Fossilised dinosaur prints, volcanic craters, ice-carved corries – there are places in Britain where the landscape is a portal to the past. Hanna Lindon takes a stroll through 4 billion years of British history

Thanks to those visionary Victorians, we all have a green space nearby. Here are some of Britain’s most sublime.

NEWCASTLE AND MARDU CIRCULAR Level Easy Elevation gain 217m Length 6.1km (1hr 49min) Description This round-the-hill loop trail from Newcastle leads through peaceful rural landscapes and small village

This is prime trekking country. It’s a joy to crunch snow underfoot on a bright winter-day walk – and find a snug pub amid the handsome towns and villages. In this official Dark Sky Reserve, on cold c

From croquet lawns to ancient forest and medieval castles: parks take on many forms, but they all have one thing in common – freedom for all.

St Ewe, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 6EL T 01726 842714 W heligancampsite.com OPEN 31 January – 16 November While technically not a hidden gem, as the Lost Gardens of Heligan is quite well known, this at