Majestic flora, extraordinary fauna, and stunning landscapes captivate the mind of most nature lovers. If you are one of them and are curious about the national heritage of the United Kingdom (UK) along with these aspects, you must visit one of its national parks.
With that said, there are overwhelming choices of National Parks in the UK. The national parks are among the most popular UK’s natural tourist attractions. While exploring the natural beauty of the UK’s best national parks, do not miss out on the festive charm and exciting fun things to do in Hyde Park Winter Wonderland during the holiday season. To explore the true feel of the beauty of nature and other aspects, you need to narrow down the list of the best National Parks in the UK. To simplify the task for you, we have compiled a list of National Parks in the UK.
How many National Parks are there in the UK?
National Parks in the UK are located in England, Wales, and Scotland. They serve as ideal adventure gateways in UK, offering opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. In all, there are 15 such parks in the country. Out of these, 10 are national parks in England, three are in Wales, and the remaining national parks are in Scotland.
The List of National Parks in the UK
The significance of a national park in the UK goes beyond the beauty of nature. It is also about other aspects such as history, conservation, and science. Whether it is your first visit or not, visiting the following national parks in the UK will give you an invaluable experience:
1. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Wales is popular among nature lovers for its stunning landscapes. Pembrokeshire is one of its hidden gems. The striking view of the Pembrokeshire Coastline captures the heart and mind of nature lovers at first sight. Two hallmark features that set Pembrokeshire Coast National Park apart from other national parks are St. Govan’s Chapel and puffins.
If you love fishing, you can consider going to the small town, namely Tenby, which is close to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
2. Exmoor National Park
If you go to North Devon, Exmoor National Park is a must-visit spot for its lush valleys, moor, and woodlands. It was the hunting place of kings and queens at one point in time. However, it is one of the star attractions among the top national parks in the UK at present.
Two things that you would not want to miss on your visit to this park are the deer and the Tarr Steps which were built in the medieval age.
3. North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors wear a picturesque look in winter. In the winter months, it becomes the perfect spot for strolling. It is the ideal destination for those fond of walking on moorland and hills. While strolling is the best option to explore the National Park, you can also consider other options, such as biking or riding a horse. When you pay a visit to North York Moors National Park, another place worth checking out is Whitby for the quaint charm of Robin Hood’s Bay.
4. South Downs National Park
Do you like to go for long walks in the countryside, just for pleasure? If yes, South Down National Park is the place where you would want to be. Its terrain extends up to hundreds of miles and leads to the beach of Eastbourne. Cuckmere Valley and Seven Sisters chalk cliffs are located in proximity to it, and checking out both these places will meet your expectations. You can also have Arundel Castle and Amberley Castle on your bucket list, as they have historical significance.
5. Northumberland National Park
Northumberland National Park has the highest number of castles. All of them are important from an archaeological standpoint. If you have an interest for visiting archaeological sites, this place has several spots worth checking out. These include Turf Knowe and Bamburgh, which is historically linked with the start of the Viking Age.
6. New Forest National Park
This is one of the best national parks in the UK. You can reach here with ease from the southern part of England. With firs and redwoods all around, it looks visually pleasing to the eye. Among other things, it presents the best opportunity to get close to nature. One of the hallmark features of this national park is its trails, especially the Sensory Trail.
Besides, catching sight of a Forest Pony is another exciting possibility for which you might want to visit New Forest National Park.
7. Cairngorms National Park
This is the biggest national park in the UK. Among the places to visit in Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park is a must-see destination for its majestic mountains and abundant wildlife. Wilderness and chilly weather conditions aside, the mountain range located in the central part of the Highlands is the centre of several highest peaks of in Scotland. It houses 5 out of the six highest peaks in Scotland. Apart from exploring a wide variety of flora and fauna at Cairngorms National Park, you can also indulge in skiing. The mountain ranges remain covered in snow for the major part of the year, allowing visitors to put their ice skiing skills to the test. This is amongst the largest and most famed British National
8. Yorkshire Dales
Yorkshire Dales is replete with interesting features like stone villages, tumbling waterfalls, rushing rivers, and valleys with gentle slopes. It is surrounded by hills featuring limestone. Interestingly, the hills and other landmarks of the park are natural and have come into being due to the action of nature. Malham Cove, which is 70 metres high, constitutes one of the star attractions of Yorkshire Hills.
Additionally, you can also pay a visit to Ribblehead Viaduct, which presents the engineering genius of the Victorian Era.
9. Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia National Park, located in North Wales, has many steep mountain peaks with rough rocks. The highest peak among them is Mount Snowdown, which has a height of 1,085 meters.
It might feel next to impossible for you to climb the top of the peak on paper, but you can accomplish this task with ease with the help of a vintage train. In case you are interested in adventure activities, you can also think about engaging in inland surfing and passing through zip lines in the adventure capital of the UK.
10. Lake District National Park
A UNESCO-protected site, Lake District National Park, was set up in 1951. It is home to sixteen lakes. Out of them, Ullswater Lake is the one that you would want to explore without fail. In addition to sightseeing, you can also think about indulging in hiking and paddleboarding for more fun.
Also, don’t forget to tour the valley and mountains in the park. They might surprise you with a wide range of diversity.
Conclusion
While the UK abounds with many national parks, the aforementioned ones constitute the list of the best options. Many theme parks in UK are situated close to spectacular stunning national parks, providing the ideal balance of exhilarating rides and breathtaking scenery. Due to superb connectivity, going to these parks is easy for those who reside in the UK. If you reside in Dubai or any place, you would need a UK tourist visa from Dubai or the country in which you reside to explore these national parks.