By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
Despite its relatively small size, the United Kingdom boasts a remarkable diversity and beauty in its landscapes, epitomized by its 15 national parks across England, Scotland, and Wales. These parks range from the towering peaks of the Cairngorms to the sprawling waterways of the Broads, and from the gently rolling South Downs to the broad beaches of the Pembrokeshire coast. Interestingly, Northern Ireland currently has no national parks.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949, which led to the establishment of the UK's national parks, beginning with the Peak District in 1951. This groundbreaking legislation ensured public access to open countryside while also protecting vital wildlife and areas of natural beauty. The concept, inspired by the United States' Yellowstone Park established in 1872, was the culmination of prolonged political efforts, according to Carey Davies, hiker, naturalist, and author of National Parks Of The United Kingdom (Ithaka Press). Davies notes that the Industrial Revolution rendered Britain the world's first predominantly urban population, underscoring the need for accessible natural spaces, especially after the exhaustion of World War II.
Today, the UK’s national parks are cherished spaces for unwinding, hiking, climbing, cycling, and paddling. They also serve as refuges for rare wildlife, unique plant species, and distinctive habitats. These parks play a crucial role in tackling significant challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and promoting wellbeing, emphasizes Davies. Now, more than ever, these parks are essential.
Here, Davies highlights five of the most beautiful national parks in the UK, ideal for adventures, wildlife observation, and peaceful contemplation.
1. Lake District National Park, England
The Lake District in northern England attracts millions of visitors annually with its blend of sublime and cosy landscapes. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017, the park features hulking mountains and glacially carved lakes alongside human altered landscapes of dry stone walled fields and sheep farms, a heritage dating back to the Vikings. The Lake District has inspired literary giants such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Visitors can enjoy serene boat cruises on lakes like Windermere, Derwentwater, and Ullswater, or engage in more dynamic activities like wild swimming and stand up paddling. Despite summer congestion, the park's vast 2,362 square kilometres offer plenty of secluded spots for inspiration.
2. Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Wales
In 2022, Snowdonia National Park Authority adopted the Welsh names Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and Eryri (Snowdonia) for Wales' highest mountain and the national park. Eryri's north western region offers dramatic mountain landscapes, ideal for climbing, scrambling, and adventurous walking. The park's jagged rock formations, Celtic rainforests, and Arctic alpine plants enhance its natural beauty. Human elements like Harlech Castle add to the park's charm. The area is rich in literary heritage, with landmarks from the medieval Welsh tales, The Mabinogion. There’s a local legend that sleeping on Cader Idris can turn one into a poet or a madman.
3. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
The Cairngorms in north east Scotland is the UK's largest national park, spanning 4,528 square kilometres. Known for its wild, snowy, and austere beauty, the park appeals to hikers, bikers, and outdoor adventurers. Its kilometre high granite mountains, capable of enduring winds up to 170 mph, host diverse wildlife, including snow buntings, ptarmigans, and mountain hares. The park also contains remnants of the Caledonian forest and is currently undergoing rewilding efforts to restore native species like lynx and wolves.
4. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales
Pembrokeshire’s varied and dramatic coastline earned it national park status. The park features rocky limestone sea cliffs, eggshell sand beaches, and megalithic stone monuments older than Stonehenge. Key attractions include St David’s Cathedral and Strumble Head Lighthouse. The region's birdlife is extraordinary, particularly on the islands of Skomer, Grassholm, and Ramsey. The 186 mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail and various water activities offer immersive ways to explore the area.
5. The Broads National Park, England
The Broads National Park, spanning the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, is the UK’s largest protected wetland. Despite covering just 0.1% of Britain’s land mass, it supports a quarter of the country’s rarest wildlife species, including common cranes and various wildfowl. Its network of lakes, rivers, fens, and marshes offers a secluded beauty. Visitors can enjoy boating on 125 miles of navigable waterways or explore by kayak through quiet marshlands. The park also features over 60 historical windmills, adding to its charm. The coastline from Sea Palling to Winterton on Sea, home to a breeding population of grey seals, is also part of the park.
These parks are not only places of natural beauty but also vital refuges for wildlife and essential areas for addressing pressing environmental challenges. The UK's national parks remain indispensable for both nature and people, offering spaces for recreation, inspiration, and ecological conservation.
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