England is home to 10 stunning national parks, each offering unique landscapes, wildlife, and activities for visitors to enjoy.

From the rugged beauty of the Lake District to the rolling hills of the Peak District, England’s national parks are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

In this guide, we will take a closer look at each of England’s national parks, highlighting the top attractions, activities, and accommodation options for tourists.

If you’d like to plan a custom tour of these National Parks, send in a request on our Custom Tours page.

The Lake District National Park

The Lake District National Park is located in the northwest of England, in the county of Cumbria. It is easily accessible by car or public transport, with regular trains and buses running to the major towns within the park.

The park is known for its beautiful lakes, mountains, and forests, making it a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and water sports. Some of the top attractions within the park include Windermere, the largest lake in England, and Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England.

Our clients love The Lake District, and Windermere especially. So much so that they’re included in our 4 Week Tour of the UK and 10 Day UK Tour Itinerary.

The Peak District National Park

The Peak District National Park is located in the central region of England, straddling the border between the counties of Derbyshire and Staffordshire. It is easily accessible from major cities such as Manchester, Sheffield, and Derby, with regular buses and trains running to the park.

The park is known for its rolling hills, rugged moorland, and picturesque villages, making it a popular destination for hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Some of the top attractions within the park include the limestone caves at Castleton and the medieval ruins of Peveril Castle.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is located in the north of England, in the county of North Yorkshire. It is easily accessible from major cities such as Leeds, York, and Manchester, with regular buses and trains running to the park.

The park is known for its stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, limestone pavements, and waterfalls. It is a popular destination for hiking, cave exploring, and horseback riding. Some of the top attractions within the park include the picturesque village of Grassington and the impressive Malham Cove.

The Northumberland National Park

The Northumberland National Park is located in the northeast of England, in the county of Northumberland. It is easily accessible from major cities such as Newcastle, York, and Edinburgh, with regular buses and trains running to the park.

The park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, and rivers. It is a popular destination for hiking, bird watching, and castle exploring. Some of the top attractions within the park include the historic Hadrian’s Wall and the Kielder Water and Forest Park.

Visitors to the Northumberland National Park have a range of accommodation options to choose from, including campsites, hotels, and self-catering cottages.

The North York Moors National Park

The North York Moors National Park is located in the northeast of England, in the county of North Yorkshire. It is easily accessible from major cities such as York, Leeds, and Hull, with regular buses and trains running to the park.

The park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, and coastal cliffs. It is a popular destination for hiking, cycling, and fishing. Some of the top attractions within the park include the historic city of York and the iconic Whitby Abbey.

The Broads National Park

The Broads National Park is located in the east of England, in the county of Norfolk. It is easily accessible from major cities such as Norwich, Great Yarmouth, and Cambridge, with regular buses and trains running to the park.

The park is known for its beautiful waterways and wetlands, making it a popular destination for boating, fishing, and bird watching. Some of the top attractions within the park include the Norfolk Broads, the largest protected wetland in the UK, and the medieval city of Norwich.

The Dartmoor National Park

The Dartmoor National Park is located in the southwest of England, in the county of Devon. It is easily accessible from major cities such as Exeter, Plymouth, and Bristol, with regular buses and trains running to the park.

The park is known for its rugged landscapes, including moorland, forests, and granite tors. It is a popular destination for hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Some of the top attractions within the park include the Dartmoor ponies and the historic town of Tavistock.

The New Forest National Park

The New Forest National Park is located in the south of England, in the county of Hampshire. It is easily accessible from major cities such as Southampton, Bournemouth, and Winchester, with regular buses and trains running to the park.

The park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including forests, heathland, and wetlands. It is a popular destination for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Some of the top attractions within the park include the New Forest ponies and the historic village of Beaulieu.

The Exmoor National Park

The Exmoor National Park is located in the southwest of England, in the counties of Somerset and Devon. It is easily accessible from major cities such as Bristol, Exeter, and Taunton, with regular buses and trains running to the park.

The park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including moorland, forests, and coastlines. It is a popular destination for hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. Some of the top attractions within the park include the Exmoor ponies and the historic town of Dunster.

Discover England’s National Parks With Your Own Local Guide

England’s national parks offer a diverse range of experiences and natural beauty for visitors to enjoy. From the lakes and mountains of the Lake District to the rolling hills of the Peak District, each park has something unique to offer.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker looking for hiking and climbing opportunities or simply want to experience the stunning landscapes and local culture, England’s national parks are a must-visit destination.

To plan a trip to an English National Park, get in touch with our experts below and request a custom-tailored itinerary for your group.