A study by Original Cottages, the national holiday letting company, has revealed that 61% of Brits agree that the UK is an exciting holiday destination, but almost two-thirds (64%) of those surveyed admit there are entire areas of the country they know very little about.

In light of this research and to help inspire Brits to explore the country when it is safe to travel, Original Cottages has created 'Discoveries on our Doorsteps' a top ten list of amazing places and activities to visit across England and Wales. From scuba diving off the Norfolk Coast to husky sledding in Yorkshire, there's something for everyone to discover.

Please see below for the top 10 activities, as well as a recommendation of cottages to stay in and high-res imagery for all the activities can be downloaded HERE. 

Discoveries on our Doorsteps:

• Scuba-diving, Norfolk at the Christal Seas Scuba - You can get your PADI certificate, and the views don't disappoint. There are over 300 shipwrecks off the Norfolk coast that divers can explore, along with the chalk gullies just off Cromer and Sheringham.

Where to stay: 7 Sea Mews (sleeps 5, from £566 per week) - Situated within a private mews, this beautifully furnished townhouse welcomes you to the heart of Cromer. 7 Sea Mews has a lovely bright interior with an open plan living area as well as two courtyard gardens, perfect for enjoying some al-fresco dining and the last of the day's sun. Located just moments from the seafront, beach and the heart of the town, everything is on hand for the perfect seaside break. Imagery available to download HERE

• Husky sledding, Yorkshire at Run with the Pack - For adrenaline seekers wanting to feel the wind in their hair, the team of Siberian Huskies will take you on an exhilarating ride.

Where to stay: T'Lasses Cottage (sleeps 4, £586 per week) - This high-quality cottage offers two en-suite bedrooms to the first floor and an open plan living area downstairs, T'Lasses Cottage is very well equipped and is ideally positioned for a relaxing holiday whilst being a short drive away from the popular market town of Skipton, Bronte country, Ilkley and Lower Wharfdale are all within easy reach. Imagery available to download: HERE

• Spotting the Northern Lights at the Kielder Observatory, Northumberland - Head to the Northumberland Coast and, with the right weather conditions, you might be lucky enough to see the amazing Aurora Borealis.

Where to stay: Lily Rose Cottage (sleeps 2, from £456 per week) - Lily Rose Cottage is a delightful detached stone cottage at Hall Guards, near Gilsland currently for 2 guests but from 6th February 2021 the cottage will sleep 5 guests. It lies between the market towns of Brampton and Haltwhistle, north of the River Irthing and is the ideal holiday cottage for those looking to explore the Hadrian's Wall Path. Lily Rose Cottage is perfect for guests who love to explore the outdoors. Imagery available to download HERE

• Cave trampolining, Wales at ZipWorld  - Huge springy nets suspended underground propel visitors around the old mine to create a unique subterranean bounce park.

Where to stay: The Old Stable – Hen Stabal (sleeps 6, from £622 per week) - The Old Stable (Hen Stabal in Welsh) is a detached stone cottage on the owners' 90 acre hill farm in the Snowdonia National Park. Relax in the jacuzzi hot tub in this stunning location, with superb panoramic views over the estuary towards Harlech Castle and over forestry and mountains to the rear. A perfect spot for anyone interested in steam trains as the Ffestiniog Railway runs through the farm and can be seen through one of the bedroom windows! 1 mile to Penrhyndeudraeth, 3 miles to Portmeirion, 5 miles to Porthmadog. Access to Penrhyndeudraeth main line station with short taxi ride to the cottage. Imagery available to download HERE

• Pizza Tipi, Wales - An authentic pizza restaurant under tipis and on the edge of the picturesque river Teifi.

Where to stay: Madiwela (sleeps 6, £900 per week) - Stunning sea views, beach, local pub and golf course, this property provides an amazing 5 star experience. Dolphins can often be spotted in the bay, from the kitchen window. Soak up the view or if you are feeling more active stroll the Coastal Path and visit the gorgeous beach at Mwnt and the history of the tiny local Church. Imagery available to download HERE

• Hat Festival, Dorset  - Wear your most outrageous hat and fundraise money for local heart charities

Where to stay: West Mill (sleeps 8, £1,135 per week) - The central location of West Mill means you can experience all the Bridport has to offer in a matter of moments from the twice weekly market to the mix of independent shops and restaurants. Within a few miles you can experience the Jurassic coastline, the seaside village of West Bay and the rolling hills – a real 'far from the madding crowd' experience. Imagery available to download HERE

• Alpaca Trekking at Woodland View Alpacas, Kent  - Enjoy a carefree and leisurely couple of hours with the alpacas, for an activity that's different from the everyday.

Where to stay: Anchor Barn (sleeps 5, £707 per week) - Set on the edge of the charming, historic village of Eastry and built in circa 1750, Anchor Barn offers bags of character with beamed double height ceilings, wood burning stove and a beautiful brick courtyard entrance amidst lovely rural surroundings. Imagery available to download HERE

• Teapot Island, Kent - An unusual café made to enjoy the different faces of tea. Tea pots are developed to celebrate events, fashions and changing times in Britain

Where to stay: Rose Cottage (sleeps 2, from £403 per week) - Rose Cottage offers a touch of luxury in a gorgeous little cottage for two.  The property is situated on a farm just outside the pretty village of Boughton Monchelsea, which lies on a ragstone ridge sitting between the North Downs and the Weald of Kent. The cottage offers spacious and comfortable accommodation which has been furnished to a very high standard with a cosy wood burning stove to chase away those chilly evenings. Imagery available to download: HERE

• Fat Tuesday, Sussex - The UK's biggest Mardi Gras festival!

Where to stay: Church Pass Cottage (sleeps 4, £673 per week) - Tucked away in a quiet twitten in the heart of Hastings Old Town is this gorgeous Grade II listed white weatherboard cottage - just steps from the High Street with all its independent shops and boutiques and only a few minutes walk down to the beach. Imagery available to download HERE

• Minack Theatre, Cornwall - Cornwall's famous open-air theatre presents dramas, musicals and opera, with the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop

Where to stay: Molly Muppet (sleeps 2, £398 per week) - On entering this gorgeous little cottage you will be struck by the cosiness and comfort it exudes. Tucked away behind the owner's home, but close enough to the village centre to walk to everything, Molly Muppett is a real treat. Lovingly designed in neutral colours using local art and great styling, you will instantly feel relaxed and with a cosy wood-burning stove, this cute cottage is ideal for a getaway at any time of year. Imagery available to download HERE