Try Something New in 2026: Adventures for the British Countryside

BY Natasha Bailey ON 14 January, 2026

As we get into the first month of 2026, many of us feel the urge to do something different, but without the pressure of drastic New Year’s resolutions. Research increasingly shows that trying new activities can boost wellbeing and support brain health, helping us feel more engaged, curious and present in everyday life.

The English countryside offers the perfect setting for these gentle firsts. From wide open trails to quiet waters and traditional rural pursuits, there are countless ways to try something new at your own pace. 

Take to the Trails: Hiking and Walking

Walking remains one of the most accessible ways to reconnect with nature. Whether it is a short woodland stroll or a full day hike across hills and moorland, England’s landscapes invite you to slow down and look around.

Where to go in England

• National Trust walking routes across Dorset, the Lake District and the South West Coast Path offer well maintained trails with beautiful views.

• Ordnance Survey GetOutside provides free walking routes and day trip ideas across England, ideal if you are unsure where to start.

• Local country parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty often have circular walks suitable for beginners and families.

Walking does not have to be about distance or pace. Many people find the joy lies in returning to the same route through different seasons and noticing subtle changes in landscape and wildlife.

Wild Swimming: Embrace the Elements

Wild swimming has become a favourite for those seeking something both invigorating and grounding. Natural water brings a sense of clarity and presence that is hard to replicate indoors.

Where to try it

• Managed reservoirs such as Pitsford Water in Northamptonshire offer designated open water swimming sessions.

• Country parks with lakes, including Leybourne Lakes in Kent, are popular for controlled swims during warmer months.

• River swimming spots are best explored with local knowledge and up to date safety guidance.

If you are new to wild swimming, start in summer, go with others and always check water quality and safety advice before entering the water.

Clay Pigeon Shooting: A Classic Countryside Skill

Clay pigeon shooting offers a structured yet surprisingly calming countryside experience. It combines focus, coordination and technique, rewarding patience rather than speed.

Where to try it

• Hampshire and the Cotswolds are home to several established shooting grounds offering beginner lessons and taster sessions.

• Many venues provide all equipment and instruction, making it approachable even if you have never tried it before.

It is also a highly social activity and works well as part of a countryside break or group day out.

Fishing: Slow and Steady 

Fishing is one of the most quietly restorative hobbies you can take up. Whether fly fishing on a river or coarse fishing beside a still lake, it encourages patience, attentiveness and long stretches of calm.

Where to fish in England

• Malham Tarn in North Yorkshire offers fly fishing day permits in a dramatic moorland setting.

• Rutland Water combines fishing, walking and wildlife watching, making it ideal for a full countryside day out.

• Local fisheries and country parks often provide beginner friendly lakes with equipment hire and tuition.

For many people, fishing becomes less about the catch and more about the ritual of returning to the same water and enjoying time outdoors.

Birdwatching: Learn to See What Is Already There

Birdwatching has a way of transforming ordinary walks into moments of discovery. With a pair of binoculars and a little curiosity, familiar landscapes suddenly feel full of life.

Where to go

• RSPB reserves across England range from wetlands and estuaries to ancient woodland.

• Norfolk’s coastal and marshland reserves are particularly well known for waders and migrating birds.

• Reservoirs and lakes such as Rutland Water also provide excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Birdwatching naturally slows your pace and encourages repeat visits, helping to build a deeper connection with place over time.

Traditional Countryside Pursuits

If you are curious about something a little different, many rural estates and adventure centres offer traditional countryside activities such as archery, axe throwing and falconry.

These experiences usually require just a single afternoon and include expert guidance, making them ideal for trying something new without a long term commitment.

Seasonal Events and Countryside Festivals

One of the most joyful ways to engage with the countryside is through its seasonal events. From small rural festivals and wildlife walks to food fairs and local celebrations, These gatherings happen throughout the year and are also a great way to discover new hobbies. From foraging and nature crafts to outdoor music and traditional skills.

Trying a new hobby does not need to be dramatic or life changing. Often it is the quieter shifts, a new walking route, a morning by the water, or an afternoon learning a skill, that refresh how we feel day to day.

In 2026, the English countryside offers endless opportunities to explore at your own pace. Whether you are seeking movement, stillness or something hands on, there is space outdoors to begin something new, gently, intentionally and close to home.