Back in 2013 we scoured the countryside for the most lauded and unsung benches. Now we are in a time where you may not be able to trundle along to these places, we thought we'd dig this out of the archive and take you there, and tell a few tales along the way too.
Places to Go Peter Kirby
Not just for those with a Bus Pass... this journey is best taken on an open top bus!
Visitors' Book Maz C
Brixham is a beautiful harbour town with pastel houses clinging to the hillside. It’s a colourful town, rich with history and wildlife, perfect for family holidays or peaceful romantic getaways.
Things to do Philip Eley
With vast forest and open heathland as far as the eye can see, take time to explore this stunning Area of Outstanding Beauty in Sussex.
Places to Go Liz Arnell
Enjoy breakfast in the Chapel Cafe in Zennor and a stunning walk along the South West Coast Path and lunch in St Ives.
Things to do George Thomas
If you love admiring and exploring the great outdoors, then this part of the world is the perfect place to soak up beautiful countryside and emerald woodland. The Blackdown Hills offers an extensive range of range of activities and things to do on a visit to the area.
Things to do Tasha H
Voted the Best UK Coastal Resort at the British Travel Awards in 2015 and 2016, Bude has lots of things to do. Visit for your holiday or simply a day out while staying in one of our Cornwall cottages.
Things to do Abby D
With walks, play areas and adrenaline adventures, River Dart Country Park has everything you might need for a fun-filled family day in Devon.
Things to do Philip Eley
A family day out to Stourhead, exploring the gardens, having a picnic and generally having a magical adventure.
Visitors' Book Emma L
Whether to wear out the kids, or to rediscover alone time together, here are a few of our favourite walks in the South West.
Places to Go Katie Chown
For a truly diverse day out with your dog, with walks galore, head over to Netley’s Royal Victoria Country Park when on holiday in Hampshire.
Places to Go Kylie Barton
A few suggestions for free food in the winter months.
Classic Fodder Katie Chown
Walk through the heart of the moors along the Princetown old railway walk. Dramatic views and flat paths make this route ideal for a family walk.
Things to do Philip Eley
Any time of year is always great for resurrecting some of the simple pleasures of yesteryear. Forests become wonderlands of fun, discovery and adventure. Here’s a round-up of some simple forest fun ideas to try.
Things to do Philip Eley
We had driven through the town of Lyndhurst earlier in the day and made a note to stop off on our way back to our holiday cottage in Lymington, not least because of the large number of New Forest ponies we had seen just on the outskirts of the town.
Visitors' Book Faye
Come rain or shine, this Dartmoor walk is enjoyable at any time of year. Winter, spring, summer or autumn, you'll find our writer, Philip heading to Haytor Quarries.
Things to do Philip Eley
Dartmoor is made for dogs. Wide open spaces and plenty of miles to walk. Join our writer, Philip, on a tour of his favourite dog-walking routes on Dartmoor.
Places to Go Philip Eley.jpg)
What else to do now that the sun is shining than take a coastal walk to one of Cornwall's most iconic rock formations; Bedruthan Steps.
Things to do Abby D
The South West Coast Path is a real walking holiday adventure. Plan a stay in one of these cottages where the coastal path is on your doorstep and enjoy some of our favourite walks in the whole world.
News & Offers Kayleigh Hardy
This ancient Dorset town is so tranquil and laid back, R&R is practically guaranteed so you can kick back and zone out. But if you like to occupy your time away, there are plenty of things to do in Tolpuddle.
Things to do Katie Chown
Get a breath of fresh air with a family walk along the beach and through the woods near Yarmouth. This dog friendly beach means every member of your clan can enjoy the Great Outdoors of the Isle of Wight.
Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy
Learn Stonehenge facts by visiting Stonehenge Visitor Centre and marvel in the ancient history of the English landscape.
Places to Go Becky Bye
Whether you started your resolutions and then lapsed, or never actually got round to starting, there is no time like the present - or no time like when you're on holiday in Dorset, to walk off the weight, with or without the dog as motivation.
Places to Go Becky Bye
I hadn’t thought much about having a holiday in Ryde before I spent the day there but I was really surprised by what it has to offer.
Things to do Liz Arnell
From giant granite monoliths to loofahs for cattle
Places to Go Peter Kirby
A walk to make the legs feel young and four legs feel free.
Pub Philosophy Peter Kirby
Berry Head: ‘The highest and lowest lighthouse in England’
Places to Go Philip Eley
Exmoor towns and landscape, a look at where to go and why.
Places to Go Katie Chown
I cannot recommend Moors Valley Country Park highly enough, in fact I've already sent a number of friends and family along and hope to go back again myself soon.
Things to do Faye
Nodding donkeys and Polar (bear) woods make this Dorset walk a must.
Pub Philosophy Peter Kirby
Re-enact movies and grab brunch on the go with this walk around Corfe.
Pub Philosophy Peter Kirby
One of three lovely long loops you can walk, jog or ride.
Pub Philosophy Peter Kirby
The whole of Somerset is steeped in history, but with a wealth of Medieval evidence to impress all history buffs, the county is well worth exploring. The best example of this time is concentrated in the Somerset city of Wells.
Places to Go Kylie Barton
With a backpack full of essentials we headed off to start on our epic journey... all eight miles of it! We were both shattered by the end, but it was absolutely brilliant.
Places to Go B Hutchings
No Cornish history lesson would be done justice without attention being turned to smugglers. Whether they were liberators, criminals, pirates or local heroes, they covered the Cornish coastline with their illicit trade and made history through their dealings.
Stories & Characters Lizzie H
If you need a few cobwebs blowing away then this is the place to go for a dog walk in Cornwall.
Things to do B Hutchings
As the colder months draw in, and golden and red hues fill the trees then empty over the paths as we head through winter, there’s nothing quite like gathering the family for a stroll through the countryside. Embrace the fresh air, wrap up warm and soak in the beauty of Somerset on these ten autumn walks.
Places to Go Kylie Barton
Pull yourself out of hibernation. It will do you the world of good. Put that extra gear on – the wellies, the wool, the fleece, the waterproofs. Layer up. It’s time to brave the storm with these wonderful winter walks.
Visitors' Book Sadie Phillips
Isle of Wight dog walks at Yaverland don't come prettier than this one filled with sparkling sea glass for beach wanderers.
Places to Go Liz Arnell
It’s a great place to watch the ships go by from Portsmouth and Southampton with sailing boats dotted in between with many a deli and cafe to while away relaxing days.
Things to do Liz Arnell
Explore the New Forest with or without the help of a local expert during October's New Forest Walking Festival, for young, old, two or four legs.
Places to Go Kylie Barton
Bailey's back to walk you around Torquay on a cultural route around the old town and harbour. It's a circular walk for dogs with a little bit of theatre for their owner.
Places to Go B Hutchings
There is a lot of culture and interest about the town if you only look beyond it’s quaint and quiet exterior.
Things to do Becky Bye
Fill your lungs with fresh air on your Isle of Wight holiday by walking across the AONB Tennyson Downs.
Things to do Liz Arnell
Wend your weary way back to the car park or stop for a while and watch the world go by on the quay - like Bailey.
Visitors' Book B Hutchings
Explore a new town and find things to do with children in Totnes - as we eliminated suspects and weapons we explored places with great names like Warland and Ticklemore Street.
Things to do Philip Eley
Wareham is a beautiful old town with literary connections and a great place to stop to break up a long journey, or spend a few days if you are heading down towards the coast.
Things to do Becky Bye
Shaldon is a fantastic village facing an attractive estuary with a small village charm but also a good range of shops, pubs and cafes. It lies in a sheltered valley and stares out at the larger town of Teignmouth which it is connected to by a bridge and a ferry.
Things to do Philip Eley
Want bucket loads of seaside charm? Head to Looe! Whether you decide to base yourself here, or pop over for a day trip, there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy here.
Things to do Abby D
With its pebble beach, easy-going vibe, and many interesting days out and attractions nearby, Seaton is a good place for a family holiday, a walking holiday or an activity holiday.
Things to do Philip Eley
Bovey Tracey is a welcoming town with many tasty cafes and restaurants. It is a great base from which to explore a lovely area so here is my guide to things to do in 'Buvvy'.
Things to do Philip Eley.jpg)
Whether you’ve got a week or an afternoon to spend, Lerryn makes the perfect place for a spot of pottering. There are things to do in Lerryn to keep you occupied while you relax and unwind on holiday in Cornwall.
Things to do Abby D
A hidden gem with calm waters and golden sands, perfect for a quiet afternoon out in the sunshine while on holiday on the Isle of Wight.
Places to Go Liz Arnell
Dorset walks, places to eat and things to see and do in the unassuming but very pretty little market town of Beaminster, north of Bridport. It's worth a quick visit when you're on holiday in Dorset.
Things to do Katie Chown
Dawlish is a seaside town in south east Devon with a gentle air of sophistication yet still a great place for traditional bucket and spade holidays. With both Dawlish and Dawlish Warren full of ideas for a fun break, here is my guide of things to do in Dawlish.
Things to do Philip Eley
If you’re after a coastal day out in Dorset, but fancy something a little more adventurous than Lyme Regis or Swanage, then Lulworth Cove is for you.
Things to do Becky Bye
Just for a change, I thought we’d take a dog walk along Preston Beach in Paignton.
Visitors' Book B Hutchings
Plymouth describes itself as Britain’s Ocean City. It is a vibrant, modern city with plenty of attractions and historic buildings, places to visit, things to do and see and lots of foody destinations.
Things to do Philip Eley
A walk with a difference. This walk can only be attempted 4 times a year so plan your holiday for low tide and hope to strike lucky.
Things to do Liz Arnell
A day out in Dorset would be far from complete without a trip to the seaside. Swanage is the best town on the Jurassic Coast for scenery.
Things to do Becky Bye
Newton Abbot is a medium-sized market town, surrounded by great parks and beautiful countryside with access to great seaside one way and great moorland the other way. It also has some of the best parks and open space land you can find plenty of things to do in.
Things to do Philip Eley
Little known Dorset town Wimborne Minster has a lot of activities to offer, whether you are after a family day out, or a quiet relaxing weekend for two.
Things to do Becky Bye
Autumn colours and a frosty feeling in the air made for a surprisingly wonderful afternoon exploring the National Trust's Trelissick gardens in Cornwall.
Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy
Join Liz Arnell and her Labrador Retriever, Nigel, on a circular walk on the east of the Isle of Wight. The walk takes in stunning sea views and magical woodland on the island.
Visitors' Book Liz Arnell
Devon is a fabulous place for dogs, with many wide-open spaces for running around in. So, which beaches in South Devon are the most dog-friendly?
Places to Go Philip Eley
A visit to Tintagel in North Cornwall is like taking a pilgrimage to a peculiarly mythical land. The castle ruins perched high on the clifftop are the quintessence of one of the greatest legends that course throughout Cornwall’s history.
Places to Go Deb S
One of the best things about holidaying in Dorset is long walks that end up in a cosy pub – and it’s just not the same if you don’t take your four-legged friend with you. Luckily we have some of the best dog-friendly cottages in Dorset.
Places to Go Amanda Tomlin
You can’t escape the sea when on holiday on the Isle of Wight, but head inland towards Newport and you can enjoy a waterside location that’s slightly less salty.
Things to do Katie Chown
When you think of a typical Cornish holiday, you probably won’t think of St Austell. But this historic town is well worth a wander and offers plenty of things to do as well as fantastic access to some of the best beaches in the whole county.
Things to do Abby D
Sherborne is a pretty and historical town full of things to do and see.
Things to do Becky Bye
Kingsbridge is an attractive market town in its own right, but it is most often seen as a good base from which to explore the spectacular surrounding area of South Hams.
Things to do Philip Eley
Teignmouth has the nostalgic charm of a Victorian seaside town, with its pier, lido and large houses, but there’s a lot more to this interesting town than that, so here’s my guide to things to do in Teignmouth.
Things to do Philip Eley
The New Forest Centre is a hub of information and activities through which to learn about the beautiful scenery which surrounds you, and provides a great educational day out for families holidaying nearby.
Places to Go Kylie Barton
On a glorious spring day last year, we did two things of note. We looked at the sky. Then we gazed at the sea. Then we enjoyed many of the things to do in Southampton that make for a great family holiday.
Things to do Jonathan C
The Isle of Wight is one of the few places in the UK where you could get away with a relaxed approach to holidaymaking. From the centre of the Island you are never more than half an hour from the sea, and you'll find family friendly bays, beaches and coves scattered all over. There are lots of things to do on a visit to the Isle of Wight.
Things to do Robbie L
Torquay has been a fashionable seaside resort since the early 19th century with some fabulous beaches and many interesting historical houses alongside its shops and cafes.
Things to do Philip Eley
Set on the south coast, Fowey is a maritime lover’s paradise. The smart nautical town hugs the west side of the Fowey estuary, where deep waters attract sailing fans. The town itself is a mix of enchantingly narrow streets and a mix of architecture including historic medieval, grand Georgian and Victorian buildings.
Things to do Abby D
Quite simply, Lymington is an enchanting town for all seasons, for all the family. Situated on the southern edge of the New Forest, it offers the perfect springboard from which to explore the stunning national park.
Things to do Jonathan C
I wonder if Weymouth is actually rather overlooked and under-rated, with visitors flocking more to other Dorset locations such as Bournemouth, but Weymouth has some brilliant hidden gems that I want to share with you.
Things to do Becky Bye
One of the oldest towns in Cornwall, Bodmin is truly steeped in history yet has many modern conveniences to make life easy.
Things to do Abby D
Soak up the sunshine and views of the Solent and the Channel with a walk around the Bembridge coastline on the east of the Isle of Wight.
Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy
Welcome to the heart of the New Forest, where cattle, ponies, donkeys, deer and pigs have roamed free for centuries.
Things to do Jonathan C
Check out things to do and where to stay if you fancy following one of The Times' winter walks to celebrate all things outdoors.
News & Offers Kayleigh Hardy
After a weekend away in the New Forest, you’ll feel bright eyed and bushy tailed for your return home and back to reality.
Places to Go Becky Bye
But it’s not just the lively shopping scene that draws the crowds, there are beautiful riverside walks to enjoy, brilliant play parks for kids and plenty of excellent pubs, cafes and restaurants ready for when hunger strikes.
Places to Go Abby D
My wife is a city girl; she is happy in these maintained woodlands to know that there are toilets nearby, places to buy good coffee, and well-maintained paths, while I’m happy that we don’t have to actually stay on the paths at all.
Places to Go Philip Eley
Take in the waterside sights of an amble around the ancient village of Stoke Gabriel and its dog-friendly places to go.
Visitors' Book B Hutchings
You really wonder at the enterprise and sheer foolishness of building a stately home on a huge chuck of rock 500 meters out to sea
Places to Go Philip Eley
Walking along and picking out the pieces that catch my eye has become a ritual. Imagining where they came from, who used them and why they were cast out is addictive and helps paint vivid pictures of times gone by.
Things to do Anna H
We know because we've been there, but we're also backed up by our guests and Owners - here's some of the best things to do in the New Forest.
Things to do Katie Chown
Kingsand and Cawsand are twin seafront villages on The Rame Peninsula in Cornwall. They have a rich fishing (and smuggling!) heritage and you can still spot the old fish cellars and stores along the coast.
Visitors' Book Abby D
It’s very tempting to belt out a rendition of something from ‘The Sound of Music’, but all I can manage is ‘Bailey wait for me!’ as she disappears through some brambles.
Visitors' Book B Hutchings
When we saw The Devil’s Cauldron in all its primeval glory we stood agog for a full ten minutes as the waters roared and the mist swirled around us.
Things to do Philip Eley
What we need is some fresh air and exercise, and Dorset thankfully has scenic walking spots in abundance. Wrap up warm, bundle the kids and dogs into the back of the car and head down to any of these places on New Year's Day to brush off the cobwebs.
Places to Go Becky Bye
Dorset has some of the finest countryside that the nation has to offer, including some absolutely breath-taking views. For beauty, views, and for a certain special something, here are some top winter walks around Dorset as the cold weather closes in around us.
Places to Go Becky Bye
Take a wander around, picking up some interesting facts about Bigbury Bay while you're there; the life and times of a Huer, and the pilchard packers. Remember though, it is tidal!
Places to Go B Hutchings
When the sun is shining on this part of the world you can't really ask for a more perfect family day out.
Visitors' Book Emma L
The World of Country Life is a great day out for young children. Even though we went on a Saturday it was surprisingly quiet and we didn’t have to queue for anything which made it all the more enjoyable.
Places to Go Philip Eley
The Blue Pool in Wareham, Dorset is allegedly home to the Wareham Bears... So make sure you take a picnic!
Visitors' Book Philip Eley
I read on the leaflet that Becky Falls has been open to the public since 1903. A lot of small feet must have walked its trails in that time but my children really did feel like explorers discovering a strange and magical land for the first time.
Visitors' Book Philip Eley
Yes, we are talking rabbits, dog walkers, bird watchers, picnic lovers, historical researchers; and of course not forgetting the Guardhouse Cafe, on the Berry Head Nature Reserve
Visitors' Book B Hutchings
Some of the more rural country walks in North Dorset suggest themselves as more of a waterproof coat and wellington boot alternative, though there are plenty of coastal walks for the slightly more adventurous types with hiking boots and walking sticks. However, these are my particular favourites;
Things to do Becky Bye
I am so proud of what I achieved and I doubt there is any place better to train than Cornwall
News & Offers Paula B
Cornwall runner, Paula Brocklesby, charts her training for the London Marathon with runs in the south west
News & Offers Paula B
Totnes to Ashprington is a perfect riverside walk. The path is easy to walk on and beautiful from beginning to end.
Things to do Philip Eley
We are quite a frugal family so the more free things that we can fill our days with, the better. Since we have lived in the West Country we have discovered all sorts of new, free, places to visit and I thought I would share a few of them with you.
Places to Go Gina Caro
Cornwall runner, Paula Brocklesby, charts her training for the London Marathon with runs in the south west
News & Offers Paula B
A clifftop drive to an ocean view, leading to building barbecues and benches on the beach...
Pub Philosophy Katie Chown
A crypt-keeper's poem on an otherwise lovely stroll.
Pub Philosophy Katie Chown
Whilst the Jurassic Coast is overflowing with beautiful seaside destinations, there is one for me whose charm outshines the rest; Lulworth Cove.
Places to Go Becky Bye
*NOW CLOSED* A little nugget of River Cottage loveliness wrapped up in a Classic weekend away.
News & Offers Katie Chown
Walk your way around the county, with your four-legged friend in tow (or way ahead of you)
Visitors' Book Sian Pickles
Take a circular walk that takes in coast and countryside, with stunning views and a little history and geology thrown in for good measure.
Visitors' Book Molly and the Princess
When we plan to go out together we’re always on the lookout for pram friendly strolls in south Cornwall. Photography by Annabel Elston
Places to Go Sian Pickles
The highlight of the trail was a large carved wooden sculpture of the Gruffalo which my five year old in particular adored.
Places to Go Philip Eley
The unassuming Saxon hilltop market town may at first appear to be nothing special but this north Dorset spot has a treasure trove of appeal.
Places to Go Becky Bye
A mosey around Port Wenn aka Port Isaac and getting dive-bombed by overprotective seagulls.
Pub Philosophy Katie Chown
I quite like a rainy walk but my children sometimes need to be convinced.
Places to Go Philip Eley
No sounds of worldly toil ascending there Mar the full burst of prayer
Things to do Molly and the Princess
We've got a special Classic discount on walking books. All the walks in each book are circular and each has all the information walkers need for a good day out.
News & Offers Katie Chown
They say Dartington is situated on a ley line – now I’m not sure about all that hippy stuff, but one thing I do know is I always feel an incredible sense of calm and beauty when I visit.
Places to Go Molly and the Princess
Literally meaning ‘Enclosure of the Devil’, Grim being another word for Odin, Grimspound is a late Bronze age settlement on Dartmoor.
Places to Go Molly and the Princess
The flowers are short-lived, and so once they are out, you should grab the opportunity to see them at their best...
Places to Go Molly and the Princess
Snowdrops and crocuses have appeared triumphant and herald the start of Spring, soon to make way for carpets of bluebells.
Visitors' Book Molly and the Princess
Everything smelled like rain. It was a smell I hadn't gotten used to yet, the smell of rain in Cornwall.
Visitors' Book Danielle Charles-Davies
It's amazing what you see when you stop and look. A short stroll along a Topsham thoroughfare yields a multitude of architectural gems.
Visitors' Book Molly and the Princess
‘From Pentire Point to Hartland light, a watery grave by day and night’, so goes the local saying. It’s one of the UK’s most notorious stretches of coastline for shipwrecks...ripe for adventure.
Visitors' Book Ali Ray
While Cornwall certainly has its share of high profile tourist destinations, it has an even bigger share of hidden treasures...
Visitors' Book Danielle Charles-Davies
Somerset may have some watery woes, but there is plenty of high ground to shout our support of this beautiful county from!
Visitors' Book Anna H
Ditch the heels, don the boots, and head out exploring the wonderful Devon and Cornwall countryside.
Visitors' Book Molly and the Princess
Cornwall from an American perspective - it's not all Doc Martin, y' know.
Visitors' Book Danielle Charles-Davies
Fancy going off-road but want it easy-going? Hit the Tarka Trail. This 35 mile former railway line is a Sustrans benchmark in more ways than one. It’s free of traffic (bar the odd horse), fills you in on the history and the wildlife as you go and lays on a series of artist-made benches, each one acting as a resting place, waymarker or shelter.
Places to Go Katie Chown
The tradition of a Cloutie tree is a long one that is shrouded in the mystery of witchcraft, and this one even had a well.
Pub Philosophy Katie Chown
Driving along yet more winding, narrow hedged roads the landscape was familiar with far reaching views over fields sectioned with stone walls and gorse hedges. An earlier signpost had indicated ‘Lanyon Quoit’ was along here somewhere, but what was a ‘lanyon’? Or a ‘quoit’ for that matter.
Pub Philosophy Katie Chown
Grateful for the strength of denim on my legs, we parted the brambles and were swallowed into the greenery. Flip-flops were a poor choice in the morning dew with nettles and grass snakes threatening, but melodrama was short lived as we emerged into a more open area.
Pub Philosophy Katie Chown
We went at the wrong time of day to stumble across the locals. But we still picked up a few tips that sparked a Magical Mystery Tour of the Penwith peninsula.
Pub Philosophy Katie Chown
Forget Sennen, Land's End and the Minack. When you're this far west, the place to be is Porthgwarra.
Pub Philosophy Katie Chown
Lumps of stone perched in a way no human could have constructed, magical dells full of wishes and spectacular sights that make you drop all your thoughts and just be.
Pub Philosophy Katie Chown
We wanted to go on a picnic. And the best kind of picnic usually involves a bit of a ramble to walk off those scones, as long as you don't have to carry the hamper too far. So, we chose Tremayne Quay near Mawgan on the Lizard peninsula, Cornwall.
Pub Philosophy Katie Chown
A mid-July, mid-week, mid-afternoon picnic on Tremayne quay off the Helford River. We picked our way through the best bits of the local farm shops on our Tour of the Lizard to create an enviable hamper full of goodies.
Pub Philosophy Katie Chown
Inspired by our encounter with Steve Bloor and the Godolphin House Barefoot Trail, we decided to try out our own walk with naked feet, so we hot-footed it over to nearby Tregonning Hill.
Pub Philosophy Katie Chown
A Barefoot Pub Philosophy part 2... After our experience in the Blue Anchor, we took to the trail and got our toes out.
Pub Philosophy Katie Chown
The quick walk to the Golden Cap in Dorset, the highest point on the South Coast.
Visitors' Book Adam Ludnow
We explore the eastern boundaries of our territory. Don't succumb to the temptation to keep following the dotted white lines west, but turn off and explore the unique character of Dorset. Perfect for a short, revitalising escape.
Places to Go Philippa Penney
How one long walk sparked a dream to collect an eggcup’s worth of every beach from Minehead to Swanage.
Stories & Characters Peter Kirby
The pick of things to do, places to see, food to eat on the western tip of Cornwall by people who have been born there or as good as.
Places to Go Peter Kirby
We've got some great places to just sit, so make the time and let your imagination go.
Stories & Characters Peter Kirby