The Lake District 

The Lake District is possibly one of the best known and most visited of the Parks in England .  Located in Cumbria in the north of the country the park, covering an area of 2363 square kilometres,  was established in 1951. Despite it's name the park itself is home to only 16 official lakes, however it littered with many other bodies of water including tarns and reservoirs which glisten below its famous peaks.  The lake District is also home to many hills, and peaks including 214 mountains known as the Wainwrights after Alfred Wainwright who mapped them and produced a series of guides.   To top it all off, and as you would expect, you will also find a number of spectacular waterfalls, caves, quarries and pretty market towns.  If you have yet to visit and experience this part of England then it is well worth a visit

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The Peak District 

Like the Lake District the Peak District national park was established in 1951.  Covering an area of 1440 sq Km and spanning across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire this park isn't as big as it's northern neighbour but with 13 million visitors a year it is still considered as one of the most visited in England.  Despite it's smaller size the Peak District still packs a punch for outdoor enthusiasts with peaks like Kinder Scout, or Mam Tor and the Great Ridge.   As well as a multitude of waterfalls, caves and reservoirs including the famous Ladybower and Derwent where the Dambusters practiced their bouncing bomb mission the Peak District is famous for producing some of the purest mineral water in the world.  

 

Northumberland

Northumberland is the most northern of England's national parks covering an area of 1050 sq Km from the Scottish borders in the north to The UNESCO site of Hadrian's Wall in the south.  Northumberland is the least populated and least visited of England's national parks despite having 4 of the 5 cleanest rivers in Britain being sourced here and being given Dark Sky status in 2013.   The landscape of the park highlights it's frontier position and it's past battles with a third of England's 1300 or so monuments being found it the park as well as England's 2nd largest military training area.  

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Yorkshire Dales 

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Was first established in 1954 and covers 2178 sq Km of what is mostly private farmland in Cumbria with parts stretching south into Lancashire.  The area itself is home to a number of England's spectacular waterfalls such as Aysgarth and Janets Foss as well as geological sites such as Malham Cove.  In addition t this there are major walking routes such as The Pennine Way or the Coast to Coast route which traverse the park and attract a wide number of visitors each year. 

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North Yorkshire Moors 

The North Yorkshire Moors covers  1430 sq km in the county of North Yorkshire.  Reaching out to the coastline and Whitby the park, established in 1952, has the largest expanse of heather moorland in the country and consists of a number of deep valleys or Dales which create a tapestry across the landscape.  

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The Broads 

The Broads were established as a "national park" in 1976 however it wasn't until 2015 when they were renamed The Broads National Park due to the area being recognised as doing the same 2 main jobs as a national park ( promotion of conservation and enjoyment).  The park itself, located in the East Anglian counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, is a network of 63 lakes (broads) and 7 rivers containing 13 navigable lakes and a total of 200 KM of navigable waterways. The majority of the 303 sq Km park is found in Norfolk; which would explain why most people would refer to this area as "The Norfolk Broads."   As you would expect from what can be found here the area is a haven for boat lovers and those who enjoy peace of quiet and nature of the waterways.  

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South Downs 

The South Downs is England's newest National Park.  Formed in 2010 this area of 1627 sq Km stretches across Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex and encompasses chalky white cliffs, clay valleys and large sections of woodland rooted on sandstone.  The South Downs is also home to the South Downs way which is the only National walking trail which lies entirely within a national park.   

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Dartmoor

As with some of the other parks in northern England Dartmoor was given National park status in 1951.  Nestled within the county of Devon this 954 sq Km of moorland is home to the wild Dartmoor ponies as well as open moorland, granite rock and a plethora or antiquities and artefacts .  Dartmoor has also been a military firing range for over 200 years.

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Exmoor 

Exmoor, named after the river Ex and granted National park status in 1954 lies in the southern counties of West Somerset and North Devon and is a vast area of open moorland covering a total of 692 sq Km.  The activities in the area itself can be traced back to the Mesolithic period  with traces of Iron and Bronze  age stone, cairns and bridges still just about visible 

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New Forest 

The New Forest is one of the largest areas of unenclosed pastures, heathland and forest in the south of England.  The National Park covering an area of 566 sq Km crosses the border between South west Hampshire and South East Wiltshire and is home to a wide variety of rare birds and mammals.  

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So as we have seen England has a lot to offer when it comes to outdoor activities and places to visit.  Whether you are looking for a gentle stroll in the countryside, a coastal walk or something more strenuous like climbing a mountain you are certain to find it right here.  We have featured some activities and places to visit on our blog but for a more comprehensive picture of places of interest in England why not buy our "England plan" which will provide you will literally hundreds of spectacular sights ranging from waterfall and castles to caves and beaches.  Click the Buy plan button to access the full map and create the perfect day out for you and your family.  

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