There is 15 stunning National Parks UK, which are scattered like 15 jewels in the territory of Great Britain. They are different styles, beautiful and dynamic; they preserve nature’s most primitive natural landscape and precious historical and humanistic buildings and are the perfect place for people to travel and explore. How many of these 15 parks have you visited?
Map of the National Parks UK
National Parks UK in England
Dartmoor National Park, England
Dartmoor National Park is situated in Devon in the south-west of England, near Plymouth and Exeter.The park covers an area of 953 square kilometres and its interior of misty high moorland, wooded gorges and spectacular waterfalls attracts many walkers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore. The park is home to a number of wild dwarf stallions that walk like nobody’s business, and Bennett’s Cross, one of the many ancient pillar markers in the national park, is a good place for travellers to take a break and pose for a photo.
Exmoor National Park, England
Exmoor National Park is located southwest of England, facing the Atlantic Ocean and across the Channel from Wales. It is also Europe’s first designated International Darkness Reserve, covering 267 square miles. The park is characterised by a dramatic coastline, heathland with heather, woodland surrounded by mountains and ancient farmland. Unlike other forest parks, this national park is known for its dark night skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing. The rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes make it an excellent mecca for marathons along the UK coastline, attracting many marathon runners each year.
Lake District National Park, England
The Lake District National Park is near the Scottish border in the north of England. It is also one of the most prestigious holiday destinations in the UK. National Geographic has listed it as one of the 50 must-see places in life. In a circle of 2,300 square kilometres, there are 16 lakes of different sizes. This park is the largest national park in England.
The Lake District has England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, and England’s largest lake, Lake Windermere. The Lake District National Park is famous for its extensive cultural heritage and some of England’s best hiking and climbing routes. The beautiful nature, abundant attractions, and outdoor routes cater to a wide range of people and are perfect for families.
New Forest National Park, England
New Forest National Park is located in the south of England, near Bournemouth and Southampton. Much of the forest in the park consists of open heathland as far as the eye can see. The park also maintains the scenery of civilian grazing, and people can occasionally see ponies on their travels. Whether you’re horseback riding or fishing in this purely natural park, you’ll enjoy a rare moment of relaxation. There are also many other attractions in the park, including the Beaulieu Motor Museum, the New Forest Museum and Exbury Gardens, which are great memories of your trip.
Northumberland National Park, England
Northumberland National Park is located in the north of England, near Newcastle. The park covers an area of 398 square miles and is one of the last wildernesses in England. The park contains the ruins of various prehistoric ruins and forts, including a section of Hadrian’s Wall. This Roman-era wall is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
North York Moors National Park, England
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North York Moors National Park is located north of Yorkshire, near York and Middlesbrough. The park covers an area of 550 square miles and is a wonderfully scenic wilderness. There are purple heather flowers, rocky coasts, old stone farmhouses and wandering long-haired sheep. The park covers everything from the rocky coast to the steep Hambleton and Cleveland hills. Walking is the best way to experience the park, and the internal Cleveland Way allows you to maximise your views of the mountains and coast.
Peak District National Park, England
Peak National Park was the first national park in the United Kingdom, built-in 1951. The park is located between Sheffield and Manchester in the centre of England. The Peak District in the south-west is a mixture of farmland, woodland and moorland. The centre has deep valley bottoms, historic forests and rolling farmland. The north’s higher, more rugged terrain, where the highest peak, Kindersco, is located, reveals a wild landscape.
Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
Yorkshire Dales National Park is in the centre of England, north of Leeds. The park is famous for its deep valleys created by running rivers that cut through the hilly terrain. Statistics from the Park Authority show that the park has around two thousand caves and hollows. One of the most famous caves is Gaping Gill, which drops to a depth of 111 metres. Sheep comfortably stroll along the paths and fields marked by dry stone wells, covering a vast expanse of a thousand square kilometres of open land.
National Parks UK in Wales
Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales
Brecon Beacons National Park is located in south Wales. “Waterfall Country” is one of the park’s attractions and is famous for its steep and treacherous wooded gorges. The Mellte, Hepste, and Nedd Fechan rivers converge to form the breathtaking waterfalls. Experience the beauty of nature’s convergence firsthand. The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, once a bustling commercial waterway, now gracefully crisscrosses the park’s heart. Public boat trips and canoeing are now in the activity areas on the canal and surrounding waters.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, situated in south-west Wales, stands as the sole coastal national park in the UK, rightfully acclaimed as ‘Britain’s most beautiful’ bay. The park delights visitors with its breathtaking vistas, sandy beaches, and thrilling adventure opportunities; this untamed seascape is an absolute must-visit destination. Its rugged rocky cliffs, secluded bays encircled by rocks, woodland estuaries, and untamed hills further enhance its allure. The countless splendours of the vast 180-mile-long coastline indeed leave one spellbound.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Snowdon is the highest peak in Wales and England and is located in the Snowdon National Park in Wales at 1085 metres above sea level. It is full of jagged peaks, gorges and highlands for those who enjoy exploring and rock climbing.
Official website: https://snowdonia.gov.wales/park-authority/offices
National Parks UK in Scotland
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
The Cairngorms National Park is located west of Aberdeen, Scotland and is the largest National Forest Park in the UK. Numerous small, beautiful villages and three ski centres are scattered throughout the park. The excellent natural and geographical environment makes it a great place for outdoor sports all year round. From December to March each year, you can join a local deer hunt, follow the forest keepers and get up close and personal with the wildlife.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scotland
Situated north of Glasgow, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park captivates with their grandeur. It boasts the largest freshwater loch in the UK, Loch Lomond, encompassing a quarter of the picturesque Trossachs mountain area. The Trossachs, a magical tapestry of rolling hills and captivating lochs, meander through the intersection between the Scottish lands. In addition to Loch Lomond, the park has over twenty large lochs and over fifty rivers.
FAQ
There are 15 designated National Parks in the UK, each with unique beauty and charm. These include the Scottish Highlands, the Peak District’s rugged beauty and the Broads’ tranquil waterways. These places are managed and protected for their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, and for people to enjoy. They are a testament to the country’s commitment to conserving natural landscapes and biodiversity for future generations.
Located in the heart of England, the Lake District National Park is often regarded as Britain’s most beautiful national park. Dotted with sparkling lakes and majestic mountains, this vast expanse of land is an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery and rich biodiversity, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The Lake District offers a unique blend of stunning scenery, tranquillity and adventure, making it truly a jewel in the crown of Britain’s National Parks.
The honour of being the largest national park in the UK belongs to the Cairngorms National Park. Covering an area of 4,528 square kilometres, this national park in Scotland is renowned for its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and huge variety of outdoor activities. It truly embodies the breathtaking beauty of the British wilderness.
Despite its breathtaking beauty and unique landscapes, the North York Moors National Park is often overlooked compared to some of the UK’s more famous national parks, such as the Lake District or Peak District. However, the heather moors, ancient woodlands and spectacular coastline are breathtaking. It’s a testament to Britain’s diverse natural beauty, and although off the beaten track, it’s a peaceful place to escape the crowds.
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