Most Beautiful National Parks in The UK

Travelers pile up to the UK for its rich history, popular tourist attractions of culture and heritage, and entertainment. However, you must remember that the country also has some of the most impressive landscapes and panoramas outside the tourist-packed-up cities.

In order to see this side of the UK, you must be aware of the most stunning national parks! There are several great ones, so we will try to help you out in choosing. So, let’s get you ready for extraordinary greenery, wildlife, and natural attractions! Here are our top most beautiful national parks in the UK.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Whitesands Bay Beach, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park / depositphotos (acceleratorhams)

For most, the term national park is interchangeable with views of intense greenery and restricted sections of forests or valleys. However, at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, you will get to see gorgeous glimpses of pristine coastline and marine life. This is actually the first park in the UK dedicated all to beaches and maritime landscapes!

Given the title in 1952, this stunning park has been a great success and the perfect insight into the different sides of Wales.

Enjoy flora and fauna of carpeted woodlands covered in bluebells and cowslips, and do not hesitate to have a nice picnic in the middle of fairytale-like surroundings.

And of course, the most crucial aspect of all - the beaches! Surely, you will never go wrong with Broad Haven, a spacious coastline perfect for spending the day. Or, you can always choose Barafundle Bay, a magical, cozy cave that will put a spell on you!

Overall, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is perfect for active holidaymakers, as you can choose from many water sports, including kayaking, surfing, and swimming. If these pastimes are a bit much, you can always indulge in some hardcore wildlife-watching. While you will not see bears or foxes lounging nearby, there are plenty of stunning, rare birds and other small animals to see!

Cairngorms National Park

Loch Morlich, Cairngorms National Park / depositphotos (sara_winter)

The central attraction of the Scottish Highlands, the Cairngorms National Park, is the biggest one in all of the UK and displays a landscape of five out of six of Scotland’s highest mountain peaks! Rich in wildlife, the area provides a unique alpine semi-tundra moorland habitat, including some very rare species of plants and animals! It is also a must-see during any tours to Scotland!

While the surroundings might seem a bit intimidating due to the high mountain tops, Cairngorms is actually one of the best places to relax and chill. After some light exploration, get ready to see such rare breeds as red deer, golden eagles, and mountain hares.

You can also wander off to the ancient woodland of Caledonian forests - a unique and extremely old area of greenery that will make you feel like you are shooting a movie about the ancient life of the Scotts! But, to be honest, every corner will put you out of your comfort zone (in the best way!) with its immense sense of history, evolution, and secret life blooming between the mountains.

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Malham Beck and Malham Cove in Yorkshire Dales National Park / depositphotos (Cornfield)

Usually known for being the main attraction of the scenic Settle to Carlisle railway route, Yorkshire Dales has the most amazing national park!

The landscapes are incredibly picturesque and have that magical feel of never-ending greenery and wildlife. You can climb onto the Malham Cove, a dramatic 70-meter-high cliff that has become a significant piece of heritage over the years. And, if climbing is not your thing, go off exploring other natural attractions, such as multiple deep valleys, churning rivers, and tumbling waterfalls.

Make your way through the sturdy stone villages to reach the gem of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which is, weirdly, manmade! Of course, we are talking about the Ribblehead Viaduct, a stunning example of peak Victorian engineering and the excellence of English handiwork. The bridge crosses the remote moorland and allows the most beautiful sights of the English countryside. However, if you do not wish to explore the national park on a train, simply find a good vantage point to admire the magnificent viaduct!

Pollok Country Park

Stone bridge over the White Cart Water in Pollok Country Park / depositphotos (vetasster)

Sandwiched between the communities of Shawlands and Pollok, this national park is the largest park in Glasgow and the only Country Park within the city. With impressive gardens and rich woodlands, the park is the perfect shelter for both visitors and the habitats of the wildlife.

We will get into the specifics and features of the park right away, but before that, it is essential to know that the park is very easily reachable from England. You just have to hop on the train from London to Glasgow, after that, it is only a quick step to Pollok!

Pollok Country Park is one of the most unique ones on our list since it is way more than what you would expect of a regular national park. A bit urbanized yet never overshadowing the natural aspects, the park is a place for families to spend their day, perfect for both relaxation and entertainment. For example, you can explore the estate to meet some fascinating animals and simply breathe in the clear air, yet if you wish to do something more active there are several great choices, too! Have you ever heard of a park with a cricket club or a bowling alley that still remains intact with its original natural roots of wildlife and woodland? If not, it is time for you to visit Pollok Country Park!

Snowdonia National Park

Dolbadarn Castle at Llanberis in Snowdonia National Park / depositphotos (Lukassek)

A mountainous region in northwestern Wales, the Snowdonia National Park is the perfect holiday destination for solo travelers, couples, and families! Covering parts of Gwynedd and Conwy, the park is actually made up of both private and public lands, and while the bigger part of ownership is private, there is plenty to offer to tourists who seek to enjoy the panorama of mountain peaks and sea views.

If you like to spend your time actively, mountain climbing is a very popular pursuit here, as you can climb your way to the top of the Snowdon Mountain, peaking at 1085 meters. If the trail, however, seems too tiring, you can simply get on the vintage train that will ride you straight to the summit!

For adrenaline seekers, there are several zip-lines set up high in the park, allowing the perfect views of the Snowdonia. We also suggest you rent a mountain bike to tour the park in a quicker, more exciting way! And if neither is up your street, try out the inland surfing lagoons! Really, there is not much you cannot do here in Snowdonia National Park!

Peak District National Park

Peak District National Park / depositphotos (sakhanphotography)

Last but not least, the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire is arguably the most important one on this list. Superior in displaying both the rugged and the gentle side, it is the oldest national park in England.

Settled between Sheffield and Manchester, it is easily reachable and, most of the time, is full of travelers who wish to see the aging regions of a very significant UK national park.

Take a walk along the Ecclesbourne Valley to enjoy the magical sights of meadows and dales of the White Peak, a limestone plateau famous for its distinctive whiteish-grey coloring. On the other hand, you should also make your way to the Dark Peak, a higher and wilder brother of White Peak, way more dramatic and much more intimidating. Opposite to its counterpart, the Dark Peak lives up to its name in color, creating the perfect contrast and great aesthetic for travelers.

Peak District is the perfect location for history buffs as well as nature lovers. It is very well-protected and cherished due to there being evidence of habitats from the Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages. So do not miss out on this unique history lesson!

Now, you must be more than ready for an adventure across the most beautiful national parks in the UK! While it may be challenging to choose from because of their individual authenticity, rest assured - all are great options, so it is impossible to shoot and miss. So, grab your camera and comfortable shoes - it is time to explore!

Written by: Tim Smith Tags: Europe, United Kingdom