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July 16 2018

National Parks travel guide

The UK’s National Parks

Natural beauty in 15 stunning locations

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The UK is blessed with 15 stunning National Parks; 10 in England, three in Wales and two in Scotland. They are the UK’s breathing spaces and we adore them all for their own unique beauty.

From the water of the Lake District (above) and the Broads to the mountains of the Cairngorms and Peak District and all the different landscapes between, all of our national parks are protected to ensure their beauty lives on for future generations to enjoy. We have detailed guides and in depth articles to help you learn about the National Parks and plan your own adventures.

National Parks travel guide

We are so lucky to have such diverse National Parks in the UK. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs has water aplenty with a backdrop of stunning mountains; perfect for summer hiking and snow-capped in winter.

National Parks travel guide

National Parks travel guide

Our National Parks are an eclectic mix of people-free wilderness and unique environments where farming and human interaction have directly shaped the landscape, such as the South Downs and The Broads. Some are free from buildings while others are ringed by towns and cities. The picture-postcard town of Tenby is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

National Parks travel guide

National Parks travel guide

Who doesn’t like golden sunsets over pristine countryside? Nobody, right! In our National Parks you’ll be spoilt for choice, just make sure you have your camera of choice and you’re almost guaranteed to snap a gem. We love these two of the Broads and The Peak District.

National Parks travel guide

Explore the UK’s National Parks

National Parks travel guide

Brecon Beacons

Moorland, mountains, castles, and rumbling waterfalls.

National Parks travel guide

Broads

A manmade protected wetland now home to rare wildlife.

National Parks travel guide

Cairngorms

The UK’s National Park in which you’ll find its highest mountain range and biggest native forests.

National Parks travel guide

Dartmoor

Heather-carpeted moorland with rocky granite tors and iconic Dartmoor ponies.

National Parks travel guide

Exmoor

Moorland, woodland and farmland with cosy villages dotted around offering delicious local produce.

National Parks travel guide

Lake District

Undisputed National Park royalty with its deep glacial lakes and high fells.

National Parks travel guide

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Water lovers will delight in 22 large lochs and 50 rivers and streams, plus there are 21 Munros if peaks are more your thing!

National Parks travel guide

New Forest

An historic royal hunting forest, where ancient woodlands meet open heathland.

National Parks travel guide

Northumberland

Come here to relax amongst rolling hills, gentle mountains and famously dark skies (perfect for stargazing!).

National Parks travel guide

North York Moors

Big moors, huge skies and tonnes of purple heather, plus a pretty coastline peppered with fishing villages and beaches.

National Parks travel guide

Peak District

Britain’s first National Park, is a land of dramatic heather moorland hills and rock edges in the north, limestone dales and rivers in the south.

National Parks travel guide

Pembrokeshire Coast

The UK’s only fully coastal National Park with a whopping 620 square kilometres of cliffs, beaches, harbours and coves.

National Parks travel guide

Snowdonia

The impressive Snowdonia mountain range is the star of the show here, but you can also discover picturesque villages, waterfalls and a coastline of sandy beaches.

National Parks travel guide

South Downs

The UK’s newest National Park boasts white cliffs, rolling green hills and more picture perfect villages than you could want.

National Parks travel guide

Yorkshire Dales

Rolling green valleys dotted with classic barns and drystone walls.

Our National Parks quizzes

National Parks travel guide

National Park Logo Quiz

How well do you know your National Parks? 🤓

National Parks travel guide

Which National Park are you?

Tell us a bit about yourself and we’ll match you to the perfect National Park.

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Alex S

Alex lives in Sussex with his wife and two daughters. They enjoy getting out and about in the South Downs National Park and heading down to the beach in Hove when it's a sunny day. He also blogs at www.adventureswiththegirls.co.uk.