Top 5 UK Countryside Breaks

Northumberland awash with historic sites and beautifully scenic countryside, and Hexham is the perfect location for both quiet and adventurous countryside getaways. Hexham not only boasts of beautiful and vast countryside to explore and enjoy, but also has rich heritage to take in, as it is situated close to Hadrian’s Wall and was voted "England's best market town". The best places to stay are in the cottages in Northumberland, as they offer a quant and cosy alternative to B&Bs.

Henley –on-Thames is famous for the royal regatta, and also offers an array of water-based events such as river races for visitors to enjoy most of the year round. There’s also the River and Rowing Museum which is worth a look, and lets not forget its most famous resident, mad MP and mayor of London Boris Johnson, meaning there is never a boring moment in Henley-on-Thames! Stay in one of the many small and friendly B&Bs for a home from home, or if you fancy something a bit prim and proper, check out the rather posh Hotel du Vin.

Known for its astounding cathedral, it can often mean that the other equally wondrous sites of Canterbury are overlooked, but don’t make this same mistake. Take a walk or a bike ride through the breathtaking countryside, or explore some of the sweet coastal towns nearby to take in some of the other activities on offer. Stay in one of the many chic hotels for something a bit special, or go for a more traditional B&B if the chic hotels aren’t your thing.

Bakewell is the charming and famous market town situated at the heart of the Peak District. Their market dates back to the Domesday book, where is was mentioned, and is also famed for being the place where Jane Austin wrote Pride and Prejudice. You will not be short of things to explore and sites to see in the Peak District, with Chatsworth House, said to be the basis for Mr Darcy’s Pemberly Hall and the location of Jane Eyre, the splendid Haddon Hall. There are also caves to explore in the nearby Castleton, and plenty of routes for walkers to enjoy. Stay in one of the quaint B&Bs for a home from home feel in this welcoming and friendly market town.

The Isle of Wight is classed as a county, and is one of the largest islands off the English channel. Full of picturesque countryside and coastlines, this island is said to be in a time warp. This however is a one of the main reasons people come here, as in a world that never stops the Isle gives you a peaceful and charming getaway. This however doesn’t mean there isn’t something for those that enjoy a bit more excitement, as they host a yearly rock music festival named Bestival, bringing in huge crowds of music lovers in their thousands to enjoy this unique event that combines music and entertainment with breathtaking views and coastlines to explore between shows. For a taste of their heritage, stay in the George Hotel which has been an inn since the 1700s and still stands with all its character in tact today.