Ten top outdoor experiences in England

There's no shortage of exciting opportunities to make the most of your free time outdoors in England. Pack your rucksack and take your pick from or work your way through all these inspiring ideas from Northumberland to Cornwall:

• Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumberland - At Kielder Water and Forest Park you can absorb the peace and tranquillity or try something a little more adventurous. Enjoy events, land and water-based activities, art, culture, heritage, wildlife, and star gazing - www.visitkielder.com

• Lake District, Cumbria - From 16 sparkling lakes and England’s highest mountains, to sheltered valleys, heather moorlands and salty seascapes, Cumbria and the Lake District have inspired and captivated generations of visitors and famous writers and poets such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter - www.lake-district.gov.uk

• Hadrian’s wall, Cumbria - Walk in the footsteps of the Legions, along the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail and around the beautiful surrounding areas or take a trip on Hadrian’s Wall Bus, visiting some of the friendly market town and villages along the way - www.hadrians-wall.org.uk

• The Cleveland Way, North Yorkshire - There is no better way to take the weight of the world off your shoulders than to take a walk along the Cleveland Way National Trail. This 110 mile/176 kilometre walking route follows the fantastic scenery of the North York Moors National Park, crossing stunning lengths of heather moorland and providing spectacular views of the North Yorkshire coastline - www.nationaltrail.co.uk/ClevelandWay

• Sherwood Forest Country Park, Nottinghamshire - Once part of a royal hunting forest, Sherwood Forest Country Park covers 450 acres and incorporates some truly ancient areas of native woodland. The largest and most famous of these is the Major Oak, linked throughout the world to Sherwood’s legendary hero, Robin Hood - www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/sherwoodforestcp

• The Broads, Norfolk - The Broads is England’s largest nationally protected wetland; the whole area is 303 sq km. Its rivers, broads (shallow lakes), marshes and fens make it a unique area, rich in rare habitats, which support myriad plants and animals. Globally, wetlands are among the most threatened of landscapes. The Broads is also one of Europe’s most popular inland waterways. Once an essential transport network, today the waterways are used for recreation, attracting more than two million visitors a year - www.broads-authority.gov.uk

• Jurassic Coast - For stunning views steeped in geological and historical interest, the Jurassic Coast and its share of the South West Coast Path encompasses the elegant Regency town of Sidmouth, the former smuggling haven of Beer and the unspoilt and friendly Budleigh Salterton and reaches into fossil country; rightly recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - www.jurassiccoast.com

• Dartmoor National Park - Dartmoor is a living, working landscape haunted by the ghosts of the past; today’s farmers, rangers and visitors tread in the steps of Bronze Age man, medieval monks and tinners. Walking, cycling and horse riding is the order of the day for many active enthusiasts or try ‘letterboxing’, a game originating on the moor with similarities to orienteering - www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk

• Thetford Forest Park, Norfolk - a working forest as well as a place for relaxation and recreation. It is a haven for wildlife and there is a good chance of seeing deer, cross bills, night jars and more. Find out more about the High Lodge Forest Centre with its ever expanding range of recreation facilities and much more - www.forestry.gov.uk/thetfordforestpark

• Cornwall Coastal Path - With one of the most scenic, and longest stretches of the South West Coast Path, and an inland path network of over 2,400 miles no walker could ever get bored in Cornwall. Amble through lush countryside, across wild rugged moors or along stunning coast paths. Breathe in the fresh Cornish air and see places only reached on foot - www.southwestcoastpath.com

With thanks to Angies for the stunning image.