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Dorset was Enid Blyton’s most treasured holiday spot. From the 1940s to her death in 1968, the Isle of Purbeck was the author's refuge; a place she would go to rest and refuel twice or three times a year, rarely writing during her visits. But while her brain was at rest, her imagination was at play, the stunning coastal surroundings and historic sites serving as endless inspiration for her beloved children’s stories. This year marks the 120th anniversary of Blyton’s birth, and to celebrate we’ve compiled a special walking and cycling holiday highlighting some of her favourite Dorset spots – many of which feature in the some 700 books she wrote during her lifetime. To tempt you further, we’ve compiled a list of six of the most magical destinations she liked to frequent, all of which form part of the tour.

Knoll House Hotel, Studland

Knoll House Hotel in the idyllic village of Studland was Blyton’s favourite place to stay during her later visits to Dorset in the 1960s. Set in four acres of gardens, with gorgeous sea views – you can even see the Isle of Wight – the hotel is just a short walk from Studland beach. The ultimate base for a good old fashioned seaside holiday, and your home for the duration of the trip. (Fun fact: Studland is said to be the inspiration behind Toy Town, home to Noddy et al in Blyton’s acclaimed series; while Mr Plod, the town’s pernickety policeman, is thought to be based on a local PC who scrupulously patrolled the village streets).

Isle of Purbeck Golf Club

In 1950, Blyton and her husband Kenneth bought the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, which features in the author’s 1962 book, 'Five Have a Mystery to Solve'. The splendid heathland course, which dates back to 1892, numbers among the best in Britain, and is just a short cycle from Knoll House Hotel. (Along the way you can spot the tiny cottage that was home to fussy, young nature-lover Wilfrid in the book!) Should golf not be your thing, it’s well worth a visit for the magnificent views alone.

Corfe Castle

This glorious, battle scarred castle, perched on top of a thyme-strewn hill, could ignite even the most dormant of imaginations. And in Blyton’s case, the iconic, one-thousand-year-old ruin gave shape to Kirrin Castle: the dilapidated site frequented by the Famous Five during a number of their adventures. Blyton first visited the castle in 1941, arriving by steam train from Swanage; later, her feted protagonists would be described embarking on the same train ride, in the opposite direction, as they travelled home from boarding school for the holidays. The steam railway has recently been restored, and is a magical must-do included on our itinerary.

The Grand Hotel, Swanage

This classic Victorian hotel dates back to 1898, and was one of Blyton’s favoured holiday destinations in the 1950s. It overlooks the splendid Swanage Bay, around which the author and her husband would swim each evening before supper. Stop for cream tea and lashings of ginger beer in its sun-filled garden.

Brownsea Island

Another location in 'Five Have a Mystery to Solve' is Brownsea Island, located in the middle of Poole Harbour (NB: in the book it’s called Whispering Island and is set "in the great blue harbour"). Today the verdant nature reserve – filled with grassy gardens, a variety of trees, as well as peacocks and red squirrels – is owned by the National Trust, but in Blyton’s day it belonged to the notoriously reclusive Mrs Bonham Christie, whose steely determination to return it to a natural haven, saw all visitors turned away. For this reason, Blyton, who is unlikely to have visited herself, playfully refers to it as ‘Keep Away Island’ in parts of the book.

Kimmeridge Bay

In 'Five Fall into Adventure', the young explorers visit Kimmeridge Bay on the Jurassic Coast, where they’re described frolicking by rock pools and rowing around the coastline. There they spot “a high cliff on top of which was a dour grey stone building... a little like a castle... with one square tower overlooking the waves”. This is believed to be the Clavell Tower, a folly built in 1831, which you can visit on the third day of your trip as you traverse the breathtaking clifftop footpath that Blyton so loved, taking in Lulworth cove and Stair Hole, which also star in her stories.

This month The Carter Company were delighted to announce the launch of our first ever Scottish walking holiday, spanning The West Highland Way, and offering what is truly one of the most wondrous walks in the world, taking in lochs, glens, moors, mountains and more. In celebration of the newest addition to our range of tours in the awe-inspiring country, we've picked five of Scotland's most marvellous hidden gems, spanning food, flowers and a favourite pub, as well as magical wild swimming in so-called Fairy Pools (pictured above) and dolphin spotting opportunities – all of which, you'll be pleased to hear, can be factored around one or more of our bonnie holidays.

1 Mhor Food Company

If you’re looking to feast on delicious food while staying in an extraordinary location, the Mhor Food Company – nestled in the beautiful, thistle-strewn Braes of Balquhidder – is the place for you. The family run food and hospitality business comprises a cosy café that serves its organically farmed produce, a bakery that bakes fresh bread daily, and two hotels, the Mhor 84 Motel and Monachyle Mhor, a pink farmhouse turned boutique hotel situated in splendid 2000-acre grounds. The hotel – one stop on our 'West Highland Way' walking tour – boasts a world-class restaurant that serves locally sourced meat and fish. While for those in search of a unique “glamping” experience, there’s a converted 1950s showman's wagon and a cabin constructed from found objects, both situated in the surrounding parkland.

2 Benmore Botanic Garden

For garden lovers, a trip to this stunning, mountainside garden, a few miles south of the lowest point of The Trossachs National Park, will reveal Scotland's most marvellous collection of flowering trees and shrubs. Approach via an avenue of giant sierra redwoods, planted in 1862; potter among glorious displays of rhododendrons and azaleas; peep inside the picturesque Puck’s Hut, built in 1928 in memory of Sir Isaac Bayley Balfour and topped by a miniature bronze sculpture of the mischievous Shakespearean character; and discover the recently restored Victorian fernery tucked into a shaded cleft in the hillside. A trip to this Scottish arcadia can be arranged around our 'Lochs and glens to Edinburgh' cycling tour.

3 The Sheep Heid, Edinburgh

No visit to Edinburgh is complete without a wander up Arthur’s Seat, the ancient volcano, which, at 251 metres above sea level, forms the highest point of Holyrood Park, offering a fantastic view across the capital. But every good walk requires a good lunch, and Scotland’s unpredictable, often windy weather doesn’t always guarantee a peaceful picnic. Which is why The Sheep Heid, located in the small village of Duddingston, just a ten minute walk from the hilltop, is our top insider tip. It is the oldest pub in Edinburgh, built in 1360, and has offered rest and refreshment to monarchs and poets alike. Expect a roaring fire, delicious pies, tasty fish and chips, local ale and a two-lane skittle alley. Why not make a literary trip of it, and wend your way to Edinburgh via our ‘In the footsteps of famous writers’ walking tour?

4 Dolphin spotting at The Moray Firth

The Scottish highlands offer hidden gems at every turn, from historic towns to tiny fishing hamlets, mountain ranges to deserted lochs and gorgeous offshore islands, but you wouldn’t necessarily associate them with dolphins. However, the Moray Firth – an idyllic inlet on the east coast, and the starting point of our 'The Highlands coast to coast' cycling tour – is one of the best places in the UK to encounter these majestic creatures. The dolphins hunt for salmon in spring and summer, which is the optimum time to spot them – either from the land or by boat. Whales.org offers a comprehensive guide to help ensure you aren’t disappointed in your quest.

5 Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye

These crystal clear, turquoise pools, situated at the foot of the Black Cuillin Mountains in the west of Skye, number among Scotland’s most magical natural wonders. Reaching them requires a 2.4-kilometre hike through the Glen Brittle forest but the reward is a chance to wallow in some of the most pristine swimming holes in the world. (NB. A wetsuit may be required, however, as they’re not the warmest!) For those less beguiled by wild swimming, the sparkling waterfalls and atmospheric moors won’t fail to sooth and restore. Visit Skye, and factor in the Fairy Pools, on our 'Highlands and Hebrides' cycling holiday.

With hundreds of marvellous museums and galleries dotted all over the United Kingdom, it can be an overwhelming task knowing where to start. A quick google will provide you with the big names, but some of the smaller, lesser-known gems, are just as good – if not better – in our opinion. So, to narrow down the long list and share some of our insider knowledge, we’ve picked five of the very best, spanning art, architecture, literature and natural history, all of which can be factored in around one of our unique cycling or walking tours for the perfect combination of culture and exploring.

1 Sir John Soane’s Museum

Tucked behind Holborn underground station, in a leafy square edged with terraced houses, you will find the former house and museum of pioneering English architect Sir John Soane. This unique, awe-inspiring space, built and lived in by Soane, remains exactly as it was left at the time of the architect’s death almost 180 years ago. Soane was an avid collector and his home is brimming with antiquities, furniture, sculptures, paintings by Hogarth, Turner, Canaletto and more, as well as architectural models and drawings. We recommend seeing the museum by candlelight, an experience offered on the first Tuesday of each month. Why not combine a three-night stay in London with a trip to the Cotswolds with our ‘Quintessential England' cycling tour for a wonderfully diverse adventure?

2 The Turner Contemporary

The seaside town of Margate is one of England’s most exciting locations, boasting a dreamy combination of old world nostalgia and blossoming contemporary culture. There are shops, attractions (like Dreamland, the renovated, old-fashioned amusement park) and fish and chips galore, as well as plenty of great galleries, but the absolute must-visit is the Turner Contemporary, situated on the seafront in the same spot that Turner himself once lived. The wonderfully curated space, designed by Sir David Chipperfield, is geared towards making “intriguing links between historic and contemporary art” – and it certainly succeeds. Whether you’re looking for a fabulous foodie holiday, a seaside jolly or the chance to soak up Kent’s delightful scenery, we have an array of holidays in the area offering something for everyone.

3 Jane Austen’s House Museum

The village of Chawton in Hampshire is well worth a trip to visit the idyllic cottage where English author Jane Austen spent the final eight years of her life, creating some of her most important work. The red brick abode contains a collection of enlightening Austen artefacts, as well as retaining its modest, 19th-century charm. You can bring a picnic to enjoy in the lush garden where Austen would spend her time pottering and picking potatoes! The museum is just one stop on our ‘In the footsteps of famous writers’ walking tour, a remarkable excursion from London to Edinburgh, shedding light on the worlds of Thomas Hardy, Dylan Thomas, William Shakespeare, The Bronte sisters, James Herriot, William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and Austen along the way.

4 The Oxford University Museum of Natural History

This museum in Oxford is a natural history lover’s dream come true. It comprises the prestigious university's extraordinary collection of geological and zoological specimens, from dinosaurs to dodos to moths and minerals, housed in a majestic Neo-Gothic structure built in 1860. The museum is free and is attached to the Pitt Rivers museum of anthropology and archeology, if you’re looking for a double dose of fascinating historical discovery. You can visit the university town and its myriad sites on our ‘Ramble and ride on downs and meadows’ walking and cycling holiday. Beginning in Oxford, this magical tour takes you along the Thames Path and out to the dramatic White Horse on the downs and the ancient Ridgeway path, before returning you to your starting place by Thames boat.

5 The Scottish Gallery of Modern Art

A hub of brilliant modern and contemporary art, this gallery in Edinburgh is one of the city’s finest. The museum is set in beautiful leafy grounds, which house a sublime sculpture park featuring the award-winning 'Landform' by Charles Jencks, a geometric land artwork constructed from grass and ponds. Inside, the collection spans such 20th-century greats as Andy Warhol, Bridget Riley, Rene Magritte and Picasso, as well as contemporary artists like Duane Hanson and Tracey Emin, and a reconstruction of the studio of Scottish-Italian pop artist Eduardo Paolozzi. Wend your way to the Scottish capital on our ‘Lochs and glens to Edinburgh’ cycling tour, taking in the dramatic landscape of the Trossachs National Park and Pitlochry in the Highlands as you go.

Here at The Carter Company, we’re often asked for our insider advice on the optimum time of year to visit the UK. So much so that we thought we’d put together a handy guide to help you decide when and where is best to plan your walking or cycling holiday in order to get the very most from your Great British adventure.

Shoulder Season (March through May and mid-September through October)

It might be a little more of a gamble to book your vacation in the so-called shoulder period rather than the height of summer, but it can prove well worth it. There are fewer tourists, prices are lower and, on the whole, you’re likely to experience pleasant weather. In between March and May, sunny days are regular occurrences, but come prepared for bursts of sudden rain – April showers in the UK are not just the stuff of Disney soundtracks! While most imagine September and October to signal a distinct drop in temperatures, fairly often they give way to 'Indian summers', replete with glorious mid-summer temperatures and picnics galore.

High Season (June through August)

From June until August, British weather tends to be at its finest. Of course, school summer breaks mean that you will be contending with British tourists, as well as international travellers, so accommodation rates are at their peak. Be sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. On top of that, certain areas, such as seaside towns, national parks and historic cities (York, Oxford, Bath et al), become a hub of activity meaning that surrounding roads are usually busy. August is particularly crowded in areas popular with British holidaymakers, like Cornwall, Devon, Kent, Dorset, Scotland and the Lake District, so we recommend heading to the gorgeous Cotswolds or pootling down the Thames, where crowds are smaller and accommodation much easier to secure in August than in May, June and September.

Low Season (December through February)

Unsurprisingly, the low season tends to summon up wind and rain, and, up north, often snow. So for cycling and rambling outside of the cities, it’s best to book your trip to coincide with warmer climes!

So, in conclusion, we recommend you plan your UK vacation for late May, June, July, August or the first half of September to make the most of the good weather, but book early to ensure you secure a hotel as availability is limited, especially this year. If you’re looking to book a British-based exploration in August, our top tip is adventuring in the Cotswolds and by the Thames. Of course, like everywhere in the world, the weather is becoming increasingly hard to predict so take a look at the Met Office's Climate Map for more in-depth info on the annual forecast in specific areas of the UK.

Here at The Carter Company, we consider walking one of life’s greatest wonders, especially when wandering in a beautiful setting. Adventuring on foot is the ultimate means of slow travel, a chance to fully engage with your surroundings, both natural and historic, and allow your brain as well as your body to roam free. But don’t just take our word for it: scientists are frequently investigating the positive impact of perambulating on our physical and mental health. Below, we’ve chosen a few of our favourite facts about the benefits of a brisk walk – and if you’re looking to book a holiday to enjoy them, we highly recommend our Ceredigion coast walking tour, following the spectacular and varied coastline of Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales.

1. Walking aids concentration

Our brains get just as tired as the rest of our bodies, if not more so. The ever-increasing pace of modern life can be over-stimulating – indeed, average concentration spans are lower than they’ve ever been – but the good news is: walking can help fix this. A study in Edinburgh used lightweight brain-scanning devices to monitor the brain function of 12 participants as they walked around the city. Those instructed to wander through busy, built-up sections quickly grew frustrated and antsy, while those pottering in parks and green spaces witnessed a calming, meditative effect. This in turn led to an unconscious surge in the power of concentration, Jenny Roe, the professor behind the study told The New York Times. "It’s called involuntary attention in psychology,” she explained. “[Natural settings] hold our attention while at the same time allowing scope for reflection."

2. Walking enhances creativity

Writers and philosophers have long extolled the virtues of walking as a means of sparking ideas. “The moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow,” wrote Henry Thoreau. While Michel de Certeau noted that “writing is one way of making the world our own, and walking is another.” Dr Sowden of the School of Psychology at the University of Surrey agrees, explaining in a National Trust blog post that not only does walking improve our attention span, memory and recovery from mental fatigue but it also allows us to shift between modes of thought and offers fuel for creativity. “Walking exposes us to the constant flux of a changing environment providing us with an endless array of new and unique experiences,” he writes, “which combined with our past memories may, through serendipity alone, provoke new associations and give birth to new ideas.”

3. Walking is just as good for you as running

Given that running really gets your heart racing, while the effects of walking feel less noticeable, people often (wrongly) assume that running is the more beneficial form of exercise. However researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory looked at long-term studies of runners and walkers, and rather remarkably discovered that, when covering the same distance, the heart health benefits for both sets of participants were almost exactly the same. Both running and walking led to the reduction of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, as well as the risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease, the only difference being that walking takes a little longer. (All the better to enjoy the journey, we say!)

4. Walking can help alleviate stress and depression

The endorphins produced during a walk are known to improve your mood and reduce stress and anxiety. If you can surround yourself by nature while walking, all the better! Interaction with the natural world – from national parks to coastal paths – is scientifically proven to have a positive effect on mental health and stress management, for many of the reasons detailed above. The University of Stirling conducted a study using 341 patients which found that a brisk walk was “an effective intervention for depression”. It is also a form of exercise that can be done socially, unlike other more rigorous sports, and is a great way to let off steam with your friends.

5. Walking makes you live longer

Everything points to the fact that the more you walk, particularly in natural settings, the better your mind and body feel. It reduces the impact of all kinds of bodily ailments, from alzheimer's to arthritis, it helps weight management, boosts our immune systems and more. But what about the long term effects on your health? Well scientists say that making sure you take time to walk for a distance of 20 to 25 miles each week can extend your life by up to two years. If that doesn’t get you out of the house and off on a walking holiday, nothing will!