National Parks in England: The Good, The Great & The Must-Visit

National parks in England are not exactly the first thing to come to people’s mind while planning a trip to Old Blighty. But that’s a shame, as the country has many national parks that must be on any traveller’s bucket list.

Beyond the castles and palaces that beam gracefully, England is home to enchanting natural beauty, namely the English national parks. Each of England’s national parks is remarkable and is an excellent alternative for a holiday outside the city.

National parks in England have been popular destinations to travellers for many years and continue to be so. The parks are scattered across the country so everyone can enjoy the charming scenery and unspoilt wildlife.

A visit to one of England’s national parks is a chance to experience the treasures of nature. But which of England’s national parks should you visit? We’ve gathered all 10 of the national parks in England to help you plan your perfect outdoor adventure. 

1. Broads National Park

The Broads National Park has picturesque bodies of water and is home to rare wildlife. Its rich history and extraordinary ecosystems create a unique atmosphere for visitors to interact with nature. To protect this wetland, the Broads Authority does its best to look after the animals and plants, maintain the waterways, and take responsibility for conservation, tourism, and planning.

The park is perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities; visitors can enjoy its diversity of hiking trails, cycling paths, and swimming paths.

However, what differentiates the Broads from the rest of England’s national parks is that it has around 1/4 of the rare species in the United Kingdom, like the Norfolk hawker dragonfly, and more than 250 distinctive plants.

2. Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park is famous for its wild heather blooms. It is located in southwest England and is surrounded by stone circles. Medieval villages also exist where visitors enjoy the park’s historical monuments and wildlife.

Cycling and walking trails run through the park, and walking along them offers dramatic scenery and steep wooded river valleys. What’s unique about Dartmoor is that visitors can explore the natural treasures themselves —for example, by going on a ‘wild’ hike with tents. There are also special Dartmoor ponies that are only found in the area. The park was the setting for many films, books, and songs, such as War Horse (2011).

Dartmoor offers a lot; from moorlands and deep river valleys with rich history and rare wildlife to outdoor activities, it is one of the finest of England’s national parks.

3. Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park encompasses some stunning woodland, moorland, valleys, and farmland landscape. Its medieval villages are charming, and the surrounding standing stones and Roman forts delight visitors with their vast landscapes.

The park is an excellent gathering hub for friends and families who enjoy Exmoor’s neighbouring nature and available activities.

Hikers and cyclists can walk through the park’s ancient oak woodlands, along rivers, and through open heathland. High cliffs and views over the Bristol Channel also add to the park’s allure.

4. Lake District National Park

The Lake District National Park is one of the largest English national parks, with towering hills and deep glacial lakes. It’s home to the highest mountain in the country, Scafell Pike, and Wastwater, the deepest lake in England.

While there, immerse yourself in nature and explore the park along the lakes and high hills; it is a soothing experience.

Several thriving rural communities live near the 16 local lakes. Since the park has plenty of water, tourists are encouraged to paddle, sail, windsurf, kayak, and even fish. You can also go swimming or just soak your feet if you like.

The national park offers numerous activities, so visitors won’t get bored and will enjoy the cheerful vibes. You can even visit the park’s historical sites, which have inspired writers and poets over the last few decades.

5. New Forest National Park

Located in South England, the New Forest National Park is known for its magnificent scenery, ancient and modern woodland, and open heathland. New Forest is the best option to explore unique nature with a rich history.

The park’s vast landscapes offer an array of activities for you and your family to enjoy, including horseback riding and golfing.

The park has a fascinating history. William the Conqueror used it as a hunting ground. At that time, he provided several feeding grounds for cattle, deer, ponies, and pigs. All these animals gradually formed a unique landscape that became the perfect place for people to explore its rivers, valleys, and marshes.

6. North York Moors National Park

One of the UK’s most valuable natural resources, the 550 square mile North York Moors National Park is a wonderfully scenic wilderness. There are purple heather flowers, rocky shores, old stone houses, and lots of long-haired sheep roaming around.

One of the best ways to explore the park is by walking, and the 110-mile (177 km) Cleveland Way from Helmsley to Filey offers perfect views of the mountains and coastal variety.

We recommend taking the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which runs through 18 miles of picturesque countryside. It is an exhilarating experience that should be added to your list.

7. Peak District National Park

The UK’s oldest national park was established in 1951 in central England. Unlike the name suggests, the park is not entirely of peaks but rounded hills, limestone, and valleys. The park presents many different landscapes with a large area of around 555 square miles.

There is much to enjoy at the park: water sports, air sports, horse riding, climbing, cycling, fishing, and much more. The Peak District has an activity for everyone; there is never a dull moment spent there.

Jane Austen used the Peak District as the backdrop for a significant scene in her novel Pride and Prejudice, and some scenes from the 2005 film version were filmed in the park.

8. South Downs National Park

The South Downs was established to protect the unique natural beauty, historical sites, and diverse flora and fauna of the southeast coast of England, most notably the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs near the English Channel. The ancient chalk hills are the geological stars of the area, stretching along England’s east coastline.

9. Yorkshire Dales National Park

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is famous for its deep valleys created by the flowing rivers that cut through the hilly terrain. There are more than 2500 caves in the park, the most famous of which is Gaping Gill.

Covering over 841 square miles of open land, where sheep can be seen strolling comfortably along the paths and fields marked by dry stone wells, the Yorkshire Dales is a working environment where 24,000 people live.

10. Northumberland National Park

Want to have a valid National Park experience? Then, head right away to Northumberland National Park. Nestled between the Scottish border in the north and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall, the park is considered England’s most tranquil corner.

Although it is considered the ideal spot for history and culture lovers, the national park is the least visited and populated out of the 15 national parks in the UK. However, despite being the northernmost national park in England, the activities and sites in Northumberland National Park will satisfy any type of visitor.

Walking, hiking, and cycling can all be done here. However, we recommend exploring the beautiful villages of Harbottle and Holystone in the centre. Afterwards, head north towards the Scottish border, where you can find the renowned Cheviot Hills, home to the spectacular Linhope Spout. Of course, for history buffs, Hadrian’s Wall is a must-visit. This spot alone has a Dark Sky Discovery Site (Cawfields), a perfect place for picnics (Walltown Country Park), and the UK’s National Landscape Discovery Centre (The Sills).

The fun (albeit peaceful) doesn’t just end there. As the least populated out of all the national parks in the UK, nature can breathe freely here, and so can you! Explore the fantastic, varied wildlife, from stunning waders and rare reptiles to the cutest squirrels and goats. The park also enjoys unique habitats, including heather moorland, hay meadows with gorgeously colourful flowers, and vital peat bogs.

To sum up, you can’t go wrong with the English national parks. You are guaranteed to have fun no matter which one you decide to visit!