As we enter the final month of summer and the August bank holiday approaches, we think the best way to really make the most of the sunshine is to get outside and experience the great outdoors. Whether you love music or history, with your whole family or maybe a mini break just for yourself, there are endless possibilities right here in England. To help you start planning your next adventure we’ve put together some of our favourite spots along with some events and ideas for each place, offering you the very best of British summertime.

Peak District

What better place to get out and experience great British nature than a trip to the Peak District. This beautiful national park and the surrounding Derbyshire county has activities of unlimited variety, from relaxing and sophisticated to fun and family packed. The Peak District boasts a wide range of gardens and country estates for the perfect back drop to a leisurely stroll or picnic. History lovers can book a guided walk around key locations such as quaint Buxton, or get off the beaten path and just get lost in the Peak District. From Haddon Hall to Biddulph Grand Gardens there’s bound to be something for everyone.

If you’re looking for something a bit more hands on, why not get creative and explore the colourful world of Well Dressing. This unique experience sees local communities from the towns and villages of the Peak District and Derbyshire display their creations for all to see. From May to September every year living art installations all created from natural materials can be admired by all, and once you’ve been truly inspired you can head over to one of the many ‘Well in the Making’ events at various locations and times during the summer to get involved yourself. Learn something new and create something beautiful at the same time with these fun filled events; new ones are added all throughout the summer so check the website for dates regularly.

Yorkshire

Head up North and enjoy some of the best and most beautiful sceneries England has to offer, with rolling hills and picturesque countryside there seems to be no end to the activities and sights to see. If you’re looking to add some adventure to your life then look no further than Alfresco Adventures. Based in the tranquil setting of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and offering activities all over Yorkshire, Alfresco Adventures provide fun and challenging experiences to suit a range of skills and levels. Choose from their wide selection of activities from rock climbing to canoeing and take the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and learn some new skills.

If you’re already running out of ideas for keeping the kids busy over the summer holidays, then why not preoccupy them with a fun filled and educational day out at Eureka! based in Halifax. The National Children’s Museum features hundreds of interactive exhibitions which will both entertain and capture their imaginations, and offers something fun for rainy days. All of the award winning exhibitions on offer are designed to educate and inspire young minds from 0 – 11, and during the summer holidays there are different events and activities on everyday so there’s always something different to explore.

For a more romantic getaway or for literary fans, head to Bradford in West Yorkshire and experience afternoon tea at Ponden Hall, the well-loved house the Bronte’s enjoyed and escaped to. After scones, smoked salmon sandwiches and tea guests can tour the house and surrounding grounds that were the inspiration for the real life setting of Wuthering Heights. Breath taking views looking over the moors offer the very best of the British countryside, whether you’re out enjoying the fresh air on a long walk or looking out of the mullioned windows while you warm by a real log fire.

Cornwall

If the rolling hills and moors of the North aren’t your thing, then why not head for the fresh sea air and picturesque cliffs of Cornwall. Stroll the South West Coast Path taking in the scenery and finish the day sampling any one of the delicacies Cornwall has to offer. For nature lovers and those fond of the mysterious the Lost Gardens of Heligan offer acres of surprises and luscious foliage. After one of the biggest garden restoration projects in Europe the lands of this abandoned aristocratic home now provide a range of vegetation from all over the world including banana plantations, giant rhubarb and bamboo. With hidden statues blending in with exotic greenery these gardens are an ideal way to encourage the kids to get out and about this summer.

If mystery isn’t for you then maybe it’s time to take a relaxing break. The Isles of Scilly really are a collection of hidden gems; each of the five islands offer breath taking scenery, white sand and plenty of wildlife and calming activities for the ultimate restorative break. Relax in luxury in a four star hotel or get back to basics and enjoy a camping break. Thanks to the tranquil setting and variety of both outdoor and indoor activities you’ll never be bored on The Isles of Scilly.

For something exciting and educational for you and the whole family, the iconic Eden Project offers a chance to experience the outdoors, indoors. Five giant domes house tropical vegetation of a wide variety with thousands of species from around the world. Until the 4^th of September kids can enjoy a truly prehistoric experience with life size moving dinosaurs and exhibits that encompass creatures over land, sea and air. For something a bit more refined you can also unwind with a massage available every Monday to Saturday.

Of course if you’re pushed for time or don’t fancy the long drive you can always experience the great outdoors right at home. Spread out with some homemade sandwiches and refreshing summer drinks in the back garden, or take a football to the local park and get active while you enjoy the remainder of summer.