City: England
Top Things to do in England
Things to do in England, United Kingdom: The Best Outdoor Activities
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Restaurants in England
1. Cotswold Way
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 202 reviews
This 104-mile hiking trail starts close to Shakespeare's Stratford and finishes in Bath, as it winds through pretty countryside and delightful villages steeped in history.
Reviewed By karencA6283NY - Peterborough, United Kingdom
My friend and I are planning on walking the national trail over a few weekends. So far we have walked from Chipping Campden to Seven springs and have really enjoyed the variety and stunning views. Highlights: Hailes Abbey, Broadway, views from Cleeve Hill, Stanton and Belas Knap plus too many other places to mention. Take a drink in Stanton as (walking south) we found no other options on the trail until Hailes fruit farm. A really beautiful trail.
2. Catbells Lakeland Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,648 reviews
Reviewed By gburge - Basingstoke, United Kingdom
Who doesn’t visit Cat Bells when visiting Keswick or its surrounding villages. I lovely climb with a lovely view from Newlands or ascend via Little Town to Hause Gate and also visit Maiden Moor or even do a ridge route horse show and descend via Robinson’s for the more experienced walker.
3. Helvellyn
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 280 reviews
This is England's 3rd highest mountain at 3,118 feet.
Reviewed By sjh1404 - Weston super Mare, United Kingdom
This was our first attempt at climbing this awe inspiring peak. We took the route from Glenridding with a planned figure of eight taking in Striding Edge, the Summit, Swirrals Edge and then skirting Red Tarn to return close to Patterdale and Lanty’s Tarn back to Glenridding. The weather was beautiful and the scenery unsurpassed. I must stress that Striding Edge is a challenge and should not be undertaken lightly. It is a climb where you will be looking for foot and handholds but so worth it. I am not a super fit experienced hiker so if I can manage it then most people can and the sense of achievement is a great incentive to keep going. There are plenty of other routes to the summit of this, the third highest peak in England, so it caters for all abilities. One hiker we met on the descent had undergone a double knee replacement and was putting us all to shame. Give this a go. Check the weather. Take plenty of water and wear the right footwear. I am sure you won’t be disappointed.
4. Yorkshire Wolds Way
5. Colchester Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,915 reviews
Colchester Zoo is constantly developing and has won many awards for its work. With over 270 species to see, set in 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes, Colchester Zoo is well worth a visit. As you walk around the zoo there's plenty of play areas to try out including the indoor soft play area Jungle Tumble with a section for under 3s and all new play equipment where the kids can release their wild side! New enclosures include a walk through enclosure with butterflies and another with Rainbow Lorikeets offering visitors a chance to feed them a treat of nectar. Plus there's 'Bears of the Rising Sun', a state of the art enclosure which houses two beautiful sun bears , Jo Jo and Srey Ya. You can also come face to face with Komodo Dragons, see white rhino, giraffes, ostrich and kudu roaming together at Kingdom of the Wild and walk underwater through the 24m tunnel at the Playa Patagonia sealion pool. Learn more about the animals and see them up close by watching one of the 50 daily displays. You even get the fantastic opportunity to feed the elephants and giraffes yourself and take a ride on the 'Lost Madagascar Express' road train! Don't forget to pop into the discovery centre and have a go at handling some unusual bugs or get your face painted and transform yourself into your favourite animal!
Reviewed By jonwI7388MV
We did the extra ordinary experience today and it was the most fantastic thing anyone could ever do! If you have a real passion for animals then this is the thing for you!!!We got to feed the tigers, meet the gorgeous cubs, meet the aardvarks, meet the meerkats, feed the penguins, feed the otters, feed the elephants, feed the giraffes, meet the sea lions, meet the Lima’s and much more. Breakfast and lunch was lovely , our guid was fantastic!! This was honestly what felt like an experience of a lifetime . Worth every single penny , we learnt so much about so many animals and the work that goes into the care of the animals and the zoo is incredible! Would 1million percent recommend Colchester zoo and the experiences to anyone best day out by far!!! Thankyou Colchester zoo for a brilliant day ❤️❤️❤️
6. Isle Of Wight Coastal Footpath
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By stewartc640 - Chatham, United Kingdom
We have been walking the Isle of Wight Coastal Path in sections with an ambition of completing the complete circuit in time. The coastal paths are generally well signposted (though not always strictly ‘coastal’), and due to the coastal erosion in some areas of the island not there at all! Nether the less we enjoy taking these paths as we see parts of the island and views from the coast that we have not seen before and self-initiated impromptu diversions add to the experience for us. We completed the following sections on our most recent visit: Niton to Ventnor One of our most recent walks around the island Coastal path was between Niton and Ventnor, walking towards the latter as we had parked our car here. We started at Niton (‘Baptist Church’ bus stop), catching the bus (service 6) to there from Ventnor. Our walk started a short distance from here and we soon found ourselves skirting a large field high up on the cliffs giving fantastic views over the area known as the ‘Undercliff’. St Catherine’s lighthouse can also be seen from this vantage point. A bit later the path drops down the side of the cliffs into the pretty village of St Lawrence and from here to Steephill Cove the path literally runs along the edge of the cliffs right next to the sea. Looking back, the walker can see the cliff tops from which they have just descended. Fantastic views can be gained on this part of the walk as you pass Woody Bay, Mount Bay and Orchard Bay and photographers can get some good pictures though don’t get too near the edge! After passing by the Ventnor cricket ground and Steephill Gardens, the very pretty Steephill Cove is reached and here you can get refreshments if required and there are also toilet facilities available. From Steephill Cove, the path follows the coast as you approach Ventnor and some nice shots of this beach resort can be taken and also look out for the large ‘Ventnor’ sign cut into the grass bank. Our walk ended in the ‘La Falaise’ car park in Ventnor but the Coastal Park continues from here onto Bonchurch, Luccombe and Shanklin via the ‘Landslip’ which is also an interesting walk. Although not a particularly long walk (about 4.5 miles), we enjoyed it nethertheless and it was nice passing the time with some fellow walkers along the way. Bembridge to Ryde Another of our walks around the island Coastal path was between Bembridge and Ryde we chose to walk towards the latter town as we would have views across the Solent towards the mainland as we went. We started at Bembridge (‘Bembridge Point’ bus stop), catching the bus (service 8) to there from Lake. The walk starts off skirting the harbour area at Bembridge passing a number of small boatyards along the way and then enters the town of St Helens with its picturesque town sign. Just past the old St. Helens mill there is a lovely walk across the mill dam wall and on the other side we crossed to the beach at Duver with its ruined church and what appears to be old railway carriage bodies being used as beach huts. After leaving Duver beach, the coastal path heads inland to pass around the Nodes Point holiday camp and after passing through some countryside the path re-joins the coast again at the picturesque Seagrove Bay. The coastal path now diverts along an alley way by some public toilets, but if the tide is out it is possible to walk along the shingle beach to Seaview. We stopped here for refreshments before continuing on past Nettlestone Point and Puckpool Point following the sea wall getting some fine views of the Solent forts and also the mainland just across the water. There were regular public toilets along this stretch should you need them. Puckpool Park is worth a passing visit sited in an old Victorian coastal battery and here you will also find refreshments and toilet facilities. The walk continues into Ryde passing Appley beach and its tower and we ended it with a walk along the ½ mile long Ryde Pier to catch the train back to Shanklin. A pleasant and good length walk (about 8 miles) mixing a vibrant harbour scene, an inland walk through fields and tree lined paths and finally along the coast with some picturesque bays and as you approach Ryde, expansive beaches. The walk is mostly flat but with some minor climbs as you pass around Nodes point. Bembridge to Shanklin Another of our walks around the island Coastal path was between Bembridge and Shanklin we chose to walk towards the latter town as we would returning to our accommodation. We started at Bembridge (‘Bembridge Point’ bus stop), catching the bus (service 8) to there from Lake. The walk starts off skirting the beach at Bembridge although we chose to divert from the coastal path and walked along the seashore itself. Regaining the path at Bembridge lifeboat station we were then diverted away from the coast firstly along a tree lined path and then through a housing estate emerging at the Crab & Lobster Inn. Between here and White Cliff Bay, sections of the coastal path have been lost to a landslip and is impassable. We chose to take to the beach and because the tide was going out walked along to White Cliff Bay on the shoreline. Note that this route requires the walker to pass over rocky and slippery terrain and is not recommended for those with mobility issues. We reached White Cliff bay with some sense of relief having kept our eye on the tide and climbed up the very steep tarmac path to regain the coastal path once more. The path now skirts a large caravan park before ascending up to Culver Down with its tall Yarborough monument on top, this is quite a climb although the paths are easy to follow but the views from the Down are very rewarding. There is a small café on the summit and also a public house and we chose the former for a cup of tea and a snack before continuing along the path now taking the long descent from Culver Down into Yaverland where there are public toilets in the car park. From Yaverland we followed the promenade through Sandown and passing its pier and once again diverged from the path which climbs up onto the cliffs, choosing instead to continue along the promenade to Shanklin. Certainly an interesting and good length walk (about 7 miles) especially if like us you take the shoreline in places instead of the formal coastal path. The missing section between Bembridge and White Cliff Bay could be a problem if you are seeking a path with a good surface and the alternative would be to follow the public roads that run parallel with the coast. The walk requires a significant climb from sea level up to Culver Down about 104m so bear this in mind if you are undertaking this route. Alternatively the approach from Yaverland in the opposite direction is shallower but longer.
7. Fistral Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,365 reviews
This splendid beach offers excellent water for surfing and body boarding.
Reviewed By mummatash73
Love love this beach ... The facilities are fab.The Life Guards are highly trained & observant ..We are generally here most weekends .And while Covid has played havoc this season in Cornwall & UK .. Procedures are mainly respected with a one way system in place for restaurants /toilets ... Although it is a dog friendly beach.You wouldn’t know it the owners are in a huge majority of cases respectful
8. Norfolk Coast Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
The Norfolk Coast Path runs for 42 miles from Hunstanton to Cromer, with the majority of this walking trail running through the dramatic landscape of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The most westerly point of the Norfolk Coast Path is the seaside town of Hunstanton. It then passes through areas rich in wildlife - first the salt marshes near Brancaster, then Holkham National Nature Reserve with its extensive sandy beaches and pine woodland underlining the vast open sky. Look out for massive flocks of geese in the winter, coming in to safely spend the night here. After Wells-next-the-Sea the Norfolk Coast Path skirts along the edge of salt marshes, with views of Blakeney Point, famous for its grey and common seals. Cley-next-the-Sea marks the start of the section that follows an extensive shingle beach and wildlife-rich freshwater marshes. The route continues along the shingle beach almost as far as Sheringham, where it follows the top of the sandy cliffs, heading inland and meandering through the wooded hills between Sheringham and Cromer. This trail combines with the Peddars Way (which it joins at Holme-next-the-Sea) to form the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales.
Reviewed By wendyanddavid536 - Solihull, United Kingdom
We walked a short stretch of the Norfolk Coast Path between Morston and Wells-next-the -sea, on a gloriously sunny late September afternoon, through the salt marshes, enjoying the plants, birdlife and sea. A great tonic in these lockdown times.
9. Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,335 reviews
Reviewed By saramarsha11 - Leeswood, United Kingdom
Saw the raccoon dogs, binturongs and a raccoon It was a lovely experience getting to know about the animals from our very informative and funny guide Aaron, as well as getting hand on by feeding and giving them little strokes Would highly recommend It's also such a lovely park Well kept, and the animals all look so happy
10. Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife & Falconry Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,357 reviews
Encounter the exotic and discover a wild family day out in South Yorkshire! Meet lemurs, meerkats, owls, otters, snakes, lizards, a tarantula and other amazing animals during unforgettable Animal Encounters throughout the day. Take your seat for spectacular shows, featuring free-flying birds of prey, parrots and charismatic mammals! Explore the indoor rainforest; home to butterflies, birds, bats, crocodiles and creepy-crawlies from around the world and meet and feed the friendly residents of the Farm Barn. Discover the charismatic primates of Lemur Heights and meet the inquisitive residents of Otter Springs. Take a selfie with our new dinosaurs and get closer than ever before to some of the most popular animals in the brand new walk-through mammal enclosure. Pre-booked group and School visits are welcome and VIP Experience Days and Animal Adoptions are available to purchase, as well as popular Birthday Party Room Hire. The Realm of Camelot adventure playground, outdoor Wet Play Area and indoor Activity and Craft Centre will entertain children in all weathers, and popular themed events take place at the centre during School Holidays. Facilities include a Picnic Room, Jungle Gift Shop and a modern Butterfly Cafe, serving freshly prepared hot and cold food and homemade cakes and deluxe Afternoon Tea. The Tropical Butterfly House is open daily and is located just 5 minutes from M1, junction 31.
Reviewed By N7427PRjob
A fantastic day out with my family, from the excellent service with a family hiccup at the front kiosk (thank you Laura and Kerry), tractor trailer ride, parrot & vulture shows to the lovely ladies at the face painting, a great day. The animals were all out in their glory and we all had a fantastic day ????
