National Parks to visit in the UK
Ready to discover some incredible natural beauty and challenge your body?
The UK’s National Parks offer a wealth of high peaks, stunning lakes and vast coastlines. No matter your age or physical fitness levels, getting out there is the first step towards making new memories in the great outdoors.
Whether you’re based on the coast or in the northernmost regions, there’s bound to be something on your doorstep. In this article, we’ve listed a few of the spots we highly recommend.
Our top 3 UK National Parks: Facts and Things to Do
1. Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia National Park - or Eryri, in Welsh - welcomes around four million people every year.
Spanning across more than two thousand square kilometres, this National Park is not only the biggest in Wales but one of the most popular in the UK. It was designated an official National Park in October 1951, celebrated for its biodiversity, rich heritage, and diverse landscapes.
It’s home to Yr Wyddfa, Mount Snowdon, which boasts an impressive elevation of 1,085 metres. That’s not the only peak though, as you’ll also find Tryfan and Y Garn among other tall mountains in the same region. Why not pass through the charming town of Betws-y-Coed on your way?
2. Lake District National Park
The Lake District National Park covers an expansive area of land in Cumbria, England.
Home to some of the country’s tallest peaks and most magnificent climbs, including Helvellyn, Skiddaw, and Scafell Pike, the tallest of the lot. On your way through Cumbria, taking the train from Carlisle gives you a glimpse of some of Britain’s best railway heritage.
Keen walkers will know a thing or two about Alfred Wainwright, a famous writer who fell in love with the Lake District and named 214 of its peaks after himself. For locals and Lakeland enthusiasts alike, summiting all the Wainwrights delivers a sense of achievement like no other.
There are plenty of accessible and beginner-friendly walks in the Lake District too. From the circular paths of Langdale to the charming market town of Keswick, there’s so much to see.
3. Cairngorms National Park
If you’re ready for rugged adventure, Scotland won’t disappoint. As the UK’s largest National Park, the area is teeming with beautiful landscapes and stunning scenery. From rocky hillsides to snow-capped peaks, leafy forest trails take you from one highlight to the next.
For those who love to explore on two wheels, the opportunities for cycling in the Cairngorms are fantastic too. Family-friendly gravel paths run through the same moorland, forests and mountainsides that boast some incredible mountain bike trails too. After you’ve explored the national park, why not head to the remarkable Highlands?
No matter which National Park you visit, it’s imperative that you treat the landscape with respect. These outstanding areas of natural diversity should be valued and enjoyed by everyone and should nurture the wildlife that relies on it. To help nature thrive, make sure you leave no trace behind you on your adventures.
