In November 2023, a quiet but significant change swept across England’s countryside: Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) were officially renamed National Landscapes. The new title reflects not only their natural beauty, but their national importance — as places for nature recovery, community connection, and responsible outdoor recreation.
But what does this mean for walkers, slow travellers, and those planning self-guided holidays in these cherished places?
Why the Name Change Matters The new name — National Landscapes — aims to raise awareness and recognition for these protected areas. While AONBs have long been some of the UK’s most scenic and ecologically valuable regions, the term itself was often misunderstood.
The rebrand helps highlight their equal landscape protection status to National Parks, while also emphasising their growing role in conservation, climate resilience, and public access.
For walkers, the protections and access remain the same, but the shift brings renewed momentum: better signage, improved trails, and increased promotion of walking experiences throughout these landscapes.
A New Chapter for Walking Holidays If you’re planning a self-guided walking holiday or countryside stay, England’s National Landscapes offer some of the most rewarding routes in the country.
These areas are ideal for:
You’ll also find a wide variety of places to stay — from hillside cottages and traditional inns to boutique hotels and rural B&Bs.
Top National Landscapes for Walking and Stays
Here are just a few of the standout regions now officially part of the National Landscapes family. Each one is ideal for walkers, nature-lovers, and those seeking slower, more meaningful travel:
The Cotswolds National Landscape
Rolling hills, stone villages, and the full 102-mile Cotswold Way National Trail.
The Chilterns National Landscape
Chalk escarpments, ancient woodland, and easy London access — with the Ridgeway, Chiltern Way, and circular walks.
Norfolk Coast National Landscape
Saltmarshes, wide skies, and birdlife-rich coasts — follow the Norfolk Coast Path through Blakeney, Wells, and Holme-next-the-Sea.
Wye Valley National Landscape
A dramatic river valley on the England-Wales border with forested walks, cliff paths, and riverside ruins.
Howardian Hills National Landscape
Gentle hills and historic estates near the North York Moors — ideal for peaceful circular walks.
North Pennines National Landscape
High moors, waterfalls, and remote trails through England’s wildest uplands.
Shropshire Hills National Landscape
Quiet ridges, open hilltops, and Iron Age earthworks in peaceful western England.
Dedham Vale National Landscape
Constable Country with riverside meadows, village walks, and flat paths ideal for slower travel.
(We’ll be adding individual pages and listings for each — with curated trails, places to stay, and self-guided holiday options.)
Plan Your Next Countryside Escape We’ll be featuring new content across the National Landscapes network, including:
Whether you’re heading to the Norfolk Coast Path for a windswept beach walk, or tracing the high ridges of the Chilterns and Cotswolds, these landscapes offer some of the most scenic, tranquil, and welcoming walking in England.
The name may have changed, but the spirit remains: timeless countryside, open footpaths, and space to slow down, breathe, and explore at your own pace.
