Activity holidays in the UK

Famous for having some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the United Kingdom, the Scottish Highlands offer numerous other delights, with ruined castles, shady forests, tranquil waterways, and a huge variety of wildlife just waiting to be discovered. The misty peaks and vast, fern covered landscapes only add to the sense that this is a place where history and folklore remain largely inseparable. It would also be remiss not to taste the local whisky!

In Northumberland explore Britain's largest historical monument with an eastbound walk along the best sections of Hadrian's Wall. Visit the ancient Roman forts of Vindolanda, Birdoswald, Chesters and Housesteads to see the iconic Sycamore Gap. For coastal vistas, walk the Northumberland Coast Path - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along with the world-famous castles at Alnwick, Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh.

County Antrim in Northern Ireland provides some spectacular coastal scenery including the world-famous Giant's Causeway - the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption it's 40,000 basalt columns are a sight to behold. The area is home to the fabulous Glens of Antrim, fantastic castles and beautiful beaches as well as the Bushmills whiskey distillery.

The UNESCO Lake District offers jaw-dropping scenery, world-famous lakes and majestic fells. We take you to some of the South Lakes' most charming villages, from picture perfect Grasmere, nestling against a backdrop of staggering mountains and shimmering waters, to Hawkshead. This region is also the start of Wainwright's famous Coast to Coast walk from St Bees to Robin Hood Bay across the Yorkshire Dales.

Wales has some amazing scenery as well as rugged beauty. The peak of Mount Snowdon is second only to Ben Nevis in the UK and Wales' highest mountain at 1085m. The rolling hills of the Berwyn and Clwydian ranges have hill forts, castles, old quarries and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal and the Pembrokeshire Coast national trail provides delightful undulating cliff walking, stunning views and traditional fishing villages.

The Cotswolds, England's second largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers picturesque country lanes, lavender fields and golden-hued Saxon villages. Enjoy picnics and pub lunches, visits to manor houses and their stunning gardens in some of the area's best-known villages including Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden. Historic cities abound - there's also the possibility to walk or cycle from Oxford to Bath or to walk along the Thames Path in the other direction from Oxford to Windsor.

Dorset is a land of contrasts and breathtaking scenery, from the Jurassic Coast - a World Heritage Site - with its dramatic cliffs and sweeping beaches, to its rolling hillsides and sleepy villages. Dorset's beautiful landscapes have inspired a number of authors including Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy and Hardy's birthplace is one of many National Trust properties in the county.

The peninsula of Cornwall has its own micro-climate meaning that the weather is generally better than the rest of the UK. There are visible contrasts between the rugged North coast and its surfing beaches and the more protected beaches of the South coast. Whilst walking the South West Coast Path you'll need some sustenance in the form of Cornish pasties, Cornish cream teas and of course the ubiquitous fish & chips to keep you going.

Although not technically part of the UK and closer to France than to Britain, The Channel Islands are a Crown dependancy that relies on the UK for it's defence and international relations. They are not part of the Commonwealth nor the EU but are stunning little islands to visit for their coastal walks and historical charm. As well as being of strategic importance during WWII there is evidence of human occupation as far back as the Iron Age and prehistoric times.