Britain’s ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (AONBs) have been rebranded: they’re now called ‘National Landscapes’. (It could be worse, the Scottish have gone for ‘Scenic Areas’ and in Welsh you’ve got to get your tongue around ‘Tirweddau Cenedlaethol’).

It’ll take me some years to get used to this, but in practice it makes little difference. National Landscapes, exactly like AONBs, differ from National Parks only in that there’s no funding to splash on visitor centres or staff. They still protect the natural beauty on our doorstep.

And while there are only 15 National Parks scattered across the UK there are 49 National Landscapes in England and Wales and 40 ‘Scenic Areas’ in Scotland – and that means much the same thing. Many of them have Wolsey Lodges within their boundaries.

With all the hassle and stress of international flights and the sheer expense of travelling abroad it’s fantastic to realise there is no need to: there is so much to discover without leaving the UK.

The largest of the National Landscapes is the Cotswolds. The rolling hills of the Cotswolds are quintessentially English, with honey-coloured stone cottages, ancient woodlands, and gentle streams. The region’s pastoral beauty is complemented by its historic towns, such as Cirencester and Chipping Campden, which offer a window into the rural life of centuries past. The Cotswolds is not only a visual delight but also a cultural treasure trove, with numerous festivals, markets, and events celebrating its unique identity.

There are a number of Wolsey Lodges in the Cotswolds. Uplands House near Banbury is an elegant example, bringing civilised comforts to an already civilised region. Another is Green Close B&B in the heritage village of Combe, just outside Witney. Head East and there’s OX House near Stroud and Bullocks Horn Cottage just outside Malmesbury.

The coastal landscapes of the UK are equally enchanting. The Jurassic Coast, stretching from East Devon to Dorset, is a World Heritage Site famed for its geological significance and is part of the Dorset National Landscape. This coastline, with its dramatic cliffs and fossil-rich beaches, offers a journey through 185 million years of Earth’s history.

Landmarks such as Durdle Door and the Isle of Portland provide striking vistas and fascinating insights into the natural forces that have shaped the land. The Old Rectory in Pimperne, once a hunting lodge for Henry VIII, is a luxurious property within easy striking distance of the Jurassic Coast, as are West Compton House  and Wrackleford House near Dorchester.

Edge along the coast into West Sussex and one of the smallest National Landscapes is at Chichester Harbour – and it’s even smaller at high tide, when 41% of it disappears underwater. Birdwatchers flock to its mosaic of saltmarsh, mudflats and reedbeds, especially during the winter migration season: Brent goose, black-tailed godwits and sanwich tern are highlights. There are several Wolsey Lodges near Chichester Harbour, including North Walls House, Lordington House, Willowbank and Tirol House.

Head North to discover the River Nid which snakes down the Pennines Eastern Flanks along the border with the Yorkshire Dales. The resulting National Landscape is Nidderdale, where you’ll find Firs Farm.

Edge west across to the Howardian Hills, another National Landscape, that is merely part of the view from your room at Shallowdale B&B.

Wherever you choose to explore there is no denying the variety of landscapes contained within the British Isles. On a relatively small island the range is enormous: make access easy with a network of walking trails, and there are few places that can match the UK for the chance to experience natural beauty.

RIP the AONB. All hail the National Landscapes and Scotland’s Scenic Areas. The UK’s National Landscapes are integral to the nation’s heritage and identity. These landscapes offer a respite from the urban sprawl and a connection to the natural world that is increasingly rare in our fast-paced lives. Through careful stewardship and a commitment to conservation, the UK ensures that these precious landscapes remain unspoiled and accessible for all to enjoy.