Walk through sunflowers in Gower.

Nestled at the dramatic westernmost tip of the Gower Peninsula, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) since 1956, lies Rhossili Bay – a truly spectacular stretch of coastline renowned for its vast expanse of golden sand. Voted consistently among the UK’s top beaches and even recognized as one of Europe’s finest, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering perfect conditions for bodyboarding and surfing on its Atlantic-licked waves. Wild ponies, an iconic sight, graze peacefully on the southern headland, adding to the untamed beauty of the landscape. Adventurous walkers often time their pilgrimage across the causeway to the distinctive, serpent-like Worm’s Head promontory, a tidal island that demands careful planning to avoid being cut off by the powerful incoming tide – a natural spectacle in itself.

In a vibrant addition to Gower’s summer charm, the fields backing Rhossili Bay burst into a breathtaking spectacle: over 100,000 sunflowers. These towering, golden blooms, typically hitting their peak from late July into August, transform the landscape into a painter’s dream. A scenic 20-minute walk from the National Trust car park at Worm’s Head, this privately run attraction offers more than just a feast for the eyes. Visitors can immerse themselves in the cheerful fields, with designated ‘pick-your-own’ areas allowing them to take a piece of the sunshine home. Beyond the blooms, a whimsical trail winds through the site, dotted with charming wooden animal structures that spark children’s imaginations and giant swings strategically placed for those quintessential, Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. The initiative, often a collaboration with local farmers, not only provides a stunning visitor experience but also supports pollinators and local agriculture. Entry to this floral wonderland is priced at a modest £4 on weekdays and £4.50 on weekends, with more information available at rhossilisunflowers.co.uk. The combination of an award-winning beach and this temporary floral masterpiece makes Rhossili an irresistible summer destination.

Fabulous forest play in Dorset

Deep within the ancient woodlands of Moors Valley Country Park, managed by Forestry England, lies an imaginative play trail that transforms the forest into a giant, interactive playground. Spanning a mile through towering trees, this award-winning trail invites children and adults alike to engage with nature in a truly unique way. Here, giant ant nests become climbing frames, snake pits offer thrilling crawls, and huge hawks and spiders, crafted from wood, stand as guardians of this natural realm. Tunnels to navigate, slides to whiz down, and balancing beams shaped like crocodiles challenge physical agility and ignite creative storytelling. The park prides itself on inclusivity, featuring an accessible beehive with a double-width slide and thoughtfully designed quiet areas, providing sensory-friendly spaces for children who might require less stimulation.

Innovation continues at Moors Valley with new additions this year. "Woodland Rhapsody" introduces a musical play structure, inviting visitors to create their own forest symphony using gravel-filled rainmakers and an array of drums to bang. This sensory experience connects children to the sounds of nature and the joy of spontaneous creation. The "Timber area" offers an educational journey into the life of a forester, complete with interactive elements like pulleys for sorting seeds, intricate timber tangles to climb, and a large wooden harvester featuring a steering wheel and levers for budding operators. This hands-on exhibit subtly teaches about sustainable forestry and the importance of woodland management. Moors Valley, much more than just a play area, is a vibrant country park offering extensive walking and cycling trails, a Go Ape tree-top adventure, and even a miniature steam railway, ensuring a full day of family fun. Entry to the play trail is free, though car parking charges apply, and full details can be found at moors-valley.co.uk.

A wine (and wildlife) hike in the Surrey Hills

Escape to the rolling hills of Surrey for a sophisticated blend of nature, exercise, and viticulture, a delightful English alternative to the famed wine hikes of mainland Europe. This unique experience leverages a section of the historic North Downs Way, a National Trail offering breathtaking vistas across the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty easily accessible from London. Your journey begins at Albury Vineyard, a pioneer in organic and biodynamic viticulture. Here, a self-guided wildlife walk meanders through the meticulously tended vines, showcasing the vineyard’s commitment to biodiversity. Along the path, you’ll discover bat and barn owl boxes, thriving bug hotels, active beehives, and vibrant wildflower meadows, all contributing to a healthy ecosystem that supports the grapes. A tranquil pond reflects the sky, providing a peaceful moment of reflection. Albury’s commitment to nature is not just aesthetic; it’s integral to their wine-making philosophy, fostering natural pest control and soil health.

From Albury, embark on a picturesque seven-mile stomp along the North Downs Way, passing through charming villages and verdant landscapes, culminating at the grand Denbies Wine Estate. One of England’s largest and most established vineyards, Denbies offers a well-deserved reward: a unique vineyard "train" tour, where carriages hooked to a Land Rover transport guests through the estate’s sprawling vineyards, providing insightful commentary on the winemaking process and the history of the estate. For those seeking shorter rambles, Denbies Estate offers several loops. Don’t miss James Tunnard’s "Radius," a captivating wavy wooden seat designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape, offering a sculptural viewpoint. A climb up Denbies Hillside is highly recommended, especially in summer, when it becomes a vibrant tapestry alive with a multitude of butterflies and rare wild orchids – a truly perfect spot for a scenic picnic. The burgeoning English wine industry is a testament to the region’s ideal terroir, and this hike provides an intimate look at its flourishing landscape. The Albury Vineyard wildlife walk is free (with a suggested £10 donation per group to Surrey Wildlife Trust via alburyvineyard.com), while the Denbies vineyard train tour is £12.50 for adults and £6.95 for children (denbies.co.uk).

Spot dolphins in the Moray Firth

The Moray Firth, a vast inlet of the North Sea on Scotland’s north-east coast, is home to a truly remarkable marine population: approximately 200 bottlenose dolphins, forming the world’s most northerly resident colony. These resilient cetaceans brave the cooler waters year-round, but the summer months offer increased opportunities to witness their spectacular displays of natural behaviour, from energetic breaches and acrobatic leaps to "bow-riding" alongside boats and skilled hunting techniques where they can be seen throwing fish into the air. The Moray Firth is designated a Special Area of Conservation, recognizing its critical importance for these magnificent creatures and other marine life.

At the heart of this conservation effort is the Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay, operated by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC). Housed in a beautifully preserved former 18th-century salmon fishing station – complete with a fascinating old ice house that once stored ice for preserving fish – the centre serves as both an observation point and an educational hub. Visitors can borrow powerful binoculars to scan the waters, not just for dolphins, but also for ospreys soaring overhead, playful seals basking on the shore, and elusive otters foraging in the river. Inside, an interactive dolphin exhibition delves into their biology, behaviour, and the challenges they face, complemented by live wildlife cameras that offer real-time glimpses into the local ecosystem. The centre also organizes engaging river rambles and nature-themed holiday clubs during the Scottish school summer holidays, fostering a deeper understanding of marine conservation among younger generations. The WDC’s ongoing research and monitoring are crucial to protecting this unique dolphin population. Entry to the centre is free, with holiday clubs priced at a nominal £1.50-£3 per child. For more information, visit dolphincentre.whales.org.

Celebrate David Hockney in West Yorkshire

Salts Mill, a monumental Victorian textile mill in Saltaire, West Yorkshire, stands as a testament to industrial heritage and an inspiring hub of art and culture. It was famously depicted in David Hockney’s iconic oil painting, "Salts Mill," which captures the building’s brick facade glowing orange against the vibrant emerald green of the Yorkshire hillsides. This painting, a personal gift from Hockney to his friend Jonathan Silver, who masterfully transformed the derelict mill into a thriving cultural destination, now proudly hangs in the building’s entrance, welcoming visitors. David Hockney, one of Britain’s most celebrated living artists, maintains strong ties to his Yorkshire roots, often drawing inspiration from its landscapes and light.

Today, Salts Mill continues its artistic legacy. Upstairs, visitors can explore more of Hockney’s remarkable works in the ongoing "20 Flowers for 2025 and Some Bigger Pictures" exhibition, which runs until January 2027. This free, inspiring space showcases a diverse range of his prolific output, offering insights into his vibrant use of colour and innovative perspectives. Beyond the art, the mill provides a multifaceted experience. The vast bookshop is a treasure trove for art lovers and casual browsers alike, perhaps inspiring visitors to pick up a sketch book and paints to capture their own Yorkshire scenes. Dining options include Salts Diner, serving up delicious burgers and pizzas. The mill also houses the Peace Museum, offering a thought-provoking counterpoint to the artistic displays. For those wishing to extend their visit, a lovely walk along the historic Leeds & Liverpool Canal leads to the charming town of Bingley, completing a day rich in art, history, and natural beauty. Admission to the exhibitions is free; discover more at saltsmill