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The UK national parks cover a wide range of landscapes from wetlands, coastal regions and mountain plateaus that serve as vital habitats for wildlife to survive.
These protected areas of nature are enjoyed by over 100 million people each year and are a reflection of the increased appreciation for nature in a post-lockdown world.
As the UK population grows, the significance of accessible green spaces for everyone becomes even more pronounced, highlighting the importance of taking care of our mental health and for protecting these wild spaces for everyone’s benefit.
There are 10 national parks in England, 3 in Wales and 2 in Scotland all of which are free to visit. The largest national park in the UK is the Cairngorms covering a staggering 4,528 kilometers squared and the smallest is the Norfolk Broads covering 303 kilometers squared.
This essential guide to UK national parks will reveal the individual charms of each place, will guide you to the best outdoor activities and will help you decide which will be your next national park adventure. The guide also includes noteworthy places to explore, including hotels and unique accommodations tailored to each national park.
Why were the UK National Parks created?
National parks were a concept created by the United States (US) in the 1860s, John Muir was a leading champion for protecting wild areas in the US. During the Industrial Revolution, towns and cities spread across the UK including the construction of factories. The public rapidly developed a growing desire to get outdoors in nature to escape the noise and pollution of the city.
Historically, the land in England was owned by the crown and divided up among those who were good friends of William the Conqueror, who today ancestors own large areas of land in England. In England, over half of the country is owned by less than 1% of the population.
In the early 20th century, ramblers and conservationists in the UK were met with disgruntled landowners who did not allow trespassers on their land. This conflict between ramblers and landowners grew worse and five people were arrested in 1932 after a mass trespass in Kinder Scout.
A voluntary Standing Committee for National Parks (SCNP) was set up in 1936 which was made up of outdoor enthusiasts and nature conservationists to raise the issue with the government. After the Second World War, the National Park legislation was set up by the UK government, a step in the right direction to make the countryside accessible for everyone.
The first national park was created in 1951, today known as the Peak District National Park and was a result of the mass trespass on Kinder Scout which triggered this important initiative for the public to enjoy the outdoors and escape the smog.
Today, the public can enjoy free access to 15 national parks across the UK which is a result of the hard work of enthusiastic ramblers and conservationists who fought for the right to enjoy our countryside. It is worth mentioning that almost 70 years since the first national park was created, it can be easy to take for granted that these spaces have always existed.
Englands National Parks
England’s landscape is as varied and as rich as anywhere in the world. From deserts, rainforests, grasslands and some of the best coastlines in the world, England certainly seems to have it all.
This diverse landscape is often overlooked for the lights and spectacle of London. London attracts around 30 million visitors from around the globe each year. Only a small percentage of those visitors explore anywhere outside of the capital which is no surprise that many visitors have no idea of the raw and natural beauty outside of London. Many national parks near London are some of the best including the New Forest, Norfolk Broads and South Downs.
England is often thought of as an overcast island where it never stops raining (sometimes it feels true). Few know that parts of England, particularly the South East are drier than Melbourne Australia. London is 33rd on the list of wettest European capitals with it outranks Paris, Rome and Lisbon to name a few of the most well-known capitals in Europe. The West Coast of England does live up to this damp reputation, where the Lake District in the North West receives the most rain in England.
England’s national parks cover a wide range of epic landscapes and are arguably some of the most beautiful areas in the country, especially when the sun pops out to say hello. This section will cover all the national parks in England, the best things to do and what you shouldn’t miss on your visit.
Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor National Park is located on the south coast of England in the rural county of Devon. Dartmoor covers an area of almost 1,000 square kilometres and Plymouth is the closest major town. Dartmoor National Park has good access for local and national visitors with great road connections and public transport links.
Dartmoor consists of a vast open moorland, more than half of the park is made from granite with craggy tors that protrude from the ground and is scattered with ancient woodland. There are 160 granite Tors in Dartmoor which are unique to the area and are formed by weathering and erosion leaving behind the dramatic rock formations for us to admire. Dartmoor is a colourful landscape with golden bracken in autumn and purple patches of moorland wildflowers in spring, where fragile ecosystems depend on its survival.
Dartmoor National Park is also home to unique and rare temperate rainforests considered more endangered than tropical rainforests. These rare habitats are perfect for lichens, fungi and ancient oak trees and one of the best examples in Dartmoor is the legendary Wistman’s Wood, a haunted and mystical place to discover.
Historically, Dartmoor is steeped in myth and folklore inspiring the creation of classic books such as Sherlock Holmes and the Baskerville Hound. It is also home to the highest concentration of Bronze Age remains in Britain and numerous stone circles, cists and settlements are found in the park, remnants of a community who established villages here thousands of years ago.
Dartmoor is home to the Dartmoor Pony, a hardy breed recognisable for its broad body, small head and strong legs and is the symbol of the national park. In the 1950s, there were around 30,000 Dartmoor ponies, whereas now there are only 1500. Each year they are rounded up to be counted as part of conservation efforts.
As one of the last areas of true wilderness in the UK, Dartmoor is one of the only places in England that allows wild camping in nature. For a true outdoor experience, camp in your tent for a night under the stars. The rights to open-air recreation in Dartmoor were recently disputed by a landowner aiming to put a stop to wild camping in the park. The court appeal succeeded in defending these rights and you can set up your tent in allocated areas whilst adhering to the countryside code. Whilst writing this article, news just in that the landowner has appealed to the Supreme Court, so access to the countryside in Dartmoor is still currently under threat and has started a wider campaign for rights to wild camp in other national parks.
WHERE TO STAY | Bovey Castle self-catering luxury lodges, Beckaford View cottage and Ashbourne Woods Campsite
PLACES TO VISIT | Brent Tor Church, Witsmans Wood, Burrator Reservoir, Dartmeet, Bellever Forest, Postbridge, Tavistock, Leather Tor
Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park is located on the north coast of Devon in England and is the least visited national park in the UK, despite being in one of the most populated areas of England. Exmoor boasts a spectacular, unique landscape with tree-covered coastlines, the highest sea cliffs in the UK and the highest and lowest tides in Europe.
Home to the start of the longest National Trail in England, the South West Coast Path is a challenging and scenic walking route that follows 630 miles of stunning coastline starting in Minehead and finishing in Poole Harbour. The route elevation climbs four times the height of Mount Everest.
Herds of native wild ponies roam freely and are a common sight on the moorlands of Exmoor including, Winsford Hill, Dunkery Beacon, Prayway Head, Anstey Gate/Molland Moor, Haddon Hill and Porlock Hill viewpoint. While the ancestors of these ponies were truly wild, each pony has an owner and is rounded up once a year to be counted.
As one of the smallest and least visited national parks, Exmoor is one of the most remote and beautiful parks. It was designated as the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Europe, making it an ideal place to star gaze into the Milky Way.
WHERE TO STAY | Locanda on the Weir Boutique Hotel, The Porlock Weir Hotel and Watermouth Valley Camping Park, Tors Park, Longlands Luxury Glamping
PLACES TO VISIT | Valley of the Rocks, Broadsands Beach, Woody Bay, Lynton and Lynmouth, Watersmeet
The New Forest National Park
While the name of the New Forest National Park would suggest that it is a recent addition to the English landscape, in reality, it’s quite the opposite. The largest concentration of ancient trees in Western Europe is found in the New Forest with around 1000 ancient trees found within the New Forest National Park.
The oldest trees located within the park are ancient Yew trees which are more than 1000 years old, the oldest is believed to be an old Yew tree at Saint Nicholas’ Church in Brockenhurst. Another famous old tree in the New Forest is the Knightwood Oak which was planted in 1600.
The New Forest National Park was designated as a Royal Forest by William the Conquerer in 1079 and as a ‘Nova Foresta’ which is Latin for new hunting ground from which the name of the park originates. The forest was a royal hunting ground for deer and only the King and his officers were able to hunt and use the forest.
At the time only half of the land of the New Forest was covered in trees and King William introduced forest law which meant trees were planted to protect the deer and vegetation. Many peasants were unhappy with this law as it prohibited them from foraging wood for fuel or hunting deer for themselves. Eventually, the Common Rights Act was introduced to allow members of the public to let their livestock and domestic animals roam the forest.
The Common Rights Act is still in place today, locals in the New Forest are allowed to release livestock to graze the forest floor. Around 7,000 livestock graze across the New Forest National Park and one of the unique sightings is Pigs eating acorns and beech mast which are poisonous to livestock in September during Pannage season.
Almost 90% of the forest is still owned by the Crown and managed by Forestry England and the National Park remains a Royal Forest. While most visit for the beauty of the forest, the national park also has 26 miles of beaches on the south coast of England. The New Forest is currently the 2nd largest forest in England, following Kielder Forest in Northumberland.
WHERE TO STAY | Burley Manor (read about our stay), Chewton Glen Hotel, Camping in the Forest, The Pig
PLACES TO VISIT | Tall Trees, Bolderwood, Lymington, Beaulieu, Rhinefield Ornamental Drive
The South Downs National Park
The South Downs National Park has globally important habitats, including lowland heath which is thought to be rarer than rainforests. It is one of the recent additions to the group of UK national parks and the South Downs was officially created in 2010.
Woolmer forest is the only location in the UK that is home to all 12 of the UK’s native species of amphibians and reptiles. The South Downs Way is one of 15 national trails and is the only trail that lies completely within a national park.
The 100-mile route is considered one of the best off-road cycle routes in the UK and we completed this challenging route with family for a great outdoor challenge starting in Winchester to Beachy Head in Eastbourne.
The South Downs National Park was granted Dark Sky status in 2016 and is one of the most populated parks in the UK. It has more than 100,000 people living within the park’s boundaries and around 2 million living within 5km of the park. The proximity to London makes it one of the most accessible national parks from the capital and a popular weekend getaway.
WHERE TO STAY | Wingrove House, The Pig in the South Downs, Tilton House, The Star
PLACES TO VISIT | Woolmer Forest, South Downs Way, The Monk’s House, Albourne Estate, White Cliffs Seven Sisters Country Park, Kingley Vale, Cissbury Ring, Blackdown Hill, Beachy Head
The (Norfolk) Broads National Park
On the East coast of England, the Broads National Park has more than 125 miles of lock-free waterways. The Broads, also known as the Norfolk Broads is the UK’s largest wetland and is home to some of the UK’s rarest wildlife including otters, kingfishers and reed warblers. It is a great place for birdwatchers and wildlife spotting, with England’s largest colony of seals and over 4,000 pups born every year at Blakeney Nature Reserve.
Up until 60 years ago, it was thought that the Broads were naturally formed. It wasn’t until the 1950s, that a discovery was uncovered that the rivers Yare, Bure and Waveney were dug out, allowing large ships to navigate the estuary, especially during the Roman era. This formed a great river estuary, resulting in salt marsh and mudflats that would be covered and revealed by the everchanging tides. The channels were abandoned in the 14th century when they began to flood creating the perfect habitat for wildlife.
The Norfolk Broads are located in the driest region of the UK and receive 400mm less than the average UK rainfall. Lord Horatio Nelson was born in the area and it is thought that he would have first learned to sail on the broads before joining the Navy at age 12. A likely location for his beginnings as a sailor would have been Barton Broad which his sister owned at the time.
WHERE TO STAY | Hire a boat on the Norfolk Broads from Norfolk Broads Direct or enjoy an authentic experience exploring the waterways on a sailboat. There are many beautiful cottages and houses to stay in The Boathouse, Woodlakes Park, Norfolk Luxury Cottages, Somerleyton Meadows, West Lexham Manor
PLACES TO VISIT | Norfolk has 90 miles of coast and make sure to visit one of the many beaches such as Wells-next-the-Sea, Horsey, Holme-next-the-Sea Winterton-on-Sea and Eccles. There are also a number of beautiful towns and villages to visit including; Wells-next-the-Sea, Cley, Burnham Market and Blakeney.
The Peak District National Park
The Peak District is the UK’s first national park and was officially set up in April 1951, following a mass protest on Kinder Scout to protect the rights of ramblers to access the countryside. It covers an area roughly the size of Greater London and is located in the heart of England.
As is the case for most of the UK’s national parks, The Peak District is not solely a wilderness area, it is a living landscape home to 38,000 people. It is estimated that around 20 million people live within an hour’s drive of the Peak District National Park.
Kinder Scout is the highest part of the national park standing at 636 meters above sea level. The Peak District is the most accessible national park in the UK, welcoming more than 13 million visitors each year and within close proximity to Manchester, Derby, Sheffield and Nottingham providing a refuge from busy city life.
The Peak District has more than 200 square miles of open-access land. Walkers can explore the landscape without having to stay on paths. It also has a further 1,600 miles of paths, tracks and bridleways. The Peaks are home to the only Mountain Hare population outside of Scotland. Three-quarters of the world’s heather is found in the UK, with a large percentage of that moorland located within the Peak District National Park.
Read our detailed guide to the Peak District to find out how to get there and the best places to visit in the national park.
WHERE TO STAY| Wildhive at Callow Hall, Nether Farm Roundhouses, Boulder Field Cabin, Darwin Forest Holidays (lodges with hot tubs), Peak Edge Hotel, Ettie's Field award-winning campsite
PLACES TO VISIT| Winnats Pass, Dovedale, Stanage Edge, the Roaches, Chrome Hill (Dragon’s Back), Snake Pass, Howden Reservoir, Derwent Reservoir and Ladybower Reservoir, Alport Castles
The North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors National Park was formed in 1952 and covers one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the UK and covers 26 miles of coastline. The park has more than 1400 miles of public rights of way and the 109-mile Cleveland Way National Trail forms a horseshoe around the North York Moors. Chimney Bank in Rosedale is the joint steepest road in England, with Hardknott Pass in the Lake District.
The park is rich in history and heritage with more than 3000 listed buildings and 700 monuments within the boundaries of the park. Over a fifth of the park is covered in trees and is home to one of the largest collections of ancient trees in northern England. The North York Moors is regarded as a haven for ground nesting birds such as the curlew, golden plover and lapwing.
The North York Moors attracts almost 9 million visitors each year, from neighbouring cities such as York, Scarborough and Middlesbrough and even further afield. The coastline of the North York Moors is dotted with beautiful fishing villages including Whitby where Captain Cook first learned to sail and the Jurassic bays on the Heritage coast hold dinosaur footprints. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway gives an insight into the golden age of steam railways with unique experiences like dining on a Heritage Pullman.
WHERE TO STAY | Rufus's Roost, The Lark A Place in the Pines, Crag House Farm, Host & Stay - Dale End, Endeavour - Staithes, Orchard House
PLACES TO VISIT | Take a tour around Whitby and North York Moors, Sutton Bank, Castle Howard, Dalby Forest, Whitby, Forge Valley, Fountains Abbey, Thornton Le Dale, Robin Hood’s Bay, Falling Foss waterfall, Cod Beck Reservoir, Gin tasting
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Yorkshire has not one but two national parks, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales comprised of two very distinct landscapes.
The Yorkshire Dales are quintessentially British. Cobbled drystone walls, sweeping grassy pastures, charming villages, scenic drives, pristine picnic spots, picturesque trails, hidden swimming spots, stone field barns, dramatic waterfalls and warm cosy pubs.
The wild iconic landscape of the dales is shaped by rolling valleys interspersed with rocky limestone outcrops and the valley floor is shaped by fast-flowing rivers. The park is divided into valleys, also referred to as dales, Ribblesdale is famous for salmon while in contrast Whardedale is known for Bolton Abbey and quaint villages. The Pennine Way is a hilly and remote trail that traverses partly through the Yorkshire Dales and follows the spine of Britain for 268 miles.
Spoiled for choice with an abundance of outdoor activities, the Yorkshire Dales has a 3-peak challenge, where walkers must hike the 3 largest peaks in 12 hours: Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. Try canyoning and gorge walking, caving, rock climbing, canoeing, mountain biking and paddle boarding for the ultimate adventure thrill in the Dales.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park has many iconic landmarks and famous locations, Malham Cove is where films such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One were filmed. Janet’s Foss is a fairy-tale-like waterfall spot with crystal clear waters, popular amongst wild swimmers and a great stop on the way to Gordale Scar.
WHERE TO STAY | Low Mill Guest House, Beck Hall, Marske Stables
PLACES TO VISIT | Malham Cove, Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar, Ingleton Waterfall Trail, Aysgarth Falls, Catrigg Force, Hardraw Force, Bolton Abbey, Ribblehead Viaduct, Pendragon Castle, Afternoon tea in Skipton, Yorkshire Dales day tour
The Lake District National Park
Inspiring poets, painters and artists, the Lake District National Park is a place of wonder and unrivalled beauty that makes it such an exceptional and must-see national park for over 18 million visitors each year. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the largest national park in England and the only park in the UK with UNESCO status and covers 2362 square kilometres. The vibrant colours in the Lake District National Park make it one of the best places to visit when the leaves change colour, read our detailed guide of the best places to visit in autumn.
The landscape of the Lakes has been sculpted by agriculture, conservation and volcanic eruptions. There are a total of 16 lakes and over 200 peaks commonly known as fells where Alfred Wainwright wrote a seven-volume guide to the Lakeland Fells and is the ultimate hiker challenge to bag all 214. Scafell Pike is England’s tallest mountain at 978 meters and all other mountains in England over 900 meters are found in the Lake District National Park.
The Lake District is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, the Kendal Mountain festival is hosted every year showcasing inspiring stories of nature, adventure and epic challenges from across the world. The festival also includes music and food where you can get involved in organised activities to meet fellow-minded outdoor enthusiasts in the heart of the Lakes.
WHERE TO STAY | Another Place Hotel, Langdale Hotel, Newland Valley Log Cabins, The Dash Farmhouse, Log Home Village, Tethera: Eco-Luxury Passivhaus, Royal Oak Hotel
PLACES TO VISIT | Ullswater, guided walk in Langdale Valley, Windermere, Kendal, Tarn Hows, take a cruise on Coniston, Aira Force, Hill Top Farm, Grasmere, mountain biking in Keswick
Northumberland National Park
In our opinion, Northumberland is one of the most underrated national parks, it also is the most northerly in England and the least visited national park. As a result of its remote location, makes it one of the best places to enjoy star gazing with low light pollution and is designated as a Dark Sky Park, with a number of dedicated observatories.
Northumberland National Park is a sanctuary for wildlife and the perfect place for peace and quiet in pristine nature. A visit to Northumberland National Park is one of the few places to escape the noise of everyday life on the ever-crowded island of Great Britain.
The landscape of Northumberland is filled with a rich history, from castles to Viking invaders. While Northumberland National Park covers a specific area between northern England and the Scottish borders, the county of Northumberland is a beautiful, quiet and remote part of England. More than 70 castles are scattered across the countryside, once strongholds for Norman clans and English Lords to protect their land from early Viking invaders and grow the newly found Kingdom of England. Northumberland feels timeless, it has a charm and magnetic pull to take you back to a time of what England once was.
Northumberland stood as a defending border, from Vikings arriving from the North Sea and the Scots to the north of Hadrian’s Wall. Hadrian’s Wall used to run across the entire north of England, most of which is found in Northumberland and Cumbria and was built by the Romans as their most northern frontier where it is possible to walk the length of the wall.
Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England, also known as a filming location for Harry Potter movies and home to a cursed pub, The Dirty Bottles. There are several charming villages in Northumberland, read our guide to beautiful Northumbrian villages. If you’re looking for road trip inspiration, read our detailed guide to Northumberland which includes a detailed itinerary of the must-see stops along the route.
WHERE TO STAY | Trees at Tughall (read about our stay), Carraw Luxury Holiday Homes, My Coastal Escapes, Le Petit Chateau, YHA The Sill at Hadrian's Wall, Woodland Chase Glamping, Hesleyside Huts, The Hiddle Hut, The Cookie Jar, The Beaumont Hotel
PLACES TO VISIT | Kielder Forest, Kielder Observatory, Hadrian’s Wall, Sycamore Gap, Holy Island, Bamburgh Castle, Battlesteads Dark Sky Observatory, Alnwick Castle, The Sill, Housesteads, The Dirty Bottles pub in Alnwick, Vera filming locations, Rosslyn Chapel
wales National Parks
Wales is a beautiful country with a spectacular coastline and mountainous interior that is abundant in natural beauty, rich in cultural heritage and awarded with several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Containing three national parks; Eryri (Snowdonia), Pembrokeshire Coast, and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)—Wales boasts diverse landscapes and environments within these protected areas, collectively constituting at least one-fifth of the country's total land area.
Engaging in active adventures is ideal in any of these Welsh treasures, offering an excellent option for a weekend getaway or an extended trip that caters to a wide variety of interests. Wales boasts more than 600 castles, holding the record for the highest number of castles per square mile globally. Some of these castles are still inhabited today, while others are abandoned. Many were constructed by Welsh princes, serving as crucial defence strongholds for their territories.
Read more of our guides around Wales, a guide to Anglesey a beautiful island part of north Wales, and explore the Pembrokeshire coast and discover the top beaches in Wales.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the only UK national park primarily concentrated along the coast and is located on the southwest coast of Wales. It is known for its unspoiled sandy beaches, spectacular scenery and some of the clearest and cleanest water in the UK. The coastline is adorned with wooded borders framing the beaches, painting a scene of the secluded, remote and untamed terrain found in this region of Wales.
At any point in the national park, it is less than 10 miles from the sea and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path follows the entire coast for 186 miles and was the first National Trail in Wales. The park is a peculiar shape with its narrowest point measuring only 100 meters wide.
Pembrokeshire National Park proudly showcases a collection of 10 pristine blue flag beaches rated excellent for bathing water quality. Numerous wildlife conservation areas are located in the park, and a remarkable 80% of the National Park’s coastline resides within a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It offers a good opportunity to encounter marine wildlife such as dolphins, seals and, on occasion, whales. During the spring season, Skomer Island becomes a haven for puffins as they migrate to establish nests and the optimal window is in early summer for the best chance to observe these cute, quirky characters.
WHERE TO STAY | St Brides Spa Hotel, Llys Meddyg, Manor Town House, The Grove of Narberth, Penally Abbey, Slebech Park, Ty Milford Waterfront, The Kingfisher Houseboat, Wilder Retreats
PLACES TO VISIT | Barafundle Bay, Tenby, Skomer Island, Strumble Head Lighthouse, St Govan's Chapel, Marloes Sands, Freshwater West Beach, Elegug Stacks and Green Bridge, Stackpole Quay, Blue Lagoon, Fishguard
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park
In 2023, the Brecon Beacons Nationals Park underwent a renaming to reclaim its original Welsh title, now known as Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (pronounced ban-aye brunch-ay-nee-og). Encompassing an expansive 520 square miles in the regions of south and mid-Wales, the Welsh name originates from ‘ban’ meaning peaks and ‘Brycheiniog’ referring to Brychan’s Kingdom. Together, the name translates to ‘The Peaks of Brychan’s Kingdom’, celebrating the legacy of King Brychan who lived in the 5th century and reigned over Brecon.
Situated in the southern and mid regions of Wales, Bannau Brycheiniog spans an extensive area exceeding 520 square miles, providing crucial habitats for diverse flora and fauna, including native woodlands, lakes, and heathland. This Welsh landscape is scattered with gorges, waterfalls, caves and sinkholes, all shaped by the karst geology, crafting an exhilarating playground for those passionate about outdoor adventures.
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park is one of the last outposts for wild Welsh ponies to roam freely which is classified as a rare breed and they play a vital role in keeping uplands in good condition from grazing throughout the year. The rugged terrain of Bannau Brycheiniog is an ideal challenge for military training due to its unique and tough conditions.
Pen y Fan claims the title of the tallest mountain in Bannau Brycheiniog, at just under 900 meters and entices more than 120,000 hikers annually. In 2012, the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park became the first International Dark Sky reserve in Wales, and there are only eighteen in the world. With minimal light pollution, it is the ideal setting for some serious stargazing and a unique chance to witness the magnificent Milky Way.
WHERE TO STAY | The Angel Hotel, The Walnut Tree Inn, Peterstone Court Country House Restaurant & Spa, Dark Sky Lodge, Goilan Goch
PLACES TO VISIT | Black Mountain Road, 6 waterfalls walk, Gospel Pass, Pen Y Fan sunset walk, Henrhyd Falls, Dan-yr-Ogof caves, Craig-y-Nos Country Park, Gower Peninsular (nearby), Carreg Cennen Castle, Sgwd yr Eira, Sgwd Gwladus, Fforest Fawr Geopark, Brecon Mountain Railway, Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, Llanthony Priory, Llangors Lake
ERYRI (Snowdonia) National Park
Eryri National Park (pronounced eh-ruh-re), also known as Snowdonia National Park, encompasses 9 mountain ranges, 74 miles of coastline and 11,000 hectares of native woodland. Nestled in captivating wilderness, Eryri National Park extends along the northern and western coastlines of Wales, offering the perfect blend of beautiful beaches and majestic mountains. A distinctive landscape is decorated with castles, waterfalls, and gorges and is steeped in natural beauty.
Regarded as one of the adventure capitals of the UK, Eryri Snowdonia National Park offers exciting experiences is such as flying down Europe’s fastest zipline at ZipWorld or delving into the depths of the underground world of historic copper mines in Sygun. Drawing more than 4 million visitors annually, it stands as one of the most visited parks in the UK, with over 600,000 conquering Eryri’s tallest mountain, Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa).
The park is easily accessible, thanks to a well-connected road network leading to nearby major motorways. Embark on the incredible Eryri Snowdonia 360, a 360-mile road trip and explore recommended stops along the way by reading our detailed itinerary. Eryri Snowdonia National Park was proudly titled the second area in Wales to be chosen as an International Dark Sky Reserve. For an enhanced and unforgettable getaway, consider pairing your visit to Snowdonia with a trip to Anglesey and find all the information you’ll need on our guide for a weekend getaway on this special island.
WHERE TO STAY | Little Kestrel Cabin, Marine Terrace Apartments, Dolffanog Fawr, Nantcol Waterfall Campsite
PLACES TO VISIT | Zipworld, Fforest Coaster, Adventure Parc Snowdonia, Cwm Idwal Walk, Blackrock Sands, Portmeirion, Nant Gwrtheyrn, Menai Bridge, Bodnant Welsh Food Centre, Sygun Copper Mine, Canyoning, Victoria Inn, Snowdon, Castles tour, Kayaking on Llyn Padarn
Scotlands National Parks
At first glance, it seems as if an error has been made in the fact that Scotland only has two national parks, the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The Scottish National Parks were only set up over 20 years ago, much later than other UK national parks and as one the least densely populated countries in this group you’d think there would be more than two. The Highland Mountains are on a scale not seen anywhere else in the UK and dwarf the Lake District in England for the sheer scale of Munros (mountains) and lakes.
Explore the expansive Arctic plateau within the Cairngorms, the largest national park in the UK, where rugged terrain offers a sanctuary for reindeer, golden eagles and the mysterious Scottish wildcat. Venture south to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, boasting the largest lake in Great Britain framed by striking Munros and a seamless mosaic of forests.
Scotland has some of the most breathtaking natural spaces, yet it is currently underrepresented in the official list of UK national parks. Currently, the Scottish government are engaged in discussions for potential sites of a new Scottish national park, a development that will bring enormous benefits to local communities and yield the potential of working towards a sustainable future in Scotland. The official announcement is anticipated in 2026, so stay tuned for a new addition to this guide soon.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Conveniently located within an hour’s drive from 50% of Scotland’s population, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park presents an ideal retreat for residents in nearby cities seeking a dose of nature. The park’s geography encompasses two distinct regions, the lowlands and mountainous highlands offering a contrast of landscapes.
Loch Lomond provides a range of watersports, from kayaking to water skiing, allowing visitors to enjoy the shores with a picnic or walk. For those seeking an iconic Scottish trail, the West Highland Way offers a challenging and scenic option, starting outside Glasgow, it traces along the shores of Loch Lomond and finishes in Fort William. One-third of the trees populate the lowland areas, predominantly oak, birch, rowan, hazel and ash trees.
WHERE TO STAY | Loch Lomond Waterfront Luxury Lodges, Birchwood Guest Lodge, Loch Lomond Luxury Lodges, The Corries B&B, Charming Stone Bothy at Loch Lomond, MHOR 84, Monachyle Mhor Hotel, The Lodge On Loch Lomond Hotel
PLACES TO VISIT | Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, Paddleboarding, TreeZone Aerial Adventure Course, Ben A'an and Conic Hill, Kayaking, Loch Katrine, Falls of Dochart, Bracklinn Falls Bridge and Callander Crags, Balloch Castle Country Park, Ben Lomond, Falls of Falloch, Loch Lomond Distillery, The Cobbler, sightseeing cruise, Sea Life
Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park proudly claims the title of the UK’s largest park, enticing visitors with charming cosy cabins, ancient pine forests, serene lochs and even a resident reindeer herd. One-quarter of Scitland’s native forest is found in the Cairngorms and several ongoing projects are dedicated to rewilding and restoring the remote Scottish landscape to its former glory. These projects include planting native trees, seeking to reconnect the ancient Caledonian forest, re-introducing species such as Wolves and reindeer and protecting endangered species such as the capercaille. Few places in the UK rival the vastness and untamed beauty of Cairngorms, offering an ideal sanctuary for those seeking to escape modern life.
Spanning such a large area, the Cairngorms National Park presents plenty of places to explore, whether you’re in search of wild reindeer on the sub-arctic Cairngorms plateau or simply looking to unwind on the sandy shores of Loch Morlich. It might come as a surprise to some that skiing is a possibility in the UK, there are three ski resorts: Cairngorm Mountain, The Lecht, and Glenshee.
Charming wooden cabins, aromatic pine forests, diverse wildlife, sparkling lochs and majestic mountains evoke the essence of the Cairngorms National Park. Serving as an adventure hub for snowsports, watersports, cycling and everything in between, this alpine semi-tundra environment shares similarities with Norway and Sweden. Explore our comprehensive guide to the Cairngorms National Park for lots of ideas on how to make the most of your visit.
WHERE TO STAY | Pine Marten Lodge, The Boat Inn, Unique tiny house with wood-fired roll top bath in heart of the Cairngorms, Riverside Cottage with luxurious wood-fired hot tub in Ballater, Killiecrankie House, The Old Manse of Blair, The Seelies - Luxury Aparthotel - By The House of Danu, Golden Eagle Lodge, The Fife Arms
PLACES TO VISIT | Snow Roads (A939), Prince Alberts Pyramid, Cairngorm mountain resort, Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Aviemore, Green Loch, An Lochan Uaine, Abernathy RSPB nature reserve, Nethy Bridge, Glen Feshie, River tubing in Glen Feshie, Speyside Whisky trail
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Exmoor National Park is a great place to explore by campervan, this guide includes a detailed driving route including the best places along the way and the best campsites. This itinerary is designed for a long weekend, a total of 3 days and will answer the questions you might have about wild camping in the National Park and what you need to know before driving in Exmoor.