Rutland Water – Leicestershire / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by NotFromUtrecht

Rutland Water is a 4200 acre park set in some of the most beautiful countryside in the Midlands. It is a nature reserve and conservation area so there are plenty of interesting plants and animals to see whilst you are there. The park has 2 visitor centres and a range of nature trails and cycling routes of different lengths. The Rutland Circular route is one of the most popular as it offers an exciting glimpse of the half sunken Normanton Church. In total there are over 23 miles of cycle paths at the reservoir for you to enjoy.  When you fancy a change from cycling, Leicestershire has a number of attractions including the National Space Centre, Belvoir Castle and Foxton Locks.

Huguenot Canterbury / Photo under public domain created by SuzanneKn

The Viking Coast Trail is a 27 mile loop on the Isle of Thanet. Contrary to its name, Thanet is no longer an island but sits at the most easterly point in Kent. The route passes through a number of traditional Kentish villages and extremely pretty churches. You can do as much or as little of the route as you like. If you want to do something shorter then you could try the 9 mile stretch of the route that goes from Ramsgate to Reculver along the sea wall. Other local activities include a fun mini-golf course, a leisure centre and an enchanting shell grotto.

Chipping Campden – Cotswolds. This route from Chipping Campden to Moreton-in-Marsh is a lovely circular route of 30miles. This route can be challenging in part especially around Batsford Park and Kineton Hill but it is very scenic and extremely enjoyable. You will find yourself meandering through leafy woodland, secret valleys and historic villages on this route. It is worth mentioning though that a small section of this route runs along a busy road which would be unsuitable for child cyclists. Other points of interest include Broadway tower, Moreton Falconry Centre and the Cotswold Farm Park. All of which would be a fun break for tired legs!

Cotswolds Panorama Fields / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Saffron Blaze

Vicky works alongside Cotswold Country Cycles. She loves outdoor activities including cycling, horse-riding and walking.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by overdrive_cz

Malá Fatra is located in the northern part of the country. Its tourist centre is Terchová village. Accommodation is offered mostly by private owners in their home areas or cottages. The prices are around €10 per night. There are also several hotels with prices around €35 per night. In every village around the park you can find local restaurants offering delicious meals for little money.

Charming small waterfalls and gorges in Vrátna Valley

One of the most interesting trips that can be undertaken in a national park, is a visit to two waterfalls. One of them is Šútovský waterfall which is set at the river Sut in Šútovská dolina valley. The stream is more than 2 meters wide and falls to 38 meters deep gorge.

Another one, which is one of the rarest Slovak falls, is 10 meters high Klacký waterfall, declared a national natural monument. There is stunning countryside around with wild rapids and a giant pots (holes carved by water).

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Petrusia1

Gorges in Vrátna valley and Terchová valley are popular hiking attractions thanks to a beautiful scenery of rocky formations but also to local folklore festivities. They are held here every year in honor of Juraj Jánošík, a native of Terchová village.

You can also visit Crystal cave in Malý Rozsutec or climb to the highest peak of Malá Fatra – Veľký Kriváň (1709 m). If you get tired you can relax in nearby thermal park Meander Park in Oravice featuring geothermal water with temperature ranging from 35 to 37°C, or in another thermal park Bešeňová.

If you wish to learn more about famous Juraj Jánošík you can visit museum in Terchová or another popular open air museum in the village Nová Bystrica – Vychylovce. It documents the local folk architecture and life in the past. An interesting exhibition is the historic forest railways from the early 20th century.

Malá Fatra National Park with the equally interesting surroundings is simply the perfect place for a nice and cheap holiday. If you want to save some money in these hectic days and enjoy great nature at the same time, come to Slovakia.

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