THE UK short break market, so long in the doldrums, is now one of the travel trade's most booming sectors.

And no wonder because travellers looking for a taste of new, home-based horizons tinged with celebrities should visit the Peak District.

Haddon Hall, Kedleston Hall, Sudbury Hall and Bolsover Castle are just a few of the venues seen as backdrops in the recent BBC 1 TV drama serial of Jane Eyre.

The serial was filmed almost entirely in the Peak District, and TV addicts can now actually visit the stately homes and rolling countryside to learn more about the locations used during filming.

A leaflet, Visit Jane Eyre Country, is available free from 01629-816558 or log on to bakewell@peakdistrict.gov.uk. Details and special offers can be found on: www.visitpeakdistrict.

com.

Walkers should step out on two of the national trails that highlight a wealth of events until March.

Ridgeway and Thames Path National Trail features colourful autumn strolls through the Chilterns and guided walks in glorious countryside to longer scenic rambles through fields of snowdrops.

Useful information in the programme includes details on whether a walk is child-friendly, whether toilets and refresh-ments will be available and directions to the start.

For a free copy of The Ridgeway and Thames Path Guided Events Programme, send an SAE to: National Trails Office, Environment and Economy, Holton, Oxford, OX33 1QQ, or visit:www.national trail.co.uk.

Meanwhile, Yapham Cottages on the picturesque Hartland Peninsula in North Devon is the location for a new series of painting courses concentrating on the area's unspoiled countryside and dramatic seascapes.

Hartland Peninsula Arts Painting courses are five-night residential breaks led by Roy Evans, a principal lecturer at Leeds University.

There are two five-night courses are available from March 15-30 and April 25-30. Each course will offer a maximum of eight places. The course costs £550 for five nights and £395 for non-painting companions.

Prices include all tuition and full-board accommodation in comfortable cottages with home-cooked meals using local produce and with complimentary wine. For information, telephone 01237-441916 or visit www.yaphamcottages.com.

The City of Gloucester has launched two separate leaflets aimed at encouraging young families and adults to walk and explore one of the most historic city centre footpaths in Britain.

From the Latin for sacred road', the Via Sacra was introduced to the city by the Romans and now acts as a perfect circular walk around the city centre, following the lines of its original Roman walls.

The first leaflet, Via Sacra Self-Guided Walks, is aimed at leading adults all the way round the footpath on a one-hour circular route, but it also features six detours for those wishing to explore further.

Via Sacra Self-Guided Walks & Activities for Children offers youngsters their own way of following in the footsteps of Roman soldiers, kings and queens and Royalist armies.

This leaflet also includes a wide range of colourful puzzles, and the answers can be found along the route. For information or copy of the leaflet, call: 01452-396572, email tourism@ gloucester.info or visit www.visit gloucester.info.