Visit England
You don't have to go to New Zealand for impressive mountains and miles of fields - magnificent countryside can be found right here in the UK.
This week, National Parks Week is back, reminding us all there are glorious adventures to be had on our very doorsteps.
The annual celebration sees special events taking place at the 15 British National Parks, with something on offer for all ages - VisitEngland gives us the lowdown.
So get out there, feel fresh air in your lungs and admire some of Britain's most beautiful spots at these events:
National Parks Week 2014
Kids Grow Wild, Yorkshire Dales National Park(01 of10)
31st July 11:00 - 15:00 at Winskill.Characterised by striking peaks, limestone pavements and spectacular waterfalls, Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of a kind. It’s an area of over 1,700 square kilometres covering the Pennines of Cumbria and North Yorkshire. EVENT: Gather and sow grunting pignut seeds and take part in other exciting games, followed by a tasty picnic in beautiful surroundings at the Kids Grow Wild event. The event at Winskill is suitable for kids aged 7-11 accompanied by parents who want a fun day out doing nature based activities.£3 adults, kids go freehttp://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk (credit:Tom Collier )
Meet the owls, Lake District National Park(02 of10)
29th August 11:00 – 16:00 at Ullswater.Containing sixteen lakes, 150 peaks and six national nature reserves, the Lake District National Park is the place to be. It’s the largest national park in England, contains all of England’s mountains and covers most of the Lake District in Cumbria. EVENT: Meet the owls from The Owl Sanctuary Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in this brand new event for a thrilling experience with wildlife. Admission: Freehttp://lakedistrict.gov.uk (credit:Alex Hare )
Ranger led cycle ride, Dartmoor National Park(03 of10)
30th July at 13:00 at Devon Cycle Hire, Sourton, nr Okehampton.Rushing rivers, sprawling moorland and spooky forests all feature in this national park, the main reason for being chosen as the filming location of Spielberg’s Warhorse. This national park is located in South Devon and is about a 30 minute drive from Exeter. EVENT: The three hour ranger led cycle ride along The Granite Way is a great opportunity to discover more about the picturesque Dartmoor landscape. Bring your own bike and helmet, or hire from Devon Cycle Hire. £5 per adult, children freehttp://www.dartmoor.gov.uk (credit:Visit England )
Minibeast Kite Making, North York Moors National Park(04 of10)
30th July, sessions at 10:30 and 14:30 at the Moors National Park Centre.Famous for its spectacular purple heather moorland and beautiful heritage coast, North York Moors National Park is also home to an array of wildlife including red squirrels and badgers. EVENT: The Minibeast Kite Making session is perfect for lovers of all things creepy and crawly. Venture around the grounds in search of the most unusual bugs, and afterwards create a minibeast kite inspired by the creepy findings. Children £4 and adults go freehttp://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk (credit:NYMNPA Mike Nicholas)
Park picnic and treasure hunt, The Broads(05 of10)
27th July and 30th July at Whitlingham Country Park.The Broads is a unique mosaic of lakes, land and rivers that has national park status. This special area covering 303 square kilometres in the easternmost part of England is also the UK's largest protected wetland and boasts a quarter of its rarest species. EVENT: To kick off National Parks Week, The Broads is running a Picnic in the Park on 27th July followed by a family treasure hunt on 30th.Admission: Freewww.enjoythebroads.com (credit:Visit England )
Cream tea, crafts and ponies, Exmoor National Park(06 of10)
31st July 13:00 – 16:00 at The Exmoor Pony Centre.Exmoor National Park contains a wonderful variety of landscapes including; moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland, within its 267 square miles. It’s a place where high cliffs plunge into the Bristol Channel, and cosy pubs and tearooms offer delicious local produce. EVENT: Enjoy craft making over tea and cake at the Cream tea and crafts afternoon. Pony rides and pony grooming is also on offer.Admission: Freehttp://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk (credit:Visit England )
Pirates and smugglers day, South Downs National Park(07 of10)
31st July 10:00 - 17:00 at Arundel CastleA diverse area of woodland, coasts and ancient towns, and also home to the stunning South Downs Way trail, this National Park has something for everyone. South Downs, the country’s newest national park stretches 70 miles across Sussex. EVENT: Pirates and Smugglers Day teaches kids all about 18th century pirate tales. Children can take part in craft demonstrations, fencing, and archery and be a pirate for the day.Tickets from £9 and children under nine go freehttp://southdowns.gov.uk (credit:Rich Howorth)
Dog shows and terrier racing, Northumberland National Park(08 of10)
3rd August at College Valley.This national park is home to the central section of the longest monument in Britain; Hadrian’s Wall. The park consists of leafy woodland, bogs and moorlands and takes up a quarter of Northumberland county. EVENT: The College Valley Show is set to be a great day of traditional entertainment such as sheepdog trials, dog shows, terrier racing, children’s sports, live music and a BBQ. http://nnpa.org.uk (credit:Visit England )
Mini Safari, Peak District National Park(09 of10)
2nd August 11:00 – 15:30 at Miller's Dale Old Station.The country’s first National Park has a special place in the hearts of millions of visitors. For some it's a wild and wonderful setting for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, abseiling and yachting. For others it's their favourite spot for a meal out - offering fine local produce - with family and friends. EVENT: Drop in to Miller's Dale Old Station for an exploration of nature! The Mini Safari on the Monsal Trail is suitable for families with kids aged 5 to 13.Admission: Freehttp://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk (credit:Visit England )
Outdoor art exhibition, New Forest(10 of10)
26th July 2014 – 30th August at New Forest Centre, LyndhurstTwist and turn through vibrant gorse, imposing woodland and bubbling streams, and stroll through the forest’s 143 miles of trails which wind their way through 193,000 acres of unspoilt heath and ancient woodland. EVENT: The New Forest is world-renowned for its stunning landscape, picture postcard views and magnificent wildlife. To celebrate this unique environment, the New Forest is hosting an open art competition. See the winning entries in a stunning exhibition which includes paintings, sculpture, textiles and photography. Admission: Free, artwork for salehttp://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk (credit:Mark Simpson )