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Countryside Escapes

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Discover the great outdoors

Explore the UK and Ireland’s best countryside locations. From castles and cathedrals to outdoors parks and UNESCO Heritage sites, there's a range of rich history and scenic beauty to enjoy.

We’ve put together an overview of the best countryside experiences near our hotels, there’s sure to be something to suit everyone.

  • Belfast

    Home to rich history and scenic beauty, a short drive beyond Belfast city promises natural wonders that must be seen to be believed. Love the outdoors? Gaze in wonder at the 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns of The Giant’s Causeway before braving the soaring heights of the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge perched on Northern Ireland’s coast. Continue the adventure with a re-enactment of famous Stark scenes at Winterfell Castle on a Game of Thrones tour, or tee-up like a champion with a round of golf at Royal County Down Golf Club. Book Belfast

  • Bradford

    Bradford boasts two UNESCO heritage sites, a rich literary history, and a beautiful countryside just waiting to be discovered. Escape the city for a day out at Denso Marston Nature Reserve, a seven-acre sanctuary of immense woodland, green meadows and shimmering sapphire pools home to a variety of British wildlife. Visit The Great Northern Railway Trail, an exquisite walking route with simply stunning views and a range of attractions, or spend an afternoon exploring Skipton Castle, one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in England. Book Bradford

  • Cheltenham

    With castles, cathedrals and attractions a-plenty, Cheltenham is more than just home to an iconic racecourse. Perfectly nestled on the edge of The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it offers an effortless mix of old and new. Embark on a 25-mile round trip through the breath-taking scenery of the Cotswolds in a traditional steam train at Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, or experience royal life with a tour of Sudeley Castle & Gardens. Soak up history and enjoy family fun at Eastnor Castle, or feel like you’re in a fairytale at Berkeley Castle’s Butterfly House. Book Cheltenham

  • Cork

    Whether at sea or on land, Cork is bursting with attractions and exciting day trips. Located just inland of Ireland’s south-east coast, it offers wildlife, sea safaris and castles – all less than a 30 minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Cork. Meet exotic animals at Fota Wildlife Park, one of Cork’s most popular tourist destinations; brave an adrenaline-fuelled experience at East Cork Adventure Centre; head out on a Harbour tour with Cork Sea Safari; and uncover ancient history at Blackrock Castle Observatory. Book Cork

  • Derby

    Though Derby is the UK’s most-central city, its proximity to the Peak District is often what attracts visitors from far and wide. Enjoy a jaunt around the beautiful nine acres of woodland garden at Blue Bell Arboretum & Nursery, a great outdoor activity for enjoying the wonders of nature. From there to the iconic Alton Towers theme park, the huge Markeaton Park on the northwest edge of the city, and the butterfly garden at Darley Park – Derby has outdoor spaces to satisfy every heart’s desire.

    Book Derby

  • Edinburgh

    This culture-packed capital of Scotland boasts circ. 2,000,000 visitors every year with a vibrant city and rugged countryside that look like they’ve been plucked straight from a fairytale. Venture out to the hidden gems of the surrounding countryside with visits to Lauriston Castle, Loch Ness, The Pentlands, and Edinburgh Zoo. When in Edinburgh, don’t miss the chance to wonder at The Kelpies in person, 100ft high sculptures of mythical water horses found just an hour’s drive outside the city. Book Edinburgh

  • Inverness

    Casually nestled amongst the awe-inspiring scenery of the Highlands, Inverness is a picturesque city filled with attractions and things to see and do. Journey through forests and moorlands at Cairngorms National Park; experience splendour, history, and heritage at Cawdor Castle; and explore the legendary Loch Ness before a bite to eat at Cobbs Café & Loch Ness Bistro Book Inverness

  • Leeds

    Get outside and get active with a trip to the Leeds countryside. Experience breath-taking scenery at The Yorkshire Dales, deep valleys with meanderings paths among meadows and field barns. Enjoy family fun at Leeds Tropical World, an impressive exhibition of flora and fauna, before a visit to Roundhay Park to tire the kiddies out. Better yet, parents can enjoy a trip to Leventhorpe Vineyard to sample British wines. Book Leeds

  • Oxford

    Home to Harry Potter filming locations and a prestigious, world-renowned university, it is no surprise that Oxford is a destination known for stunning architecture. Wake up early and venture to Rousham House with gardens landscaped by the William Kent in the 18th century, before a visit to Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Escape the hustle and bustle with an Oxford River Cruise, a stroll around the Botanic Gardens, or a venture out to the quintessentially British Cotswolds. Book Oxford

  • Sheffield

    Known as “The Outdoor City”, Sheffield is home to endless outdoor adventure, farms & parks. For those who want to go beyond the city, Sheffield is situated on the border of the beautiful Peak District, and is the perfect starting point to discover the beautiful landscapes of the Peak District National Park. Walk or cycle among the incredible scenery before journeying by car through the Peak District to Chatsworth House, a magnificent house, garden, parkland, adventure playground, and farmyard.

    Book Sheffield

  • Swindon

    Swindon is a unique British town with a deep history and a range of outdoor activities to enjoy. With a children’s playground, summer splash pool, year-round café, and beautiful wildlife, Coate Water Country Park is often buzzing with local families and tourists alike. And if you just can’t get enough, Lydiark Park sits on the western edge of Swindon and offers great family fun, too. Innsider tip: Animals lovers can walk among and watch some of the world’s most beautiful butterflies against a backdrop of tropical plants at the Studley Grange Butterfly World. Book Swindon

  • Perth

    Lovingly known as the ‘Fair City’ of Scotland, Perth is a city full of royal history, surrounded by stunning Scottish landscapes. When in Perth, the Meikleour Beech Hedge, Britain’s longest hedge, is an absolute must-see. Planted in 1745, it stands at a whopping 30m high and 530m long! For the adventure-lover, the five hills of Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park are staples for local hikers. Fishermen find the best Atlantic salmon in Scotland on the River Tay, and families will enjoy the soft play areas, slides, adventure areas, ceramics, bikes, go kart circuits and bowling found at Noah’s Ark. Book Perth
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