10 eccentric British countryside experiences you must have this summer
Straight from the pages of Enid Blyton, these traditional elements of a quintessential country getaway are as quaint as they are quirky
![From watching steam railways to picking your own fruit, Britain is full of unique experiences](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/travel/2024/07/26/TELEMMGLPICT000339549361_17220056306000_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberWd9EgFPZtcLiMQf0Rf_Wk3V23H2268P_XkPxc.jpeg?imwidth=350)
Straight from the pages of Enid Blyton, these traditional elements of a quintessential country getaway are as quaint as they are quirky
Fifty years ago, Andrew and Vanessa Pugh swapped their high-flying lifestyle for a fairy-tale folly – with attached show caves
From country inns to city hotspots, there's a wealth of places to please thirsty visitors
Avoid the crowds of the Cornwall and Devon and head north for a pristine slice of British summer on the Yorkshire coast
There are numerous ways to explore our country by boat, from a tranquil meander across a river estuary to a jaunt along the coast
Follow in the footsteps of Alfred Wainwright and discover the iconic Scafell Pike or Helvellyn, or a gentler fell like Cat Bells
Expect toasty fires, well-worn chairs, beamed ceilings and a cheery scruffiness in these cosy inns
Discover where to eat in the Lake District – Cumbria offers everything from Michelin stars to down-to-earth pubs
From boat trips to Beatrix Potter's farmhouse, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy
From Wordsworth to Wainwright, explore the UK's most-visited National Park with our insider guide
Tackling the national park without a vehicle, thus removing one of the elements of stress from a hiking holiday, is surprisingly simple
From rambling estates and country halls to converted barns and city dames – the places to check in for a soothing escape
Hostels have changed for the better; they're smarter and ideal for travellers seeking peace on a budget – here's our pick of the best
Visitors to Hawnby in North Yorkshire can hope to see Jupiter, Andromeda or even the aurora borealis
This season is all about toasty hot pools, pampering treatments, relaxing saunas, calming spaces and soothing lake views
There's a certain formula that makes a good spa hotel: lovely facilities, trusted treatments and good rooms to boot – these have it all