The UK is home to some of the most varied natural landscapes in Europe, from rugged mountain ranges and peaceful lakes to dramatic coastlines, ancient forests, and rolling countryside. Whether you enjoy hiking, wildlife, photography, or simply escaping busy city life, the country’s national parks offer plenty of places to explore.
From the famous landscapes of the Lake District to the wild scenery of the Cairngorms, there are national parks to suit different types of trips and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the best national parks in UK to add to your travel plans.
Why Visit the UK’s National Parks?
The UK’s national parks offer much more than walking trails. Each one has its own landscape, wildlife, villages, and outdoor activities.
You can hike through mountains in the Lake District, explore coastal paths in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, discover historic landscapes in Northumberland, or enjoy peaceful woodland walks in the New Forest.
They are also excellent destinations for weekend breaks. Many parks are within easy reach of major towns and cities, making it possible to enjoy spectacular countryside without travelling too far.
1. Lake District National Park
The Lake District is one of the most famous national parks in the UK and a favourite destination for walkers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Located in Cumbria, it is known for its beautiful lakes, rugged mountains, and picturesque villages. Popular places include Windermere, Keswick, Ambleside, and Grasmere.
The park is also home to Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a challenging hike.
Best for: Mountain walks, lakes, hiking and scenic villages.
2. Peak District National Park
The Peak District was the UK’s first national park and remains one of the most accessible countryside destinations.
Its landscape includes dramatic valleys, limestone formations, open moorland, and traditional villages. Popular attractions include Mam Tor, Chatsworth, and the Hope Valley.
Because of its location in central England, the park is particularly convenient for visitors travelling from cities such as Manchester, Sheffield, and Nottingham.
Best for: Day trips, walking, cycling, and countryside escapes.
3. Yorkshire Dales National Park
The Yorkshire Dales is known for its rolling hills, stone walls, green valleys, and traditional villages.
The landscape changes from open moorland to dramatic limestone scenery, with attractions such as Malham Cove, Aysgarth Falls and the Three Peaks attracting visitors throughout the year.
It is an excellent destination if you want a mixture of scenic walks, charming villages, and traditional Yorkshire countryside.
Best for: Hiking, waterfalls, villages, and photography.
4. Eryri National Park
Formerly known as Snowdonia, Eryri National Park is one of the best choices for mountain scenery in the UK.
Located in north Wales, the park is home to Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales. Visitors can also explore lakes, forests, waterfalls, and rugged valleys across the region.
There are walking routes for different abilities, although climbing Yr Wyddfa requires preparation, especially during busy periods and changing weather conditions.
Best for: Mountain hiking, adventure, and dramatic scenery.
5. New Forest National Park
The New Forest offers a very different experience from the mountainous landscapes found in northern England and Wales.
Located in Hampshire, it is known for ancient woodland, open heathland, walking trails, and free-roaming ponies. The area also contains attractive villages and is close to the south coast.
Its relatively gentle terrain makes it a good option for families and visitors who prefer relaxed outdoor activities.
Best for: Families, cycling, woodland walks and wildlife.
6. South Downs National Park
Stretching across parts of Hampshire, West Sussex, and East Sussex, the South Downs is known for its rolling chalk hills and panoramic countryside views.
The South Downs Way is one of the park’s best-known walking routes and runs across the landscape for around 100 miles.
The park is also close to several popular destinations, including Winchester, Lewes, and Brighton, making it convenient for combining countryside with a city or coastal break.
Best for: Walking, cycling, viewpoints, and weekend trips.
7. North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors combines wide-open moorland with wooded valleys, traditional villages and a spectacular coastline.
The park is particularly attractive in late summer when the heather-covered moors create colorful landscapes. Visitors can also explore areas around Whitby and the North Yorkshire coast.
Walking, cycling and scenic railway journeys are among the popular ways to experience the region.
Best for: Moorland walks, coastal scenery, cycling, and photography.
8. Northumberland National Park
Northumberland National Park offers some of the UK’s most peaceful and remote landscapes.
It stretches from the Scottish border towards Hadrian’s Wall and includes mountains, valleys, forests, and open countryside.
The park is also known for its dark skies. On clear nights, the low levels of light pollution make it one of the best places in England for stargazing.
Best for: Stargazing, hiking, history, and quiet escapes.
9. Exmoor National Park
Exmoor sits across parts of Devon and Somerset and combines rugged moorland with dramatic coastal scenery.
Its landscape includes wooded valleys, open heathland, and cliffs overlooking the Bristol Channel. The South West Coast Path also provides opportunities to explore parts of the coastline on foot.
Exmoor’s villages and peaceful countryside make it particularly appealing for visitors looking for a slower-paced break.
Best for: Coastal walks, moorland, wildlife, and countryside stays.
10. Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor is another spectacular national park in Devon, famous for its granite tors, open moorland, and rugged landscapes.
Popular locations include Haytor, Princetown, and the surrounding valleys. The park has numerous walking routes, ranging from shorter countryside walks to longer adventures across exposed terrain.
Its distinctive landscape also makes Dartmoor an interesting destination for photography and exploring the outdoors.
Best for: Hiking, granite landscapes, photography, and adventure.
11. Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
Previously known as the Brecon Beacons, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park covers a spectacular area of mountains, waterfalls, valleys, and countryside in south Wales.
The park is particularly popular with walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. Pen y Fan is one of its most well-known peaks, while the Waterfall Country area provides a completely different landscape.
It is also recognized as an International Dark Sky Reserve, making it a strong destination for stargazing.
Best for: Mountain walks, waterfalls, and stargazing.
12. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Pembrokeshire Coast is unique among the UK’s national parks because it is primarily known for its coastline.
Located in west Wales, it features sandy beaches, cliffs, rocky coves and coastal walking routes. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers an excellent way to experience the scenery.
Popular places include Tenby, St Davids, and Barafundle Bay, making this one of the best national parks in the UK for a combination of beaches and outdoor activities.
Best for: Beaches, coastal walks, wildlife, and photography.
13. Cairngorms National Park
Cairngorms is the largest national park in the UK and offers some of Scotland’s most impressive mountain scenery.
The park contains mountains, forests, rivers, and lochs, as well as a rich variety of wildlife. It is a popular destination throughout the year, with hiking and wildlife watching in warmer months and winter sports available in suitable conditions.
The combination of wilderness and outdoor activities makes Cairngorms one of the best UK national parks for adventurous travelers.
Best for: Mountains, wildlife, winter activities, and outdoor adventures.
14. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Located in central Scotland, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs is known for its lochs, forests, mountains, and peaceful glens.
Loch Lomond is the centrepiece, while the surrounding Trossachs provide plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, boating, and sightseeing.
Its accessibility from Glasgow makes it a convenient choice for visitors who want to experience Scottish scenery without travelling too far from a major city.
Best for: Loch views, hiking, boating, and scenic drives.
15. Yorkshire Dales National Park
The Yorkshire Dales deserves special mention for the sheer variety of landscapes found within the park.
From limestone valleys and waterfalls to traditional stone villages and expansive hills, it offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration. The park is particularly popular with walkers and photographers.
For visitors who enjoy combining countryside walks with local food and village stops, it is one of the best national parks in the UK.
Best for: Countryside walks, waterfalls, villages, and photography.
Tips for Visiting UK National Parks
Check the weather: Conditions can change quickly, particularly in mountainous areas. Check the forecast before setting out.
Wear suitable footwear: Even easy-looking routes can become muddy or uneven, so comfortable walking shoes or boots are useful.
Plan your route: Check the distance, terrain, and expected walking time before starting a trail.
Take essentials: Carry water, snacks, a charged phone, and appropriate clothing, especially on longer walks.
Use public transport where possible: Some popular parks can become busy during weekends and holidays. Public transport can make travelling easier while reducing pressure on busy parking areas.
Respect the countryside: Follow marked paths, keep dogs under control where required, take rubbish home and leave wildlife undisturbed.
Final Thoughts
The best national parks in UK offer something for almost every type of traveller. Whether you want a challenging mountain hike, a peaceful woodland walk, a dramatic coastal route or a relaxing countryside weekend, there is a national park worth exploring.
You can also plan your UK trip around seasonal experiences, from UK summer festivals and halloween events in uk to bank holiday attractions. If you prefer colder-weather adventures, our guide to best winter destinations in UK can help you find more places to visit.
For more UK travel inspiration, you can also explore our guides to Best Castles to Visit in UK and Best Gardens in UK.
FAQs
What are the best national parks in the UK?
Some of the best national parks in the UK include the Lake District, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Eryri, Cairngorms, Pembrokeshire Coast and South Downs.
What is the most beautiful national park in the UK?
The Lake District is often considered one of the UK’s most beautiful national parks because of its combination of mountains, lakes, valleys and picturesque villages. However, the best choice depends on the type of scenery you enjoy.
Which UK national park is best for hiking?
The Lake District, Eryri, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Cairngorms are excellent choices for hiking, with routes ranging from easier countryside walks to challenging mountain trails.
Which UK national parks are best for families?
The New Forest, South Downs and parts of the Peak District are good options for families because they offer a variety of easier walks, cycling routes and attractions.
Which UK national park is best for coastal scenery?
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is one of the best choices for coastal scenery, with cliffs, beaches, coves and a long-distance coastal walking route.
Which UK national park is best for stargazing?
Northumberland National Park and Bannau Brycheiniog are excellent choices for stargazing because of their recognized dark-sky conditions and relatively low levels of light pollution.
How many national parks are there in the UK?
The UK has 15 national parks, covering protected landscapes across England, Scotland, and Wales.
