See the best of Britain in its National Parks
Britain landscapes are as diverse as its people. Discover one of its 15 National Parks, which are dotted all across the country, from England’s south coast to the far reaches of Scotland.
From the magical The New Forest, to the majestic Lake District, there’s a National Park to suit every visitor, whether you want to scale mountains, kayak across lakes or simply be at one with nature.
Six of the best National Parks and why you’ll love them
The film star: Peak District
The UK’s first National Park, the Peak District – which lies within easy reach of Manchester and Birmingham - oozes star quality. As well as its dramatic landscapes with limestone dales and vivid heather-clad hills, it’s full of film-star stately homes, like Chatsworth, arguably one of the most stunning stately homes in the country. Pride and Prejudice fans will recognise it as Pemberley, as well as Lyme, which also appeared in the TV series. Haddon Hall starred in Jane Eyre, Elizabeth and Mary Queen of Scots and North Lees Hall, also appeared in Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice.
The adventure playground: The Lake District
The Lake District’s glacial lakes and majestic mountains famously inspired William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter and visitors can tour The Wordsworth Grasmere museum at Dove Cottage, the poet’s former home, as well as Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse. Take a boat ride on Lake Windermere, walk its shoreline, or hike to the top of Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain.
The sporting legend: South Downs
The South Downs National Park, which starts at Eastbourne, East Sussex and runs to Winchester, Hampshire, is home to one of the world’s oldest cricket grounds in the village of Hambledon and there’s nowhere better to pay homage to your favourite sport. You can hike, cycle or horse ride along its 100-mile (160-km) South Downs Way National Trail, enjoying sensational views of the chalk cliff coastline.
The star-crossed lover: Northumberland
A short 45-minute journey from the buzzing city of Newcastle, is more than 400 sq miles (644 sq km) of wild landscapes and wide dark skies. Welcome to Northumberland National Park, the least populated of England’s national parks and home to the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way and even the Andromeda Galaxy. It also contains the Roman marvel that is Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The wildlife king: Cairngorms
Meet the locals of Cairngorms National Park… and by locals we mean the extraordinary rare wildlife. The largest of Britain’s National Parks – at 1,748 sq miles (4,528 sq km), it’s twice the size of the Lake District National Park and home to one in four of the UK’s endangered species, such as the golden eagle. You can spot red squirrels, osprey, Scottish wildcats and even Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer.
The explorer’s haven: Brecon Beacons
Not far from Cardiff, is a treasure trove of caves, gorges and waterfalls, hills, valleys, lakes and rivers, all waiting to be explored in the Brecon Beacons National Park. It’s also home to a UNESCO Global Geopark, meaning its unique geology, such as old quarries, sheltered crags and rocky ridges, are perfect for climbers, abseilers, hang-gliders and cavers.
Discover Britain’s unique National Parks
As well as diverse and ancient landscapes, the National Parks tell the stories of the communities that have lived within them for thousands of years, leaving a unique and indelible mark on each park’s character. It’s just over 70 years since Britain founded its first National Parks, opening up breathtaking vistas, rolling hills and tranquil lakes across England, Scotland and Wales. Even better, all are within easy reach.
