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Britain’s 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

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.  

Our inspiring National Parks

With tangled oak forests and looming peaks, it can feel like the edge of the world.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Horses and riders trotting through the shallow water.

The Broads is a breath of fresh air, beautifully webbed with lakes, fens and rivers.

Norfolk Broads Direct

A family riding on a boat in the Norfolk Broads

Step into nature with tufty-haired ponies, wild countryside and a labyrinth of bike trails.

VisitBritain/Raul Alex Caramizaru

Girl, in a white skirt, walking beside a Highland cow

Historical hot property – evident in its castles, citadels and 2,000-year-old Hadrian’s Wall.

VisitBritain/Chris Ceasar

View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach

Rugged yet beautiful, wild yet welcoming – the North York Moors National Park is full of surprises.

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Chef wearing apron on pier holding lobster trap with lobster

Discover epic trails, rivers to kayak, castles to conquer and wild woods to explore.

VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Two men on mountain bikes cycling at Devil's Dyke. Sunrise

Proof that perfection can’t be rushed, the Yorkshire Dales was millions of years in-the-making.

VisitBritain/MattCant

Cyclist riding on road through green dales. Panoramic views

Discover the hidden gems of Britain’s National Parks

Whilst some of Britain’s National Parks get all the headlines, if you go off the beaten path, you can discover magical landscapes and experiences, like these hidden gems…

VisitScotland

Loch Katrine seen from the summit of Ben A'an in The Trossachs

Loch Lomond and Trossachs secret spot: Loch Katrine

While everyone has heard of Scotland’s Loch Lomond, don’t miss Loch Katrine, in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Enjoy a stunning waterside vista from the banks of this eight-mile, (13-km) loch, with the mountains reflected in its peaceful waters. Whether enjoyed on foot, by bike or by boat, this picturesque spot is a tranquil gem.

Lake District secret spot: Ennerdale Water

While everyone flocks to Lake Windermere or Coniston Water, Ennerdale Water is the Lake District’s most remote lake. Expect crystal-clear waters, wonderful forest walks and outstanding views. It can’t be reached by road, but a 10-mile (16-km) cycle path which connects it to Whitehaven.

The Peak District secret spot: Thor’s Cave

The Peak District is one of the most popular National Parks, but you would never know when you’re standing at Thor’s Cave. Hidden behind the Staffordshire village of Wetton, it’s a grand finale to a countryside walk. Reached by a stepped path, the natural limestone cavern has an inviting entrance and stunning views of the valley below.

VisitBritain/Daniel Struthers

A man jumping across a stream whilst hiking

Snowdonia secret spot: Castell y Bere

As the home of the highest mountain in England and Wales, Snowdonia is one of the nation’s most popular National Parks. Leave the crowds and walk to the remote ruins of the medieval castle Castell y Bere. A wild, rugged beauty spot within Snowdonia National Park, the castle walls rise from a rocky outcrop in the Dysynni Valley, offering a chance to retrace the footsteps of Welsh kings of the past.

North York Moors secret spot: Hayburn Wyke

The North York Moors has rolling hills, deep wooded dales, captivating coasts, ancient abbeys, tumbling streams and timeless villages. Found along the Cleveland Way National Trail, hidden beyond deer-dwelling woodland, is the cove of Hayburn Wyke. It is a pebbled paradise, home to a host of shallow rock pools at the foot of dramatic cliffs.

Broads secret spot: Winterton-On-Sea

While Norfolk and Suffolk are popular holiday spots, the Broads National Park, with its 125 miles (200 km) of idyllic waterways and endless skies, is extremely peaceful. Winterton-On-Sea is a picturesque British seaside village ideal for those longing for a taste of the quiet life, complete with sand dunes, seals and traditional thatched cottages.

VisitBritain

Couple sitting on stone bridge over stream

Dartmoor secret spot: Wistman’s Wood

From its vast wild moorlands to imposing rock formations and river valleys that cut deep through the landscape, dramatic Dartmoor is a nature-lovers’ dream. Within it, you’ll find Wistman’s Wood, an enchanting wood that belongs in a fairy-tale. Home to a carpet of deep green moss and finger-like branches of dwarf oak trees, it is a National Nature Reserve.

The Yorkshire Dales secret spot: Crackpot Hall

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is famous for its Three Peaks - Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – popular with hikers. But for epic scenery with a side of local history, walk to Crackpot Hall. Tucked away at the foot of rolling hills, Crackpot Hall is the ruins of an 18th century smallholding and offers staggering views.

The Pembrokeshire Coast secret spot: Marloes Sands

The whole of the Pembrokeshire Coast, with its towering cliffs and golden beaches, offers unforgettable views and experiences. But for a real slice of tranquillity, head to Wales’ best-kept secret, Marloes Sands. Enjoy its rock pools, crystal-clear waters and inviting sandy beach and climb over the rocks to Albion Sands, where a shipwreck emerges at low tide.