Quirky travel

Ever wondered how it would feel to soar above the countryside in a glider? Or hire a classic car for the day and tour England’s country lanes, ride a vintage steam train or duck in and out of London’s West End in a rickshaw? Well now you can. Discover some of the quirkier ways to travel around England and look out for some great spring offers on attractions and accommodation below...

East Midlands

Welland Gliding Club (www.wellandgc.co.uk): Based near Corby in the beautiful rolling Northamptonshire countryside, Welland Gliding Club is the perfect club for those wishing to learn gliding or improve their gliding skills.

Take a trip back in time aboard the Nene Valley Railway (www.enjoyengland.com/productsearch/productdetail.aspx?productId=130176&icId=2&backUrl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.enjoyengland.com%2fproductsearch%2fsearchresults.aspx%3fdest%3d%26destId%3d0%26radius%3d8051%26icId%3d2%26name%3dNene%2bValley%26type%3ddestination%26ptIds%3d-1%26regionIds%3d%26agentId%3d%26maxX%3d0%26maxY%3d0%26minX%3d0%26minY%3d0%26nX%3d0%26nY%3d0%26map%3dFalse%26sr%3d183%26nor%3d%26cp%3d1%26sort%3d%26regionName%3d%26availability%3dFalse%26exl_enddate%3d%26exl_startdate%3d%26exl_adults1%3d0%26exl_children1%3d0%26exl_concessions%3d0). In addition to a host of family events and opportunities for the kids to ride Thomas the tank engine, adults can put on their driver’s cap and hire the full steam locomotive.

If you looking for a little more freedom try the Sywell Aerodrome (www.sywellaerodrome.co.uk), situated in the heart of Northamptonshire, which offers Fixed Wing, Microlight and Helicopter flying training.

Take a trip along the historic and picturesque Grand Union Canal in a hospitable narrowboat, 'Indian Chief' (www.boatinn.co.uk/?section=boat_trips). Trips are available from just half an hour to six hours, including the locks and/or Blisworth Tunnel.

North East

River Escapes (www.riverescapes.co.uk): Take a Tyne cruise whatever the occasion - sightseeing, schools, corporate, party nights, exclusive hire. You can sail all year round in warmth and comfort!

The Tanfield Railway (www.tanfield-railway.co.uk) is the oldest existing waillway in the world, opened in 1725. Steam hauled passenger trains, vintage carriages, 62 locomotives and steam-driven vintage workshop. Take a history lesson in Tanfield.

See the North of England from a different perspective and saddle up with North of England Trike Tours (www.ride-of-your-life.com). Soak up the scenery from the back of a powerful 1400cc engine.

Yorkshire

Take to the waters (www.shirecruisers.co.uk) and explore Yorkshire from one of the many rivers or canals. From the mighty Humber to the scenic Ouse and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Yorkshire's waterways combine rural appeal with historic purpose and are an excellent way of getting around at a more leisurely pace.

Travel around Yorkshire and explore cities, towns and the coast by steam power. North York Moors Railway (www.nymr.co.uk/) offers trips on steam powered engines around the region. This 18 mile route takes you through National Park and giving the chance to explore in a more fun and traditional way.

Heart of England

Treat yourself to an unforgettable day out or a weekend break driving around Shakespeare Country in a classic vintage car with The Open Road (www.theopenroad.co.uk).

Fly high above the Warwickshire countryside with High Road Balloons (www.highroadballoons.co.uk). Launches are from the stunning riverside location of Walton Hall & Hotel, nr Stratford-upon-Avon.

London

You’ll be surprised at the variety of ways you can traverse this great capital city of ours. Put away your tube pass and take a rickshaw (www.londonrickshaws.co.uk) through the heart of Soho and the West End or for a more spiritual journey with a Karma Kab (www.karmakabs.com/). If you’d rather see London from the water, get on board a high speed RIB voyage (www.visitlondon.com/attractions/detail/593004) or Flying Fish Tour (www.visitlondon.com/attractions/detail/3084965), and if you fancy a sightseeing tour, both on and off land, book a trip on the Duck Tour (www.visitlondon.com/attractions/detail/116867).