Written by Phil
How many national parks in the UK?
We have 15 national parks in the UK with the oldest established in 1951. These are spread across the three countries that make up the United Kingdom with 2 in Scotland, 3 in Wales and the remaining 10 in England.
These designated parks cover more than 23,093 square kilometres of land and are areas of relatively undeveloped and scenic beauty across the UK.
What are the 15 UK national parks?
| National Park | Country | Year Created | Size (sqkm) | Annual Visitors |
| Brecon Beacons | Wales | 1957 | 1347 | 4.4 million |
| Broads | England | 1988 | 303 | 8 million |
| Cairngorns | Scotland | 2003 | 4528 | 1.92 million |
| Dartmoor | England | 1951 | 954 | 7.3 million |
| Exmoor | England | 1954 | 693 | 2 million |
| Lake District | England | 1951 | 2362 | 16.4 million |
| Loch Lomond & The Trossachs | Scotland | 2002 | 1865 | 4 million |
| New Forest | England | 2005 | 566 | 13.5 million |
| North York Moors | England | 1952 | 1436 | 7.68 million |
| Northumberland | England | 1956 | 1049 | 1.73 million |
| Peak District | England | 1951 | 1437 | 13 million |
| Pembrokeshire | Wales | 1952 | 615 | 4.2 million |
| South Downs | England | 2010 | 1627 | 16 million |
| Snowdonia | Wales | 1951 | 2132 | 10 million |
| Yorkshire Dales | England | 1954 | 2179 | 5.2 million |
UK National Park Checklist & FAQs
We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions from visitors planning on travelling to the UK or the national parks from within the UK to help you plan your travel.
Which country in the UK has the most national parks?
England. There are 10 national parks in England spread geographically from Dartmoor National Park in Devon in the south west of England, to Northumberland National Park just south of the Scottish border in the north of England.
Do all countries in the UK have national parks?
No. Northern Ireland does not have any designated national parks as of 2023. The spectacular Mourne Mountains in County Down which are home to the highest mountain in Northern Ireland – Slieve Donard (850m) have been proposed to be given national park status on top of their current classification as an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
What is the biggest national park in the UK?
The biggest national park in the UK is the Cairngorns in Scotland. It covers a staggering 4528 sqkm of land and is home to the Cairngorms mountain range along with approximately 18,000 people who reside in the national park. It is one of only two national parks in Scotland.
What is the smallest national park in the UK?
The smallest national park in the UK is the Broads national park, covering parts of Norfolk & Suffolk. Although only 303 sqkm in size, it is the Great Britain’s largest protected wetland, made up of over 60 open areas of water known as Broads and seven rivers, the Ant, Bure, Chet, Thurne, Waveney, Wensum and Yare.
An Overview of UK National Parks in 100 seconds
When is National Parks Week in the UK?
Every year a week in the year is dedicated to highlight the importance of national parks in the UK. The next National Parks Week will take place between 16th April and 24th April 2024.
Tips for Visiting Parks on the List of UK National Parks
If you’re going to visit one of the awesome national parks in the UK, have a read of the following tips before you set off:
- Check for parking restrictions. Depending upon the area of the national park you’re planning to visit, n high season, due to visitor numbers, car parks fill up quickly and therefore there may be suggested alternative parking locations.
- Avoid the crowds of high season. Visit national parks in the spring and winter to make the most of the better weather but smaller crowds. Winter can also be a lovely quiet time but you must be prepared for bad weather.
- Buy National Trust membership. For only £42 for 18-25yrs olds, £84 for 26yrs+ or £139.20 for a couple; you can benefit from: 1. Free entry to over 500 places in our care 2. Free parking at most National Trust car parks 3. National Trust Handbook, full of information about our places 4. National Trust Magazine three times a year, packed with inspiration, interviews and news 5. Access to the online Members’ Area, full of first look previews and behind-the-scenes features. A lot of the National Trust houses and National Trust car parks are within or close to a National Park. Click here to buy membership.
- Keep to the Leave No Trace Principles. The seven Leave No Trace Principles have been created to embrace our commitment to sustainable tourism in the UK’s great outdoors. They include advice on planning, consideration, respect for wildlife, choice of camping location and waste management.
List of All National Parks in the UK by Country
England National Parks
Broads National Park
- Year Created: 1988
- Annual Visitors: 8 million
- Best Time to Visit: Autumn is a great time to visit the Broads. You are outside the school holidays yet the weather is still warm. Mid September and through-out October can be very mild, but the Broads beaches, roads and attractions will be much quieter.
- Things to See: 11,000 wildlife species, River Bure, Wroxham Broad and Salhouse Broad, miniature railway, 300km walk and cycle ways, boat hire.
Dartmoor National Park
- Year Created: 1951
- Annual Visitors: 7.3 million
- Best Time to Visit: June, July, August & September, with June and September being quieter due to school holidays but still a very pleasant temperature, perfect for hiking.
- Things to See: High Willhays (highest point in Dartmoor, the South West) and Yes Tor, Okehampton Castle, Postbridge Clapper Bridge, Lydford Gorge and Burrator Reservoir.
Exmoor National Park
- Year Created: 1954
- Annual Visitors: 2 million
- Best Time to Visit: The beginning of July has the warmer temperatures, longer days and is prior to the majority of schools breaking up for summer holidays.
- Things to See: National Trust – Dunster Castle and Watermill, Dunkery Beacon, Dunster Working Water Mill, Valley of Rocks, Lyton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway.
Lake District National Park
- Year Created: 1951
- Annual Visitors: 16.4 million
- Best Time to Visit: Depending on what you want to do, peak season in the Lake District is May to October with July & August being the busiest due to school holidays but also the driest and warmest.
- Things to See: Scafell Pike, Lake Windermere, The World of Beatrix Potter, Derwentwater, Aira Force Waterfall
New Forest National Park
- Year Created: 2005
- Annual Visitors: 13.5 million
- Best Time to Visit: May to September is the warmest but also most popular. I prefer late Septmer / October when the colours begin to change and is quieter.
- Things to See: Beaulieu Motor Museum, Bucklers Hard, Peppa Pig World, Moors Valley Country Park, Horses & Ponies wandering freely on the heathland.
North York Moors National Park
- Year Created: 1952
- Annual Visitors: 7.68 million
- Best Time to Visit: September is the perfect time to visit as the heather changes to a vibrant purple and the crowds disperse.
- Things to See: Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Helmsley Castle.
Northumberland National Park
- Year Created: 1956
- Annual Visitors: 1.73 million
- Best Time to Visit: July to September are driest and warmest for Northumberland being so far north.
- Things to See: Hadrian’s Wall, Alnwick Castle (Hogwarts in Harry Potter), Housesteads Roman Fort, National Trust Craigside.
Peak District National Park
- Year Created: 1951
- Annual Visitors: 13 million
- Best Time to Visit: It is dependant on your activities as to when is the best time to visit the Peak District. For walkers and climbers who make up the bulk of tourists, summer months are the driest and warmest.
- Things to See: Chatsworth House, Peak Cavern, Mam Tor.
South Downs National Park
- Year Created: 2019
- Annual Visitors: 16 million
- Best Time to Visit: June to September is most stable weather wise but I love December on the South Downs as there are plenty of pubs along the Downs to warm up in after a long walk.
- Things to See: Walk the South Downs Way, Arundal Castle, Winchester Cathedral, Devil’s Dyke, Seven Sisters Country Park.
Yorkshire Dales National Park
- Year Created: 1954
- Annual Visitors: 5.2 million
- Best Time to Visit: June, July and August are the best months for drier, warmer weather in the Yorkshire Dales. September is favoured by visitors without children as it is quieter because you’ll avoid the schools holidays yet still have the warmth of the summer.
- Things to See: Brimham Rocks (National Trust), Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Gordale Scar, Aysgarth Falls, Ribblehead Viaduct.
Wales National Parks
Brecon Beacons National Park
- Year Created: 1957
- Annual Visitors: 4.4 million
- Best Time to Visit: May to September
- Things to See: Pen-Y-Fan, Fan-Y-Big, Penderyn Distillery
Pembrokeshire National Park
- Year Created: 1952
- Annual Visitors: 4.2 million
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and Autumn when beaches are quieter
- Things to See: Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Surf at Freshwater West, visit St Davids, the smallest city in Britain.
Snowdonia National Park
- Year Created: 1951
- Annual Visitors: 10 million
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for easy walking and sightseeing. Experienced walkers will enjoy winter.
- Things to See: Snowdon, Snowdon Mountain Railway, Go zip lining at 100mph at Zip World & Menai Strait Rib Ride.
Scotland National Parks
Cairngorms National Park
- Year Created: 2003
- Annual Visitors: 1.92 million
- Best Time to Visit: The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are best as the colours change. Being Scotland, always pack a jumper and waterproof as it can turn wet and chilly quickly, even in the summer.
- Things to See: Balmoral Castle, Highland Wildlife Park, Endless trails for walking and biking, Rothiemurchus Forest, Muir of Dinnet, Hike some Munros
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
- Year Created: 2002
- Annual Visitors: 4 million
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn, typically between May and September. During this time, the weather is the best time for hiking, with milder temperatures and a lower likelihood of worse conditions.
- Things to See: Lake of Menteith, Trossachs Trail Loop, Trossachs Trail Loop