The Perfect Outdoor Exploration of England

Weekend trips to the North, South, East and West

The Perfect Exploration of The North

The further north you travel in the United Kingdom the more rugged and the more sparse the land becomes. If you want to head north but you’re not looking to head hours away from London then the Peak District really is the gateway to exploring Northern England. It is an incredibly stunning national park famous for its cave system - the deepest being 400 meters underground - and immersing yourself in the world of Jane Austin.

The Peak district is a stone's throw away from the larger cities of Manchester and Sheffield should you want to combine your trip. But with so much to see and do in the Peak District you may need longer than a weekend, so let's focus on the great outdoors! There’s countless stone-clad villages, endless rolls of hills and seemingly infinite corridors of caves. It's somewhere you’re going to love getting lost in!

It’s an area of England where it is impossible to climb a hill without throwing a whimsical gaze over the landscape. You will walk the corridors of four hundred year old grand estates and discover beautiful landscaped gardens. Somewhere beautiful to visit in any type of weather - as dramatic in the rain as it is gorgeous in the sun. Although be careful as it is very prone to flooding, however it truly is a fantastic place to visit if you love exploring the outdoors.

A few places you must include in your trip are Treak Cliff Caverns, where you will be able to take a guided tour through the amazing underground labyrinth and see the Blue John Stone veins inside the cave walls. Chatsworth House is astonishing and will take you a full day to explore the inside and the outside - there is also a maze to discover. Finally, find your way to the village of Bakewell, famous for the Bakewell tart but instead, try the Bakewell Pudding for something a little more traditional and little less commercial.

To find out more read this article on ‘A long weekend in the Peak District’.

https://igoa-adventure.com/2020/09/18/a-long-weekend-in-the-peak-district/

The Perfect Exploration of The South

If you're going down South then a camping trip to the Kent Downs is a must. The Kent Downs is an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty and occupies the eastern half of the South Downs. The area stretches from the London and Surrey borders to the famous White Cliffs Of Dover. It is also only an easy 1.5 hour drive from London. The area is fantastic for outdoor exploration, foraging, woodland camping and super cosy village pubs.

When Jack and I visited we stayed at an eco-friendly, off-grid campsite called Badgells Woodland Camping. I would highly recommend a visit: it is inside an ancient woodland and close to the charming villages of Birling and Ryarsh.

There are many nature trails leading out of the campsite and around the local woodland and nearby villages. As the camp is situated on an escarpment it is possible to find walking routes for all fitness levels, from leisurely strolls to steep uphill climbs. You will also find the lovely Holly Hill Woods close by which is home to an incredible viewing point through an opening in the trees at its highest point. If the weather is good you will be able to make out the Shard in London!

When visiting the Kent Downs make sure you head over the George Pub in Trottiscliffe which serves delicious food and an ever growing menu of classic English dishes and New York style hot-dogs! Leeds Castle is a little further out but a great place to visit, especially if you have a family and of course the Hemsley Conservation Centre which is home to some incredibly rare and beautiful animals.

To find out more check out this article ‘A camping trip in the Kent Downs’.

https://igoa-adventure.com/2020/09/02/camping-trip-in-the-kent-downs-a-woodland-adventure/

The Perfect Exploration of The East

I'm going to share with you all a little secret, or two. Here in the East of England we have some hidden treasures. One of my favourite activities is to go for a swim. Wild swimming in rivers and lakes never gets old and there are a few places worth a mention.

The first place I want to share is a beauty spot known as Rushes Lock and Lock Gate. It is a small area along the grassy banks of the River Chelmer where it is possible to have a good swim. As the spot is not easily accessed it is also relatively quiet. The area is surrounded by fields and nature, there is a small weir behind the overgrown trees which is perfect for floating around in just as the river itself is. Sometimes you may have to give way to an oncoming river boat but this is all part of the fun, watching as the lock gates open and close and the water rises and falls.

Another great spot is Mersea Island. A captivating little island at the mouth of the Blackwater Estuary. On the island you will find sandy beaches and colourful beach huts, a vineyard and plenty of eateries selling only the best seafood. These cute little facts make this island a perfect location to stop when visiting the East Coast of England.

The beaches are tidal so make sure you plan your outdoor exploration well. It's best to arrive when the tide is coming in - otherwise it's a long wade out through the mud flats - so you can enjoy a brilliant day of swimming and sun lounging. It can get busy in the summer but if you're heading out that way let me know and I'll give you some tips on where to park to avoid the crowds!

To discover more secrets about Essex click here, ‘The Best Kept Secrets in Essex’.

https://igoa-adventure.com/2020/09/07/the-best-kept-secrets-in-essex/

The Perfect Exploration of The West

One of the most beautiful and magical places to visit in England has to be the Cotswolds. Another Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is a national treasure attracting locals and tourists through all seasons; although summer periods do get the busiest. The area is so attractive that even the famous poet William Morris declared the village of Bilbury to be 'The Most beautiful Village in England”. For this reason alone you will need to add a visit to Bilbury to your list. As is so common in the Cotswolds, Bilbury is full of traditional cottages showcasing the honey-coloured stone which gives the Cotswolds its charm and picturesque appeal.

Other popular spots include Bourton-on-the-Water, famous for its little river which runs through the centre giving the village the nickname 'The Little Venice of the Cotswolds'. The villages of Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter are among my favourites: here you will find an old mill which has been transformed into a museum and a tearoom. Finally the town of Cirencester is very popular, full of quaint cafes and boutique shops.

The Cotswolds is a nature lovers paradise, with its gently rolling hills and beautiful stone buildings, natural wildlife and flora the area radiates serenity. It is a place to relax and gather your thoughts, and a place to explore and get lost in. There are countless nature walks to follow: into fields and along streams; into one village and another and then back to where you started. There are not only walking routes, if you like exploring by bike then you have the freedom to do so too. You will find small lanes and back roads which are open to discover.

You can plan your route or go on a whim, but you will most certainly find your way into the secret world of the Cotswolds.