Celebration of Britain’s Top 5 National Parks
Rather beautifully coined ‘Britain’s Breathing Spaces’ by the National Parks website, the UK’s National Parks are looked after by appointed authorities, working under the big banner of ‘National Parks UK’. And what, exactly, is the point? To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. If you’ve ever visited a National Park, be it the woodland of the New Forest, the quaint shopping towns of the Lake District or the coastal loveliness of the South Downs, you’ll understand there’s lots of natural beauty to be conserved.
Exmoor
Grassy moorland. Rocky crags. Cosy villages. Exmoor National Park is a perfect back to nature break. Covering the land between West Somerset and North Devon, Exmoor is famed for its wild deer, Roman forts and bluebell fields. It’s less than an hour from the now thriving ancient city of Exeter and was the first place in Europe to be designated as a Dark Sky Reserve. The lack pollution means the Exmoor skies are perfect stargazing territory.
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The Lake District
The Lake District is the haven of the North West, swathed with rugged mountains and crystal-still lakes. Famed for the quaint shopping towns of Keswick, Bowness and Hawkshead as well as the Britain’s largest lake, Lake Windermere. It’s a perfect place to visit in all seasons, be it on a sunny afternoon or a snowy morning. It’s also home to the Lakeland Ice Cream company, who’s delicious goods you’ll find in most cafes and restaurants!
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The New Forest
Once a royal hunting forest, The New Forest is a beautiful National Park located on the south coast. It’s a great spot for a short break, with roaming ponies and plenty of ancient forest to enjoy. And the icing on the very foresty cake? The park has it’s very own, and rather stunning, beach. Lepe Country Park beach is pet friendly and even allows BBQ’s in certain areas. Head to the New Forest to spot the thousand-year-old trees, explore salt marsh coastal paths and experience some amazing hiking paths. It’s no wonder it’s so well looked after.
Snowdonia
Dominated by the Snowdonia mountain range (and the highest mountain in all of Wales) Snowdonia National Park is a place for the wild ones. From wooded valleys to historic castles, as well as 23 miles of coastline complete with steep river gorges and waterfalls. Half the population speak Welsh, so it’ll really feel like you’re on vacation! For an outdoor holiday, look no further than Snowdonia.
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The Peak District
Nestled between the popular northern cities of Manchester and Sheffield, The Peak District is a lush mixture of heather moorlands, limestone cliffs, ideal walkers land and beautiful rivers. Check out Stanage Edge – a rock climbers hotspot – and the panoramic views at Parsley Hay. Besides the numerous hiking and cycling oppertunities, this National Park is taking things above ground with the Heights of Abraham at Matlock.
