England—a land with tales that are told throughout ancient history, folklore and legends. You’ve probably heard of places such as Yorkshire and the Cotswolds, and you’ve even stopped in London for a few nights, right? But in the top northwest of England lies arguably the most beautiful national park in the whole of the United Kingdom: the Lake District. This area, referred to as Cumbria, is one of the biggest outdoor capitals of the UK and boasts huge mountains and hundreds of waters, lakes and tarns, all interconnected by gushing rivers and waterfalls. As a Lake District local, I’m here to tell you why this UNESCO World Heritage Site should be your next travel destination—but maybe not for the reasons you expect.

Scotland. A land known for its misty mountains and distilleries with history hiding behind every corner. But beyond the castles and bagpipes there’s a whole world to be explored–by bike!

Battered Mars bars, newspaper-wrapped fish-and-chips and haggis is what Scottish food is all about, right? Well, this may have once been the case, but the modern food scene in Scotland has transitioned from beige fried food to innovative menus exploding with local farm produce and twists on traditional dishes. Given the abundance of rich green fields with a water source every 200 meters, it’s no surprise Scotland is rapidly blossoming into one of the most impressive culinary destinations in the world.

When you think of England, you might instantly picture London, the country’s capital, brimming with culture and life. But just four hours west of London lies Cornwall, a traditional Celtic region designated as one of England’s Areas of Outstanding National Beauty. There’s a reason this stunning landscape is one of the most popular getaways in the UK, and why Brits look forward to holidaying here in the summer. While the narrow coves boast white-sand beaches edged with blooming wildflowers, they also whisper the legends and secrets of King Arthur.