On Wednesday 27 July it will be exactly seven years until the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony. Why not get in training early and try your hand at an Olympic sport in England? Enjoy England has launched a new campaign, Outdoor England, to encourage us to get outdoors and sample all the activities on offer in this country and we�ve picked seven Olympic sports (learn one each year!) so that you too can go for gold...

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

Target Archery in 2005 Archery is one of the oldest sports in Britain although it did not appear as an Olympic sport until the 1900 Olympics Games in Paris. Many country house hotels in England offer tuition in more traditional pursuits such as archery and shooting so there's plenty of time to hone your skills before 2012. Stay at Stapleford Park, Leicestershire. Set in 500 acres of parkland, Stapleford is the ultimate retreat, with the style and service of a bygone Edwardian era Price: Rooms start from �250 bed and breakfast and archery is �35.00 per person including full tuition and equipment hire. Further information: Call 01572 787 000 or visit www.staplefordpark.co.uk

Paddle your way through 2006 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

Gear up for cycling in 2007 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, a leisurely ride from teashop 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 its 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/

Canter into the countryside in 2008 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 lovely B&B in Kenilworth Price: Bed & breakfast from �45 per room per night. Further information: Call 015394 33605 or visit www.theholliesguesthouse.co.uk / www.bhs.org.uk

Set your goals for 2009 Following Liverpool�s Champions League win, 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

Have an �ace� time with tennis in 2010 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

Relax on the high seas in 2011 and sail into 2012 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.

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

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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 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