There is only one way to discover the hidden treasures of the New Forest and that is to lace up one’s walking boots and head out on foot.

While meandering down the many walking routes and paths, visitors get a more intimate feel for the luscious green landscape than they would admiring it through the window of their car.

With an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife, the area offers something for everyone, from artists looking to capture a beautiful landscape on canvas to photographers hoping to capture that perfect shot.

Historic sites

A visit to the New Forest must include a trip to Breamore House, an Elizabethan manor located in the picturesque village of Breamore, which offers quite outstanding views of the Avon Valley.

Housed within this majestic building are fine works of art, period furniture, tapestries and more.

Rockbourne Roman Villa is another must-see, as is Hurst Castle and Ferry, the fortress prison that housed Charles I and is now home to exhibits from various conflicts, including artefacts from World War II.

Glorious parks and gardens

The piece de resistance of the New Forest is its National Park.

It is a living and working remnant of medieval England offering wonderful walking routes, with its fresh air, clean water and luscious landscape making it a perfect example of England’s green and pleasant lands.

A combination of ancient woodland, heather-covered fields and quaint villages make this the jewel in the New Forest’s crown.

However, it is just one example which is popular with tourists, with walking groups also fond of the New Forest Water Gardens.

Set in three acres of glorious gardens, the ponds and waterfalls which are home to a variety of fish and marine life are a joy to behold and a wonderful discovery while walking and rambling in the area.

Furzey Gardens is another place waiting to be discovered.

Noted for its year-round beauty, it offers a wonderful spot in which to relax and take off one’s hiking boots for a short while.

Wonderful wildlife

Grazing on the long green grass of Burley Park are some of the most majestic and beautiful Red Deer likely to be seen anywhere.

With tractor rides and other tours taking place, the chance to get close to these wonderful animals should not be missed.

A trip to Lower Test Nature Reserve is also a must, although this vast area of coastal and wetland habitats requires visitors to wear sturdy walking or hiking boots and come equipped with suitable walking clothing.

This unique environment is home to some wonderful animals and plants, making it a fantastic spot for photography, art and walking.

The art of falconry has been practised in the New Forest for centuries and nestled within the area is Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile centre.

Here walkers will find a large collection of birds of prey – including eagles, vultures and owls – along with various reptiles ranging from snakes to tortoises.

Walking fans will also spot the famous New Forest pony, an animal that roams free over the open forest, with various other farm animals enjoying the space afforded them.

Quaint villages

The New Forest does not just offer grass and woodlands.

A visit to Barton-on-Sea provides stunning coastal walks and views which have to be seen to be believed.

Many people enjoy a swim in the area, meaning visitors can kick off their walking boots and take a dip in the sea should they wish.

Standing at the very eastern edge of the New Forest is the parish of Fawley which, with its many Roman remnants, is a popular spot for history fans.

To the western edge walkers will find Ringwood, the traditional market town of the New Forest and home to beautiful cottages.

Those who visit on a Wednesday can get a taste of the market atmosphere, with a trip to Jubilee Garden also recommended.

Rest and relaxation

The New Forest is home to numerous hotels, guest houses and camp sites.

As the best way to explore the terrain is on foot many visitors pitch up tents at the camp sites and spend the night with nature.

Those who do this must ensure they have brought all the correct gear with them so they can enjoy a good night’s sleep before lacing up their walking boots and heading out into the wilderness once again.

With hills blanketed in every shade of green and waterfalls tumbling from the mountains, the Lake District is a jewel in the UK’s crown and a favourite with walking and hiking fans everywhere.

Home to Lake Windermere, which at 10.5 miles is the longest in the county, the Lake District is perhaps the most striking example of the country’s natural beauty.

Lovely lakes

Water is what the area is best known for, with 16 lakes of different shapes and sizes emphasising the majesty of the terrain.

Lake Windermere is perhaps the most famous expanse of water in the region.

Drawing thousands of visitors every year, it offers something for everyone, including water sports for the adventurous, a wonderful scene for artists to capture and the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely cruise.

In fact, cruises are one of the most popular activities to take place on the lake, with trips ranging from 45 minutes to three hours.

While Lake Windermere holds the title of the country’s longest lake, it is not regarded as the most scenic.

That accolade belongs to Wastwater, which lies at the foot of England’s highest mountain –Scafell Pike.

It has been voted Britain’s Favourite View, with the roads alongside it offering breathtaking sights of the surrounding mountains, of which there are plenty.

Majestic mountains

The aforementioned Scafell Pike is the most famous.

At 978m tall, it is considered the most challenging mountain to climb in the UK, however, reaching the top is worth it for the spectacular views of Langdale Pikes and Wastwater it provides.

Blencathra is another of the region’s most-renowned peaks, with Sharp Edhe widely regarded as one of the most difficult of all ridges in the mountaineering world.

Get back to nature

While many come to the Lake District to scale the mountains and boat on the lakes, just as many come with their paintbrushes and pastels to capture the area’s natural beauty on paper.

There are several sites which are popular with artists, including the Packhorse bridge at Wasdale Head, Castlerigg Stone Circle in Keswick and Yew Tree Yarn near Consiton.

The various private and public gardens are also popular spots with visitors.

Brantwood garden, set in a 250-acre wood estate with spectacular views, is one of the most impressive and is considered a paradise for hill walkers.

Holker Hall, home of Lady and Lord Cavendish, is another green expanse open to visitors, who can enjoy its flowers, terraces and walking routes.

While the natural environment is the major factor which attracts visitors to the Lake District, it is not all the region has to offer.

Explore the area

Dotted around the countryside are quaint villages boasting white cottages and country inns serving the finest pub food.

The George and Dragon in Penrith is one place where visitors can sit down to a hearty meal.

This beautiful country estate pub serves seasonal produce from the nearby Lowther estate, with organically-reared chicken, beef and lamb all served with fresh vegetables.

Another watering hole popular with visitors is the award-winning Tweedies Bar in Grasmere, with a rich and varied menu and quaint surroundings making this a favourite place to enjoy a relaxing pint.

Rest and relaxation

With so much to see and do, it is unlikely that visitors will see all they need to in one day.

Thankfully, there a number of places to stay, from the four-star Low Wood Hotel on the shores of Lake Windermere to the iconic Midland Hotel, which was a favourite of Coco Chanel and Lawrence Olivier.

Others choose to enjoy the great outdoors 24/7 and decide to camp, with various sites and lodges dotted around the countryside.

The Lake District has something to offer everyone, with its rugged terrain just waiting to be explored.

With such variation in the terrain, it is essential that walkers bring the correct walking or hiking boots with them and invest in a map for peace of mind.

Follow these tips and prepare for a truly wonderful walking holiday.