If cities are the brains of Britain and the roads are its arteries, the nationwide park community is its soul. These landscapes of deep lakes, craggy coasts and misty moors showcase the easiest of Britain’s nice outside.
Our 15 nationwide parks are so entrenched on the map, shaded in such a deep shade of inexperienced, that we take their existence as a right. However the community has solely existed for 74 years, following a 1949 Act of Parliament designed to guard essentially the most lovely corners of the land.
You may argue that Britain truly has the nice romantic poets, not Parliamentarians, to thank for its nationwide parks. Within the early nineteenth century Byron, Coleridge and Wordsworth wrote of the fantastic thing about Britain’s untamed countryside. The latter described the Lake District in 1810 as “a type of nationwide property, wherein each man has a proper and curiosity who has an eye fixed to understand and a coronary heart to take pleasure in.”
After parliament lastly heeded the decision, the Nineteen Fifties noticed a flurry of additives – the Peak District was the primary on April 17 1951, adopted by the Lake District, Snowdonia, Dartmoor, the Pembrokeshire Coast, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Exmoor, Northumberland and the Brecon Beacons.
It might be 32 years till the Norfolk Broads grew to become a nationwide park in 1989, earlier than Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, the Cairngorms, the New Forest and eventually the South Downs had been added to the unique membership within the first decade of the brand new millennium. Over time two have been rejected (Harris and the Cambrian Mountains), though the Authorities has hinted that the Cotswolds and the Chilterns might obtain nationwide park standing within the close to future.
For now, nationwide parks cowl ten per cent of Britain’s land space. There are ten in England, three in Wales and two in Scotland, and every one has a novel attraction. However which one presents the final word customer expertise?
The Telegraph has performed a complete analysis research to search out out, crunching information on the whole lot from Michelin stars to highest peaks, Roman ruins to darkish skies, to decode which park delivers the very best high quality in all areas.
The winner ought to come as no shock. This nationwide park, the second largest within the land, is considered one of Britain’s proudest and storied corners, filled with lofty peaks, luxurious lodging and loads of historic intrigue. It actually is without doubt one of the loveliest spots that man has discovered.
Hike, wild camp and stargaze in magical Dartmoor Credit score : Getty No. 10 Dartmoor (Complete rating: 256 )
“Go to in spring to see lambs gambolling and hedgerows stuffed with wildflowers, whereas summer season invitations lazy days picnicking and swimming in cool, clear rivers.”
Suzy Bennett, vacation spot knowledgeable The way it ranked Pure wonders #14/15 Historical past & Tradition #6/15 Luxuries #5/15 Peace & Quiet #10/15 Reader ballot #11/15
A land of lofty tors, sparse steppe paying homage to Patagonia and stone circles – roamed by the eponymous ponies – Dartmoor is a nationwide park fairly not like some other.
Dartmoor makes the highest ten in our research due to the absence of A roads intersecting the park (the one nationwide park with this accolade), 12 nationwide belief venues (together with Fort Drogo and the Lydford Gorge) and 1,058 scheduled monuments – greater than some other.
Dartmoor can also be the one place in England the place you may legally wild camp, a subject that was beneath the highlight simply this yr. Choose a sheltered spot by a babbling stream, pop up a small tent and you’ll really feel such as you’re residing in one other period fully.
One of many nationwide park’s wild ponies Credit score : Getty Vacation spotlight
The image-perfect village of Lustleigh is considered one of Dartmoor’s most lovingly saved. Thatched cottages huddle across the previous Thirteenth-century church, with tea rooms and a village store on both sides. Make a pitstop on the pleasant pub promoting actual ales (01647 277223; thecleavelustleigh.co.uk).
The last word lodge
The baronial granite stately Bovey Fort (01647 445000; boveycastle.com) is tough to fault. Overlooking wooded hills, you’ve gotten the nationwide park at your fingertips; a 20-minute stroll alongside a wooded river takes you to the Thirteenth-century thatched village of North Bovey. Inside, there’s a heated swimming pool, mahogany staircases, and the bedrooms steadiness to perfection interval options with fashionable trappings. Double rooms from £195.
Bamford Edge within the Peak District Credit score : Getty No. 9 Peak District (Complete rating: 258 )
“Excessive moorlands, river valleys, dales, gorges, wildflower grasslands, historic broadleaf woodlands, fantastical rocky outcrops and huge gritstone ridges. Few Nationwide Parks wherever on the planet can match the Peak District for the sheer number of its landscapes.”
Richard Madden, vacation spot knowledgeable The way it ranked Pure wonders #9/15 Historical past & Tradition #13/15 Luxuries #15/15 Peace & Quiet #14/15 Reader ballot #3/15
If it’s puddings and excessive peaks you’re after, look no additional than this nationwide park straddling six counties (primarily Derbyshire, but in addition Staffordshire, Larger Manchester, Cheshire and South andWest Yorkshire).
This can be a land of picture-perfect villages and market cities ready to be explored – Bakewell, Castleton, Edale – however actually you’re right here for the strolling, and it’s on this space that the Peaks carried out finest in our research. On the core of the park is the Pennine Manner, Britain’s first Nationwide Path which opened in 1965, with memorable hikes to Kinder Scout (scene of the legendary mass trespass of 1932) and the stark ridge of Stanage Edge, with views throughout the nationwide park.
A winding highway within the Peak District Credit score : Getty Vacation spotlight
Look no additional than what might be England’s grandest stately residence, Chatsworth Home (chatsworth.org) in Bakewell. There are greater than 25 rooms to discover indoors, though over the summer season it’s possible you’ll want to benefit from the 105-acre backyard – the product of 500 years of meticulous cultivation, comprising rock gardens, fountains and an arboretum.
The last word lodge
The pleasant Alstonefield Manor (thestoneestate.co.uk) is about within the coronary heart of this beautiful upland village, with trails from the entrance door and Dovedale, Ilam and Hartington all inside strolling distance. Wind down in an effortlessly stylish bed room, and top off on the freshly cooked breakfasts. Double rooms from £130.
A distant bothy within the Cairngorms Credit score : Getty No. 8 Cairngorms (Complete rating: 261 )
“If you happen to’re a wildlife lover looking for spectacular, uncommon birds and mammals, a flinty hiker or mountain biker with a gruelling move to traverse, or a household on the lookout for a riverbank cycle trip, you’ll discover all of it right here, deep within the Scottish Highlands.”
Mark Rowe, vacation spot knowledgeable The way it ranked Pure wonders #4/15 Historical past & Tradition #14/15 Luxuries #8/15 Peace & Quiet #4/15 Reader ballot #4/15
The one Scottish nationwide park to make the highest ten (Loch Lomond and the Trossachs completed in Thirteenth place), the Cairngorms is a nice illustration of Scotland’s distant, elemental, altitudinous attraction.
For these courageous sufficient to make the ascent, the summit of Ben Macdui presents 360-degree views of the unspoilt area. A novel characteristic of the park, too, is that lots of the summer season strolling routes double as ski routes within the winter. Look out for golden eagles in your go to, or the calls of the reclusive Capercaillie within the park’s historic Caledonian pine forests.
Hold your eyes peeled for hovering eagles and majestic deer Credit score : Getty Vacation spotlight
Be a part of a stargazing expertise at Howe of Torbeg (howeoftorbeg.co.uk). These guided periods are for small teams of as much as 8 individuals, with an outside hearth bowl to heat the cockles (plus the compulsory scorching chocolate) earlier than heading up into the sheer darkness of the glen to see the celebrities and be taught in regards to the constellations.
The last word lodge
The Fife Arms in Braemar (01339 720200; thefifearms.com) fuses romance and luxurious with traditional Scottish fashion. Owned by artwork sellers Hauser and Wirth, you’ll be eating within the shadows of masterpieces, earlier than retreating to Berties Bar for a whisky after which crawling upstairs to your four-poster mattress. Double rooms from £250.
The Seven Sisters Credit score : Getty No. 7 South Downs (Complete rating: 265 )
“It’s a marvel that it took so lengthy for this superb panorama of sweeping, high-backed hills, hidden valleys, historic woodland, idyllic farmsteads and stately houses to be declared a Nationwide Park.”
Nick Pattern, vacation spot knowledgeable The way it ranked Pure wonders #8/15 Historical past & Tradition #3/15 Luxuries #4/15 Peace & Quiet #12/15 Reader ballot #14/15
The whippersnapper of Britain’s nationwide parks, the South Downs was designated in 2009, some 58 years after the Peak District was topped in 1951. Residence to the towering Seven Sisters, a nationwide path spanning its total size (the South Downs Manner), a whopping 25 Nationwide Belief listings, together with the stunning Sheffield Park, and the WWT website at Arundel, there’s lots to maintain you occupied on this gently rolling panorama.
Due to its abundance of riches, and maybe additionally the park’s proximity and fast entry to London, the South Downs is the preferred nationwide park within the nation, attracting 39 million guests per yr (the Lakes attracts 15.8 million).
Good-looking Lewes Credit score : Getty Vacation spotlight
Make a pit-stop within the nation city of Lewes for a pint of Harvey’s Greatest Bitter and a sport of Toads at one of many city’s many historic pubs (The Swan Inn, John Harvey Tavern, the Lewes Arms, to call a couple of). Go to in early November for the riotous chaos of the annual Bonfire celebrations, or are available in summer season to catch a present on the close by Glyndebourne Opera Home (glyndebourne.com).
The last word lodge
Set within the pleasant village of Alfriston, not removed from both the cliffs of the Seven Sisters or the South Downs Manner, The Star (1323 870495; thepolizzicollection.com/the-star) is considered one of East Sussex’s most interesting pubs. Exemplary, regionally sourced meals is served in a crooked, oak-beamed setting, with an unlikely Mediterranean courtyard for in a single day visitors. Double rooms from £190.
The North York Moors: England’s reply to Provence Credit score : Getty No. 6 North York Moors (Complete rating: 267 )
“Take the lavender fields of Provence, flip up the purple a notch or two, elevate to 300 or 400 metres and – ta-dah! – you’ve gotten the horizon-stretching, heathery acres of the North York Moors in mid-August.”
Helen Pickles, vacation spot knowledgeable The way it ranked Pure wonders #13/15 Historical past & Tradition #7/15 Luxuries #3/15 Peace & Quiet #3/15 Reader ballot #5/15
The North York Moors could also be smaller than the Dales, however it attracts a sizeable eight million guests per yr. Which isn’t any shock, actually. The nationwide park is residence to the largest stretch of heather moorland in England and Wales, with walks criss-crossing the area and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway locomotives chugging between quaint station stops. For a pub in the course of nowhere, head to The Lion Inn (lionblakey.co.uk), set in splendid isolation at 404m on Blakey Ridge.
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It’s inexcusable to go to Yorkshire and never take pleasure in a cup of tea or two. For the complete works, with cake stands overflowing with sugary goodies in wood-panelled rooms, look no additional than the Black Swan in Helmsley (inncollectiongroup.com/the-black-swan). The tea menu comes full with tasting notes.
The last word lodge
The Star Inn (01439 770397; thestaratharome.co.uk) presents the whole lot you’d hope for in a medieval thatched pub. Low beams, flagged ground, and sensible but comfy bedrooms throughout the highway. You’re right here for the restaurant, which Michelin awarded considered one of its coveted stars for “flavour-driven dishes with a classical base and fashionable overtones.” Double rooms from £150.
Ribblehead Viaduct Credit score : Getty No. 5 Yorkshire Dales (Complete rating: 271 )
“Yorkshire is a large county with virtually an excessive amount of selection. However the Yorkshire Dales presumably has the sting; every valley has a special character, plus there are well-resourced cities and villages if a wet-weather or buying repair is required.”
Helen Pickles, vacation spot knowledgeable The way it ranked Pure wonders #7/15 Historical past & Tradition #8/15 Luxuries #2/15 Peace & Quiet #6/15 Reader ballot #10/15
And the winner within the Battle of Yorkshire is: the Yorkshire Dales, however it was shut. The Dales pipped the North York Moors by simply 4 factors out of an out there 670. There wasn’t an unlimited quantity in it, however the Yorkshire Dales scored excessive for its bounty of gorgeous waterfalls, from Aysgarth to Aira Power; the martian, excessive stage ridge of Whernside (at 736m); and the 2 chic Michelin-starred eating places of Grantley Corridor (grantleyhall.co.uk) and The Angel at Hetton (angelhetton.co.uk).
Aysgarth Falls Credit score : Getty Vacation spotlight
Whether or not you journey in on a steam prepare on the Settle to Carlisle line (settle-carlisle.co.uk) or go to on foot, the 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct is among the many most spectacular within the nation. Close by is Whernside, the very best of the Yorkshire Three Peaks at 736m.
The last word lodge
Simonstone Corridor Resort (01969 667255; simonstonehall.com) in Hawes has what is definitely one of many loveliest settings in England, with views throughout the pastures and swelling fells of Higher Wensleydale. This stone nation home, with its finely manicured grounds, is definitely on the opulent finish of issues, however “cosy rooms” from £100 supply a superb choice for walkers year-round.
Excessive drama within the Brecon Beacons Credit score : Getty No. 4 Brecon Beacons (Complete rating: 278 )
“These bald, fin-shaped peaks might not have elevations to rival Snowdonia, however that detracts nothing from their drama. Crimson kites wheel above upland moors, sheep graze excessive on sweeping slopes, and glacier-eroded valleys starkly recall the Ice Age.”
Kerry Walker, vacation spot knowledgeable The way it ranked Pure wonders #5/15 Historical past & Tradition #4/15 Luxuries #6/15 Peace & Quiet #7/15 Reader ballot #7/15
The Brecon Beacons created fairly the storm in April, saying that it might now go by the title of Bannau Brycheiniog to distance itself from the polluting connotations of beacons (sign fires).
No matter your ideas on the transfer, this nationwide park is stuffed with great issues to do. Take the reins of a Welsh mountain pony at Cantref Driving Centre (cantref.com/trekking), look out for purple kits at Llanddeusant (redkiteswales.co.uk) or go to the atmospheric Carreg Cennen Fort (carregcennencastle.com), or certainly any of the eight different castles that dot the area: greater than some other nationwide park in Britain.
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As soon as a busy waterway stuffed with barges transporting coal, limestone and iron from the pits of south Wales, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal (the “Mon and Brec”) is immediately a sleepy backwater. You may rent an electrical day boat from Dragon Fly in Brecon (07712 253 432; brecondayboats.com) or a Street Home Narrowboat (01873 830240; narrowboats-wales.co.uk) to discover the 35-mile stretch between Brecon and Pontymoile Basin, with loads of pub stops en route.
The last word lodge
Anticipate a heartfelt welcome and a crackling hearth on the Felin Fach Griffin (01874 620 111; eatdrinksleep.ltd.uk), the proper retreat after a protracted day’s strolling within the Brecon Beacons. The hills are proper on the doorstep of this down-to-earth nation inn, making it the proper base for exploring the nationwide park. Double rooms from £115.
Sycamore Hole, Hadrian’s Wall Credit score : Getty No. 3 Northumberland (Complete rating: 279 )
“Northumberland Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the most tranquil in England, its quiet roads a stark distinction to the Lake District to the west.”
Richard Madden, vacation spot knowledgeable The way it ranked Pure wonders #12/15 Historical past & Tradition #5/15 Luxuries #12/15 Peace & Quiet #2/15 Reader ballot #1/15
Northumberland Nationwide Park was one thing of an underdog going into this research. It receives simply 1.5 million guests per yr in comparison with the 39 million vacationers and day trippers who go to the South Downs. However this didn’t cease the park, on the distant fringes of England and Scotland, from securing third spot.
You appear to agree. Northumberland emerged as champion in our Twitter ballot pitting the 15 nationwide parks towards one another. It triumphed within the closing towards the Lake District (runner up), the Peaks (third) and the Cairngorms in fourth.
Why? With the expansive Kielder Water, 20 Darkish Sky Discovery Websites and eight Roman websites peppered alongside Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland proved that it needs to be ignored now not.
Nowhere supply extra peace and quiet Credit score : Getty Vacation spotlight
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a long-distance A to B stroll, think about the Hadrian’s Wall Path which crosses the southern a part of Northumberland Nationwide Park. Constructed from AD122, the 84-mile wall helped Roman Britain to defend itself towards the Picts and the Scots. You may stroll the whole Nationwide Path, ranging from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne within the east to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria on the west coast.
The last word lodge
Layside in Hexham (07740 312 176; layside.com) is a up to date, log-cabin fashion B&B positioned on the outskirts of the nationwide park. Anticipate floor-to-ceiling home windows, minimalist furnishings and elegant meals from the pleasant hosts. Double rooms from £98.
Starkly spectacular Snowdonia Credit score : Getty No. 2 Snowdonia (Complete rating: 318 )
“From mountain biking in forests to white water rafting within the valleys, and browsing and stand-up paddleboarding on the coast or inland lakes, there’s sufficient adventures inside Snowdonia’s waterfall-lined boundaries to maintain everybody pleased.”
Phoebe Smith, vacation spot knowledgeable The way it ranked Pure wonders #3/15 Historical past & Tradition #1/15 Luxuries #14/15 Peace & Quiet #5/15 Reader ballot #6/15
If our research was primarily based solely on the historic and cultural clout of Britain’s nationwide parks, Snowdonia would have come out on prime. With its Unesco-listed slate panorama, 359 scheduled historic monuments, seven Roman websites, six castles, eight Nationwide Belief properties and eight heritage railway strains, Snowdonia snapped up 85 per cent of obtainable factors on this class.
It additionally carried out properly in different standards: with towering Mount Snowdon at 1,085m, 60 miles of shoreline and three RSPB reserves, there’s large selection for lovers of the nice outside. The entire nationwide park is a Darkish Sky Reserve, too, making it a chic spot for viewing the cosmos.
The nationwide park not too long ago reverted to its Welsh-language title (Eryri), whereas Snowdon is now Yr Wyddfa. However this panorama – the product of hundreds of thousands of years of volcanic eruptions, tectonic actions and glacial exercise – stays as starkly spectacular as ever.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway Credit score : Getty Vacation spotlight
Hop on board the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, an exquisite community snaking by means of valleys and hugging hillsides from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Caernarfon (festrail.co.uk). Disembark on the chocolate-box village of Beddgelert for a espresso and a stroll throughout the ivy-covered bridge on the River Glaslyn.
The last word lodge
Keep at Plas Dinas (01286 830214; plasdinas.co.uk) in Caernarfon, a sublime nation home lodge set between the mountains and the ocean. Historic artworks and traditional furnishings are woven with modern stylings, with loads of video games within the lounge. Double rooms from £156.
Stunning Buttermere Credit score : Gety No. 1 Lake District (Complete rating: 400 )
“The clue to the area’s attract is within the title. A dozen or extra lakes – sinuous, fairly, forbidding – vie for consideration. Throw in craggy fells, tumbling waterfalls, timeless villages of whitewashed cottages, and the pull is irresistible.”
Helen Pickles, vacation spot knowledgeable The way it ranked Pure wonders #1/15 Historical past & Tradition #2/15 Luxuries #1/15 Peace & Quiet #11/15 Reader ballot: #2/15
It was all the time going to be the Lakes, wasn’t it? With its cascading waterfalls, whitewashed cottages, craggy fells, and league of great lakes, the Lake District is British countryside at its most heavenly.
It additionally presents a customer expertise not like wherever else within the nation. Right here you’ve gotten 9 Michelin-starred eating places, greater than the quantity present in the entire different nationwide parks mixed. Head to the gorgeous village of Cartmel, on the southern fringes of the Lakes, the place there are two: Rogan & Co and L’enclume.
Posh grub at L’Enclume
The Lakes got here prime for Luxuries in our survey, prime for Pure Wonders, and second for Historical past and Tradition (pipped solely by Swowdonia). The one class the place the Lakes fell down was Peace and Quiet, due largely to the excessive variety of vacationers per yr. Even then, there are in fact quiet pockets to be discovered, like at Ennerdale Water, the Lakes’ forgotten valley.
Whether or not you go to Beatrix Potter’s home, stroll the lakeside market city of Keswick, or make a journey down England’s final working slate mine, the Lake District has one thing for everybody. Take your time, indulge, and revel in.
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When you’ve got a head for heights, go for an exciting through ferrata climb – a route made up of mounted cables and ladders – at Honister Slate Mine. After, settle the nerves with a day tea on the terrace at Lodore Falls (017687 77285; lodorefallspa.uk-hotel.information), probably the greatest spa accommodations within the Lakes.
The last word lodge
The fashionable Storrs Corridor (01539 447111; storrshall.com) is probably one of many best-located accommodations within the nationwide park, set proper on the southern shores of Windermere with sweeping views up and down the lake. You’ll be in good firm; Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth are among the many lodge’s esteemed alumni of visitors. Double rooms from £192.
1006 finest nationwide parks The underside 5
What we’re on the lookout for once we crunch numbers on this trend is, in fact, to rejoice the excellence of the highest rankers. However there additionally must be a loser. For essentially the most lovely nations it was the Maldives, for the very best cities it was Marrakech, for the very best English counties it was the Metropolis of London, and for the very best Med islands it was Cres, Croatia. And becoming a member of this unique membership because the lowest rating nationwide park is the New Forest.
The remainder of the underside 5 is made up of the Broads in 14th, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs in Thirteenth, the Pembrokeshire Coast in twelfth and Exmoor in eleventh.
That is, in fact, to not say that these will not be lovely, idiosyncratic nationwide parks in their very own proper. It merely signifies that they won’t have as many excessive peaks, as many prime eating places and accommodations or as many Nationwide Belief websites because the others. In one other research, with one other set of standards, these 5 might have competed for prime spot.
New Forest Our methodology
We thought-about a spread of standards break up into 4 subcategories: Pure Wonders, Peace and Quiet, Historical past and Tradition and Luxuries.
For Pure Wonders we thought-about the altitude of the very best level, the size of shoreline, the variety of conservation areas, RSPB reserves, canals and waterways, the variety of top-ranked waterfalls, the variety of top-ranked lakes, the biggest lake, WWT websites, Blue Flag Seashores, whether or not the park has a particular pony breed (ie Exmoor), puffin-viewing websites and Nationwide Trails.
For Peace and Quiet we thought-about inhabitants density, guests per yr, darkish sky reserve standing, darkish sky discovery websites, whether or not A roads intersect the park, distance from the centre to the closest main metropolis, and the variety of planes overhead at a peak hour.
For Historical past and Tradition, we thought-about Roman websites, heritage railway networks, Nationwide Belief listings, the variety of castles, Scheduled Historic Monuments and Unesco World Heritage Websites.
For Luxuries, we thought-about the variety of top-ranked accommodations (9/10 or increased) listed on the Telegraph, the variety of Michelin-starred eating places, the variety of accommodations and the variety of Nice British pub award winners.
As well as, we thought-about whether or not you may wild camp within the park, the variety of dry days monthly, the scale of the park, the yr it was designated, accessibility, the variety of “finest drives” in response to the Telegraph and the recognition amongst Telegraph Journey’s Twitter followers in a ballot.
