For a relatively small island, the UK packs in an astonishing variety of landscapes, and its national parks protect the very best of them. From the soaring peaks and shimmering lakes of Cumbria to the ancient forests of the south, the wild moors of the West Country and the vast mountain wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, these protected areas offer some of the finest scenery in the world. They are places to walk, breathe deeply, spot wildlife and simply drink in views that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. For anyone who loves the outdoors, touring the national parks is one of the great joys of exploring Britain. This guide rounds up the most beautiful national parks in the UK, explaining what makes each one special, what to see and do, and when to go. Because these parks are, by their nature, spread across remote and rugged country with winding roads and few railway connections, it also covers the comfortable, relaxed way to explore them, so you can enjoy the scenery rather than concentrate on the driving. Here are the parks to build a trip around, and how to make the most of them without the travel stress.
1. The Lake District, Cumbria
The most celebrated of all the UK's national parks, the Lake District in Cumbria is a place of soaring fells, deep valleys and, of course, the glittering lakes that give it its name. Home to England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and its largest lake, Windermere, it offers everything from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain climbs. The landscape inspired Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, and their homes are among the many attractions dotted through the park. Pretty towns and villages such as Ambleside, Grasmere and Keswick make ideal bases, with cosy pubs, tea rooms and boat trips on the lakes. A World Heritage Site, it is beloved by walkers and visitors of all kinds. The roads are scenic but often narrow and winding. For sheer beauty and variety, the Lake District is the jewel of England's national parks and a place everyone should experience at least once.
2. Snowdonia (Eryri), Wales
In north Wales, Snowdonia, known in Welsh as Eryri, is a dramatic landscape of rugged mountains, deep glacial valleys, waterfalls and lakes, crowned by Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales and England. Walkers come to climb its many summits, while those who prefer to save their legs can ride the mountain railway to the top for spectacular views. Beyond the peaks, the park offers castles, steam railways, adventure activities and a beautiful stretch of coastline. Charming towns such as Betws-y-Coed make excellent bases. The Welsh culture and language add to the sense of somewhere distinctive and special. The mountain roads are stunning but demanding to drive. For mountain grandeur, outdoor adventure and a rich heritage all in one, Snowdonia is one of the most spectacular national parks in the country, and a paradise for anyone who loves wild, high country.
3. The Peak District, Derbyshire
The oldest national park in the UK and one of the most accessible, the Peak District sits in the heart of England and offers two contrasting landscapes: the gentle, green Dales of the White Peak and the wild, brooding moorland of the Dark Peak. It is a walkers' and cyclists' paradise, with everything from easy riverside paths to bracing hilltop hikes, alongside grand houses such as Chatsworth, pretty stone villages and the famous spa town of Buxton. Its central location makes it easy to reach from many major cities. Attractions like the caverns of Castleton and the estate of Chatsworth add variety to the scenery. For beautiful, varied countryside within easy reach and something for every level of walker, the Peak District is a firm favourite, and a wonderful introduction to the UK's upland landscapes for first-time visitors and seasoned ramblers alike.
4. The Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Dales are a glorious landscape of green valleys, dry stone walls, tumbling waterfalls and windswept hilltops, threaded with pretty villages of honey-grey stone. Each dale has its own character, from the waterfalls of Wensleydale to the dramatic limestone scenery around Malham, with its famous cove and pavement. It is superb walking country, with the celebrated Three Peaks challenge for the energetic and gentle valley strolls for everyone else. Historic market towns such as Hawes and Grassington offer warm pubs and local produce, including the famous Wensleydale cheese. The landscape has featured in many well-loved television series. For classic English upland scenery, welcoming villages and wonderful walking, the Yorkshire Dales are a delight in every season, and one of the most beautiful and characterful national parks in the north of England.
5. The New Forest, Hampshire
In the south of England, within easy reach of London, the New Forest offers a gentler but no less charming landscape of ancient woodland, open heath and pretty villages, famous for the wild ponies that roam freely across it. Created as a royal hunting ground by William the Conqueror, it is one of the largest areas of unspoilt lowland in the country, ideal for walking, cycling and simply wandering among the trees and grazing animals. Villages such as Beaulieu and Lyndhurst are lovely places to explore, and the park stretches down to the coast. Its accessibility from London and the South makes it perfect for a day trip. For woodland beauty, free-roaming wildlife and a peaceful escape close to the capital, the New Forest is a wonderful choice, and one of the easiest national parks to reach for a relaxing day in nature.
6. The South Downs, Sussex and Hampshire
The newest of England's national parks, the South Downs stretch across the south of the country from Hampshire to the white cliffs of the Sussex coast, offering rolling chalk hills, ancient woodland and some of the most accessible countryside in the land. The long-distance South Downs Way runs its length, and the park is dotted with pretty villages, historic towns such as Lewes and Arundel, and famous viewpoints like Devil's Dyke and the Seven Sisters cliffs. Its closeness to London and the South East makes it ideal for a day out, and the gentle terrain suits walkers of all abilities. There are excellent vineyards and country pubs to enjoy along the way. For beautiful, rolling scenery within easy reach of the capital, the South Downs are a real treasure, and one of the most convenient national parks for anyone based in or visiting the South East.
7. Dartmoor, Devon
In the heart of Devon, Dartmoor is a wild and ancient landscape of open moorland, granite tors, wandering ponies and mysterious prehistoric remains. Its brooding, atmospheric scenery, so different from the softer countryside around it, has inspired countless stories, including the tale of the Hound of the Baskervilles. Walkers and adventurers come to climb the tors, explore the moors and discover ancient stone circles and rows, while pretty villages such as Widecombe-in-the-Moor offer a warm welcome and a good pub. It is one of the few places in England where you can experience true wilderness and wide, empty horizons. The weather can change quickly, so come prepared. For rugged, elemental beauty and a real sense of the wild, Dartmoor is unlike anywhere else in the south of England and a compelling park to explore for the more adventurous visitor.
8. Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales
The only national park in the UK dedicated primarily to its coastline, the Pembrokeshire Coast in west Wales is a glorious stretch of dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, hidden coves and offshore islands teeming with seabirds. The celebrated Pembrokeshire Coast Path follows the shore for miles, offering some of the finest coastal walking in Britain, with breathtaking views at every turn. Charming harbour towns such as Tenby and the tiny city of St Davids, with its magnificent cathedral, add history and character. Boat trips to islands like Skomer bring you close to puffins, seals and dolphins. The beaches are among the best in the country. For spectacular coastal scenery, wonderful wildlife and superb walking by the sea, the Pembrokeshire Coast is a standout national park and a paradise for anyone who loves the coast.
9. The Cairngorms, Scotland
The largest national park in the UK, the Cairngorms in the Scottish Highlands is a vast wilderness of high mountain plateaus, ancient Caledonian pine forest, lochs and rivers, home to some of Britain's rarest wildlife, including golden eagles, red squirrels and reindeer. It is a place of true wild grandeur, with five of the six highest mountains in the country and endless opportunities for walking, wildlife watching, skiing in winter and outdoor adventure. Pretty Highland towns such as Aviemore make good bases, and there are castles, distilleries and steam railways to enjoy. The scale and remoteness of the landscape are simply breathtaking. For mountain wilderness on a grand scale and a real chance to see rare wildlife, the Cairngorms are magnificent, offering some of the wildest and most beautiful country anywhere in the British Isles.
Why explore the parks with a chauffeur
National parks are, by design, remote and rugged, with winding roads, few rail links and long distances between the best viewpoints, villages and trailheads, which is exactly why comfortable travel makes such a difference. Driving yourself along unfamiliar mountain roads, then hunting for parking at a popular beauty spot, can be tiring and takes your attention away from the scenery. A chauffeur-driven day tour lets you sit back and enjoy the views while an experienced driver handles the roads, dropping you at a trailhead or village and collecting you afterwards, and moving you easily between the highlights of the park. Westway Ride offers hourly chauffeur hire for a flexible day of exploring, ideal for the parks within reach of the South such as the New Forest and the South Downs. For the more distant parks, a chauffeur is the ideal way to explore once you have travelled up. It turns a day in the great outdoors into a relaxed pleasure from door to door.
Why travel with Westway Ride
A day among the mountains, moors and coast should be about the landscape, not the logistics, and a professional chauffeur makes that possible. Westway Ride provides licensed, insured travel across London and the South East, with courteous, experienced drivers who know the region well, so you reach the southern parks calmly and enjoy every mile of the journey. Whether you are travelling as a couple, a family or a group, there is a suitable vehicle in the range of cars to carry you and your gear in comfort, and fares are fixed and agreed in advance. The service is flexible, letting you plan a day around your favourite trails, viewpoints and villages, with the driver waiting or returning as you wish. The New Forest and the South Downs are especially easy to reach for a day trip from London and the South. For a comfortable, dependable and genuinely relaxing way to explore the UK's most beautiful landscapes, Westway Ride takes care of the travel so you can focus on the view.
How many national parks are there in the UK?
Fifteen in total, spread across England, Wales and Scotland, each protecting a distinctive landscape. They range from the mountains of the Lake District, Snowdonia and the Cairngorms to the coast of Pembrokeshire and the gentle downland of the South Downs. Together they safeguard some of the most beautiful and varied scenery anywhere in Britain.
Which is the most beautiful national park in the UK?
The Lake District is the most famous, celebrated for its fells and lakes, but beauty is a matter of taste. Snowdonia offers mountain drama, the Cairngorms wild Highland grandeur, and Pembrokeshire stunning coast. The most beautiful for you depends on whether you love mountains, moors, lakes or the sea, as each park has its own special character.
Which national park is closest to London?
The South Downs and the New Forest are the nearest, both within easy reach of London and the South East for a day trip. The South Downs stretch across Sussex and Hampshire, while the New Forest lies in Hampshire, famous for its wild ponies. Both make wonderful, accessible escapes into nature close to the capital.
Do I need a car to explore the national parks?
It helps enormously. Public transport within the parks is often limited, and the best viewpoints, villages and trailheads are spread out along country roads. A car, or better still a chauffeur-driven one, lets you reach the highlights easily and explore at your own pace, without the constraints of infrequent buses or the effort of driving unfamiliar roads yourself.
When is the best time to visit the national parks?
Late spring to early autumn offers the best weather and longest days for walking and sightseeing, though the parks are beautiful year-round. Summer is busiest, while spring and autumn bring fewer crowds and lovely colour. The Cairngorms and higher parks are popular in winter for snow, so the best time depends on what you want from your visit.
Are the national parks suitable for families?
Yes. All the parks offer family-friendly options, from easy walks and boat trips in the Lake District to the wild ponies of the New Forest and the beaches of Pembrokeshire. There are gentle trails, visitor centres and attractions to suit all ages, and a larger vehicle can carry the whole family comfortably to and around the park.
Can a chauffeur take me on a national park tour?
Yes. A chauffeur-driven day out is an ideal way to explore a national park, with the driver handling the winding roads and parking while you enjoy the scenery. For the parks near the South, such as the New Forest and the South Downs, a chauffeur can take you there and around for the day directly from London or your hotel.
Which national park is best for wildlife?
The Cairngorms and Pembrokeshire Coast are outstanding for wildlife. The Cairngorms are home to golden eagles, red squirrels and reindeer, while Pembrokeshire offers seals, dolphins and puffins around its islands. The New Forest, with its free-roaming ponies and deer, is also excellent and far easier to reach from the South for a wildlife-focused day out.
Can I combine a national park with nearby towns or attractions?
Yes. Most parks sit close to attractive towns and attractions, such as Chatsworth by the Peak District, St Davids in Pembrokeshire or the pretty villages of the Lakes. A chauffeur-driven day lets you combine the scenery with these highlights easily, planning a route that takes in both the landscape and the culture at your own pace.
How far in advance should I book a national park trip?
A few weeks ahead is sensible, especially for the busy summer season and for arranging accommodation and transport. Booking a chauffeur in advance ensures the right vehicle is available for your day out, particularly for popular weekends. Planning early also lets you make the most of a longer trip if you are visiting a park further from home.
