The UK’s 15 National Parks offer a window into some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world – all without leaving the country. From ancient woodlands and dramatic coastlines to towering peaks and peaceful moorlands, each park invites you to discover something new.
Whether you’re chasing peaks, paddling through lakes, or enjoying a scenic picnic, these protected areas are perfect for walking, wildlife watching, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up the scenery.
In this guide, we’ll explore the National Parks of Scotland, Wales, and England, and cover how you can plan your visits – including useful tips about annual passes and local schemes that support these special places.
Scotland is home to two vast National Parks, both celebrated for their rugged beauty and rich cultural heritage. These landscapes feel truly remote, offering space to breathe and plenty of room to roam.
Highlights: Arctic-like mountains, ancient pine forests, wildlife spotting
Best for: Winter sports, wild camping, hiking
The largest National Park in the UK, the Cairngorms boasts five of Scotland’s six highest mountains and some of Britain’s best wildlife-watching opportunities. Look out for red squirrels, golden eagles, and reindeer herds.
In winter, it becomes a hub for skiing and snowboarding; in warmer months, walkers and mountain bikers can explore endless trails through forests and glens.
Highlights: Scenic lochs, rolling hills, charming villages
Best for: Water sports, boat trips, family walks
A gateway to the Highlands, this park offers a mix of tranquil lochs and rugged hills. It’s ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, or taking a gentle hike up Ben A’an. With quaint villages like Luss and Balloch nearby, it’s also a great family-friendly option.
Wales may be small, but it boasts three National Parks packed with natural drama – from coastal cliffs to soaring mountains and crystal-clear night skies.
Highlights: Mount Snowdon, glacial valleys, Welsh culture
Best for: Challenging hikes, climbing, scenic train rides
Home to Wales’s highest peak, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), this park is steeped in mythology and offers striking, rugged landscapes. Adventurers can choose between various walking routes or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway for breathtaking views with less effort.
Highlights: Clifftop paths, sandy beaches, island wildlife
Best for: Sea kayaking, puffin watching, coastal walks
The UK’s only fully coastal National Park is a haven for marine wildlife and dramatic seascapes. Walk the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path or explore hidden coves and islands like Skomer, home to puffins in spring and summer.
Highlights: Waterfalls, caves, clear night skies
Best for: Stargazing, hill walking, caving
Recently rebranded under its Welsh name, Bannau Brycheiniog offers natural gems like the Sgwd yr Eira waterfall and Pen y Fan summit. As a designated Dark Sky Reserve, it’s one of the best places in the UK for stargazing.
England’s 10 National Parks showcase a rich variety of landscapes – from chalk cliffs and ancient forests to sweeping moors and tranquil waterways.
Highlights: Hadrian’s Wall, remote valleys, dark skies
Best for: Heritage walks, solitude, stargazing
As the least populated of all UK National Parks, Northumberland offers a true sense of escape. It’s part of an International Dark Sky Park, making it perfect for night photography and quiet exploration.
Highlights: Heather moorland, heritage railways, Jurassic coast
Best for: Summer walks, steam train rides, coastal hikes
Known for its vibrant purple heather in late summer, this park also boasts charming villages and stretches of historic coastline, including the picturesque Robin Hood’s Bay.
Highlights: Limestone pavements, waterfalls, dry stone walls
Best for: Walking holidays, caving, scenic drives
A timeless landscape shaped by nature and farming, the Dales are famous for Malham Cove, Aysgarth Falls, and vast underground cave systems waiting to be explored.
Highlights: Inland waterways, reedbeds, birdlife
Best for: Boating, canoeing, nature watching
Covering parts of Norfolk and Suffolk, The Broads are ideal for slow-paced escapes on the water. It’s one of the best birdwatching destinations in the country and a peaceful retreat year-round.
Highlights: Wild ponies, coastal cliffs, wooded valleys
Best for: Family walks, stargazing, wildlife spotting
With its blend of moorland, coast, and forest, Exmoor is perfect for outdoor activities and family-friendly adventures. Don’t miss the chance to spot free-roaming Exmoor ponies.
Highlights: Granite tors, ancient monuments, open moorland
Best for: Wild walks, photography, local legends
Dartmoor is steeped in folklore and scattered with standing stones and Bronze Age relics. It offers wild, open spaces ideal for long hikes and quiet contemplation.
Highlights: Ponies, woodlands, cycle trails
Best for: Gentle walks, cycling, short breaks
Easily accessible from the south coast, the New Forest is loved for its wildlife and charming villages. It’s a fantastic option for cycling or relaxed nature walks among free-roaming ponies.
Highlights: Rolling hills, historic towns, vineyards
Best for: Scenic drives, walking, countryside escapes
Stretching from Winchester to Eastbourne, the South Downs features dramatic cliffs like the Seven Sisters, as well as trails such as the South Downs Way – perfect for ramblers and wine lovers alike.
Highlights: Gritstone edges, valleys, picturesque villages
Best for: Hiking, cycling, photography
As the UK’s first National Park (established in 1951), the Peak District is a favourite among walkers and cyclists. Iconic spots include Mam Tor, Stanage Edge, and the Monsal Trail, offering a mix of natural beauty and history.
Location: Cumbria, North West England
Known for: Mountains, lakes, literary heritage
The Lake District is a jewel in Britain’s crown. From England’s highest peak (Scafell Pike) to peaceful waters like Derwentwater and Buttermere, it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
Walkers, writers, and thrill-seekers alike find inspiration here – with underground adventures, scenic drives like Honister Pass, and views that never disappoint.
While entry to UK National Parks is free, parking and some visitor attractions often come with a cost.
Many parks offer annual parking permits or explorer passes, which are great value for regular visitors and also help fund conservation efforts. For example:
The Lake District offers an Annual Car Park Permit for National Park Authority car parks.
In the Cairngorms, several local and community-run car parks provide seasonal pass options.
These schemes vary by region, so it’s always worth checking the individual park’s website for details. Though there isn’t a UK-wide National Park Pass, investing in local options is a smart way to save money and support these protected landscapes.
The UK’s National Parks are more than scenic backdrops – they’re living, breathing landscapes full of history, culture and opportunity for adventure. Whether you’re stargazing in Northumberland, tracing the footsteps of poets in the Lakes, or walking wild coastal paths in Wales, each visit offers something unforgettable.
Your next escape to the great outdoors could be closer than you think. Where will you go first?
Get the latest news, adventure updates, and exclusive offers – direct from the top of Honister Pass. No junk. Just good stuff from the home of Lake District adventure.
Copyright 2024 honister.com | eCommerce web design from kcs company registration number 0490270 | privacy policy
