Actively Outstanding

Whether you are hoping for an outdoor holiday – mountain biking or long distance walking – or a quiet refuge away from the stress of the city, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are worth exploring.

The very best of country pursuits is on offer in AONBs. From abseiling, birdwatching, bouldering right through to waveskiing, windsurfing and zorbing (if you’re wondering what zorbing is see Dorset AONB’s http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2004/10/13/zorbing_feature.shtml), outdoor fun can be had in an AONB.

AONBs offer perfect country for outdoor activities. Footpaths and bridleways crisscross the land with unrivalled scenery. It is worth noting that all 15 National Trails run through an AONB http://www.nationaltrails.org.uk

Annual festivals and events make up part of each AONB’s calendar. Some events are held on the same date every year. Others are moveable feasts. You can find out more about events by interrogating the database by AONB, county, or date. Further information on accommodation, local transport, equipment hire etc. is available on individual AONB websites http://www.aonb.org.uk The emphasis is on using local and sustainable and AONBs work closely with organisations such as the Youth Hostel Association http://www.yha.org.uk and local hotels and B&Bs to encourage this. We also maintain close links with our local Tourist Information Centres http://www.information-britain.co.uk/tic.cfm

So come and enjoy our AONBs. Use them sensibly and sensitively so what you are enjoying can be enjoyed by future generations.