Free Days Out UK: Your Guide to Exploring on a Budget
Discover a wide range of free days out across the UK with this handpicked guide to the best cost-friendly...
by Rob Hayes / Day Out Guides
With 15 stunning national parks spread across the UK, choosing which one to visit during your next staycation can feel like a challenge.
Our latest Sykes Staycation Index, showed that countryside walks, coastal strolls and exploring local attractions are among the top things Brits want from a holiday. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to visit a UK National Park.
From rugged mountains and peaceful lakes to dramatic coastlines and rolling countryside, each one offers something completely different. To help narrow it down, we’ve analysed search data to uncover the best national parks in the UK, highlighting the most popular spots for visitors today.
We’ve also reached out to our partners at National Parks for more information about these protected landscapes as well as expert insight from park rangers to inspire your next getaway!
Wild, peaceful, dramatic or crowd‑free, the best national park depends on what you’re really searching for. Read on to find yours…
A national park is a protected area of natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, managed to allow public enjoyment without damaging the environment.
There are 15 National Parks across the UK: 10 in England, 3 in Wales and 2 in Scotland.
The 15 UK National Parks are: Lake District, Peak District, Eryri (Snowdonia), Dartmoor, Exmoor, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, The Broads, South Downs, New Forest, Pembrokeshire Coast, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Northumberland, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and the Cairngorms.
Northumberland National Park is the least visited, making it ideal for those seeking peace, quiet and space to explore.
The Cairngorms in Scotland is the largest, covering over 4,500 square kilometres.
The Cairngorms is the most northern national park in the UK, which can be found in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
The Peak District was the UK’s first National Park, officially designated in 1951.
As England’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District needs little introduction and is an unsurprising entry on our guide to the UK’s best national parks.
With its dramatic mountains, pristine lakes and winding country lanes, it’s no wonder this national park consistently tops the charts when it comes to popularity.
Whether you’re climbing Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain, or cruising across Lake Windermere by boat, there’s plenty here for outdoor lovers and those searching for memorable free days out. The region’s walking trails are world-renowned, ranging from relaxed lakeside strolls to more demanding fells for seasoned hikers. And for wildlife lovers, keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels in woodlands and ospreys soaring overhead.
Alongside the stunning scenery, the Lake District also offers charming market towns like Keswick, Ambleside and Grasmere, where you’ll find cosy cafés, independent shops and local heritage. Whether it’s walking, sightseeing or simply soaking up the landscape, the Lake District offers an unforgettable break at any time of year.
Known for its ancient woodlands, free-roaming ponies and charming villages, the New Forest offers a truly unique setting for a countryside escape. Once a royal hunting ground, this peaceful national park in Hampshire and south-west Wiltshire is now one of the most popular destinations for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers alike.
With over 140 miles of walking and cycling trails weaving through the forest, you’ll have plenty of chances to explore the great outdoors. Along the way, you might spot ponies, deer and even Highland cattle wandering through the trees and across quiet lanes. The New Forest also boasts a handful of quiet beaches and estuaries, ideal for birdwatching or a peaceful coastal stroll.
The area is dotted with traditional villages such as Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst and Beaulieu, each offering tearooms, pubs and independent shops. With its mix of woodland, wildlife and welcoming communities, the New Forest is perfect if you’re searching for a relaxing break in nature.
As the UK’s first designated national park, the Peak District has long held a special place in the hearts of British holidaymakers, so we aren’t surprised to see it on our list of the most popular national parks in the UK.
Stretching across parts of Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Greater Manchester and Cheshire, this diverse region offers everything from limestone valleys and moorland plateaus to peaceful reservoirs and charming towns.
Walkers are spoilt for choice here, with trails like the Monsal Trail and Kinder Scout being recognised as some of the best walks in the UK. For something more relaxed, the stepping stones at Dovedale or a walk around Ladybower Reservoir are ideal. You’ll also find a wealth of local wildlife, from buzzards circling overhead to rare mountain hares on the higher ground.
The Peak District is also home to some fantastic historic sites, including Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall. And with market towns like Bakewell and Buxton close by, there’s no shortage of lovely spots for a well-earned slice of cake or pint after a day outdoors.
Home to Wales’ highest peak and some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK, Eryri National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From rugged mountains and deep valleys to ancient woodlands and glacial lakes, it’s easy to see why this Welsh national park is one of the most popular places to visit in the country.
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) draws in climbers and walkers from all over, with several routes to the summit depending on your experience. But there’s much more to the park than just its namesake mountain. You’ll also find peaceful forests, hidden waterfalls and quiet walking trails… perfect for those of you that’re looking to escape the crowds.
The area is rich in culture and history too, with Welsh heritage running through towns like Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert and Llanberis. Whether you’re here for the hikes, the views or the cosy villages, Eryri is a place that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Tucked away in the far north east of England, Northumberland National Park is a place of striking contrasts… from wild, open moorland to rolling hills and ancient Roman ruins. It’s also the least populated of all the UK’s national parks, making it ideal for those seeking peace, quiet and space to explore.
Perhaps the most famous feature is Hadrian’s Wall, which runs through the southern edge of the park and easily one of the best walks in Northumberland. Walking along the wall or visiting one of its forts, like Housesteads, is a must. Further north, the Cheviot Hills provide panoramic views and plenty of places to go for scenic and relaxing walks.
Northumberland is also known for its dark skies. The park is home to one of Europe’s largest areas of protected night sky, making it perfect for stargazing. Whether you’re keen to explore local history at one of Northumberland’s many nearby castles or walk across the beautiful countryside, Northumberland offers something refreshingly different.
Known for its winding waterways, reed-lined rivers and peaceful pace of life, the Broads National Park offers a unique take on the traditional countryside escape. Spread across Norfolk and Suffolk, this low-lying landscape is a paradise for boaters, walkers and wildlife lovers.
The Broads cover over 125 miles of navigable waterways, and the best way to explore them is by boat, whether you hire one for a few hours or a few days. Along the way, you’ll spot windmills, historic churches and an abundance of birdlife, including herons, marsh harriers and even the occasional otter if you’re lucky.
On land, you’ll find scenic walking and cycling routes, along with charming villages such as Wroxham, Horning and Ludham. With its gentle scenery and relaxing atmosphere, as well its proximity to some of the best beaches in Norfolk, the Broads are perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy nature at their own pace.
Rounding off our list of the best UK National Parks is the Yorkshire Dales. With its rolling green hills, dry stone walls and winding country lanes, the it’s one of the most recognisable and beloved landscapes in Britain.
Known for being one of two national parks in Yorkshire, the Dales stretch across much of North Yorkshire and parts of Cumbria and Lancashire, it’s a region packed with charm, character and timeless rural beauty.
Walking is one of the best ways to explore the Dales, whether you’re climbing to the summit of Pen-y-Ghent or wandering through peaceful valleys like Wharfedale and Swaledale. You’ll also find spectacular natural landmarks here, including Malham Cove, Aysgarth Falls and the dramatic Ribblehead Viaduct.
The park is dotted with picturesque villages and market towns like Grassington, Settle and Hawes, each offering cosy pubs, local produce and a warm Yorkshire welcome. For a walking holiday or a relaxing break in the countryside, the Yorkshire Dales ticks all the right boxes.
Despite not making it into the top seven based on our search analysis, the other other eight national parks shouldn’t be slept on! We’re so lucky to have such a beautiful selection of national parks to choose from, each offering something different, what matters is finding the best park for you and your holiday!
So check out these other amazing national parks that are more than worth a visit…
The ‘rank’ was calculated using the average monthly search volume data from Google Keyword Planner in 2026. The ranking considers the combined total of keyword variations relating to each UK National Park alongside holiday-related search terms.
Other insights in this article came from the 2025 Sykes Staycation Index, supported by consumer research of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by OnePoll in April 2025.
For even more inspiration on where to stay for your next getaway, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide of the best UK holiday destinations! You can also learn more about our partnership with National Parks or browse the full list of properties in a national park and begin your next adventure today.
by Rob Hayes / Day Out Guides
I'm Rob and I joined the Sykes team in February 2024. I am a passionate writer and have always enjoyed holidays in the UK, especia...
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