In the far north-west of Scotland, you can hunt for mushrooms – or just indulge in some of the UK's finest food, says Neil McQuillian. Would you like langoustines with those fries?

Britain's network of poets' cottages is a vital part of 2012's cultural celebrations. Tom Nancollas explores a fascinating literary legacy

A homely ambience is complemented by hotel-standard style and service at this elegant guesthouse, says Kate Simon

The skies above Windermere will light up this Thursday when Cumbria hosts one of the four opening events of the London 2012 Festival (0845 267 2012; festival.london2012.com), the cultural celebration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games that runs till 9 September. A French group, Les Commandos Percu, will take to the shores of Windermere for On the Night Shift, a free open-air production mixing music and pyrotechnics, which will also mark the arrival of the Olympic torch in the county.

Mark Rowe wishes he had a broomstick as he tackles this enigmatic Lancashire hill

Yes, it can be wet, but sweeping views, soothing massages and awesome birds of prey are just some of the delights to distract you at luxury Red Kite Barn

Leicestershire's struck gold. At least it has in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2012. At last month's prize-giving ceremony, Leicester Theatre Trust, the body behind the city's performance space, Curve (0116 242 3595; curveonline.co.uk), picked up a gold Access for All Tourism Award for its commitment to theatregoers with disabilities. You can take a closer look at Curve on one of its fortnightly guided tours (the next one is on 23 June, adults £3, under-18s £2), while, front of house, this month's performances include the family favourite Horrible Histories, performed by the Birmingham Stage Company on 11-13 June (tickets £14).

This elegant address signals an artist-friendly reinvention of the traditional seaside resort, says Rhiannon Batten

From ballet on the beach to harvesting a hedgerow, a new company shows Kate Simon how to get the most from a UK holiday

From tucked-away retreats and luxury yurts to perfect pitches for getting back to nature, Rhiannon Batten presents the experts’ guide to sleeping under the stars

Saturday sees the start of the Diamond Jubilee long weekend and half term for many schools. There are plenty of events to help you fly the flag

The best of British is on offer on a Champagne, Bucket & Spade Break at Hawke's Point (01726 884072; hawkes-point.co.uk) in St Ives, Cornwall.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Mick Webb reveals a land of puffins, tanks and Hollywood blockbusters.

With a boating lake at its heart, it is a century-old Utopian escape, says Kate Simon

Get Back: A monthly series following Rob Cowen and Leo Critchley as they reconnect with the wonders of the British countryside