Year of designation
The legislation that established National Parks was passed in 1949 with the Peak District becoming the first National Park in 1951 and most of the other Parks following soon after. The New Forest and the South Downs are the latest recruits to the family.
| National Park | Year of designation | Order of designation |
|---|---|---|
| Brecon Beacons | 1957 | 10th |
| The Broads | 1989 | 11th |
| Dartmoor | 1951 | 4th |
| Exmoor | 1954 | 8th |
| Lake District | 1951 | 2nd |
| New Forest | 2005 | 12th |
| Northumberland | 1956 | 9th |
| North York Moors | 1952 | 6th |
| Peak District | 1951 | 1st |
| Pembrokeshire Coast | 1952 | 5th |
| Snowdonia | 1951 | 3rd |
| South Downs | 2009 | 13th |
| Yorkshire Dales | 1954 | 7th |
