The Best National Parks in the UK You Must Visit
Traveling around the UK in a car, or motorhome, is the dream that many people have all over the world. This is especially true when you are retired and want to spend some time visiting new and exciting places that take your breath away. There is nothing better than getting outdoors and seeing how wonders of this beautiful planet. Bright sunshine. Fresh air. Wild animals and plants everywhere.
It is estimated that a whooping 110 million people visit the national parks each year. England and South Wales all rely on tourism to keep their economies thriving. The parks draw in people from all around the world, which boosts the cash flow to the surrounding areas of the national parks. This in turn, increases the economic value of the areas, bringing even more people to come and visit, or stay.
Where do you want to go when checking out the national parks in the UK? There are a few that you should include on your list to see, but some of them continually come up that are the best of the best.
1. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
One of the best ways to truly get back to nature is to take an exhilarating hike along the trails in this park. There are over six hundred miles of pathways that wind in and out of the mountains and hills.
We highly recommend hiking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path with Mickledore views. The trail can be rough at times, but it is well worth the effort that it takes. The Mickledore ridge is a pass-through mountain range that will give you breathtaking views, with wildlife everywhere.
If hiking is not your thing, you can learn about the history of the area at the many visitor sites. The Carew Castle and Tidal Mill are always open to view.
If you like adrenaline sports there is surfing and rock climbing, or you can take a boat out for a thrilling ride along the coast. If you like pubs, the Drunken Duck is a place that you must stop and grab a drink. Along with drinking you can have a full duck that has been glazed with cherry and slow roasted to perfection.
2. South Downs National Park
This is the newest park in the UK and is extremely popular because it is close to London. A short train ride will get you to the park.
It has been said that it is the best place to stargaze because of the large rolling hills that allow you to lay in peace, without the lights from a city blinding the view. Woolmer Forest, which is a lowland heath site, is home to many rare species and is the only place in the country that has all twelve species of native reptiles and amphibians.
South Downs Way is a hiking, and biking, trail that is scenic beyond what you can see when driving. There is also an old castle nearby in Arundel which has been highly preserved and is a must see.
If you like to drink and socialize you can find numerous pubs placed around the area that offer good service and a great atmosphere.
3. Lake District National Park
This is a mountainous region that has many things to offer. You can find mountains, valleys, lakes, beaches, and even some villages.
The biggest lake in the region is found within the confines of this park. The Windermere Lake is more than eleven miles long and one mile wide at its largest point. There are hiking and biking trails, areas to stargaze at night, and water everywhere.
Whether boating, swimming, or any other type of water activities that you like, you will find a body of water for it. The Lake District Park is considered to be the largest park in the region and has more things to do than you would feasibly be able to complete during the length of your trip. Pick your favorite activity and go for it!
4. Peak District National Park
This is the oldest park in the region. The park itself is split into two separate districts. Dark Peak, which has higher elevation peaks and forests, while White Peak is known for its deep gorges and valleys.
There are four main hiking and biking trails that can be found. They were all once railway lines, so they are easier to traverse than normal trails. The trails have fantastic views throughout and offer areas to sit and take in everything that mother nature has to offer.
There is also a dam to visit, water to play in, and visitor centers to learn in. Everything that you expect from a National Park can be found somewhere within the park limits.
5. Broads National Park
This park offers 125 miles of water to boat, swim or sail in. You can rent a boat for a day or use your own.
Wildlife viewing is a huge part of this park, especially if you enjoy bird watching. As with every other national park, you can find miles of hiking or biking trails that offer breathtaking views that you simply cannot see from the main roads.
For places to stay, especially the bed and breakfast establishments, are some of the best around. You can find castles, houses of assorted sizes and ages, and you can visit numerous visitor centers to learn about the history of the area.
6. Snowdonia National Park
The largest national park in Wales is Snowdonia National Park. It is so big, in fact, that there are people living within its confines. There are several old Welsh villages to visit that will push you to become immersed in their values and traditions.
This park is the home to the tallest mountain in Wales and offers waterfalls throughout the area. It is also home to the largest natural lake in Wales.
Coastlines are also present for you to enjoy the sea breeze. Any type of terrain can be found within the park limits.
One of the biggest attractions of this park is the ruins of castles that once kept the people of the country safe and offered nobles the luxuries that they wanted. Depending upon what suits you best, you will not have a challenging time having a wonderful time, loaded with breathtaking views and fresh air that can only be found in the great outdoors.
Key Takeaways
There are many other national parks in the world that you can visit, but these six in the UK really stand out as top contenders. If you are looking for hiking or biking trails there are numerous options available. Choose one and spend your vacation in the peacefulness that nature has to offer you.
No matter what course you choose, and no matter where the park is that you pick, any national park in the UK will be sure to please.
They will also lift the stress off your shoulders as you fall into the dreamlike woods and beaches that can be found.
Do your research. Pick your spot. Pack your vehicle and get out on the road. Do not put off the vacation of a lifetime simply because the stress of everyday life is calling.
It is time for your next adventure!
