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It’s amazing how quickly you can find yourself in the heart of England’s countryside. And to prove it, here are some great 60 minute (or under) escapes.

From London to Hertfordshire

Pitstone windmill, Tring

With its distinctive National Trust-owned windmill at Pitstone (www.enjoyengland.com/Attraction//Windmill/135553/Pitstone-Windmill.htm), tranquil Hertfordshire is the perfect quick escape for Londoners. It’s major access routes (A414, M10, M25 and A1(M)) make it easy for motorists to drive there in under an hour. And Thameslink rail services in nearby St Albans and Radlett whiz you there in just 30 minutes.

From London to Bedfordshire

Ashridge Forest

The beautiful National Trust Ashridge Forest (www.enjoyengland.com/Attraction/Berkhamsted/CountryRoyal-Park/169595/Ashridge-Estate.htm) of Bedfordshire is just 50 minutes by car from central London. Enjoy the fresh air, wonderful countryside and utter tranquillity that’s a world away form the metropolis. The Midland Mainline Train from Bedford Mainline station gets you into Central London within the hour.

From Birmingham to Shropshire

The Wrekin

The Wrekin may not be the tallest of hills, but it provides one of the finest viewpoints in the whole of England as it towers over the surrounding Shropshire countryside. It also gives off a spiritual air that makes it a magical place to visit. You’ll be able to reach the golden valleys and dramatic hills of Shropshire and Offa’s Dyke from Birmingham in just one hour.

From Birmingham to Warwickshire

Warwickshire Folk Festival

Jump on a train in central Birmingham and just 35 minutes later you can be stepping into Warwick and setting out to explore the vibrant folk festival, which takes place in July. The main festival location and campsite are in the grounds of Warwick School, which contains the purpose-built Bridgehouse Theatre for intimate acoustic concerts, the Guy Nelson Hall for ceilidhs and workshops and the main marquee for larger concerts. This site also has craft stalls and on-site catering throughout the festival weekend.

From Manchester to Derbyshire

Peak District National Park

The glories of this spectacular National Park are around 45 minutes away by car via the A6 and A623. An hourly train from Stockport will race you there in just 17 minutes, whilst trains from Manchester run three times an hour at peak times and speed you there in 36 minutes.

Lancashire & Ribble Valley Garden & Countryside Festival

Thanks to the M62, the rolling wilds of Lancashire and the Ribble Valley are an easy 40-minute drive from Manchester. Or, if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, head off to the Lancashire & Ribble Valley Garden & Countryside Festival in June at Mrs Dowson’s Ice Cream Dairy in Blackburn. And be prepared for Pig Racing, Lawnmower Racing and ferrets.

From Newcastle to Northumberland

Bamburgh Castle

Hop into your car, pack the buckets and spades and whiz up the A1. You’ll find yourself on the sands by Bamburgh Castle (www.enjoyengland.com/Attraction/Bamburgh/CastleFort/122968/Bamburgh-Castle.htm) in around 45 minutes, with acres of space to stretch out on and clean, clear water to splash about in.

Tees Valley

The scenic and unspoilt Tees Valley is just 30 minutes drive from Newcastle thanks to its excellent motorway links. Explore the wild moorland, rushing rivers and waterfalls and be back in time for lunch. Be lucky, and you could spot a family of otters plashing the shallows or diving for fish.

From Leeds to Yorkshire Dales

A 25 minute car journey on the A61 from Leeds will find you in the up-market spa town of Harrogate a great base for your exploration of the Dales, it’s an undeniably stunning part of the world and little wonder, since the whole area is made up of Yorkshire Dales National Park and two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Nidderdale and the Forest or Bowland. Explore the craggy limestone paths at Malham Cove, Malhamdale which are set against a glorious backdrop of rolling green hills.