Quick guide and top things to do in 15 beautiful National Parks in UK

National Parks in UK are a treasure trove of outdoor adventures.

Whether you want to explore the wild landscapes, looking to spot wildlife in a natural habitat, indulge in adventure activities, National Parks in UK makes for a great choice.  

Read through our quick guide and top recommendations to 15 beautiful national parks in UK.

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National Parks in UK – a treasure trove

United Kingdom is blessed with plenty of open space, beautiful landscapes, rolling hills, stunning coastlines, soaring mountains accentuated with woodlands, waterfalls, lakes, castles and heritage monuments.

On any given day, if you are planning your holidays in UK, National Parks are  great choice to base yourself.

National Parks in UK are year round destinations and suits all kind of travellers and are kind to the pocket, given that many attractions are open and free. 

Whether you want to indulge in gentle strolls, or climb that damn ascent, there are plethora of options to choose from.

If you are looking for an adventure holiday in the UK, the National Parks are a great place to base your holiday. With cycling paths, mountain biking trails, rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking and canoeing, the thrill seeking and adrenaline is endless.

UK’s National Parks are a treasure trove with abundant wildlife, be it the rare red squirrels, golden eagles, ospreys, kingfisher, fallow deers.

Not to forget the rich atmosphere these national parks have created for myriad insects, flora and fauna.

National Parks in UK are downright paradise and something to be treasured and protected by us. 

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There are a total of 15 stunning National Parks in UK – 10 National Parks in England, 3 National Parks in Wales and 2 National Parks in Scotland.

It is extremely difficult to list down the best national parks in UK, hence we have listed them down alphabetically, for easy navigation.

With plenty of tips, useful travel informations, top recommendations with the help of our beloved travel blogging community, this will be your go-to guide to exploring the national parks in UK.  

Quick Guide To 15 Gorgeous National Parks In UK

1. Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales

TOP ATTRACTIONS

One of the three impressive national parks in Wales, Brecon Beacons is punctuated with spectacular waterfalls, stunning vistas, castles on clifftop, sparkling lakes and river and has some of the best walks in Wales.

Exploring Brecon Beacons National Park is an exciting affair for adventure lovers, as there are plethora of opportunities to get the adrenaline rush. Scramble over the rocks and boulders or explore the caves, you will never be disappointed.

For some of the best road tripping experiences,  drive the Black Mountain Road from Rhosmaen to Llangadog. Best walks in Brecon Beacons include Sugar Loaf mountain, a fairly easy hike with a rocky ascent towards the summit.  

Or climb the famous Pen y fan, a 11 mile circular route is a challenging hike to the highest mountain in South Wales. For a gentle stroll, visit the Monmothsire and Brecon Canal, often referred as the prettiest canal in Britain. Brecon Basin and Govilon Wharf are great photo stops enroute.

Known as waterfall country, Brecon Beacon waterfalls are something not to be missed out from your itinerary. There area a dozen of waterfalls with curated walking routes. Some of the waterfalls include Sgwd Henrhyd, the highest waterfall in the park,  Sgwd yr Eira, where you can walk behind the waterfalls, Sgwd Gwladus. 

For a wild day out, visit Red Kite Feeding Station in Llandeusant where approximately 50 red kites gather for daily feedings which can be seen from the hides. Alternatively visit Llangasty bird hide, a scenic lake with plenty of wildlife watching opportunity.

Experience the stunning caves at Dan-yr-Ogof’s National Showcaves Centre.  For a real underground adventure, visit Big Pit National Coal Museum or Dolaucothi Gold Mine. For skywatchers, Brecon Beacons is one of the 10 internationally recognised Dark sky reserves.

WHERE TO STAY

Whether you want to stay in Brecon Beacons on a weekend, short holiday or a week long holiday, there are many options on accommodations. Best place to base yourself is Crickhowell, Abergavenny or Brecon where there are plenty of B & Bs, pubs and are lively places to explore. Check out these options if you are interested in camping in Brecon Beacons national park. 

HOW TO GET HERE

There are train services from Cardiff, Swansea, Shrewsbury and Llaneli that connects to Abergavenny and Llandovery. National Express runs regular coach service to Abergavenny, Cardiff, Neath and Swansea connecting other cities in Britain. Brecon Beacons can be explored without car as there are good bus services within the national park connecting many attractions. For a detailed route and timetable, visit Traveline Cymru.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Carry paper maps and compass to explore Brecon Beacons national park, as there are limited mobile networks. Also carry cash with you, since some of the pubs and restaurants do not accept cards. 

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2. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Cairngorms is the largest of the national parks in UK covering an area of 4500 sq kms. Take a funicular to go up the Cairngorm mountains, or soak in the stillness of lochs, watch wildlife – Cairngorms National Park is a perfect park for everyone.

Due to the vast area, Cairgorms is also a diverse national park. There are woodlands, heather moorland, wetland, lochs, forests and beautiful mountains. 

Soak in the cool waters in summer, adventure into the forests for wood walks as the leaves turn crimson and gold in autumn, or see the entire park turn into a magical winterland in winter. The snow lasts through spring, making it ideal choice for skiers.

Visit Cairngorm mountains by taking the funicular railway and enjoy the 360 degree panoramic views from the top. Explore the shores of Loch Morlich, Loch en Eilien, or Loch Pityoulish – there are so many lochs in Cairngorms.

As an avid hiker, you are spoilt with as many as 55 munros (mountains in Scotland with a height of over 3000 feet) to choose for climbing. Get lost in the caledonian woods of Craigellachie Natural Reserve,  Glenmore Forest Park or Rothiemurchus, in Aviemore. If you fancy visiting distillery and sampling scotch, choose from Dalwhinnie, Glenlivet or Speyside distillery. 

For family friendly adventures, visit Loch Morlich Beach, take the Strathspey Steam Railway, explore the open air Highland Folk Museum or visit RSPB Loch Garten Osprey Centre.  

You can also visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, located in Glenmore where you have to book guided hill tour to spot reindeers in the wild. There are now as many as 150 gazing freely in the woods of Cairngorms.  

WHERE TO STAY

Cairngorms National Park is populated with many small villages and towns. For some of the best stays in cairngorms national park, base yourself in Granton on Spey, Carr Bridge, Boat of Garten, Aviemore, Newtonmore or Kinguisse. Check out this website if you are interested in camping in Cairngorms national park.  

HOW TO GET HERE

The park is well connected with national rail services from Edinburgh and Glasgow which takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.  There are also sleeper service from London Euston. The national park is well connected by public transport run by StageCoach. Best way to experience Cairngorms national park is by Car.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

If you are visiting around summer, you can find many midges (and they can get really annoying and stingy). Hence carry repellents to avoid unpleasant rashes on the skin. If you are driving in winter, the roads and mountains can be slippery. Make sure you have snow tyres on your car. Cairngorms is an all year destination for wildlife spotting that includes red squirrels, golden eagle, ospreys, deers, highland cows and many birds during different seasons. Always carry a binocular to enjoy the scenery. 

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3. Dartmoor National Park, England

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Windswept yet bright Dartmoor National Park is the open and largest park in the south of England. Dartmoor covers 368 square miles of land punctuated with rolling moorlands, sleepy villages and flowing rivers. People from all over UK come to Dartmoor to enjoy the gentle strolls, to climb the dramatic granite tors, visit the ruined castles and historic places. 

There are over 160 dramatic tors in Dartmoor that were formed millions of years ago. The stunning vantage points from the top of these rocks are something not to be missed while in Dartmoor.

One of the top most places to visit in Dartmoor is Lydford Gorge, an impressive deep gorge and 30m White lady waterfalls. Unlike other national parks, there aren’t many lakes in Dartmoor, so if you want one, visit Burrator Reservoir to enjoy the tranquil waters and peaceful woodland walks.

Located in the middle of the national park is the quaint medieval village PostBridge (dates back to 12th century) known for the picturesque Clapper Bridge. Visit the 500 year old Okehampton Castle ruins.

If you like heritage museums, definitely pay a visit to the Museum of Dartmoor Life which hosts a collection of 5000 years of Dartmoor life from Bronze Age to mid 20th century. 

For woodland walks visit Wistman’s Woods, a fairytale forest, or Bellever Forest, with straightforward walking routes and a perfect place to be lost into the woods. Yet another worth visiting attraction is Meldon Viaduct, a stunning iron and wrought bridge with stunning views of Meldon dam and Meldon reservoir. 

WHERE TO STAY

Dartmoor is really huge in itself, and it is not possible to explore the park in one day.  If you want to spend a few days exploring Dartmoor, best places to base yourself is in the gorgeous towns of Okehampton, Tavistock, Newton Abbot or Postbridge. Check out this site for a list of camping sites in Dartmoor National Park. 

HOW TO GET HERE

By car, Dartmoor is easily reachable from M5, A30 or A38. It is only 30 minutes away from Exeter and Plymouth. Dartmoor is accessible by trains from London Paddington, and the nearest train stations are Exeter, Newton Abbot, Ivybridge and Plymouth, with a journey time of approximately 4 hours. National Express Coaches run to Plymouth and Exeter, from where you can take local buses to reach the villages of Okehampton, or Tavistock. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Dartmoor weather changes quickly, hence expect rain, wind, mist all in one day. Even if you are visiting in summer, don’t forget to take windproof/waterproof jacket, warm layer of clothing and walking boots. Also note, the mobile network is also limited in many parts of national park. If you want to spend more time exploring the park, invest in Ordnance Survey map of Dartmoor (OL28). 

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4. Exmoor National Park, England

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Exmoor National Park is very much a place to walk and explore the landscape.  The highest point on Exmoor is Dunkery Beacon.  From here you can see to the coast at Minehead and across to Wales. 

There are small villages nestled in deep valleys across the park with thatched cottages and the ancient market town of Dunster with its Yarn Market and spectacular Castle.

Lynton, Lynmouth and the Valley of Rocks are spectacular with steep cliffs dropping from the high moor straight into the sea below.  Houses in Lynton and Lymouth hug the steep  valley and a narrow road leads along the coast.

WHERE TO STAY

Click here to search your accommodation in Exmoor National Park.  For those who want a seaside experience then the bustling town of Minehead on the edge of the national park is the perfect place to stay.  To experience the national park during the dark nights then staying around Withypool or  Wheddon Cross make for a great escape. Check here for a list of campsites in Exmoor National Park. 

HOW TO GET HERE

Exmoor National Park can be reached by road from the M5.  The A39 from Bridgwater follows the coast all the way through Minehead and along the northern coastal part of the park ending in Barnstaple.  From Tiverton the A396 runs north to south through the park. To reach the national park by public transport it is necessary to pick up a bus in Tiverton, Barnstaple, Taunton or Bridgwater. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The best time of year to visit Exmoor is during the autumn when the red deer rut.  This is an amazing thing to see and hear as the stags form their harem.  Outside of the autumn, Exmoor can be explored comfortably in a long weekend.

Contributed by Suzanne from Meandering Wild 

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5. Lake District National Park, England

TOP ATTRACTIONS

The Lake District National Park is an area of exquisite beauty in Cumbria, North England. With 16 stunning lakes, 150 magnanimous peaks, Lake District is also the most visited national parks in UK.

Lake District is an excellent destination for a weekend break as there are things for everyone to enjoy. There are plenty of places to stay in the popular towns of Grasmere, Windermere and Keswick and an abundance of quaint villages for those who prefer a more rural location.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are lots of trails to explore and numerous activities on and off the water to entertain you. Lake Windermere and Derwent water offer boat cruises and Ambleside waterfront is the place to go for other water activities.

Alternatively take Ullswater Steamers to enjoy the tranquil waters or hike the stunning Aira Force Waterfalls. Hiking enthusiasts are spoiled for choice, with popular treks including Helvellyn, Scafell Pike and Langdale Horseshoe.

If you prefer a gentle stroll, there are plenty of walks that you can enjoy around the numerous lakes, villages and surrounding countryside. If you prefer scenic drives the scenery over the Kirkstone Pass and the Keswick Loop will not disappoint.

The area also has close affiliations with literacy, and the homes of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth are worth a visit. If you are travelling with children, the World of Beatrix Potter brings to life Peter Rabbit and his friends with delightful 3d models. There’s also the Lakes Aquarium near Windermere, the Lake District Wildlife Park near Keswick and an adventure playground at Brockholes.

For food enthusiasts, there are several Michelin starred restaurants to dine at, including Simon Rogan’s iconic restaurant L’ Enclume near Cartmel. Lovers of food should also visit the gingerbread shop in Grasmere and try Kendal’s famous mint cake.

WHERE TO STAY

Windermere is the most popular attraction and town, so naturally there are many property choices. Check out here to search your stay in Lake District. Other famous towns in Lake District include Grasmere, Ullswater,  Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick. Check here for best campsites in Lake District. 

HOW TO GET HERE

The Lake District is easy to get to with direct train links from Manchester Piccadilly to Windermere. To reach the area by car, take junction 36 on the M6 for the South Lakes and Junction 40 for the North. All attractions are signposted from the motorway.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

No matter what time of year you visit, there is a good chance that it will rain during your stay, however, don’t let that put you off. The misty sky often adds to the dramatic landscapes.

Explored by Fiona from Passport and Piano

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6. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Discover Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park by visiting Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in Scotland just 30 miles northwest of Glasgow.

Framed by towering mountains and littered with small islands there are countless things to do at Loch Lomond. You could hike Conic Hill for views, hire canoes in Luss or join a loch cruise from Tarbet.

East of Loch Lomond, the woodland-covered hills of the Trossachs are crisscrossed by hiking trails, mountain biking routes and fun activities like Go Ape Adventure park – it has some of the longest ziplines in the UK.

In the far west of the park, visit Benmore Botanic Garden which is home to a wide variety of plants from around the world, including giant redwoods and flaming red Japanese maple trees (in autumn). You might even spot a red squirrel, one of Scotland’s rarest and most intriguing locals!

WHERE TO STAY

For a central location, stay in Balloch or Drymen at the southern edge of Loch Lomond. Alternatively, base yourself around Callander to explore the east of the national park, Crianlarich for the north or Arrochar for best stays in Loch Lomond and the west. Click here to check out the best campsites in Loch Lomond. 

HOW TO GET HERE

The easiest way to visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is by car. However, there are also great train and bus connections from Glasgow to Balloch, Luss, Arrochar and Crianlarich.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is a stunning destination year-round and it’s free to enter. To get the most out of your visit, drop by one of the visitor centres either in Balmaha or at the FOrst Lodge near Aberfoyle.

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7. New Forest National Park, England

TOP ATTRACTIONS

The New Forest National Park is situated in Southern England across Hampshire and Wiltshire. It covers a vast area of green pasture lands, stunning heathlands and woods.

The New Forest has a rich history, was first mentioned in Domesday Book in the 11th century and was frequently visited by kings and queens that indulged in hiking and hunting for wild animals.

Today, the New Forest is famous for wild living ponies that can be encountered on its pasture lands and other rich wildlife such as donkeys, wild boars, caws, squirrels and different species of birds.

The New Forest has hundreds of beautiful trekking routes to choose from that take you across rolling hills and through the lush forest. Some of the best walks in New Forest are Lymington Marshes Trail, Lyndhurst Heath, Solent Way and Bealieu Heath and Hachet Pond.

For simple forest walks, head to Tall Trees Trail on Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. If you’re into cycling, you won’t be disappointed either. Other activities include golf, various water sports, fishing boat tours and more. 

Step into the history at Hurst Castle, or visit the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary to have close encounters with wild fallow deer. If you are visiting New Forest in summer, don’t forget to visit the Lavender Farm.

While a lot of families head to Paultons Theme Park to spend the day in Peppa Pig World, if you are looking for alternate options, head to Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway. 

WHERE TO STAY

An excellent place to base yourself is Lymington, which is considered to be the capital of the New Forest. There is a good choice of hotels and B&Bs for different budgets, restaurants and traditional pubs. Alternatively, you can stay in Brokenhurst. It is also a popular destination for camping. There are many good campsites in New Forest, including Jubilee Camping in Fordingbridge and Fernwood Glamping in Ringwood. 

HOW TO GET HERE

The best way to get here is by car. You can also catch a direct train from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst and grab a taxi to your final destination in the forest. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The New Forest is great for a weekend getaway up to a week of relaxing in nature. The best time to visit is from spring to autumn. 

Explored By Mal from Raw Mal Roams

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8. Northumberland National Park, England

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Northumberland is the most northerly of England’s National Parks and covers the area between Hadrian’s Wall in the south and the border with Scotland in the North.  

Northumberland National Park is also the least populous among the national parks in UK.  It’s likely because there are few people living here that this is a fabulous national park to spot wildlife.

Northumberland National Park is one of the only places in England that still has the native English red squirrel living in the wild and it’s worth visiting the hides to try and spot this reclusive inhabitant.  

Low population levels also make Northumberland National Park a fabulous place for star and planet spotting – the park is an official Dark Skies site and there are a host of events that you can join to learn more.

This park is a vast area of wilderness and there are more than 1100 kilometres of public footpaths and permissive paths, which include the Hadrian’s Wall walk – a 135-kilometre coast to coast walk as well as sections of the Pennine Way.  For watersports lovers, the Kielder Water National Reserve provides an area for canoeing, water skiing and sailing.

The coastal path provides a lovely opportunity for walking, especially along Amble, Alnmouth and Seahouses. The coast is also dotted with many beautiful castles like Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle (hello HP fans!), Dunstanburgh Castle and Lindisfarne castle in the tidal island. 

WHERE TO STAY

If you want to stay within the Northumberland National Park then there are a host of holiday cottages available for rent, or on the edges of the park, the stunning village of Bamburgh is a great spot to stay in either a coastal cottage or a cosy bed and breakfast or hotel.  Click here for the campsites in Northumberland national park. 

HOW TO GET HERE

Northumberland National Park is best explored by car – take the A1 to Newcastle and then the A696 north-west.  During summer months the AD122 bus links the major points of interest in the park. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Best time to explore Northumberland coast is between Spring to Autumn. But if you want to watch dark skies, ideal time is autumn and winter.  While Northumberland is an all year round destination, the weather can be unpredictable with rain and wind. 

Explored by Sarah from A Social Nomad

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9. North York Moors National Park, England

TOP ATTRACTIONS

The North York Moors National Park is a beautiful area to explore. One of the best things to do is to explore the seaside villages and towns along the Yorkshire Coast. Staithes, Sandsend, Robin Hood’s Bay, and Ravenscar are some of the most charming places to stop. There’s  plenty of things to do in Whitby, from visiting the historic abbey ruins, to taking a boat trip from the marina. The North York Moors is also a fantastic destination for hiking and outdoor adventures. One of the best hikes is the Hole of Horcum, near Saltergate.

Nearby is the charming village of Goathland, which is the filming location for the TV drama Heartbeat, and the train station was used in the Harry Potter films. You can even ride a steam train if you like! The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs heritage steam train trips between Pickering and Whitby that stop in Goathland. The pretty market town of Helmsley and nearby Rievaulx Abbey are also worth visiting. 

WHERE TO STAY

If you’re relying on public transportation, stay in Whitby or Helmsley as there are more transit connections. Otherwise, I loved staying in a rural Airbnb outside Lealholm. Search your stay in North York Moors here. 

HOW TO GET HERE

There are bus connections through the national park from York, Scarborough, and Middlesborough, and the Esk Valley railway line connects Whitby and Middlesborough. However, having a car is really the best way to get around to give you maximum flexibility.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

You can see a few highlights of the park as a daytrip, however I’d really recommend a minimum of 2-3 days to see the most of what this national park has to offer—more if you want to do some hiking! The end of August is the best time to visit the North York Moors, as the heather blooms and blankets the moors in a sea of purple.

Explored by Maja from Away With Maja

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10. Peak District National Park, England

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Located centrally, Peak District is the oldest of the 15 National Parks in UK, making it the most accessible from rest of the cities and towns. The national park spans 555 square miles and is situated within five counties, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. Hiking is one of the main things to do, and there are plenty of beautiful walks in the Peak District that will keep you busy whatever season you visit, including visiting the highest point, Kinder Scout (636m). Other popular activities in the Peak District are cycling, rock climbing and caving.

Castleton village is great for hikers as it is home to Mam Tor mountain, one of the most famous viewpoints in Derbyshire. Hiking Mam Tor takes only 2 hours and is an easy hike for all the family. For adventurers, Castleton is also situated close to three of the best show caves and caverns in the UK, Speedwell Cavern, Peak Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern.  For history buffs, Castleton is great as the 11th century ruins of one of England’s earliest Normal fortresses, Peveril Castle lies in the hills above the village.

WHERE TO STAY

One of the best places to base yourself in the Peak District is Castleton village in Hope Valley. Alternative places to stay are Bakewell, known for their Bakewell pudding. Buxton is yet another  impressive spa town to base yourself. 

HOW TO GET HERE

It is easily reached by train or car. The train journey is only 30 min from Sheffield, which is easily reached by most major cities in the UK, including London in only 2 hours.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

A long weekend in the Peak District is perfect during Autumn when the leaves change colours and the trails are quieter than during summer.

Explored by Roshni from The Wanderlust Within

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11. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales

TOP ATTRACTIONS

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is known for its natural beauty, deep history, and lively towns. While the Park is one of the smallest in the United Kingdom, it spans hundreds of kilometers of coastline, making for lots of fun things to do in the area. 

Hikers and lovers of the outdoors have the incredible opportunity to explore the long-distance Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail, which traverses nearly 300 kilometers of the larger park. Not only are myriad habitats and landscapes explored, but also a variety of historical sites can be seen along the way.

Manorbier Castle is worth a visit for the incredible seaside views and beautiful gardens, and Carew Castle has a wonderful walking path and free tours to learn about knights and kings of the past. Bird and wildlife lovers must take a trip to Skomer Island, which hosts one of the most robust and easily accessible colonies of Atlantic Puffins from April until July.

WHERE TO STAY

Many of the best places to stay in Pembrokeshire are locally-owned Bed and Breakfasts and guesthouses. The small, coastal town of Broad Haven, for example, has plenty of accommodations available, tasty restaurants, and a grocery store, and is centrally located in the middle of the Park

HOW TO GET HERE

Exploring by car is preferred, as it makes it easier to see even more of the sights. It is possible to get around by the public bus system, but some lines may not run in wintertime.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Welsh weather can be fickle any time of year, so be sure to pack plenty of warm layers, a good rain jacket, and a solid pair of shoes. Spending a long weekend in Pembrokeshire is ideal, but for hikers planning to spend some time on the trails, more days should be added for sightseeing the rest of the Park.

Explored by Christa from Expedition Wildlife

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12. Snowdonia National Park, Wales

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Located across 823 square miles of gorgeous and diverse landscapes, Snowdonia National Park is one of three national parks in Wales and a ‘living park’ in which more than 26,000 inhabitants live. In addition to being Wales ‘largest national park, Snowdonia has the highest mountain in the UK outside of Scotland, along with Wales’ largest natural lake.

 For visitors, there is a number of picturesque villages such as Betws y Coed and Beddgelert, along with plenty of culture and local history, helped by over half of the local population speaking Welsh.

Thre is plenty of contenders for best walks in Snowdonia from the classic Snowdon climb to the less exhausting river meander along Afon Artro. But more first-timers will want to do the Llanberis Path, the most famous route (9 miles/14.5 km) that offers a gradual ascent to the top of Snowdonia. 

It can get pretty busy, so you might want to consider the  Miners’ Trail which begins from Pen y Pass parking lot (8 miles/13 km) and has a steep climb to the top pretty much. The main parking lots at the Pen y Pass and Nant Peris are filled quickly in the main season, so if you are driving arrive early.

Snowdonia National Park is also home to beautiful castles – Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech. If you want more than mountains and castles, there are plenty of waterfalls dotted along the national park.  Not to forget the adventure activities that Snowdonia offers – like mountain biking, abseiling, water rafting and ziplining. 

WHERE TO STAY

The UNESCO-listed castle-town of Gwynedd nearby is an ideal base, and worthy of a visit in its own right. Staying in Llanberis makes it easier to commute to the mountain summit. Other top places to stay in Snowdonia are Betws y Coed and Portmerion – lovely little towns nestled in the mountains.

HOW TO GET HERE

The easiest way to access Snowdonia National Park is by driving. However, there are good train services that connect to the national park from many cities within Britain. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

One day is typical enough to visit, but you will need to be prepared for all weather and climates as the top can be very misty and cold — even in the height of summer.  

Explored by Jordan from Inspired By Maps

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13. South Downs National Park, England

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South Downs National Park in England is the newest addition to the national parks in UK. It is also the most populous national park in UK, with 120,000 people living here. Whether you’re an adrenalin junkie looking to take part on a spot of hang gliding, a history buff interested in the many Iron Age remnants or wartime points of interest, or a keen hiker, South Downs National Park has something for everyone.

The most famous attraction is the South Downs Way, a 160-kilometre trail that takes you through picturesque villages and some of most unspoilt farmland and woodland in the south of England.

Favourite stops include Ditching, Amberley, Lewes, Polegate and Alfriston, but there are also a range of options if you wanted to stop off in some of the pretty coastal towns nearby too.

WHERE TO STAY

Beginning at Winchester in the west and ending in Eastbourne in the east, there are many small towns and villages within easy reach of the South Downs National Park. Because of its popularity with tourists, these towns have a wide range of accommodation options, including campsites and hotels.

HOW TO GET HERE

It’s easy to get down to the South Downs National Park from London. Simply head towards Portsmouth, or Brighton, or Eastbourne – all of which are well connected by rail services from London. Buses run from local towns to the foot of the hills, so be prepared in most cases to climb from the bottom.

Driving is easy, however, parking is often limited. As it’s a National Park, most if not all of the car parks require a National Trust car permit OR a paid ticket. Many people drive to the nearby villages at the base of the Downs and park there as this is often free, but these too get full in peak periods. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

A lot of the National Park is farmland, meaning you will likely encounter grazing herds. Walk around them where possible, especially during lambing and calving season. Keep dogs on leads, and close gates behind you. Adhere to the Leave No Trace principles to keep the South Downs as pristine as it should be.

Explored by Kezzy from So Today We Found

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14. The Broads National Park, England

TOP ATTRACTIONS

The Broads National Park is one of the unique waterland national parks in UK. While most of the national parks in UK are dotted with mountains and peaks, the Broads provides a contrasting landscape where vast open reedlands and marshes meet the blue sky at the horizon, with punctuated waterways.

Broads is also the smallest national parks in UK, covering an area of 117 square miles. Out of this, 120 miles are navigable waterways that includes seven rivers and 63 broads.

The lakes (also known as broads) were formed during the medieval times when the peat was dug for fuel. Over centuries, water levels rose, and the peat diggings got flooded forming many water channels. Thus making Broads a unique landscape, diverse wildlife and a great place for nature lovers. 

Explore the picturesque village of Wroxham, also known as the capital of Norfolk Broads. Other idyllic villages include Hoveton, Stalham, Horning or Whitlingham.  Visit How Hill National Nature Reserve, located along River Ant.

While here, you can explore the landscape, look out for birds, insects and plenty of wildlife scenes. Alternatively, take a 50 minute electric boat ride on the waterways. Explore the ruins of St.Benet’s Abbey – a 1000 year old monastery located along River Bure.

Visit the charming Ranworth village which is home to St.Helen’s church, also known as Cathedral of Broads. Climb up the tower and enjoy the sweeping views of surrounding broads. 

Broads is also punctuated with many windmills and windpumps which enhance the beauty of the vast landscape. Some of the best windmills to visit include Horsey Windpump, Thurne Mill, Berney Arms Mill.  You can also kayak in the quiet waterways and be wonderfully lost.

WHERE TO STAY

Broads National Park divides the two English counties Norfolk and Suffolk, making it accessible from both these places. The most popular choice of stay in Broads are Norwich and Great Yarmouth which are big and easy to find any range of accommodation. Alternatively, you can also choose to stay in the idyllic villages like Wroxham, Horning or Ranworth.    

HOW TO GET HERE

There are trains running from London every 30-40 minutes to Norwich and the journey time takes approximately 2 hours. National Express coaches also connect to Norwich from many major cities with a journey time slightly longer than trains. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Carry wellington boots and binoculars while visiting Broads as the walking paths are often muddy, and the landscape offers wide range of wildlife watching. While Broads is an all year destination, if you want to go on a boating holiday, spring to autumn is the best time, with summer being the most beautiful time to visit. Definitely avoid winter for any boating activity. That said, winter is great for bird spotting and seal spotting along the coast. 

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15. Yorkshire Dales National Park, England

TOP ATTRACTIONS

One of the most gorgeous national parks in UK, Yorkshire Dales spans over 841 square miles. Hiking is one the best things to do in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and a hike that encompasses the best that the Dales has to offer is the circular hike from Malham village.

On route you will visit Janet’s Foss waterfall, Gordale Scar gorge, Malham Tarn (one of two natural lakes in the Dales) and Malham Cove, a massive 230-foot-high natural stone amphitheatre.

Keen Harry Potter fans will recognise the limestone pavement on the top of Malham Cove as Harry and Hermione’s camping spot in the Deathly Hallows movie. 

Waterfall lovers are spoilt for choice between iconic Aysgarth Falls, Hardraw Force (England’s highest single drop waterfall) or Cotter Force. Each fall is easily accessible on foot with car parking on site. 

History fans should visit Bolton Castle, Jervaulx Abbey or the ruins at Bolton Abbey.

Foodies should head to the Wensleydale Creamery to see how the famous Wensleydale Cheese is made or visit the independent craft breweries at Dent or Masham. For a drink with a difference, visit the Tan Hill Inn near Reeth which is Britain’s highest pub. 

WHERE TO STAY

An ideal, central base to explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park is the charming village of Malham. Malham has several Bed and Breakfast options, a youth hostel and two excellent pubs which offer accommodation. 

HOW TO GET HERE

The National Park is best explored by car but visitors can reach towns on the edge of the Dales by regional train from where you can catch local buses to individual villages and attractions. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

To experience the range of attractions on offer visit this national park for 3- 5 days. As so many attractions in the Yorkshire Dales are outdoors, the region is best visited in the longer, warmer and drier days of Spring and Summer.

Explored by Sinead from Map Made Memories

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How many national parks have you seen in UK?

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