Here in the UK, the weather is heating up and the evenings are getting lighter, meaning that many of us have been making plans for an unforgettable summer break. Studies show that one in five of us choose to spend their bank holidays in one of the UK’s stunning national parks, so why not pack up your camping gear and head off on an adventure of your own this summer?
With 15 national parks to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding on where to go. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Motorparks Fiat Warrington to bring you this guide to the most beautiful national parks to visit in the UK this summer break!
Dartmoor: Devon County
This popular national park is an adventurers dream, being the only park in the UK that allows visitors to experience ‘wild camping’. With an array of walking and cycling routes available, there are plenty of opportunities for you to make the most of everything the National Park has to offer whilst taking in breath-taking views of vast moorland and discovering the area’s rich military history. With an almost endless choice of great spaces to camp, you can pitch your camping tent in a space that’s perfect for your needs.
Northumberland: North East England
The peaceful county of Northumberland is ideal for those wanting to experience peace and quiet, as well as an abundance of wild natural beauty. Located between the Scottish border and the industrial North East of England, it’s home to the remains of the famous Hadrian’s Wall which date back to Roman times. You can take a stroll along the Hadrian’s Wall path and walk amongst the wild goats which still roam the landscape.
Northumberland is also famous for its dark sky areas, where stargazers can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of a sky without light pollution. Its Dark Sky Park is protected from forms of artificial light to provide the truest stargazing experience – promoting astronomy in the region.
Cairngorms: Scotland
You’ll find Cairngorms national park up in the Eastern Highlands of Scotland. With 55 peaks standing over 900 metres, hikers will be in their element with the dramatic mountain landscapes – there’s plenty of walking routes available to choose from that showcase some of Scotland’s beautiful scenery.
Plant and wildlife lovers will enjoy the huge variety of different species that make their home here. When visiting Cairngorms, you can expect to come across a quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species, including the wildcat, the capercaillie and the mountain hare.
Snowdonia: Wales
As well as being home to over 23 miles of unspoiled coastline, Snowdonia is a hiker’s paradise with the tallest mountain in Wales right on the doorstep. You’ll never be stuck for things to do, with sand dune backed beaches and rocky coves close-by to the impressive coastline, as well as steep river gorges and waterfalls. As a living working area, Snowdonia is steeped with culture and local history. The National Park houses picturesque villages with 26,000 local people – and over half of the population speak the Welsh language.
The Lake District: Cumbria
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning The Lake District. The Lake District is officially the UK’s most popular National Park and World Heritage site – and for good reason. Home to the England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, the region boasts tremendous views of some the most popular locations, such as Keswick, Derwentwater and Windermere. It’s no surprise it is the most visited National Park in the UK, with over 15.8 million annual visitors.
With around 16 main lakes, you can take to the water on your canoes and kayaks, or go scrambling down some of their waterfalls. If the water isn’t for you, then give one of their walks a go – there are a selection of routes suitable for all ages and skill levels.
