Category Archives: Nature holidays in England

Nature holidays in England, Nature tourism in the UK, Outdoor activities, Walking in Britain

Britain’s oldest road

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The 87 mile-long Ridgeway National Trail is remarkable in being the oldest road in Britain and because you can still walk it, following the same route used since prehistoric times by travellers and, herdsmen.  The route connects the Dorset and Norfolk coasts, passing over rolling, open downland to the west of the River Thames, and through secluded valleys and woods in The Chilterns to the east. It is littered with historical sites dating back to the iron age. Lots of details from the National Trail website here.

Country accommodation in England, Country accommodation in the UK, Nature holidays in England, Nature tourism in the UK

Houseboat holidays in Devon

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These houseboat holidays in Devon look like a gorgeous way of spending a week or two.
“This area boasts 35 acres of unspoilt countryside, offering the opportunity to stay on board a unique houseboat. Each widebeam barge is permanently moored on her own private jetty and sleeps 4 to 6 in ensuite cabins.  Watch the busy wildlife right outside the galley window. Land organic rainbow trout for dinner. Be awed by the silent swoop of the barn owl. And in the evening as you watch the sun setting from the aft deck know that it has given its solar energy to power your lighting for the night ahead.”
Information about the 2010 cold snap, Nature holidays in England, Nature tourism in the UK, Outdoor activities

Ice skating in the Fens

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Fen Skating, Earith near St Ives, Cambridgeshire

For the first time in many years, the freezing conditions have been perfect for ice skating, allowing the inhabitants of the Cambridgeshire Fens to revel in a centuries-old tradition. The Guardian

The Fens of East Anglia, with their meres and washes, networks of drainage ditches, slow-flowing rivers and easily flooded meadows, form an ideal skating terrain. Skates were introduced into Britain from Holland or France in the seventeenth century. It is not known when the first skating matches were held, but by the early nineteenth century they had become a feature of cold winters in the Fens. The golden age of fen skating was the second half of the nineteenth century, when thousands of people turned out to watch the top skaters. Wikipedia

Nature holidays in England, Nature tourism in the UK, Outdoor activities

Living in the Stone Age

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The Woodcraft School runs various courses for acquiring skills that pre-historical man needed for survival.   Bark, Bone and Antler is a particularly interesting 2-day course that explores the materials available to our primitive ancestors.  Those attending will be taught about the sustainable harvest of bark, weaving crafts to make knife sheaths, folding crafts to make baskets and containers, and the preparation of bone and antler.

This particular course will be held in May 2010 in West Sussex, with groups limited to 12, but there are many others to choose from.

Nature holidays in England, Nature tourism in the UK, North-east England, Outdoor activities

Husky trekking in the Yorkshire moors

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With Pesky Husky Trekking you can become a musher for a day.  Instead of a sledge, you stand on a specially designed non-motorised scooter.  And instead of snow-covered arctic lands, the Siberian huskies whisk you through the Yorkshire countryside.  The experience is only available between October and March, after which it becomes too warm for an energetic husky.  You can start off on a practice lap or do a more advanced trek of up to two hours.

Nature holidays in England, Nature tourism in the UK

Self catering for 2 or 3 in the Peak District

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This looks like a rather nice place to stay in the Peak District. Set in a peaceful and secluded location close to Buxton and Bakewell, the farm occupies a stunning position in a lovely valley. From the outside it looks like a typical Peak District farm, sitting in 12 acres of pastureland at the foot of the National Trust-owned High Wheeldon. But the weathered limestone walls conceal the latest in green building technology, earning the holiday cottages a Peak District Environmental Quality Mark alongside its Green Tourism Business Scheme accreditation. More here
Note: the house holds a Visit Britain ‘Walkers welcome’ award. A separate space is available for drying outdoor clothing and footwear, so clothes can dry overnight. We provide boot scrapes at main doors. Guest have access to facilities with water supply for cleaning boots and outdoor clothing. We lend guests maps and books on walking in the area.
Nature holidays in England, Nature tourism in the UK

Tree climbing on the Isle of Wight

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Here’s a wacky way of spending a day. Go on a tree climbing course in the Isle of Wight. The organisers meet you at their “secret” tree climbing field in rural Isle of Wight.  Once you have climbed as high as you want to go, you can hang out in the canopy, maybe resting awhile in the tree hammock before abseiling to the ground through the branches. Then, come down for homemade refreshments & a cup of tea.

More here

Nature holidays in England, Nature tourism in the UK, Outdoor activities

Llama trekking in Devon

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Here’s a weird one. Fancy going llama trekking in cream-tea Devon? It seems walking with llamas is the latest thing on East Devon’s spectacular Jurassic Coast. This is an excellent example of farm diversification in the UK and I wish Peak Hill Llamas, the organisers, the best of luck.

Llamas are friendly, gentle and intelligent animals and make ideal walking companions. Our llamas are easy to handle and will happily carry your refreshments and waterproofs – leaving you free to relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Looks great fun. More here

Nature holidays in England, Nature tourism in the UK, Outdoor activities, Walking in Britain

Walking holiday along Hadrian’s Wall

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Jon Monks runs walking tours along Hadrian’s Wall from beginners to strenuous hiking holidays. Here

Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail is an unbroken 84 mile signposted trail stretching from coast to coast, from Bowness-on-Solway in the west to Wallsend in the east. It passes through some of the most beautiful parts of England – from rolling fields and rugged moorland to the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Carlisle. These holidays follow the trail and enable you to see the beautiful countryside and experience the culture as well as discover the history of this remote part of the country. Visit

Self guided walking holidays are also available

Nature holidays in England, Nature tourism in the UK, Zoos in the UK

A different zoo

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Though many locals call it Jersey Zoo, this is not a fair description. The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust has been saving species from extinction for fifty years.While many think halting the terrifying rate of extinction of animal species is a lost cause, the trust has made it its mission to do what it can to protect endangered animals across the planet. Visit

They have so far saved a long list of species from extinction including the Mauritius kestrel, the Madagascar Teal, the Pygmy Hog and the Mallorcan midwife toad. More here


Country accommodation in England, Country accommodation in the UK, Nature holidays in England, Nature tourism in the UK

Clavell Tower – a clifftop folly

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The Clavell Tower with its Tuscan colonnade, standing in the middle of nowhere, falls into the British tradition of follies.  Built in 1830, its isolated location in beautiful Dorset countryside stirs the imagination, and has made it a focal point for walkers on the Kimmeridge Bay cliffs.  Thomas Hardy courted his wife there.  The tower was on the point of crumbling into the sea until the Landmark Trust took it under their wing, moving it stone by stone further inland, and opening it up for holiday rental.  Situated in the Jurassic World Heritage site, below the cliffs there is a shore with fossils and rock pools to explore. The cliffs are also hunting grounds for peregrine falcons.  Access to the Tower is by a steep coastal path, so rucksacks are recommended rather than suitcases, as well as a torch if you arrive by night.  More information here.

Location

Ver Clavell Tower en un mapa más grande

Nature holidays in England, Nature tourism in the UK

Sheepdog trials in Cumbria

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Have a great day out in the Lake District at the Rydal Sheepdog trials. Watch the dogs round up Swaledale sheep following the whisitles and shouts of their owners. Lots of other activities are organised including the essential “Shepherds Crooks and Sticks Competition” Visit Rydal Sheepdog trials

Country accommodation in England, Country accommodation in the UK, Nature holidays in England, Nature tourism in the UK, The Lake District

Eco-cabin in Cumbria

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Unique architect-designed woodland hideaway, designed with both eco-consciousness and comfort in mind with views overlooking Windermere. The sleek cabin occupies its own small woodland where you can watch red squirrels from the windows. A short walk to the pubs and shop at Sawrey. From £500 for the week (low season – and only sleeps two). Visit the Love shack (not sure about that name)

Also check out this barn for rent in Cumbra

Green gifts, Nature holidays in England, Nature tourism in the UK

Be a farmer for the day in Cheshire

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This sounds like a great way of spending a day. Find out what it’s like to work as a farmer on a dairy farm. Spend the day milking cows, feeding baby calves, trimming cows feet or mucking out the bull. Lunch at the local pub, and some homemade Cheshire butter to take home. £175 full day, £70 half day.

An ideal gift for a Christmas or birthday present for someone who enjoys something different. Or not.

Nature holidays in England, Nature tourism in the UK

Guided walks along Hadrian’s Wall

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image

Hadrian’s Wall Adventures run guided walks, camping treks and adventure tours along the windswept stretches of the wall.

They also offer ” Secluded Country Lanes and Tracks for Walks On, Along and Off the Wall. Exploring the Roman Remains of Milecastles, Turrets and Forts, the Prehistoric Landscape of Standing Stones and Stone Circles, the Border Legacy of Bastles and Pele Towers and the Natural Environment of Woodland, Moorland and Wildlife.”

Another tour is offered by these people

Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail is an unbroken 84 mile signposted trail stretching from coast to coast, from Bowness-on-Solway in the west to Wallsend in the east. It passes through some of the most beautiful parts of England – from rolling fields and rugged moorland to the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Carlisle. These holidays follow the trail and enable you to see the beautiful countryside and experience the culture as well as discover the history of this remote part of the country. Visit