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f you’re itching to get outside right now, allow us to whet your appetite…

Outdoor swimming
Wild swimming has become huge in recent years, so how about heading to the Lake District , where you can choose a different spot to suit your mood? Cool off in a mountain tarn or join the annual  Great North Swim in the mighty Lake Windermere. Be careful though: the rather gorgeous scenery may well put you off your stroke.

Underwater action
For watery views of a saltier kind, head down to Cornwall. At Porthkerris Cove, purple, red and green seaweed covers the rocks – attracting dogfish, mullet, sea urchins and crustaceans. This makes it ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling - and if you’re lucky you might see the odd basking shark (don’t worry, they’re vegetarians).

Up and away
Alternatively, if you prefer to fly with birds than swim with fish, then how about having a go at hang-gliding? It’s fast becoming one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Yorkshire Dales, right now – especially around Hawes, where deep valleys and high ridges have been carved out by ancient glaciers. 

Visits to England don’t always need to be so scary though. Especially when you’re hitching a lift in a hot air balloon, 3,000ft up, and sailing gently over the historic city of Bath. Of course, you generally go wherever the wind takes you, but with a bit of luck (and skill from the pilot) that will be over the city’s famous Roman baths and elegant Georgian terraces.

Another way to experience the great English outdoors is to go for walk. But rather than wear out your shoes why not saddle up and head out on horseback instead? Exmoor has been a royal hunting ground for centuries but these days anyone can have a go. Whatever your ability (or fear factor), there are horses and instructors to suit. You could be trotting along through ancient woods, cruising through river valleys and heading out onto moorland heaths. Giddy-up…