This Tudor mansion is set among exquisite gardens and orchards. Climb Prospect Tower for panoramic views of the Tamar Valley, whose industrial history is commemorated at the quayside Discovery Centre.
Find out more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele.

A walk to take: The Lawry Walk, Cotehele, Cornwall
This easy circuit from Cotehele Quay crosses woodlands, streams and flower meadows with fine views of the River Tamar. It’s only two miles long but, with a working watermill and restored sailing barge to discover on route, you can easily make a day of it.
Find out more: www.diamondsinthelandscape.org.uk.

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You don’t have be a rock climber to enjoy the glacial drama of this nature reserve in a hanging valley of Snowdonia. Allow two hours to follow the rocky lakeside path and you may spot a peregrine falcon soaring above the rare alpine plants.
Find out more: www.eryri-npa.gov.uk.

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The steep, sometimes slippery boardwalk climb of just under two miles, past a series of magical waterfalls, is not for the faint-hearted, but the reward is a sublime view down the largest of the Antrim glens towards the sea (www.discovernorthernireland.com).

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This striking wide glacial valley in the unlikely setting of the Lincolnshire Wolds has deep, steep sides cloaked with trees. The clear chalk stream running along its bottom is great for paddling, Pooh sticks and picnics.
Find out more: www.hubbardshills.co.uk).

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With its wide, grassy floodplains overlooked by misty woodlands and distant hills, the Ribble Valley is said to have inspired the hobbits’ idyllic Shire. Follow Tolkien’s footsteps upstream from the village along the Ribble Way before a locally sourced lunch at the Shireburn Arms. Nearby Clitheroe is a foodie hotspot.
Find out more: www.visitribblevalley.co.uk

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A plantsman’s paradise in the heart of Wharfedale, where 24 acres of formal and woodland gardens are juxtaposed against distant crags. Linger for the day among its garden rooms, or combine with a classic Dales walk to the myth-laden limestone gorge of Troller’s Gill.
Find out more: www.parcevallhallgardens.co.uk

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Divert from the Monsal Trail footpath (or park at Priestcliffe to reach this thyme-scented steep limestone hillside, where yellow mountain pansies bloom on spoil heaps left over from lead-mining days. Continue along the trail to Ashford-in-the-Water for a cream tea. Enjoy a warm welcome at the dog-friendly Aisseford Tea Room in a Peak District village famous for its well-dressing ceremony. The pretty garden is a sunny spot for a homemade pie or slice of cake (01629 812773).
Find out more: www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk; www.peakdistrict.gov.uk

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Carpets of poppies turn the cornfields red at this North Downs nature reserve and country park. Cherished by botanists for centuries, it has impressive displays of arable flowers including fumitories and corncockles, as well as woodland orchids and chalk-loving rarities such as horseshoe vetch.
Find out more: www.plantlife.org.uk.

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Rare-breed ponies roam freely with their foals among the beautiful limestone fell country between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. With its wild-flower-rich hay meadows (www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk), challenging hill walks and cosy pubs, this gem of a village merits an overnight stay at the Shepherd’s Hut. This stylish converted railway cabin, with its woodburning stove and roll-top bath, would be a romantic getaway in any part of the country, but the remotely beautiful setting makes it idyllic. From £95 per night, two-night minimum (015396 23370; www.acornerofeden.co.uk).

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