English staycation: your perfect summer

Get inspired by the beauty right here on our doorstep this spring and summer.
With three national parks in the region, everything you need to escape can be found within a few hours’ travel from homeWith three national parks in the region, everything you need to escape can be found within a few hours’ travel from home
With three national parks in the region, everything you need to escape can be found within a few hours’ travel from home

After repeated lockdowns and a year like no other, many of us can’t wait for a change of scenery this summer.

With limited chances for overseas travel, it’s the perfect time to appreciate what we have right here in the UK with a staycation.

Here in Yorkshire and the North-West, there’s so much to discover whether you want white sandy beaches, rugged adventure or stunning mountains.

Now is the perfect time to spread an Ordnance Survey map across your kitchen table and plan your adventureNow is the perfect time to spread an Ordnance Survey map across your kitchen table and plan your adventure
Now is the perfect time to spread an Ordnance Survey map across your kitchen table and plan your adventure

Getting outside and exploring the outdoors has provided a welcome sense of freedom during the coronavirus pandemic. A recent Sport England survey found there has been a rise in people trying simple activities like walking and cycling, with 60 per cent planning to carry this on.

As restrictions begin to ease it’s no surprise that 44 per cent of people in the UK have started planning trips in Great Britain, with almost a third already all booked up according to research by Visit Scotland.

Adventure awaits once more, but where will yours take you?

With three national parks in the region, everything you need to escape can be found within a few hours’ travel from home.

Get inspired by the Peaks' rugged beauty and discover walks that weave across rolling hills, moorland, and farmlandGet inspired by the Peaks' rugged beauty and discover walks that weave across rolling hills, moorland, and farmland
Get inspired by the Peaks' rugged beauty and discover walks that weave across rolling hills, moorland, and farmland

Now is the perfect time to spread an Ordnance Survey map across your kitchen table and plan your adventure. Let your imagination run wild and take you on a journey across the landscape before you, discovering walks, activities, and places to see: moorlands, rolling hills, glacial lakes, rugged mountains and so much more.

As the region gets ready to re-open, here are our top three locations to inspire your staycation planning – plus the Ordnance Survey maps and guidebooks you’ll need for your adventure.

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Packed with character, discover an abundance of heather moorlands, spectacular waterfalls, and ancient woodlands, along with stone-built villages and traditional farming landscapes. There are plenty of wonderful walks for all abilities – and you could also consider a night-time adventure to make the most of its officially designation as an International Dark Sky Reserve.

There’s a good reason why the Lake District is Great Britain’s most popular National ParkThere’s a good reason why the Lake District is Great Britain’s most popular National Park
There’s a good reason why the Lake District is Great Britain’s most popular National Park

OS maps and guidebooks: OS Explorer: OL2, OL30. Pathfinder Guides: Yorkshire Dales

Peak District National Park

2021 sees the Peaks celebrating 70 years as a national park. Get inspired by its rugged beauty and discover walks that weave across rolling hills, moorland, and farmland. You may also want to explore some of the famous 251-mile Pennine Way, or check out famous White Peak along the Limestone Way. Climbing and cycling are also a great way to see what’s on offer.

OS maps and guidebooks: OS Explorer: OL1, OL24. Pathfinder Guides: The Peak District

Lake District National Park

Also celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, there’s a good reason why the Lake District is Great Britain’s most popular National Park – listed as number two on the Best UK Staycations in 2021. Best known for its glacial lakes and rugged mountains, it has inspired generations of artists and poets. Fall in love with its timeless landscapes and bustling market towns this summer – with the help of your OS map.

OS maps and guidebooks: OS Explorer: OL4, OL5, OL6, OL7. Pathfinder Guides: Lake District

Buy your Ordnance Survey maps and guidebooks from all good bookshops and outdoor retailers when available, and from the OS online shops at os.uk/adventure

Find even more inspiration for 2021 at Get Outside.