Castles, country estates, villages, gardens…
Britain is awash with inspirational historic places and getting out to experience them is always an enjoyable way to spend a morning.
If it’s a nice day you can pack up a picnic, or stop off on the way home for a bite of lunch to round off an interesting, educational morning.
Search using the National Trust’s website below to find an interesting place to visit in your area:Â Â Â
If you haven’t jogged before…
…or if the mere idea of it sends you running for a comforting snack (Quaker Oat Bar) , get started with just a ten minute gentle jog around the park.
Your heart, lungs and circulation will love you for it, and it’s never too late to begin.
If you are seriously overweight or suffer from any medical condition, it’s best to check with your GP before you start any form of exercise – just to get the A-okay.
Websites to visit:
Bingo on the pier, fish and chips for lunch, and a paddle in the sea.
Well, it might be a bit nippy for paddling, but it can still be invigorating to have a stroll along the promenade.
And if all that sea air works up and appetite, take along some of our delicious Brownie Oat Cookies.
Ingredients
85g all-purpose flour
135g white sugar
80g Quaker Oats
30g unsweetened cocoa powder
5g baking powder
2g salt
2 egg whites
80ml light corn syrup
5ml vanilla extract
Method
1. Spray the cookie sheet with non-stick spray. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix in the egg whites, syrup, and vanilla. Drop spoonfuls on the prepared cookie sheet.
3. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
4. Enjoy!!
Take a gentle stroll at your own pace and raise funds for your favourite cause.  Â
To best way to get started is to decide which cause you’d like to help, then visit their website to find out when their next sponsored event is taking place.
Once you’ve registered, you’ll need to collect sponsorship money from friends and family. You can even set up your own webpage to raise funds – completely free, see the Just Giving website link below.
You’ll need to do bit of training in the run up to the event, and remember not to wear new shoes on the day!
Websites to visit:
www.justgiving.com       Â
Enjoy the company of man’s best friend without the hassle.
Walking can be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a morning and there is no better companion to take crunching through woodlands than a dog.
But you don’t have to own a furry companion to enjoy a winter walk with one. Animal rescue centres around the country are always in need of volunteers to walk their dogs while they’re waiting to be rehomed.
You’ll need to contact the centre in advance and tell them a bit about yourself, you may need to undergo a short training session, and then you can pop along and choose a dog to take walking.
Dog walking volunteering is a great way to enjoy the fun and exuberance of a canine companion without the commitment and responsibility that goes with owning a dog.
Websites worth a look:
Great exercise and enjoyable company. Well, that’s how the experts sum it up.
If you thought it was just for the country set, think again.
There are golf driving ranges all over the country when you can pop along and have a bash at hitting balls.
It’s the best way to get a feel for the game, and then you can think about booking a few lessons to get your swing right, etc.
Use the websites below to get started:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
www.golflinks.co.uk/driving-ranges.php
Take the children (if you have them) and pop down to your local pool for a dip.
You don’t need to be a swimmer to enjoy the pool. The shallow end is rarely more than 1 metre deep (waist level) and there is usually a selection of floats and inflatables to keep you and little ones buoyant while you splash around.
If you’re feeling really energetic you could join a water aerobics class and meet new people, or sign up for swimming lessons – it’s never too late to learn.
Helpful websites:
www.swimmingwithoutstress.co.uk
It’s no longer the exclusive realm of the elderly.
The days are long gone when outdoor bowls was just for the older generation. Today it’s a popular pastime for every age from teenagers upwards. And enthusiasts claim it’s one of the most sociable and enjoyable pursuits you can take up.
Bowls can be played indoors or out, in singles, pairs, triples and four-player teams, so there’s plenty of scope for meeting new people and making friends.
First step is to check to see where your nearest bowls club is using the websites below, and then book a morning training session to see if it’s your cup of tea. Who knows, it could unveil a mildly competitive edge you didn’t know you had.
Websites worth a look:
BBC’s Beginners Guide to Bowls
Find out more:
English Bowling Association
Northern Ireland Bowls Association
Scottish Indoors Bowling Association
Welsh Indoors Bowling Association
Professional Bowling Association
Dip your toes in this relaxing exercise to see if it’s for you.
There’s no questioning the health benefits of yoga; it’s been practiced for thousands of years so it must be good.
But if you haven’t yet experienced it and fancy finding out if it’s as relaxing and calming as they say, why not start off by learning the basics in your own home?
There’s a great community website called gaiam.com full of tips to get started, or use this link to learn the ten most essential yoga positions in just a morning, and it has downloadable videos that show you exactly how to do each one.
And once you’ve got the basics under your belt, you may be inspired to take it further and join a class where you can meet other relaxed, flexible enthusiasts!
Websites worth a look:
Yoga-videos.net
Yogadownload.com
Find a class near you:
Yoga.co.uk
Blogs:
Everything Yoga
My Yoga Blog
And feel the earth under your feet.
I know what you’re thinking. You already go for a walk in the park, right?
But when was the last time you went for a walk in the National Park? There are 14 of them altogether, all crammed full of the most outstandingly beautiful countryside in Britain.
The great thing is it’s an all year round activity that gives you great aerobic exercise, and if that doesn’t take your breath away, the scenery certainly will!
Of course if the weather is clouding your view, you can always take a walk around some of the National Trust properties situated within these same areas. Below you’ll find links to get you started.
Websites worth a look:
www.nationalparks.gov.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Blogs:
http://blogs.nationaltrust.org/preservationnation
*Of 146 people surveyed, 67 first felt hungry after 4 hours, 21 minutes.
Eat Quaker Oats as part of a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
