1. York Minster, York

This gothic cathedral is the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. Its stone walls contain a treasure trove of history. The building was begun in the 1220s and was over two centuries in the making. It sits on a site that was occupied in the days of Emperor Constantine and has survived numerous fires and wind damage, and has even played host to a royal wedding (the Duke and Duchess of Kent). You can climb the 275 steps to the top of the central tower - passing pinnacles and gargoyles - to look out over York. Or dive down into the undercroft and crypt.

2. Studland Beach, Dorset

Hopefully the cold snap will not put too many people off a brisk stroll along Studland Beach, Swanage. Here you will find spectacular views of the surrounding Purbeck landscape that looks towards the magnificent Old Harry Rocks. The two nature reserves are host to rare birds including the Dartford warbler and a colony of wild ring-necked parakeets.

This, one of England's most famous beaches, is being allowed to crumble into the sea after the National Trust decided to give up its unending battle against the erosion problems, so it would be wise to visit soon while you can still see the sand dunes.

3. Stourhead, Wiltshire

Autumn leaves The Japanese have a word for it, momijigari: for centuries they have observed the changing colours of trees, especially in Kyoto where people flock to see the maples. This weekend, if the weather is fine or even cold and wet, follow their example. At forestry.gov.uk you can track the changing colour of leaves from yellow to gold in woods dotted around the country. The National Trust website lists its autumn foliage highlights, from Bodnant Garden in Conwy, crowned with Chinese red-barked birch, to the dawn redwood in the gardens of Stourhead, Wiltshire.

4. Biddulph Grange Garden, Staffordshire

Biddulph Grange was developed by the horticulturist and landowner James Bateman during the 19th century. The compartmental gardens reflect Victorian eccentricity and international influence. Pass through the Egyptian court to the Italian terraces and the Chinese garden with its own Great Wall. Each section is linked to the others by a network of pathways and tunnels. Throughout the gardens are exotic and unusual plants including an upside-down tree, Himalayan rhododendrons and masses of azaleas, reflecting Bateman's penchant for these plants.

5. Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, nr Aviemore, Scotland

Britain's only herd of reindeer can be found free-ranging in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland. There are currently about 150 reindeer, which were reintroduced into Scotland in 1952. During the winter months you can visits this friendly herd — weather permitting, groups depart from the reindeer centre daily. Under the supervision of trained guides, visitors are allowed to feed and stroke the creatures. Join the wild farm walk to spot fallow and red deer, a flock of tiny Soay sheep, and wild boars rooting for their food.

6. Gummer's How, Windermere

On a clear day from the top of Gummer's How the views of Windermere below are spectacular. It snakes between the surrounding fells, a tiny boat and perhaps a steamer breaking its glassy surface. Morecombe Bay and Coniston are just visible. Leave your car on the road below and scramble through thick trees, over heather, craggy stone steps and jutting rock. At the summit on a breezy day the wind gusts around you, dragging off carelessly wrapped scarves and hats. Climb up early in the morning to see low-lying mists lighted by pale, wintry sunshine.

7. Borough Market, London

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, as early as you can, duck down beside London Bridge and find the market swarming with people. It is busy and noisy, even on a damp day, and filled with smells and the colours of the fruits and vegetables - red, green, orange. Walk and eat, trying every sample that you can from Spanish mountain-cured hams, beans and pulses, olive oils and chorizo to gravadlax and lamb from Orkney. Almost every country is represented, side by side: Eastern spices, French creme caramel, Dutch farmhouse cheeses, Ceylon teas, Turkish delights and English jams.

8. University of Oxford Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden in Oxford has inspired students, visitors and even literature (Philip Pullman's Northern Lights). Inside the garden walls are plants grown for research purposes, not purely for aesthetics. From the family beds, part of the core collection of plans, you can discover which plants are related to one another and which botanical families are important in supplying us with food, fibres and medicines. Horticulturists can venture outside the walls to find effusive, exotic and colourful plants. For families wishing to make a visit this Saturday, you can help to decorate the Botanic Christmas tree.

9. Oliver Reed pub crawl, Wimbledon

Retrace the steps and the stumbles of the actor Oliver Reed. The story goes that Steve McQueen flew to England to discuss a film project with Reed and they planned a night out. This turned into a marathon pub crawl that took them via the Hand in Hand, the Crooked Billet, the Fox and Grapes, Rose and Crown, Firestables, the Brewery Tap, the Dog and Fox and Finch's (now closed), where they aimed to drink a pint within 15 minutes before moving on to the nearest pub. During this Reed threw up on McQueen. The unofficial world record on this crawl is 16 pubs (two laps), held by Oliver Reed himself.

10. Canvey Island, Essex

In the cheerful bustle of this modern resort it is easy to forget the 1953 storm surge flood that cost so many lives - though the locals have not. Canvey Island has a marvellously seasidey atmosphere, with golden sands, young families fishing for crabs from the seawall and Ove Arup's 1932 Art Deco beachfront Labworth Cafe giving wonderful views across the fairway to the Kent shore. It is a fine spot from which to enjoy a Thames barge match on a summer's day.