7 Incredible National Parks in the UK

by | Nov 13, 2022 | Destinations, Travel Bucket Lists, UK

If we talk about the United Kingdom, we might think about its fascinating castles, timeless abbeys, and remarkable culture. However, the United Kingdom offers more than magnificent buildings. At a glance, this country will captivate you with its meadows, mountains, and natural landmarks. For that reason, there are lots of astonishing national parks in the UK. So, if you love the outdoors or looking for a different type of destination, this is the list for you! 

We have compiled a list of the incredible national parks that you must visit during your trip to the UK. Check it out!

Incredible National Parks in the UK for You to See

  1. Snowdonia National Park, Wales
  2. The Cairngorms, Scotland
  3. Lake District National Park, England
  4. Peak District National Park, England
  5. Pembrokeshire National Park, Wales
  6. Northumberland National Park, England
  7. Yorkshire Dales National Park, England

Snowdonia National Park, Wales

snowdonia national parks in the uk

This national park in Wales will make your jaw drop with its unbelievable landscape. Snowdonia National Park offers a series of rugged mountains, vast meadows, and lovely moorlands. It is also home to one of the UK’s notable mountains, Snowdon. Other than towering peaks and breathtaking moorlands, the park also offers beautiful gorges and waterfalls. The diverse landscape of Snowdonia National Park is definitely worth seeing. 

Thus, Snowdonia National Park displays a lovely collaboration between nature and manmade structures. You can find laidback villages, centuries-old castles, and abbeys in the area. Besides that, you can also see the local Welsh community and immerse in their fascinating culture. 

Best Things to Do: Hiking, cycling, visiting historical, and cultural sites

The Cairngorms, Scotland

cairngorms is one of the best national parks in the uk

Looking for a place with pristine wildlife? Then, you must go to Cairngorms National Park. Situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the national park offers the best of nature. It has a unique arctic-alpine ecosystem, dominated by moorlands and scrubs. Moreover, The Cairngorms is home to several animal species like reindeer, ospreys, and woodland geese. For that reason, the Cairngorms is a great place to do wildlife or bird watching. 

Thus, the Cairngorms is also great for trekking and hiking. It has a mild walking trail. Besides that, the national park is also known as an exciting winter destination. You can enjoy winter activities such as snowboarding and skiing in the snowy season. 

Best Things to Do: Bird watching, hiking, and skiing (during winter) 

Lake District National Park, England 

lake district one of the best national parks in the uk

If you are looking for one of the best national parks in the United Kingdom, we will definitely say Lake District National Park. Besides being the largest national park in the UK, Lake District is also the most popular. The park has gorgeous lakes, rugged mountains, amazing valleys, and vast meadows. Thus, it is also home to England’s highest mountain, the Scafell Pike. 

Due to its series of lakes, Lake District is great for swimming and water sports. However, the park also offers other kinds of activities. You can visit villages and centuries-old buildings, go for a hike, take your dog on a walk, or cycle through the park. At night, you can also enjoy a breathtaking starry sky. So, there is no such thing as boredom in Lake District!

Best Things to Do: Swimming, hiking, stargazing, and visiting historical sites.

Peak District National Park, England

peak district national park in the uk

Peak District National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in the UK. Why not? Thanks to the dramatic landscape of this park, authors and artists like Jane Austen obtained inspiration for their masterpieces. The marvelous wind-whipped moorlands, epic limestone cliffs, and gentle valleys are surely unforgettable. Other than that, Peak District National Park also hides unbelievable places, like an underground cave and Victorian-style gardens. 

Peak District National Park is situated on the outskirts of Manchester. Within a short drive from the city, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the national park, along with its notable places like Chatsworth House and Dovedale. Thus, if you feel like going for a hike, head to Kinder Scout. The splendid cliff allows you to get an amazing panoramic view of the national park.

Best Things to Do: Hiking, sightseeing, visiting historical sites and buildings, and cave touring.

Pembrokeshire National Park, Wales

pembrokeshire national parks in the uk

Situated on the coast of Wales, Pembrokeshire National Park has an extravagant natural beauty. The park offers a varied landscape of grass-topped hills, limestone cliffs, and pristine shores. Moreover, it is the only national park in the United Kingdom that has a coastline environment. Other than that, Pembrokeshire National Park is a notable cultural and historical site, as it is home to hundreds of listed heritage buildings.

So, there are so many things to do in Pembrokeshire National Park. Whether you want to spend a day on the beach or wander around verdant valleys, this is a perfect place to do it! 

Best Things to Do: Water sports, visit historical sites, and go beach-hopping

Northumberland National Park, England

northumberland  is one of the most iconic national parks in the uk

Northumberland National Park displays one of the most charming scenes of the United Kingdom’s nature. The park consists of a series of valleys, lush hills, and magnificent natural wall-like structures that looks like a fairytale land. Besides that, Northumberland Park also offers enchanting spots like the natural Hareshaw Linn Waterfall and the famous Hadrian Wall trail. 

Moreover, the park stays pristine as it is rarely visited by tourists. It is an astonishing hidden gem that is perfect for everyone who is looking for a tranquil escape. 

Best Things to Do: Hiking, walking, and mountain biking. 

Yorkshire Dales National Park, England

ribblehead viaduct in yorkshire dales national park uk

Dreaming about spending your weekend in a lovely village between green meadows? Then, you must visit Yorkshire Dales National Park. This Northern England national park offers a charming landscape of verdant valleys and flat-topped hills. Thus, it also hides some beautiful natural landmarks, like waterfalls and caves. Besides that, the national park is also home to centuries-old villages and neighborhoods. 

Yorkshire Dales National Park is dotted with interesting places. You can see quirky historical buildings, like Ribblehead Viaduct and Skipton Castle. Besides that, you can also find awesome natural landmarks like Malham Cave and Aysgarth Falls in the park. Of course, there are so many things to explore in Yorkshire Dales! 

Best Things to Do: Visiting historical sites, hiking, and walking


The national parks in the United Kingdom are surely gorgeous! They are recommended to visit, especially if you love nature and the outdoors. So, are you ready to see those beautiful national parks?

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