|
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS
|
|
The Ridgeway, which passes through Oxfordshire, is a scenic walk with fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. The Walk is accessible at various points from the canals which pass through the county. In Lincolnshire Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty of coastline to interest them. The Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, south of Skegness, has hides, observation platforms and a Visitor Center. Further up the coast there's the Donna Nook Reserve and the RSPB Reserve at Tetney Marshes. Although there are fewer inland waterways in the south east of England, many places may still be accessible, and the routes through which the canals pass are both scenic and heavily populated with wildlife. |
|
The Yorkshire dales provide some sites of remarkable beauty, and are some of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK for those interested in wildlife and the countryside. Among the many varied natural features worth visiting are the Ingleborough Heights, with the famous gaping gill pothole, and the White Scar Caves at Ingleton. The Dales themselves are worth seeing, in particular Dentdale (south of A684), Littondale (turn west off the B6160 north of Grassington), Swaledale (B6270), and Wensleydale (B684). The Cleveland way runs along the Yorkshire coast and is well worth a day out if you enjoy walking and the open air. The Lake District and its main expanse of water - Windermere - need little introduction. In peak season Windermere town and nearby Bowness can become rather crowded. Cruises are available on Windermere and there is a Steamboat Museum in the town. Take time to look at some of the smaller lakes like Devoke Water isolated high upon the rugged Bunker Fell, Corrie Tarn, and Buttermere (enjoying some of the views of Newlands Pass which connects Buttermere to the village of Braithwaite to north east). The Lakes are Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter country. Wordsworth was born in the small town of Cockermouth and later lived in Dove Cottage in the small village of Grasmere. Beatrix Potter lived over at Sawrey (south of Hawkshead on the west side of Lake Windermere) in Hilltop cottage. The North has many canal routes open, connecting some of the more industrial areas of the region, but passing through huge expanses of stunning countryside. The Leeds and Liverpool canal being one of the most northerly. a broad network of canals runs from Manchester and Liverpool across to Sheffield, and almost all the way to York and hull. Further south the canals stretch down the west of England to north Wales and the midlands. |
|
The Peak District, which straddles Derbyshire and Staffordshire, is full of Scenic places to explore. Dove Dale, which derives it's name from the River Dove that passes through the valley of forests and limestone outcrops is but one example. The Peak district, as well as having many quiet and serene villages to explore, also has bleak and magnificent areas. Kinder Scout, Mam Tor and Taddington Moor as well as Rushup Edge and Mam Nick Pass. The Pennine way winds its way through the region, and is one of the most famous walks in England. Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire has some of the oldest rocks and fossils in England today, dateing from the Precambrian period. Rutland Water, also in Leicestershire is used both for leisure, and conservation purposes. Parts of it are home to many hundreds of birds and other wildlife. The Midlands spectacular canal network provides easy access to many of the regions areas of interest and beautiful countryside. Birmingham claims to have more miles of canals than Venice, and this is not a hollow claim. Birmingham is the center for a network of canals stretching out into the countryside in all directions. |
|
The Scenic Cotswolds in gloucestershire, with their famous limestone buildings, make a fantastic day out. With fantastic views and a variety of animal, bird and butterfly sanctuaries throughout the region, this is a great place to view some of the best of Britain's countryside and wildlife. The river Severn meanders through the Severn valley with its many quiet villages and outstanding sites, such as devils chimney, a 50 foot pillar of stone which according to legend is straight out of hell. The Forest of dean and clearwell caves have both been part of gloucestershires mining tradition, but are now places of great beauty and are well worth exploring. The Slimbridge Wildfowl trust to the south west of gloucester, and the Batsford falconry center both provide an escape for wildlife lovers. Many of the places to visit in the south west are easily accessible from the canals and rivers of the region if you choose to explore by boat. The River Severn and Avon, Gloucester and Sharpness canal, South Oxford canal and Kennet and Avon canal all give access to many important cities, towns and villages in the region. |