Our great country is full to the brim with stunning scenery, whether you love moss-kissed woodland or wind-hewn coastlines, but there’s nowhere quite like a National Park for pure, untamed beauty. Luckily, there are 14 National Parks in the UK, providing an endless supply of breathtaking days out and stunning stays.
Each National Park boasts its own unique character, from the granite-topped moorlands of the South West to Scotland’s loch-lined oases. Walk, climb, or simply sit back and relax somewhere special with a picnic full of local nibbles - there are countless ways to enjoy these magical spaces.
Ready to explore the UK’s best National Parks? Read on to inspire your next adventure…
Discover more
England
Dartmoor | Exmoor | South Downs | New Forest | The Broads | Lake District | Peak District | Yorkshire Dales | North York Moors | Northumberland
Wales
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) | Eryri (Snowdonia) | Pembrokeshire Coast
Scotland
Cairngorms | Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
England
Home to ten sweeping National Parks, England is a patchwork of wild and diverse landscapes, from gently rolling hills to scraggy moorland tipped with granite tors.
Dartmoor National Park, Devon
The southernmost National Park in the UK, Dartmoor is a wild jewel in Devon’s crown. Located in the southern reaches of Devon, Dartmoor is a tapestry of rolling moorland, tufted grass, and granite tors that provide truly remarkable viewing platforms.
The moors are home to herds of Dartmoor ponies and an array of wildlife, from beautiful butterflies to rare lichen that often goes overlooked. While the upland is often famed for its wind-hewn tors, the moor’s lowland boasts tree-lined valleys rich with wonder. Teign Gorge and Fingle Woods are mesmerising throughout the year, from the bobbing heads of daffodils in the spring to autumn’s coppery canopies.
Dartmoor is also home to many of Devon’s fascinating landmarks. Castle Drogo is perhaps Dartmoor’s most iconic historical site, with a century of grandeur to explore. On the edge of Dartmoor, you’ll find the grand Buckfast Abbey, famous for its impressive architecture and tonic wine. When wandering the moors themselves, you’ll most likely come across one of the many Neolithic or Iron Age sites, from stone circles and prehistoric settlements to granite tombs.
Of course, one of the best things to do on Dartmoor is walk, whether you’re rambling with the dog or looking for a day-long trek followed by a slap-up pub dinner.
Exmoor National Park, Somerset
Spanning a part of Somerset and North Devon, Exmoor National Park is a beautiful blend of country and coast. Home to surefooted wild goats and incredible views, the Valley of Rocks is one of Exmoor’s most beloved coastal landmarks. There’s a choice of walks to enjoy here, whether you’re seeking a swift saunter by the sea or a longer hike that takes in the nearby villages of Lynton and Lynmouth.
Alongside goats, Exmoor National Park also boasts roaming red deer, with over 3,000 of these majestic creatures calling the rolling moors home, and Exmoor ponies, which gather in smaller herds and can often be seen grazing in wild pastures. If you believe the local legends, there is also a mysterious creature that stalks the moors, although you’re much more likely to spot a sheep than the Beast of Exmoor… But never say never!
For those whose interests lie in the past, Exmoor’s fascinating historic sights and sites are well worth a day trip or two. From the fairytale river crossing at Tarr Steps to Dunster Castle’s rose-hued walls and tree-lined grounds, there are many wonderful places to visit. We recommend weaving in a walk, as it’s a fantastic way to get to know an area while taking in the views, and with rolling hills, dappled valleys, and ancient woodlands at your fingertips, you’re spoilt for choice with settings.
South Downs National Park, Sussex
Designated as a National Park in 2010, the South Downs is the UK’s newest National Park, and boy, are we glad it joined the list. Spanning Hampshire, West Sussex, and East Sussex, the park offers a veritable smorgasbord of stunning landscapes to explore. Although sporting the usual heathland and winding valleys, what really sets the South Downs National Park apart is the coastline. The chalky cliffs that have painted the coast in bright white since the Cretaceous period craft a beautiful sight indeed, with landmarks such as the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head promising a rather spectacular backdrop to your walk.
Oh yes, from woodland wanders to grand coastal treks, the South Downs National Park is a haven for walkers. Taking in the very best of the park, the South Downs Way is a world-famous route spanning 100 miles from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex, while shorter strolls around the Black Down Hills and Devil’s Dyke provide serene scenes aplenty. The park also features lots of captivating castles and gardens, perfect for easy-going walks with a café to hand.
Lending their own historic secrets and charming vistas to the South Downs National Park, a myriad of picturesque towns and villages offer a peaceful place to explore. Arundel, one of the prettiest towns in the park, is home to a glorious castle and an assortment of welcoming restaurants, while Alfriston boasts gorgeous timber-framed houses and quaint tea rooms laden with cake.
New Forest National Park, Hampshire
Perhaps most famous for the wild ponies that roam the rolling heathland and woodlands, New Forest National Park is a wildlife lover’s paradise. The New Forest Wildlife Park promises a magical blend of fascinating residents and conservation efforts, while guided walks offer the chance to spot local wildlife as you soak up the astonishing views.
Walking trails and cycling routes wind through ancient forests steeped in myths, legends, and folklore, inviting you to delve into a world of moss-covered history. Take to the water for the chance to see the sights from a different angle with a choice of boat tours, or explore the rich landscapes by steam train - a particularly fun activity for those with little ones or dogs. Although beautiful at any time of year, the New Forest is truly mesmerising in autumn, when the canopy turns to copper and mist weaves through the trees.
For the ultimate day out in New Forest National Park, head to one of the area’s oh-so-pretty towns and villages for a fuelling breakfast, before hiring a bike to explore the forest on two wheels and ending the day with a tasty meal in one of the local pubs. We love Beaulieu for its charming streets, Brockenhurst for wildlife watching, and Lyndhurst for a bustling mix of cafés and walking trails.
The Broads National Park, Norfolk
Home to over 125 miles of waterways and over 60 open water areas, The Broads National Park is one of the best places in the UK for adventures on the water. Utterly unique as National Parks go, The Broads is a must-visit for any wildlife lover as it holds more than a quarter of the UK’s rarest species, including Britain’s largest butterfly and the Norfolk hawker dragonfly.
There are many ways to get out on the water while visiting The Broads, with places such as Hunter’s Yard inviting you to hire marvellous sailing boats and Half Deckers, which make traversing the winding waterways a breeze. You can also hire kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards if that’s more up your stream, offering an excellent assortment of days out. We definitely recommend stopping by one of the area’s lovely farm shops for a picnic to enjoy by - or on - the water.
Walking is another popular pursuit in The Broads, with countless trails lining the gentle waters, while angling draws fishermen from all across the country to enjoy peaceful days catching bream, tench, and pike. Families will love the many wildlife sanctuaries, while several steam railways promise a fun-filled way to explore the area without getting wet.
Lake District National Park, Cumbria
Alongside Cumberland sausages, the Lake District National Park is tied for the best thing to come out of Cumbria. Not only is the Lake District England’s largest National Park, but it’s home to England’s deepest lake (Wast Water), largest natural lake (Windermere), and tallest mountain (Scafell Pike), so if you’re looking to tick some record-breaking landmarks off your wanderlist, you couldn’t pick a better destination to explore.
Curiously, there is only one official lake in the Lake District, Bassenthwaite Lake, with 15 other major bodies of water adding their shimmering beauty to the park. Some of the most popular include Coniston Water (famous for its art and literary connections), Buttermere, and Grasmere, where you’ll also find the best gingerbread in the world (in our humble opinion). These lakes often make the most beautiful spots for picnics and gentle ambles, with the surrounding peaks adding a touch of drama to the day. They’re also excellent for watersports enthusiasts, whether you love kayaking, canoeing, or vintage steam boat cruises.
Of course, with such an incredible array of natural beauty, one of the best things to do in the Lake District is walking. Spend your time hiking up fells, strolling through ancient woodlands, and enjoying peaceful circular walks that take in an astonishing array of scenes before depositing you back at the start, so you can hop in the car and find a cosy pub for a post-trek refuel.
If you haven’t visited the Lakes yet, but recognise some of the sights, it might be from some of Hollywood’s top films, which have used this sprawling park as a magnificent backdrop many times, including in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and 28 Days Later - and not forgetting Swallows and Amazons, which was actually inspired by Coniston Water.
Peak District National Park, Derbyshire
Designated in the early 1950s, the Peak District bears the title of the UK’s first National Park and holds strong connections with the UK’s Right to Roam Act after the famous ‘mass trespass’ event in the 1930s, when hundreds of people trespassed across what is now the Peak District in protest of not being able to enjoy the UK’s countryside. Boasting a magical mix of landscapes, from undulating valleys to rocky peaks, it’s easy to see why this spellbinding corner of the UK was singled out.
Whether you’re a keen walker, adrenaline seeker, or pudding enthusiast (visiting Bakewell is a lip-smacking must), the Peak District still causes a stir to this day, with people travelling from all over the place to immerse themselves in this sprawling patchwork of natural beauty. There are countless trails and paths to guide you, or you can follow in the footsteps of the trailblazers that came before you and simply explore over 200 square miles of open access land as you uncover limestone dales, heathered moorland, and craggy peaks.
Despite its name, the Peak District actually boasts some of the best accessible walks in the country, with miles of surfaced former railway lines inviting you to explore this stunning National Park with ease - you can even hire mobility equipment to aid in your adventures. As you go, make sure to keep an eye out for some of the park’s beloved wildlife, including deer, white hares, and mountain blackbirds.
Yorkshire Dales National Park
A place of contrasts, visiting the Yorkshire Dales National Park delivers patchwork countryside in one moment and dramatic limestone cliffs in another, making it truly one of the most beautiful places in the UK. Geologists, photographers, and Potterheads will love a visit to Malham Cove, where cracked cliffs, magical waterfalls, and breathtaking walks await.
The Yorkshire Dales are also home to some oh-so-pretty towns and villages, all lined with charming shops, cosy cafés, and pubs waiting to ply you with mammoth Sunday roasts (you can’t visit Yorkshire without trying at least one Yorkshire pud). Visit Hawes for some Wallace-worthy cheese at Wensleydale Creamery, Ingleton for incredible caves, and Settle for easy access to the beloved Three Peaks walk around Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough, and Whernside.
Other unmissable landmarks in the Yorkshire Dales include the fairytale falls at Aysgarth (made famous by Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves), the serene Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, and the ruins of Fountain Abbey, which host many mesmerising events throughout the year.
North York Moors, Yorkshire
Yorkshire’s second National Park, the North York Moors continues the county’s penchant for rather spectacular scenery, only this time with a dash of coastline in the mix. Oh yes, stretching from Staithes all the way down to Hayburn Wyke Waterfall, this sprawling park promises a magical mix of coast and country. Explore Robin Hood’s Bay, one of Yorkshire’s most photographed spots (and home to a rather special vineyard), Kettleness Point for yet more shutterbug opportunities, and Whitby, where the famous Gothic abbey stands proud atop the cliffs.
Stepping further inland, you’ll uncover some of the most captivating sights in the country, from Roseberry Topping and its spectacular displays of bluebells in the spring to Thornton le Dale, a chocolate-box village so pretty it quite literally made it onto a biscuit tin.
And for an extra special experience, step out after dark to enjoy the International Dark Sky Reserve, promising mind-boggling celestial displays that add even more beauty to the already top-notch foreground. Of course, one of our favourite ways to see North Yorkshire and its beautiful moors is by train. Luckily, the North York Moors Railway has us utterly covered, with a charming steam railway service that takes you past some of the area’s most stunning scenes, including Hogsmead (otherwise known as Goathland Station).
Northumberland National Park
Famed as one of the last remaining wildernesses in England, Northumberland National Park is as big as it is beautiful, inviting you to explore at your own pace. With Hadrian’s Wall running through the southern reaches and the Cheviot Hills overlooking the northern vistas, there’s a seemingly endless array of incredible sights and sites to uncover. Discover wildflower meadows, undulating valleys, heather-brushed moors, and unique peat bogs that help biodiversity to flourish.
Nature lovers will love, well, the whole park, but in particular the wildlife that resides here. From wild goats and roe deer to one of the few remaining groups of native red squirrels - not to mention the many birds that grace the skies and valleys - Northumberland is the perfect place to go with your binoculars swinging around your neck.
There are countless walks to explore, but Kielder Forest is one of our favourites, as not only do you get to trace the many winding footpaths through England’s largest forest, but you get to see the largest man-made lake in Northern Europe too - bonus! Northumberland National Park also boasts some of the darkest skies in the country, so why not dress up warm, pack a hot chocolate, and enjoy this magical National Park in a whole new light.
Wales
With three National Parks to its name, and each offering something different, Wales is a wonderful place to get outside and soak up some fresh air and beautiful views.
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons), Powys
A place of endless opportunities, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (the Brecon Beacons will have you writing a new itinerary every day of your stay as you plan boat trips down winding rivers, exhilarating days out, and fascinating visits to ancient sites. You can spend your days delving deep into limestone caves or climbing to the top of mountains. Or, if you want to go even higher, you can try your hand at paragliding, a truly spellbinding way to see this sprawling National Park in all its glory.
If you’re looking to slow things down during your visit, the Brecons is a wonderful place to reconnect with nature. From bushcraft and foraging workshops to wellness retreats and stargazing, you’re invited to ease into a relaxed pace of living as you explore every dip and peak. There are plenty of guided walks and tours you can join to gain a deeper understanding of your surroundings, or you can lace up your boots and head out for a walk yourself, from gentle strolls to breathtaking hikes. We love the Usk Reservoir for a picturesque circular, or the Offa’s Dyke National Trail for a string of routes to explore in pockets or one memorable 17km excursion.
When hunger strikes (as it tends to do after a mammoth hike), Bannau Brycheiniog National Park is ready to refuel with a miscellany of excellent eateries. From Michelin Star restaurants and cosy pubs lined with welcoming bars to quirky cafés serving giant breakfasts and Welsh cakes aplenty, every taste and appetite is catered for here.
Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Gwynedd
Perhaps the most well-known National Park in Wales (certainly the largest), Eryri (Snowdonia) is 823 square miles of pure drama waiting to be uncovered. One of the UK’s National Parks that combines land and sea, Eryri is an ever-changing tapestry of natural beauty, whether you explore the 74 miles of coastline or head inland to the nine mountain ranges that cover the park. Hidden within the depths of the park, a series of secret pools promises magical places to dip your toes, and cascading waterfalls add even more grandeur to the landscape.
With such a rich plethora of scenes to unravel, Snowdonia is a walker's paradise. There are almost 1,500 miles of paths snaking through the park, from wheel-friendly walks to challenging climbs that reward you with unbeatable views. Of course, for the ultimate experience, it has to be a walk up Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) itself. With six routes to choose from (and Snowdon Mountain Railway offering a scenic alternative), summiting the tallest peak in Wales is a holiday must.
Winding back to the coast, you’ll find a glorious mix of beaches and important dune systems that house a wide variety of flora and fauna, from mining bees to marram grass. Morfa Harlech is the best place to go for wildlife watching, while Morfa Dyffryn beckons for sandy strolls, with over 4 miles of beach to explore.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Skirting west Wales, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is a paradise of salt-kissed scenes, with islands peppering the sea and ancient woodlands lining golden beaches alongside a sprawling 186-mile coast path. It’s actually the only true coastal National Park in the UK, making it perfect for those who want to soak up the fresh sea air while enjoying a boggling amount of natural beauty. If birdwatching is your game, a boat trip to Skomer Island is a must, where puffins reside, or to Skokholm for the largest population of Manx shearwaters.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is also home to many of the area’s best beaches, from the wood-fringed sights of Barafundle Bay to the windswept wilds of Marloes Sands, where geologists and seal-spotters delight. For a merry mix of coast and comfort, head to the colourful town of Tenby. Boasting four beaches (six if you count some of the neighbouring sands) and a whole host of lovely independent shops and eateries, it’s a wonderful holiday destination that will win your heart from the moment you step through the ancient walls.
Other unmissable places to explore include St Davids, the UK’s smallest city, and Newport, a pretty market town that promises an array of watersports, shops, and cafés, not to mention easy access to the nearby Preseli Hills. Oh, and let’s not forget the castles! Home to 12 castles, Pembrokeshire’s fascinating history can be explored through time-worn tapestries, spiralling staircases, and shimmering moats, as well as guided tours and even workshops that teach little ones how to be a knight. Huzzah!
Scotland
A place of untamed natural beauty, Scotland beckons with glittering lochs, towering mountains, and a patchwork of incredible scenery in between.
Cairngorms National Park, Scottish Highlands
The largest National Park in the UK, and home to five of the six tallest mountains in the country, the Cairngorms National Park doesn’t do things by halves. In fact, it goes above and beyond with its larger-than-life landscapes, with towering mountains looming over glittering lochs and ancient forests gathering across the hills. Within the park, you’ll find several smaller nature reserves, where wildlife flourishes, and binoculars are a must. Spot red squirrels with their tufted ears, the elusive mountain hare, and roaming roe deer, whose smaller stature sets them apart from red deer.
An adventure playground for all ages and abilities, the Cairngorms’ list of activities is seemingly never-ending, whether you wish to soar through the air like an eagle on a zip wire or fling yourself down mossy ravines on a gorge walk. There’s a plethora of adventure parks and outdoor play centres, inviting you to try your hand at everything from archery to traditional Highland games, while a tempting selection of saunas invites you to unwind after.
If you prefer a slower pace, the Scottish Highlands are one of the best destinations to explore for whisky aficionados, with many distilleries and breweries throughout the National Park - not to mention some amazing waterside cafés and restaurants where you can dine in true Scottish style. Oh, and if you have some time left in your day, we heartily recommend checking out one of the park’s incredible castles, including the magnificent Ballindalloch Castle with its fairytale exterior and beautiful gardens.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, Stirlingshire
Home to scenery so mesmerising it has inspired countless songs, poems, and artworks, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park has to be seen to be believed. Think glens carved through the landscape, lochs that capture the shimmering reflections of the rising hills above, and mountains that climb into the clouds, inviting you to lace up your boots and experience the views for yourself.
Although just the one is mentioned in the name, there are actually 22 lochs within this stirling (pun intended) National Park, with many more smaller lochs and lochans peppering the landscape. Of course, Loch Lomond is the biggest (it’s actually the biggest inland stretch of water in Britain), but each body of water carries its own unique charm, from spellbinding coastal lochs to remote swathes of water backed by snow-capped peaks. Naturally, there are lots of watersport opportunities across the park, as well as boat trips that do all the heavy lifting while you sit back and relax.
For those who like to exert a little effort, The Trossachs are made for walking, with numerous trails winding across the park. Whether you want a mountain-sized challenge or a ‘wee hill with big views’, there’s something for every ability. For a storybook blend of everything, we recommend The Great Trossachs Path. At 30 miles long, you can chip away at the route in sections, passing waterfalls, dappled woodland, and the bonnie banks of many a loch as you go.
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