ‘wolds’), and is made up of five different counties- Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.
Worcestershire is full of countryside and open spaces where you can enjoy the great outdoors. The rural landscape is full of a vast network of canals and rivers, the Malvern Hills and patchwork fields that seem to go on forever. If you want to get a good look at the English countryside, Worcestershire is a must-visit.
Throughout Cotswolds, you’ll find quintessentially English villages, cute market towns, some of the greatest country houses and palaces in the country, and breathtaking landscapes. Explore more than 3,000 miles of rolling hills, meadows full of wildflowers and ancient woodlands, and get lost in the winding roads- stopping frequently for a cup of tea.
If you’d like to spend some time wandering through the English countryside (don’t forget your camera) be sure to visit Great Little Breaks where you can find excellent deals and guides to the area, including walking maps and even packed lunches.
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