The UK has 15 national parks, spanning from the wild coasts of Cornwall to the ancient Cairngorm plateau in Scotland. Here's your guide to the ones you shouldn't miss.
England's most beloved national park and the largest in the UK. The Lake District's fells, lakes, and valleys inspired Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, and it's easy to see why — the scenery is achingly beautiful. Windermere, Coniston Water, and Ullswater are the most popular lakes; Scafell Pike is England's highest peak. Walking is the primary activity, from gentle lakeside strolls to demanding mountain hikes.
Dominated by Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the highest peak in Wales and England, Snowdonia is a landscape of dramatic mountains, glacial lakes, and ancient slate quarries. You can walk or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit. The park is also rich in Welsh language and culture, and its castles — Harlech, Dolbadarn — are magnificent.
The largest national park in the UK covers an area larger than Luxembourg. The Cairngorm plateau is an arctic-alpine landscape of vast scale and extraordinary wildlife — red squirrels, ospreys, red deer, and the rare capercaillie all live here. Aviemore is the main gateway and offers skiing in winter and outstanding hiking in summer.
Just an hour from Glasgow, this park offers accessible Highland scenery of outstanding beauty. Loch Lomond is the UK's largest lake by surface area. The West Highland Way — Scotland's most famous long-distance walking route — passes through the park, and Ben Lomond is a popular and accessible munro.
England's first national park (established 1951) sits at the heart of the country, within easy reach of Manchester and Sheffield. The Dark Peak is dramatic moorland; the White Peak is gentler limestone dales. Chatsworth House, Dovedale, and the Tissington Trail are among the highlights. Excellent cycling and walking throughout.
A wild and ancient moorland in Devon, Dartmoor is famous for its granite tors, wild ponies, prehistoric stone rows, and atmospheric mists. It inspired Arthur Conan Doyle's Hound of the Baskervilles. Wild camping is legal here — one of the few places in England where it is. The nearby market towns of Tavistock and Ashburton are charming bases.
A landscape of sandstone peaks, waterfalls, and caves in the heart of Wales. The Brecon Beacons are one of the UK's designated Dark Sky Reserves, making it an exceptional spot for stargazing. Pen y Fan is the highest peak and one of the most popular walks in Wales. The "Waterfall Country" near Pontneddfechan is especially beautiful.
England's newest national park (2010) is also one of its most accessible, running along the chalk downlands of southern England from Winchester to Eastbourne. The iconic white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters near Eastbourne are among the most photographed landscapes in England. The South Downs Way is a 160km walking and cycling route through the park.
Our tours include visits to national park landscapes. See our Scottish Highlands and Castles of Wales tours for more.
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