Now that London is confirmed to host the 2012 Olympic games...why not get in training early and try your hand at an Olympic sport in England. EnjoyEngland has launched a new campaign, Outdoor England, to encourage us to get outdoors and sample all the activities on offer in this country.

For more information on sporting activities in England and to receive a copy of the new 84-page brochure, call 0845 330 0220 or visit www.enjoyengland.com/outdoor

AQUATICS Swimming has been on the Olympic Games programme since the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. However, it has not always been located in a 50-metre pool � in the past the event has been held at the Bay of Zea in Athens in 1896 and on Paris's River Seine in 1900. London will have a �40m new Aquatics Centre by 2012 � but if you can�t wait for that, why not head for one of London�s Lidos for a great day out? Dip into the water at Hampstead Heath, there are three ponds, one for mixed bathing, one for ladies only and a third for men. Stay at the YHA Hampstead Heath, which has an enclosed garden and is a short stroll from the heath, where woods and grassland create a quiet oasis of countryside Price: Bed & breakfast from �20 per person per night Further information: www.yha.org.uk

ARCHERY Retrace the legendary footsteps of Robin Hood and discover where the story all began, in Nottinghamshire. Archery competitions date back at least to medieval times in Sherwood Forest. Today the forest and its secret glades are important to us as one of the few remaining tracts of medieval woodland left in Britain. To gain an impression of the "lost in time" nature of this wild wood, go to the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre and Country Park, where an exhibition gives a colourful impression of life in medieval Sherwood. Stay Brown�s B&B, a 1730 stone country cottage with a large garden, set in the peaceful hamlet of Holbeck Price: Bed & breakfast from �32.50 per person per night (based on two sharing) Further information: Call 01909 720659 or visit www.brownsholbeck.co.uk

CANOEING/ KAYAKING Canoes and kayaks can been traced back thousands of years to when natives used these crafts to hunt, fish and travel. At the modern Olympics there are two categories of competition, flat and slalom, both of which can be provided for in an idyllic escape in the South West. Various sizes of canoes are available for hire in the South West and a day out canoeing with a group of friends can be an excellent and sociable way to explore remote rivers, estuaries and watering holes at your own pace. Stay at The Watergate Bay Hotel, part of the Extreme Academy based in North Cornwall Price: Bed & Breakfast from �32 per person per night (based on two sharing) and a taster session with a British Canoe Union approved company starts at �15 Further information: www.watergatebay.co.uk

CYCLING Cycling is both a popular way to enjoy the great outdoors, as well as a means of getting from A to B. It�s also the perfect option to take in the varied landscapes of Northumbria. Feel the wind in your hair as you ride along the hundreds of miles of traffic-free tracks, just for cycling. The Hadrian's Cycleway, National Cycle Network Route 72 is a 160 mile (256 kilometre) long route stretching the full length of the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site. Whether you want a long distance tour, or a leisurely ride from tea shop to pub, a family day out to a Roman site or an exhilarating spin through open countryside, the varied countryside around Hadrian's Wall is ideal. Stay at Langley Castle in Hexham, a genuine 14th century castle set in it�s own woodland estate. Perfect for exploring Hadrian�s Wall and Northumberland. Price: Bed & breakfast from �57.50 per person per night Further information: Call 01434 688888 and www.langleycastle.com and check www.cycle-routes.org/hadrianscycleway/

EQUESTRIAN The equestrian event in the Olympic Games calls both rider and horse to perform various exercises of skill, speed, endurance, and jumping of obstacles. But a horse ride adventure need not be a challenge in Stoneleigh Deer Park in Warwickshire, home to the headquarters of the British Horse Society. Stay at the Hollies Guest House, a Price: Bed & breakfast from �45 per room per night. Further information: call 015394 33605 or visit www.theholliesguesthouse.co.uk www.bhs.org.uk

FOOTBALL Liverpool is still reeling from the surprise Champions League win, so a visit to England�s North West is sure to be a fun way to pay homage to the sport and our famous players. Liverpool FC�s Anfield stadium is an imposing place for visiting teams � but, whichever colours you wear, soccer fans from everywhere are welcome at the club�s spectacular visitor centre. Across nearby Stanley Park lies Goodison Park, Everton�s famous home ground where you can take a Stadium Tour. Stay at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Liverpool and rejuvenate tired muscles in the extensive spa Price: Bed & breakfast from �119 per room per night (based on two sharing) Further information: call 0151 966 1500, www.radissonsas.com and visit www.liverpoolfc.tv and www.evertonfc.com

ROWING Now that Sir Steve has retired, 2005 could be your year to take the oars and row your own boat in Cambridge. Soak up the fresh, clean air in this sunny part of England, so closely linked to the sport. Or hire a punt and explore the water meadows of �The Backs� as a summer treat. Stay at the Duxford Lodge Hotel, ten minutes south of Cambridge and close to the colleges Price: Bed and breakfast from �110 per room per night (based on two sharing) Further information: call 01223 836444 or visit www.duxfordlodgehotel.co.uk

SAILING Sailing is not only a sport but also a way of life for many and the English coastline offers classic sailing conditions and the ideal place to set sail. Head for the white cliffs of Dover and let the salty air clear your mind and invigorate your soul. Learn boat-handling skills in a four-session course for the complete novice. Stay at the Best Western Churchill Hotel & Health Club, Dover, a listed building on Dover�s waterfront Price: Bed & breakfast from �65 per room per night (based on two sharing) Further information: call 0845 33 00 120. Sailing weekend prices include sailing session course.

TENNIS If the likes of British tennis hopes such as Andrew Murray and Tim Henman inspire you to pick up a racquet and head for a court near you, why not make a break for it at Windmill Hill in East Sussex, one of the world�s best tennis academies. With 18 courts and plenty of stars in the guest book, you might be giving Federer a run for his money in 2006. Stay at Windmill Hill, a lakeside Georgian mansion set in 21 acres of grounds Price: From �395 for five days, full board (Monday to Friday) Further information: Call 0870 033 9997 or visit www.windmillhill.co.uk

WALKING Walking in England offers huge variety, from gentle strolls through leafy woods to challenging hikes over rough terrain. You could tread the National Trail or stride along a canal towpath, walking is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of Yorkshire. With over 1,000 sq miles of prime walking country, over 100 miles of spectacular coastline, an impressive network of canal and riverside walks and hundreds of quiet rural rambles and village trails, Yorkshire really does have something for everyone. Stay at Low Penhowe, a superb B&B in North Yorkshire for easy access to the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and Yorkshire Wolds Price: Bed & breakfast from �22 per person per night Further information: call 01653 658 336, log onto www.bedandbreakfastyorkshire.co.uk and visit www.walkyorkshire.com

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For further press information on Outdoor England please contact: Rae White/Tess Sullivan VisitBritain Press Office Tel: 020 8563 3378/3351 Mobile 07971 497013 Email: rae.white@visitbritain.org/tess.sullivan@visitbritain.org

Notes to editors:

� VisitBritain produces a monthly electronic newsletter for UK media entitled AngloFILE. To register for, or to view previous editions go to www.enjoyengland.com/presscentre