Thursday 30 April 2015

BURGHLEY's ideas for getting out and about in the great British countryside this weekend.

You don't have to be a genius to see that here at BURGHLEY we love the outdoors and all things country.
This time of year gets us very excited about brushing off the winter cobwebs and getting outdoors. The sun is shining, the blossom is on the trees and we need no reason to get out and enjoy everything that the Great British countryside has to offer.

Here's our top tips for things to do to get you out there and in the thick of things.
  • Visit a Canal- There is nothing more relaxing that walking next to water. We are lucky enough to have plenty of canals int his country that offer miles of tow path walks and even one or two pubs to stop for a drink and a watch of the boats. Find your local canal or river walk here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/see-and-do
  • Visit a stately home- The properties of the National Trust not only offer a window into the past lives of these stunning, historic, buildings but most have acre upon acre of beautiful gardens and estate land. Find your nearest here: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
  • Go for a walk in the woods- With the buds finally opening into leaves, the sun shining through the canopy and the rustle of sticks and leaves under your feet there is nothing like walking in the woods. Not to mention the bird song and wildlife on offer. The Forestry Commission's website will tell you where to go near you: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/visit
  • Go for a bike ride- You can go so much further on two wheels than two legs. Plenty of places in our local area will offer bike hire if the ones in your garage have rusted away. Sustrans can help you find a cycle path near you to get off the road: http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map
  • Go in search of history- If history is more your thing, then why not visit on of the amazing places conserved by English Heritage. Follow this link for some near you: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
If you don't fancy travelling, how about staying at home, there are plenty of things that don't cost much that you can do on your doorstep.
  • Plant some seeds- With spring fully in flow now is the time to try your hand at growing your own produce. You don't have to own acres of garden, you can reap the rewards of sowing a few seeds even from a window box. Ditch those packet salads and get some easy to grow cut and come again in a simple planter and you'll be having fresh leaves all through the summer. This is a great one for kids too, as long as you don't mind them running outside every day to see if their seeds have sprouted yet!
  • Practice your photography- the age of the smartphone has given us all the opportunity to get out there and see what nature has to offer. Why not practice with flowers n your garden, or landscapes nearby. 
  • Build a bug hotel- This is another great one if you have kids, or even if you just love your garden. Insects, especially bees and lady birds play an important part in our gardne ecosystem so why not give them a helping hand. You can use anything from old pipes to pieces of straw. Here are some good tips from the RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/makeahomeforwildlife/advice/gardening/insects/building_homes.aspx
  • Climb to the top of a hill- there is nothing more uplifting than climbing up to the top of high land and stopping to enjoy the view. There is the sense of achievement, looking down to where you started from, but also seeing how far into the distance you can see. Take a deep breath of fresh air and enjoy a moment of peace.
  • Go for a picnic- If you're lucky enough to have good weather this weekend, why not pack up some tasty treats and dine al fresco. There is nothing better than sipping a glass of wine and watching the sunset!
If we have inspired you to get outside this weekend, we'd love to hear all about it, why not comment below, or tell us on facebook!



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