Lake District National Park, England
Reconnect outdoors by visiting one of the UK’s Greatest National Parks. From the rugged Scottish Highlands to the lush English lowlands, they are perfect for lengthening your legs, getting fresh air, and appreciating the country’s natural beauty – be sure to respect these precious green spaces with responsibility and care when you visit. Here are some of the UK’s top national parks by global tourists for quiet rural retreats, action-packed adventures, and everything in between.
Take a look at Lake District landscapes that have inspired well-known writers, artists, and poets for centuries. Major works such as William Wordsworth and Beatrice Potter, who once lived in the park, featured tree-lined lakes and rising mountains.
Here you will find nearly 100 lakes, lakes and reservoirs, including the largest lake in England, Windermere. Naturally, this makes the park a prime location for all aquatic activities, such as fishing, boating, or swimming.
If you like to keep your feet dry (weather permitting), watch out for hikers around Tarn Hove, Blenkatara Mountain Challenging, mountaineering, or cycling through the Whinlatter Forest. Stay in the National Park at Knoll Country House in Newby Town.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, home to calm waters and ancient forests, offer some of Scotland’s best views. As you ascend along the forest trails, whether it is the peaceful rhythm of the freshwater or the Highlands air’s breath, this vast park offers countless ways to immerse yourself in nature.
If you see a lot of bright green colors on your travels and you see bluebells, red deer, golden eagles, and other colorful flora and fauna, keep a camera. As you prepare to return to civilization, relax at the Loch Lomond Arms Hotel in Luz’s small village.
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
Go to the heart of the Scottish Highlands with a view of the Cairn Gorms. Here you will find an endless list of forests, wetlands, mountains, and valleys as well as outdoor pursuits you can expect from the UK’s largest national park. Activities range from water sports and cycling to skiing, golf, and Munro bags – the local slang for mountaineering above 914 meters.
Whatever you choose to do, keep an eye out for rare native wildlife such as Scottish wildcats, golden eagles, and perhaps wolves. If the weather is not on your side, invite to the Royal Lochnagar Whiskey Distillery Bakery in a nearby village or park. Carrbridge village is a popular place to start a tour of Cairngorms – more than an hour away from Loch Ness’ Highland Club.
Broken Beacons National Park in Wales
Red sandstone mountains, ancient caves, and dramatic waterfalls look out over the Broken Beacons. The heather-covered mountains of the park with relatively small grassy moors’ forests provide continuous and uninterrupted views throughout the countryside of Wales. You will get some of the best views on the pleasant uphill – sitting in the middle of Penn Y Fan Park, the highest peak in the Broken Beacons.
Other popular hiking trails will take you to the waterfall’s fastest waterfall in the country, and some of Beacons’ historic castles. Between the waterfalls and the forts, save some time to revitalize the sweet bara brewed bread from the park’s old home tea rooms.
If you can draw from the fresh air of the mountains and the rolling countryside, explore the spacious caves and amusement parks of Dan-yer-Ogof. Relax at the Cribbin Lodge in Brooklyn, after seeing the starry sky in the painted-black night sky.