Still misunderstood by many, Germany stands as one of the most endlessly engaging countries on the continent. Anyone expecting a homogenous nation conforming to rigid Teutonic stereotypes is in for a shock. As a travel destination it’s somewhere with huge personality, notable for a clutch of truly lovable cities, culture served up in hefty portions and rural scenery so heart-melting you’ll be left bemused why some people still think of the place as lacking allure.

It’s the country’s urban highlights that tend to draw the attention first. Berlin is the very definition of a dynamic city, having forged a goodtime reputation for ground-breaking creativity while still keeping sight of its past. Elsewhere, the likes of Cologne, Munich and Hamburg – to mention three of many – provide the capital with able support. Not only are they rich in historical buildings and eyes-to-the-future nightlife, they also give firm dissent to the notion that Germany doesn’t do gastronomy. These days, you dine and drink well in Deutschland.

The country occupies a prime position in the heart of the continent, both literally and figuratively. It’s home to the largest economy in Europe, has more inhabitants than anywhere in the EU and shares land borders with no less than nine other nations. It’s perhaps little surprise, then, that today’s Germany is far more diverse, far more cosmopolitan – and in many cases far more liberal – than elements of its past reputation would suggest. You’ll find a destination that well understands how to blend tradition and convention with modernism and self-confidence. There’s good reason why the tourist board now fills its marketing material with buzzwords like ‘youth’, ‘inspiration’ and ‘innovation’.

For the uninitiated, it’s somewhere full of surprises. The brightest seams of the country’s history are full of reward, whether in the form of classical music, fine art or medieval architecture. Similarly, the humour associated with some of its more clichéd attractions – from oompah-soundtracked beer halls and vorsprung durch technik design to octogenarian-frequented spa towns – belies the fact that the reality often holds massive appeal. The beauty of the German countryside, too, is a huge selling point. From the fabulous peaks of the Bavarian Alps and the pale cliffs of the Jasmund National Park to the castles of the Rhine and the moors of the Mecklenburg Lake District, there’s much to draw outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers, cyclists, boaters, motorists and skiers will all find plenty to enjoy.

Germany’s history – particularly those chapters concerned with WWII and the Cold War – more or less ensures that some outsiders will still have misconceptions of the country and its people. A gloomy post-communist landscape of grey skies and greyer cities? A work-obsessed population who don’t know how to let their hair down? Menus of bratwurst, bratwurst and extra bratwurst? Dismantling notions like these is one of the great joys of travel in 21st-century Germany. Costs are manageable, overcrowded attractions are rare and – while it’s a sizeable country – getting from A to B is made straightforward by one of Europe’s most efficient public transport networks.

Many people are opting for a specific outdoor activity to be the focus for their weekend in the UK. Some activities that form this focus can be cycling, climbing, trekking, canoeing, archery, mountain biking and sailing. A selection of National Parks are below to give you some inspiration and a helping hand in deciding which one to choose for your holiday.

The Peak District is the oldest National Park in the UK and is easily accessible for a large number of UK residents. It is famous for rolling hills, gritstone edges and quaint English villages which include Buxton and Hathersage. Popular activities include walking, climbing, cycling, kayaking and paragliding. There are plenty of camping and caravan sites, B&B’s, self-catering cottages, hotels, plus many more accommodation options for your Weekend Breaks.

Snowdonia is a diverse, beautiful and wild place with rugged coastline, dramatic mountain peaks, picturesque villages and jaw-dropping rivers and lakes, all rolled into one package! It is an absolute dream for the outdoor enthusiast and the perfect place for a relaxing or exciting break. Some of the main tourist towns include Betws-Y-Coed and Llanberis which is home to the famous Llanberis pass. There are all accommodation options available to suit your needs and budget.

Exmoor National Park is based in South-West England and has excellent transport links to Exeter and Bristol. Exmoor is famous for its rich biodiversity with a few species found only in the National Park! The rich moorland that make up large areas of the area are home to some fantastic creatures and people travel from far and wide to catch a glimpse of some of the unique habitat and inhabitants. Accommodation options are available to suit all budgets and requirements and there are some bargains to be had both last minute and in off-season.

Outdoor activities can be an excellent way of discovering some amazing areas and spending your weekend breaks in the UK so get out and explore!