The British countryside and coastline is home to a wide and varied range of national parks, from the remote reaches of the Cairngorms to the beach-clad coast of Pembrokeshire, and if you are looking forward to exploring these remarkable regions, it is essential to come prepared.
If you're not quite sure where to start, we've put together this beginner's guide to the UK's national parks covering a range of important information including necessary kit, how to follow The Countryside Code, and emergency information should you need it.
What is a national park?
A national park is a designated area of land that's created to protect important local wildlife and is for the use and enjoyment of everyone. National parks are free to visit so get out and explore on long walks, wildlife-watching expeditions or heritage-seeking days out.
We've handpicked what we believe you need to know when out and about. However, there's a wealth of information online so ensure you research your plans thoroughly before heading off on your national park adventure. Plan ahead so that you can make the most of your time in these remarkable regions.
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Our wild places: UK national parks
How many national parks are there in the UK?
All together, the UK is home to 15 national parks spread out across our little island. Ranging from the vast wilderness of the Trossachs in Scotland to the winding waterways of the Broads, there's a remarkable variety of landscapes, features and wildlife hiding in these important landscapes.
UK national parks list:
- England's national parks: Northumberland, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, Peak District, the Broads, South Downs, New Forest, Exmoor, Dartmoor
- Wales' national parks: Snowdonia/Eryri, Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire
- Scotland's national parks: Cairngorms, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
Who owns the national parks in the UK?
While national parks are protected by the government, the landscape is owned by farmers, private individuals and charities. There are plenty of thriving towns and villages to be found alongside the natural scenery.
Which are the best national parks?
Well, that all depends on what you're looking for! Keen foodies may prefer to explore the Yorkshire Dales, anyone searching for sun and sea will love the enchanting South Downs, while wildlife watchers can't go wrong with an adventure into the Lake District. Find your ideal destination in our full guide to the UK's national parks.
National parks guide
National park conservation in the UK
Up to 80% of the UK’s priority conservation habitats are located in our national parks and, throughout 2019/20, over 330 conservation projects took place to protect and restore these important ecosystems.
There's an incredible ongoing effort to ensure our national parks remain beautiful places that everyone can enjoy, and it's essential that visitors take care when exploring these remarkable regions.
How can I help care for our national parks?
More and more of us are beginning to practise responsible travel, doing simple things like taking our litter home, sticking to paths to avoid disturbing the wildlife such as nesting birds, and keeping dogs on leads or close at hand.
Walk lightly and carefully - every action taken when in a national park has an impact on the environment, whether we're eroding the ground, disturbing the greenery, or leaving litter behind after a picnic. Minimise your impact by staying on way-marked paths and clearing up behind you as you go, leaving no trace behind.
Avoid disturbing wildlife - there are many important things to consider when you are near wildlife in our national parks, but overall, the best thing you can do is keep your distance and ensure you do not disturb anything.
Keep close control of dogs - remember, you are taking your dog into an environment where they are not part of the ecosystem, therefore wildlife has no defence when a dog tramples through a ground nest or chases a young deer. There can be dangers to your pet too, including hidden drops, so it's essential your dog has good recall and that they are kept on a lead in a new place.
Reducing litter on holiday
UK national parks map
Which national park are you planning to visit? Check out our map of all 15 UK national parks.
Grab your hiking boots: Walking in UK national parks
What is The Countryside Code?
The government has put together The Countryside Code, which is advice for anyone exploring rural areas of the UK to ensure everybody has an enjoyable and relaxing experience. There are three important aspects and below are our key takeaways. However, please read the government advice so you don't miss any information tailored to what you have planned.
- Be considerate, leave gates as you find them, and follow signs and footpaths
- Protect the environment, take litter home and do not light fires
- Plan your route, check the conditions, know what to expect, and ensure you enjoy your time in the outdoors
Beautiful national park walks
The Highway Code for pedestrians
You may find yourself crossing or walking down country roads during your adventures, and we'd always advise a degree of caution when doing so. Check out The Highway Code for pedestrians before you go walking; we've picked out a few key points below:
- Use a pavement where possible
- Keep to the right-hand side of the road so you can see oncoming traffic (and they can see you)
- Wear something fluorescent to increase your visibility
- Wear reflective clothing if you are out late
What should I pack when walking?
Here are some of the essentials you may need. You may think that carrying some of these is a touch excessive, but then nobody sets out to get rescued. Some of these items could make all the difference to your trip. As the old adage goes: "It’s better to have them and not need them, than need them and not have them." Try not to overpack but, after considering the weather, you may wish to take a rucksack.
Before you set off:
- Check the weather forecast
- Check tide times for beach walks
- Purchase personal locator beacons for long, challenging trips
- Buy a flare if you plan to go hill climbing in a remote spot
- Carry a fully charged mobile phone
Rucksack essentials:
- Hard copy map
- Compass, whistle and watch
- Bottle of water
- Torch/head torch (aside from your phone torch)
- Mini first aid kit
- Waterproofs and dry clothes (weather dependent)
- Perhaps consider a small trowel or spade if you need the toilet while walking far from amenities!
Best things to eat and drink while out walking
For long walks, it's best to take plenty of food and drink along in accordance with the length of your trip. Don’t overeat as you could get stomach cramps. Always stay hydrated and be sure to use a bathroom before setting off.
Carbs are a good source of energy, so pack snacks that provide longer-lasting energy bursts like energy bars, fruits and nuts, and trail mix. It’s better to snack than indulge in a big lunch during a long walk so perhaps carry a selection of small items. The average person drinks 1.2 litres of fluid per day, so try and take as much as you can if you are planning a hike.
A couple of food and drink tips:
- Stay hydrated
- Drink water instead of fizzy drinks
- Pack lots of small items
- Snack rather than dine
If you're planning to stop for a picnic during your walk, or simply want some foodie inspiration, take a look at our quick and easy picnic recipe ideas.
Quick and easy picnic recipes
Plan your journey
Before embarking on a walking trail, suss out the route and take a map with you as it’s best not to rely on your mobile phone’s GPS - signal may be patchy or non-existent where you are going. If you are walking or cycling somewhere with few roads or landmarks, ensure you have a compass with you and you can use it in conjunction with your map.
Check the weather forecast and conditions you will be travelling in too. If your route cuts across a beach, you should also check the tide times so you don’t get cut off by the sea. If you are planning a long hike up a mountainside or a remote region, for instance, the National Three Peaks Challenge, leave some basic information with somebody about your movements.
Best UK mountain walks
What's the best time of year for walking in the UK?
While there is no real answer, each season offers something different. Autumnal walks are ideal for crunching through leaves or splashing through puddles, while spring is a wonderful time if you're hoping to spot newborn animals flitting between the trees or gamboling in the fields.
Seasonal walks
With England’s changeable weather, it’s worth noting that a prudent look at the day’s weather forecast in advance is more sensible than packing for the season. Expand the relevant season below for a few suggestions on planning ahead.
- Fill some flasks with water in accordance with the length of your walk
- Apply sun cream
- Wear a hat
- Pack a waterproof jacket
- Pack an extra top if you are climbing a tall hill
- Take shorter daylight hours into account
- Wear a hat and gloves
- Take an extra top
- Consider wearing wellington boots on shorter walks
- Take a torch, wear reflective clothing (in case you need to walk along a road)
- Wrap up well
- Don’t walk in high or remote areas unless you have the right equipment and experience
- Take waterproofs
- Consider wearing wellington boots on shorter walks
Best summer forest and woodland walks
Top places to go birdwatching
Winter and summer are both known to bring migrating birds to our shores, and so which season you decide to go walking may well depend on the birdlife you are hoping to spot. Larger birds such as geese, swans and ducks tend to arrive in the autumn to overwinter in the UK, while in summer, swallows, willow warblers and ospreys are a few of the birds that return after overwintering in warmer regions.
Our pick of birdwatching spots in UK national parks:
Birdwatching spots across the UK
Putting your best paw forward...
Dogs love a good walk as much as we do, but it’s important to observe the Dog Walking Code as directed by The Ramblers Association, Natural England, The Kennel Club and the NFU (National Farmers’ Union).
Read our bullet-pointed list to get the lowdown on keeping your dog and the local wildlife safe as you explore, then head over to our selection of dog-friendly cottages for some holiday inspiration.
Dog-friendly cottages
Walking in national parks with dogs:
- Never let your dog chase livestock - sheep worrying is a serious offence. Learn more.
- Please do not access areas with dog bans – restrictions are often put in place to protect not only your animal but also fragile habitats, wildlife and birds (ground-nesting birds in particular)
- Keep your dog on the lead around livestock, horses and cliff edges
- Always pick up dog waste as it can carry disease transferrable to livestock and is generally unpleasant
- Do not leave poo bags behind as they take years to biodegrade
- Ensure your dog is microchipped or has a tag on its collar
- Read more safety guidelines
Discover our pick of top dog-friendly days out in the UK.
What do when you meet livestock
Many country paths cut through farm fields, so the likelihood of encountering cattle is high. Be particularly mindful of cows during the spring when they are rearing their calves. Before you enter a field, you should always stop and assess the path ahead.
- Walk around the herd
- Avoid getting between a cow and its calf
- If you have a dog, keep it on a short lead and under firm control
- If cattle charges you and your dog, let the dog go as they are reacting to your pet
- Leave all gates as you found them - if they were open, leave them open; if closed, leave them closed
- Avoid wearing anything bright red. It’s not an urban myth; bulls really do not like this colour!
- Don’t panic: cows are curious by nature and will stop before they reach you - they probably think you are the farmer
It's wonderful to be able to see these animals up close and it's great for children to learn where their food comes from. Plan a great working farm holiday with the kids with these ideas for exploring the countryside.
Family working farm ideas
Always protect your feet
We’ve all been on a long walk and been stymied by a blister! Here are some tips to help you circumnavigate the issue and have a great day. Avoid having to give your partner a piggyback by following our anti-blister tips.
- Don’t wear new shoes – wear comfortable, worn-in shoes
- Wear good socks (bring spares)
- Remove your boots when you stop for a rest to give air to your feet
- Carry plasters or padded dressings to cover skin rubs
For long hikes, it's worth getting your hands on some comfortable walking shoes or boots, but for shorter autumn/winter walks through the countryside or along the coast, wellies are the perfect footwear!
Essentials/emergency information
What to do in an emergency while out walking
Sometimes things don’t go your way. For any amount of planning, there is the element of chance that can set a chain of events in motion, so here are a few pointers for when the worst comes to the worst. Don't be afraid to call for help in an emergency. For mountain walking safety, there is a lot more to consider.
In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the police. It is their job to contact rescue services for you. Do not contact the ambulance service as they are only equipped to attend emergencies with street access.
Information for emergency services
- Where are you? Find your grid reference on the map combined with a GPS check, or use the what3words app
- How many people are in your party?
- Nature of injury/emergency
- Description of hazard/location
- Send pictures of location from your mobile phone if possible
- Describe weather and visibility conditions
- Use an international distress signal – Morse code is six blasts on a whistle repeated at 1-minute intervals. If your whistles are heard, you should hear three blasts in reply.
Many natural beauty spots and walking locations have visitor centres. Where possible, always pay them a visit to find out any up-to-the-minute information about the local area concerning path closures, diversions or any other eventualities that would be good to know in advance. You may also pick up some useful tips on aspects of the trail to look out for concerning the flora and fauna.
If you're planning a visit to the beautiful UK coastline for sea dips and sandy walks, take a read of our guide to beach safety before you go.
A guide to beach safety
Our three cottages pictured above are: The Hide in Northumberland (top left), Willow Cottage in the Brecon Beacons (top right) and The Brook Nook in the Peak District (bottom).
Whether you're planning to head out into vast sweeping landscapes, explore winding country lanes, or visit iconic landmarks during your national park travels, we've got a holiday cottage waiting for you.
We have accommodation for walkers and adventurers all across the UK, including Scotland and Wales. From remote country cottages to coastal holiday homes and everything in between, we have the perfect property for your next national park holiday in the UK.
UK cottages
