Exploring the UK’s national parks is a great way to spend your free time and visit new places. We often walk or hike a national park whilst we are away on our UK holidays. When you visit, you’ll find each park offers something unique, and after spending countless hours hiking, photographing, and soaking in the beauty of these places, I can say they truly represent the best of British landscapes. Here are my thoughts on some of the prettiest national parks in the UK.
Prettiest National Parks in the UK
This is a collaborative post
Lake District National Park, Cumbria
The Lake District has a special place in my heart. Every time I visit, it feels like stepping into a painting. The sweeping hills and still waters of places like Windermere and Derwentwater are magical. We visited this year with the children for the first time and although we couldn’t go on any really adventurous hikes, we did walk a few of the smaller trails and took in the beautiful surroundings. Nothing compares to the hike up Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak. On a clear day, the panoramic views are breathtaking, and the sense of achievement at the summit is well worth the effort.
If you are visiting, you could head to the park’s smaller, less crowded areas, like Buttermere. The surrounding mountains reflect so perfectly in the lake that it feels otherworldly. There’s also something serene about the nearby villages like Grasmere and Ambleside, where you can unwind after a day of exploration, perhaps with some famous Grasmere gingerbread.
Snowdonia National Park (Eryri), Wales
Snowdonia’s rugged landscapes offer a different kind of beauty. I’ll never forget the first time we reached North Wales and took in the views across the countryside. Whether you hike up or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway, the views across North Wales are spectacular. One moment that stands out is watching a perfect rainbow appear across the road on the way back from a walk up to Llyn Idwal, which is a smaller hike than, the last time we were in North Wales – it’s a memory I’ll treasure forever.
The park isn’t just about Snowdon, though. Some of my favourite hikes have been up to glacial lakes like Llyn Idwal, with their crystal-clear waters framed by jagged mountain peaks. Although we did have to carry a sleeping two-year-old with us. And for a change of pace, exploring the charming town of Betws-y-Coed feels like stepping into a picturesque Welsh postcard.
Peak District National Park, Derbyshire
What’s not to love about the Peaks and their accessibility? It’s only a short drive from major cities like Manchester and Sheffield, so if you live a bit further north, the Peaks are right on your doorstep. Once you’re there, it feels like a world away. The rolling green hills and limestone gorges create a landscape that’s both tranquil and awe-inspiring.
One of the favoured spots is Stanage Edge, especially in the early morning when the mist lingers in the valleys below. The Chatsworth House estate is another highlight—it’s a grand slice of history amidst a natural paradise. The town of Bakewell, with its famous tarts, always offers a cosy stop-off point after a day of exploring.
Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog), Wales
If you need a break from city life, why not head to the Brecon Beacons? The hike up Pen y Fan—South Britain’s highest peak—is a staple, and the 360-degree views from the top will fail to disappoint. Why not embark on a night hike, where you might be lucky enough to experience the park’s famous dark skies? Being able to stargaze in such a clear, unpolluted setting would be such a magical experience.
The waterfalls of Ystradfellte are another must-see, especially Sgwd yr Eira, where you can walk behind the cascading water—a refreshing experience in every sense of the word.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland
Feel reconnected with nature in Loch Lomond in Scotland. I recall the combination of sprawling lochs and towering mountains offered us a quintessential Highland experience. We visited in November-time and the weather was quite cool with snow on some of the higher ground – it was majestic. Hiking up and looking down over Loch Lomond feels like something straight out of a postcard. It’s peaceful and beautiful.
The area is also perfect for water sports. Kayaking on the loch, surrounded by the grandeur of the Highlands, is an unforgettable experience. After a day on the water, you could choose to unwind in the nearby village of Luss, which feels like stepping back in time.
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
The Cairngorms is a true wilderness, and its scale is awe-inspiring. The best time to visit is in winter when the snow-covered mountains are a sight to behold. The park is huge, home to five of Scotland’s six highest peaks, but it’s also surprisingly varied, with ancient forests, sparkling lochs, and rich wildlife.
One of the standout moments for you will be hiking through Rothiemurchus Forest, where centuries-old pine trees create a fairytale-like atmosphere – sounds like something out of a dream, doesn’t it? You might be lucky enough to spot a golden eagle or two on your trip —truly a sight that will take your breath away.
Northumberland National Park, North East England
Northumberland National Park feels like a hidden gem. It’s a place for peace and quiet. The rolling hills seem to stretch forever, and the dark skies make it one of the best places in the UK for stargazing. Why not take a trip one summer and camp? If you are lucky and it’s a clear evening, you can easily spot the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Walking along Hadrian’s Wall is another highlight. The combination of stunning scenery and rich Roman history makes it one of the most captivating walks in the UK.
New Forest National Park, Hampshire
The New Forest holds a special charm for me. The ancient woodlands and open heathlands are dotted with free-roaming ponies, which gives the park a sense of wildness. Why not spend a lazy afternoon cycling through the forest, stopping in pretty villages like Brockenhurst to enjoy a pub lunch?
It’s also a great spot for birdwatching—seeing rare species like the Dartford warbler adds to the magical feel of this place. The Sensory Trail is a unique experience, too—it really brings the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest to life in a deeply immersive way.
South Downs National Park, Sussex
The South Downs is a walker’s paradise. The views from the Seven Sisters cliffs are, in my opinion, some of the best coastal views in the UK. Be blown away by the beauty of the rolling hills, wildflower meadows, and chalky cliffs.
Why not stop off at Cuckmere Haven, where the river winds its way to the sea? It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for a quiet picnic while taking in the scenery. If you enjoy the South Downs and all there is to offer, there are so other many beautiful parks and gardens in the area to visit.
Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Dartmoor is like stepping into another world. The landscape is rugged and dramatic, with its iconic granite tors standing like sentinels over the moorlands. If you like the sense of isolation, it’s perfect for you – it’s one of the few places in England where you can feel completely removed from civilization.
You can spend countless hours hiking across the moor, and the legends associated with Dartmoor, like the Hound of the Baskervilles, give the area an added sense of mystery. For me, Dartmoor is a place where you can lose yourself in nature and legend all at once. Having explored many national parks, I can honestly say they’re some of the prettiest and most diverse landscapes the UK has to offer. Which of these have you already visited? Which will be next on your list? I can’t decide whether to go back to some of my favourites or go to a new national park. Who knows when I might discover my next favourite to add to my list of prettiest national parks in the UK?
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