5 Picturesque Countryside Getaways

1. The Cotswolds

Stretching across six counties (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire), the Cotswolds is perhaps the quintessential English countryside experience. This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is characterized by its gentle hillsides ('wolds'), sleepy villages built from honey-colored limestone, ancient woodlands, and meandering streams.

The Cotswolds' charm lies in its timeless appeal – many of its villages and small towns appear to have remained unchanged for centuries, with thatched cottages, historic churches, and traditional pubs creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a storybook.

Must-Visit Villages:

• Castle Combe – Often called "the prettiest village in England," with its stone cottages, ancient market cross, and picturesque bridge over the Bybrook River.
• Bourton-on-the-Water – Known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds" due to the beautiful River Windrush flowing through its center.
• Bibury – Home to Arlington Row, a 14th-century weaver's cottage that's one of the most photographed scenes in the Cotswolds.

Activities: Walking the Cotswold Way National Trail, visiting historic houses and gardens like Hidcote Manor Garden, exploring market towns such as Cirencester and Chipping Campden, and enjoying afternoon tea in one of the many traditional tea rooms.

Getting There: The Cotswolds are easily accessible from London (about 2 hours by car) or from nearby cities like Oxford, Bath, or Cheltenham. Train services run to Moreton-in-Marsh, Kingham, and Stroud from London Paddington.

2. The Lake District

England's largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District in Cumbria is renowned for its dramatic mountains, glacial ribbon lakes, and deep valleys. This landscape inspired poets like William Wordsworth and artists like J.M.W. Turner, and it continues to captivate visitors with its sublime beauty.

The area centers around 16 main lakes, with Lake Windermere being the largest and most visited. Each body of water has its own distinct character and surrounding landscape, from the peaceful shores of Ullswater to the remote tranquility of Wastwater, England's deepest lake.

Highlights:

• Ambleside and Windermere – Vibrant towns offering easy access to Lake Windermere, with boat trips, water activities, and numerous walking routes.
• Scafell Pike – England's highest mountain, offering challenging hikes and breathtaking views for experienced walkers.
• Grasmere – A charming village where William Wordsworth lived, now home to the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop and Wordsworth's Dove Cottage.

Activities: Hiking the numerous fells and mountains, enjoying lake cruises, visiting historic sites like Castlerigg Stone Circle, exploring literary attractions such as Beatrix Potter's Hill Top farm, and sampling local specialties like Cumberland sausage and Kendal Mint Cake.

Getting There: The Lake District is about a 5-hour drive from London. Trains run to Oxenholme, Penrith, and Windermere from London Euston. The nearest airports are Manchester and Newcastle.

3. The Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a landscape of contrasts: from the rugged limestone pavements and dry stone walls to lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and undulating moorland. This part of northern England offers some of the country's most spectacular and diverse scenery.

The Dales are characterized by their distinct valleys, each with their own character. Wharfedale is known for its riverside walks and ancient woodlands, while Swaledale offers remote, wild landscapes with sheep grazing on steep hillsides.

Highlights:

• Malham Cove – A curved limestone formation created by a waterfall carrying meltwater from glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age, with limestone pavement at the top.
• Bolton Abbey – The ruins of a 12th-century Augustinian monastery set in a beautiful estate with riverside walks and woodland trails.
• Aysgarth Falls – A series of three spectacular waterfalls on the River Ure, surrounded by lush woodland.

Activities: Walking and cycling along the numerous trails, exploring underground cave systems like White Scar Cave, visiting traditional market towns like Hawes (home to Wensleydale cheese), and discovering the area's industrial heritage at sites like Kilnsey Old Smithy.

Getting There: The Yorkshire Dales are about a 4-5 hour drive from London. Trains run to Skipton (the "Gateway to the Dales") from London Kings Cross via Leeds. Leeds Bradford is the nearest airport.

4. The Scottish Highlands

For truly dramatic and wild landscapes, few places in Britain can match the Scottish Highlands. This remote northwestern region of Scotland offers a diverse terrain of towering mountains, deep lochs, rugged coastlines, and ancient forests, all steeped in a rich and sometimes turbulent history.

The Highlands encompass some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK, from the iconic peak of Ben Nevis (Britain's highest mountain) to the mysterious waters of Loch Ness and the otherworldly landscapes of the Isle of Skye.

Highlights:

• Glencoe – A valley of dramatic mountains, waterfalls, and dark history, known for both its beauty and the infamous massacre of the MacDonalds in 1692.
• Loch Ness – The legendary home of the Loch Ness Monster, this deep freshwater loch stretches for 23 miles and is surrounded by picturesque villages and castle ruins.
• The Isle of Skye – Connected to the mainland by bridge, Skye offers some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes, including the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and the Fairy Pools.

Activities: Hiking in various mountain ranges including the Grampians and the Cairngorms, wildlife watching (red deer, golden eagles, otters), visiting historic sites like Urquhart Castle, sampling whisky at traditional distilleries, and exploring scenic driving routes like the North Coast 500.

Getting There: The Scottish Highlands are accessible by car, with Inverness serving as the capital of the Highlands. Trains run from London Kings Cross to Inverness (about 8 hours), or you can fly to Inverness Airport from various UK cities.

5. The Pembrokeshire Coast

Wales' southwestern peninsula offers a spectacular coastal countryside experience with its combination of dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and rolling green hills. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – Britain's only primarily coastal national park – protects 186 miles of stunning coastline, interspersed with charming fishing villages, hidden coves, and ancient sites.

Unlike other entries on this list, Pembrokeshire offers the unique opportunity to experience both seaside and countryside in one destination, with its mix of maritime landscapes and rural inland areas.

Highlights:

• Tenby – A medieval walled town with colorful houses, beautiful beaches, and a harbor where boats depart for Caldey Island, home to Cistercian monks.
• St Davids – Britain's smallest city, home to an impressive 12th-century cathedral built in a valley to hide it from raiders.
• Stackpole Estate – A National Trust property featuring stunning Barafundle Bay, the lily ponds at Bosherston, and diverse wildlife habitats.

Activities: Walking sections of the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path, wildlife boat trips to spot seals, puffins, and dolphins, visiting ancient sites like Pentre Ifan burial chamber, kayaking in sea caves, and enjoying fresh seafood in coastal villages.

Getting There: Pembrokeshire is about a 5-hour drive from London. Trains run to Haverfordwest from London Paddington, usually requiring a change at Swansea. The nearest airports are Cardiff and Bristol.

Planning Your Countryside Getaway

When planning a countryside escape in Britain, consider these practical tips:

• Weather Preparation – British weather is notoriously changeable, even in summer. Pack layers, waterproofs, and sturdy walking shoes regardless of the season.
• Transport Options – While public transport serves many rural areas, a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the countryside. Many remote villages and beauty spots have limited bus service.
• Accommodation Choices – From quaint bed and breakfasts and traditional country inns to luxury country house hotels and self-catering cottages, rural Britain offers diverse accommodation options. Book well in advance, especially during summer and holiday periods.
• Seasonal Considerations – Spring (April-May) offers blooming wildflowers and lambing season, summer (June-August) provides the best weather but larger crowds, autumn (September-October) showcases stunning foliage, and winter (November-February) can be magical with frost-covered landscapes but may have limited services in some areas.