This July you are being invited to enjoy a little peace and quiet amongst stunning scenery as part of National Parks Week. With a total of 15 national Parks across the UK, two of which are on the doorstep of the south east there’s plenty on offer. Read on for more information.
There are 15 national parks across the UK, whether you visit the ones close by or travel further afield below you’ll find the key areas of interest for each one and looks to find out more.
BRECON BEACONS
Mountains and moorland, standing stones and castles, lively waterfalls and unique geology
Key areas of interest
Visit the Brecon Beacons National Park website
THE BROADS
Britain’s largest protected wetland was formed by the flooding of old peat diggings and is now home to some of Britain’s rarest wildlife.
Key areas of interest
Visit the Broads National Park website
CAIRNGORMS
Britain’s largest National Park containing its highest mountain range and its biggest native forests; spectacularly clean rivers and lochs; moorland and farmland and a stronghold for Britain’s wildlife
Key areas of interest
Visit the Cairngorms National Park website
DARTMOOR
Heather-covered moorland, rocky granite tors, stone circles and medieval villages, iconic Dartmoor ponies, and vibrant villages with traditional events.
Key areas of interest
Visit Dartmoor National Park website
EXMOOR
Moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland, high cliffs that plunge into the Bristol Channel, and cosy villages offering delicious local produce.
Key areas of interest
Visit Exmoor National Park website
LAKE DISTRICT
High fells, deep glacial lakes and thriving rural communities, the Lake District has inspired writers and visitors for centuries.
Key areas of interest
Visit the Lake District National Park website
LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS
With 22 large lochs, 21 Munros and about 50 rivers and streams, you’re never far from a fantastic view across water.
Key areas of interest
Visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park website
NEW FOREST
An historic royal hunting forest, where ancient woodlands and open heathland have commoning rights for grazing ponies, cattle and pigs
Key areas of interest
Visit the New Forest National Park website
NORTHUMBERLAND
England’s most tranquil area with rolling hills, gentle mountains and internationally recognised dark skies.
Key areas of interest
Visit Northumberland National Park website
NORTH YORK MOORS
Wide open moors, big skies, amazing swathes of purple heather, and a beautiful coastline with traditional fishing villages, cliffs and beaches.
Key areas of interest
Visit the North York Moors National Park website
PEAK DISTRICT
Britain’s first National Park, nestled between the cities of Manchester and Sheffield, is a land of contrasts: dramatic heather moorland hills and rock edges in the north, limestone dales and rivers in the south.
Key areas of interest
Visit the Peak District National Park website
PEMBROKESHIRE COAST
Britain’s only fully coastal National Park with 418km of cliffs, beaches, harbours and coves.
Key areas of interest
Visit the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park website
SNOWDONIA
Dominated by the impressive Snowdonia mountain range, discover picturesque villages, steep river gorges and waterfalls and a coastline of fine sandy beaches.
Key areas of interest
Visit Snowdonia National Park website
SOUTH DOWNS
Discover the world-famous white cliffs at Seven Sisters, rolling green and gold hills, ancient woodland and lowland heaths or explore ‘picture perfect’ villages, traditional country pubs and flourishing vineyards.
Key areas of interest
YORKSHIRE DALES
Rolling green valleys scattered with traditional field barns and drystone walls.
Key areas of interest