Discovering Britain, created by the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers, is a series of self-guided free walks that help tell the stories behind Britain’s landscapes. There are a variety of walks each using geography to explore how our towns, cities, countryside and coast have come to be how they are today thanks to people, historic events and nature’s force. From viewpoints and short trails to longer walks, there is something for all ages and abilities.
There are over 100 self-guided walks each with full detailed directions and downloadable audio guides. One of these walks is ‘The Crystal Canal’ in Stourbridge, telling the story of the people who worked in the canalside industries and why the town was ideal for glassmaking in the Industrial Revolution. The walk follows the Town Arm of the Stourbridge Canal and includes a visit to late 18th Century Red House Glass Cone; Britain’s most complete working glass cone.
Additionally to their self-guided walks, Discovering Britain also offers free guided walks that require advanced booking, such as their ‘Tyranny and Treason’ walk in central London on 15th November. See here for details on how to book. If you are thinking of attending this guided walk or following any of Discovery Britain’s urban landscape walks, you may wish to read our article Walking with Your Class in a City Environment.
Discovering Britain is a fantastic and free way of getting students learning outside the classroom, especially if you can find a walk near you. Their website includes a detailed interactive map and simple ‘What’s near me’ feature with the ability to filter by urban, coastal or rural landscapes.
