National Parks to visit in 2026 – UK travel guide

If you and the family are looking to take a UK road trip in 2026, why not consider driving to one of our many National Parks?

Spread out across England, Scotland, and Wales, they encapsulate the beauty of this island – and there is so much to explore.

In this guide, we look at ones you should visit in 2026, as well as some interesting facts about these must-see spots.

Alternatively, you can read our National Parks guide here to learn more about some of the great places to visit across the UK.

What are National Parks?

A National Park is a protected area designated to conserve natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage across the UK.

The aim is not only to preserve the area, but also to allow people to enjoy and explore the landscape.

In order to become a National Park, a region must demonstrate exceptional scenic value, opportunities for recreation, and a strong sense of community and cultural heritage – as well as a documented history in the area.

The official designation is made through local and national Government approval, following careful assessment of environmental importance and public benefit.

National Parks ensuring that travel, farming, tourism, and local life coexist with preservation of nature.

How many National Parks are there in the UK?

There are 15 National Parks spread out across the UK, with England having 10, Wales another three, and Scotland is the home for the final two.

In England the National Parks are The Broads, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, South Downs, and the Yorkshire Dales.

To the west in Wales, the three National Parks are named Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Eryri (Snowdonia), and the Pembrokeshire Coast.

Up north in Scotland, the countries two National Parks are called Cairngorms, and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs.

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The Broads

Found in the east of England across Norfolk and Suffolk, this National Park is a remarkable landscape shaped by centuries of human activity.

Once medieval peat diggings, the area gradually flooded to form a network of rivers, lakes, and marshes that today create Britain’s largest protected wetland for species of birds, amphibians and other wildlife.

Its scenery is distinctive, as it is known for its winding waterways and reed-fringed horizons.

Visitors are drawn to boating, sailing, and cycling along its 125 miles of navigable waters, while birdwatchers frequent the area for spotting rare species that live there.

Exmoor

Spanning parts of Somerset and Devon in southwest England, is a landscape of striking contrasts.

It has rolling moorland, cloaked in purple heather that end on steep coastal cliffs overlooking the Bristol Channel.

A mixture of wooded valleys and fast-flowing rivers carve through the National Park.

This diversity creates habitats for wildlife such as red deer and Exmoor ponies, which roam freely across the hills.

Visitors are drawn to its walking trails, cycling routes, and internationally recognised dark skies for stargazing.

Rich in history, Exmoor also features ancient stone monuments and picturesque villages.

Lake District

Perhaps the most famous of the National Parks – and one that is visited by millions every year, the Lake District National Park, located in northwest England, is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery of mountains, valleys, and lakes.

Covering over 2,300 square kilometres, it is the largest national park in England and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Its famous peaks and waters offer opportunities for adventure.

Wildlife thrives here, from red squirrels in ancient woodlands to diverse birdlife across the lakes.

The Lake District is also steeped in history – and there are many places for you and the family to visit.

Northumberland

Based in the far north of England, is renowned for its vast, unspoiled landscapes and rich history.

Covering more than 1,000 square kilometres, it stretches from rolling hills to heather moorland to dramatic valleys and rivers.

The park is sparsely populated, giving it a sense of remoteness that sets it apart from other National Parks.

Travellers to the region will see Roman remains, medieval castles, and ancient hillforts scattered across its terrain.

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South Downs

South Downs National Park, stretching across Hampshire, West Sussex, and East Sussex in southern England, is known for its chalk hills, ancient woodlands, and sweeping views of the area.

Covering over 1,600 square kilometres, it is England’s newest national park, designated in 2010.

The landscape is defined by the South Downs Way, a long-distance trail that runs along ridges and valleys.

Rich in biodiversity, the park supports rare chalk grassland species and diverse wildlife.

It also holds deep cultural heritage, with historic villages, prehistoric sites, and traditional farming remaining in place for centuries.

Pembrokeshire Coast

Pembrokeshire Coast in southwest Wales, is the UK’s only coastal National Park.

Featuring rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and hidden coves, it covers over 600 square kilometres of diverse terrain.

The landscape combines headlands, estuaries, and countryside, offering breathtaking views across the Atlantic.

A main feature is the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a long-distance trail that showcases the park’s beauty, as well as opportunities for water sports and wildlife watching.

This includes seals, seabirds, and dolphins in its waters!

It also has several ancient castles and prehistoric sites to visit.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Situated in the heart of Scotland, this region is celebrated for its dramatic mix of lochs, mountains, and forests – and a few myths.

Covering around 1,865 square kilometres, it is Scotland’s first national park, designated in 2002.

At its heart lies Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater loch in Britain, surrounded by rolling hills and rugged peaks that form part of the Southern Highlands.

The park offers opportunities for adventure, from hiking and climbing to sailing and kayaking across its many lochs.

Wildlife thrives here, including red deer, ospreys, and rare plant species.

Rich in history, legend, and culture, the area is dotted with ancient settlements and castles.