With summer finally here, you might be looking for ways to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. One of the ways you could do so without having to travel very far could be at a national park.
There are plenty of national parks scattered across the country, with the New Forest National Park Authority revealing that national parks cover:
- 20% of the total land area in Wales
- 10% in England
- 7.3% in Scotland.
So, if you’re trying to determine which to visit, continue reading to discover 10 of the UK’s best national parks.
1. Snowdonia
Snowdonia national park, located in north Wales, is somewhat of a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
With its dramatic mountain ranges, including Snowdon – the highest peak in Wales at 1,085 metres – and miles of sandy beaches along the coast, Snowdonia certainly offers something for everyone.
Indeed, you could hike or climb Mount Snowdon, take a scenic ride on the mountain railway, and explore charming villages.
There’s plenty for adrenaline-seekers to do, too, as the national park has several mountain bike trails, zip lines, and even a surfing lagoon.
2. The Peak District
Found between Manchester and Sheffield, the Peak District is one of England’s oldest national parks.
The park is divided into two distinct areas. Firstly, there’s the Dark Peak in the north, a windswept moorland plateau. This offers challenging climbs, such as the Kinder Scout, the district’s highest peak that rewards hikers with dramatic views.
Or, you could head to the White Peak in the south for a relaxing walk across rolling hills and limestone dales.
The Peak District offers a variety of activities to keep you busy on a lovely summer day, too, namely caving, rock climbing, and biking.
3. The Cairngorms
The Cairngorms is the UK’s largest national park and is home to five out of six of Scotland’s highest peaks.
This area, which is situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, still has tracts of pure wilderness, which are a sight to behold. Just make sure you wrap up warm, even on a sunny day, as the park is one of the chilliest places in the country.
Animal lovers will rejoice during a visit to the Cairngorms, as there is plenty of wildlife to spot in the Caledonian pine forests, such as red squirrels, deer, and grouse.
While you could hike or bike through the hills, you might want to take a ride on the scenic Cairngorm Mountain Railway instead, the UK’s highest line.
4. The Norfolk Broads
Rather than travelling to northern Italy, you might want to visit the Norfolk Broads this summer instead, which is often referred to as “the Venice of East England” thanks to its many miles of navigable waterways.
While the Broads might differ quite significantly from the Queen of the Adriatic, it’s certainly not something to turn your nose up at.
Indeed, the wetland area is a haven for wildlife, especially birds. To increase your chances of spotting some stunning avians, you could explore the Norfolk Broads by boat, kayak, or paddleboard.
You could even hire a cabin cruiser for a few days, the perfect way to spend some time relaxing on the waterways.
5. The Lake District
The Lake District national park in north-west England is famed for its breathtaking lakes and mountains. In fact, the area is so beautiful that it has inspired many writers and artists over the years, such as the poet William Wordsworth.
Fans of the famous wordsmith should definitely visit the Peak District, as you could explore Dove Cottage, his former home.
The park also hosts England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, at 978 metres. So, if you’re looking for a challenging climb, this could be the ideal destination for you this summer.
6. The Pembrokeshire Coast
The Pembrokeshire Coast national park in south-west Wales boasts a stunning coastline with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and even hidden coves.
This could be the ideal place to catch a glimpse of a number of sea animals, as the park is home to dolphins, seals, and puffins.
To ensure you get the most out of your visit, you could hike the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a 186-mile trail that follows the entire coastline.
7. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Perhaps the perfect place to explore some of Scotland’s best scenery is at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs national park.
Located in central Scotland, the park is home to the eponymous Loch Lomond, a vast body of water famed for its natural beauty, especially on a sunny day.
Whether you’re a lover of the water or an admirer of mountains, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs has something for everyone.
Indeed, you could explore one of the park’s 22 lochs, offering several water-based activities. Alternatively, you could climb a Munro, as there are 21 in the park – including Ben Lomond – which offers some of the finest views in the country.
8. Dartmoor
If spending the night in a tent among rugged landscapes is your perfect idea of a break, then Dartmoor national park is for you, as it’s the only place in England where you can legally wild camp.
Located in south-west England, the park is famous for its dramatic granite tors, open moorlands, and deep valleys.
While you’re camping, you might even spot some wild ponies, which freely roam the national park.
9. The Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales national park in northern England is a beautiful area of rolling hills, green valleys, and limestone walkways.
Thanks to their rugged contours, the Dales are a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and cavers alike, but they’re also suitable for those simply seeking a calm walk among the magnificent hills.
If you do visit, make sure you ride the train along the Settle-Carlisle line, which offers scenic views, especially as you pass the Ribblehead Viaduct, a true marvel of Victorian engineering.
10. New Forest
For a taste of history, New Forest national park in southern England could be what you’re looking for. Indeed, the area is a remnant of the ancient hunting forest created by William the Conqueror in the 11th century.
The park is famous for its ponies, donkeys, and cattle, all of which roam one of the last great expanses of woodland in the south of the UK. The terrain is also relatively gentle, making it ideal for a leisurely walk on a warm summer’s day.
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Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
