In the evenings, 15,000 aluminium discs in the futuristic Bullring building glow neon-bright. You can take a selfie next to the golden bull, one of England’s most photographed landmarks

Birmingham is one of the nation’s greenest cities. Get 2FOR1 entry to Birmingham Botanical Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you go by train

There are more canals in Birmingham than in Venice! Its picturesque landscapes and hidden nooks and crannies can only be seen by taking a boat tour of the city

Experience Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge on a free cycling tour and pedal to your heart’s content along its cycle-friendly routes

Get 2FOR1 tickets on a Haunted and Hidden Bristol Walking Tour(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you go by train

Visit the University of Bristol Botanic Garden(external link, opens in a new tab) and marvel at nature, with flora and fauna unique to the Bristol area

Punting along the river Cam is one of Cambridge’s most popular activities. Get 2FOR1 tickets for Rutherford’s Punting Cambridge – Shared Punting Experience(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Day Out Guide when you go by train

The Cambridge University Botanic Garden(external link, opens in a new tab) is home to 8,000 plant species from around the world and there's something new to see every season of the year

Take in parks, boathouses and as many of the university’s 31 colleges you can find on a bicycle tour. Get 20% OFF Cambridge Bike Tours(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Day Out Guide when you go by train

Stroll around Cardiff Bay(external link, opens in a new tab) and enjoy a variety of shops, restaurants and activities, as well as the Millennium Centre and Pierhead heritage centre

Visit the ancient Cardiff Castle(external link, opens in a new tab), right in the heart of the city, and explore nearly 2000 years of history

Just behind the castle is the stunning greenery of Bute Park. Cardiff boasts over 100 parks, from the city centre to nature reserves and country parks

Calton Hill is the home of the National Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb it early in the morning to see the sun rise over the city. Or, found 251 metres above sea level, Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park is an ancient volcano that offers 360-degree views of Edinburgh and the Lothians

Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop the city’s Castle Rock, is home to significant Scottish artefacts, such as the oldest crown jewels in the United Kingdom

Visit Dynamic Earth(external link, opens in a new tab), a science centre and planetarium, and learn about our planet’s history

Overlooking Glasgow Cathedral, the Necropolis is a Victorian garden cemetery full of architecture, sculptures and fascinating stories. For more otherworldly activity, you can get 50% OFF a Ghosts of Glasgow: Spooky Walk(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Day Out Guide when you go by train

Perfect for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab) do a great job of raising awareness about the importance of conservation and plant diversity

Glasgow has a Mural Trail (external link, opens in a new tab)featuring a diverse range of art within easy walking distance of the city centre

Take a stroll in the 200-acre Sefton Park(external link, opens in a new tab), with its boating lake, cafe and replica statues of Eros and Peter Pan

A trip to Pier Head will provide you with views of the majestic Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building, the Port of Liverpool Building and the Mersey river

Take a Liverpool Eco Tour(external link, opens in a new tab), with walking and bike options, and discover more about the city’s sporting and cultural heritage

Explore Castlefield Viaduct(external link, opens in a new tab), a beautiful ‘sky garden’ created on a Victorian steel viaduct that offers free guided tours in the morning and non-booked visits to capacity in the afternoons

Mayfield Park(external link, opens in a new tab) opened in 2022 and is the first new city park in Manchester for 100 years. Its 6.5-acre parkland includes a kids’ play zone

Enjoy a free walking tour of Manchester (external link, opens in a new tab)to uncover the history of the city from locals who will help you discover Manchester’s main attractions and lesser-known quirks

Learn more about the academic history of Oxford and the city that houses it. You can get 15% OFF the Oxford Official University and City Walking Tour(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Day Out Guide when you go by train

For a fun and relaxing trip, hire a row boat on the River Cherwell. If rowing isn’t your thing you could always try a pedalo, or hire a chauffeured punt so you have someone to do the hard work for you!

Go stargazing in South Park, an official Dark Sky Discovery Site. The 50-acre park is open 24 hours a day, and there’s plenty to keep you busy during daylight hours as well, including a play area and fitness trail

Go on the Sheffield Round Walk(external link, opens in a new tab), a 15-mile loop that links Sheffield’s urban and rural areas. This route showcases the greenery, wildlife, and natural beauty within its borders

Take a paddleboard tour of the historic waterways. Connect to the city’s industrial past by exploring its fascinating history and locations

Wander around the 19 acres of Sheffield Botanical Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab), with twisting paths connecting over 18 different gardens

Save up to 1/3 off your trips when you travel by train with a Railcard

From children to seniors, over 20 million people in Great Britain can save with a Railcard. See which one is right for you

Buy yours today for just £30 and you’ll make the cost back in 1 or 2 trips!