What's on your English bucket list?

A simple, stress-free staycation is on everyone’s list this year. Whether it’s being immersed in the sounds of nature, discovering local gems, or hair-raising adventures on the water or above the trees – our 13 locations across the UK offer the best of both worlds. With eight spots in the English forest from the Cornish coast to the wild Yorkshire moors, you’re spoilt for choice to start ticking off your English bucket list.

Visit Stonehenge

Stonehenge, England’s most famous landmark is a mysterious and awe-inspiring monument dating back to Neolithic times.  Everybody should visit it at least once in their life.  Take the trip and make a weekend of it, unwinding in our cabins at Blackwood Forest, just over half an hour away.

Cruise the Norfolk Broads

A happy accident, the Norfolk Broads came about when channels that had been dug for peat in the 12th to 14th centuries, were filled by the rising sea levels. Now made up of seven rivers and 63 broads it is Britain’s largest protected wetlands, teeming with rare species - and a bucket list must. Stay at Thorpe Forest, around an hour’s drive away.

Puzzlewood

The enchanted world of Puzzlewood is a unique and ancient woodland in the heart of the Forest of Dean. A temperate rainforest, you’ll experience the otherworldly as you explore the twisted trees and mossy gorges on its mile and a half of paths. Not to be missed, this is just three miles from our Forest of Dean location – and a bucket list destination ticked off in a holiday full of unique adventures.

Follow the legend of Robin Hood

Where better to immerse yourself in the legend of England’s most famous outlaw, Robin Hood, than Sherwood Forest. Explore the church in Edwinstowe, where he’s said to have married Maid Marion; or see the Major Oak where, according to the legend, he and his Merrie Men gathered. Inspired by the stories, you can then try your hand at archery down in the forest.

Go surfing on Fistral Beach

Catch a wave and take a cold dip on Fistral Beach, the renowned spot that’s one of the world’s top surfing destinations. With waves that can top eight feet, it hosts all the top UK surfing competitions. Deerpark in South East Cornwall, is about 45 minutes’ drive away. And, closer to your cabin doorstep, Polperro is just three miles away – an unspoilt historic fishing village that’s a world away from the bustling surfing beaches.

See the heather on the North York Moors

There’s no finer sight in all of England than the pink and purple heather that covers the North York Moors as August turns to September. It’s the most extensive and breath-taking cover anywhere in England, and we’re told it is even visible from space. Stay at Cropton or Keldy to witness this natural spectacle.

Take a ride on a steam train

Capture the spirit of the great railway age of England by catching a steam train along one of the lovingly maintained lines that can be found across the country. If you’re taking a family activity holiday at any of our English locations, there’s a steam train nearby. Our favourites are the North York Moors Railway near Cropton and Keldy and Bressingham Steam and Gardens, near Thorpe Forest (and there’s also a train station at our Beddgelert location, in North Wales).

Canoe the River Wye

From exciting, fast-action rapids to tranquil natural beauty, the River Wye has all the ingredients for a top canoeing or kayaking trip. Stay at our Forest of Dean cabins for a great group activity holiday and tick river canoeing off your bucket list, on the best river in England! If you catch the canoeing bug, plan your next escape to Delamere Forest, where you can canoe, kayak or even paddleboard on the River Dee.

Explore the English canals

The historic waterways of England are part of our industrial history. At the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port, you can explore seven acres of English heritage along part of the Shropshire Union Canal and become a ‘gongoozler’ – someone who watches the waterways with all its boats and activities. Just 20 minutes’ drive from our Delamere Forest location, it’s a lovely day trip out for the family – and you can even take a narrowboat trip along ‘the cut’.

Catch a shooting star

The low light pollution at our forest locations make them ideal spots for stargazing. Have you ever seen the Milky Way or a meteor shower in a truly dark sky? You’ll never forget the experience. Our best locations for stargazing in England are Cropton, Keldy, Thorpe Forest and Forest of Dean.

Fly down the longest zipwire in England

It’s 660m long and starts 100m above ground. The Skywire at the Eden Project is the closest you’ll ever come to flying like a bird. Described as ‘half a mile of pure exhilaration’ it’s a must for your English bucket list. And if you’re after even more thrills, the Hang Loose team at the Eden Project have a host of other nerve-tingling adventures. The Eden Project is just half an hour’s drive from Deerpark.

So that’s what’s on our English bucket list – what’s on yours?

All within striking distance of one of our forest locations, our list is just a handful of the incredible activities, experiences and landmarks that England has to offer. Make the most of the amazing history, nature and thrills on your doorstep and get discovering the people and places we love – close to home, no passport required.