National Marine Parks
We're on a mission to secure the UK's first National Marine Parks. Explore what National Marine Parks are and how we're working to make them a possibility.
Five wonders of National Parks
What’s your favourite way to experience a National Park? There are often more dimensions to these landscapes than initially meet the eye. From favourite spots to news ways to experience and explore these precious landscapes, we’re highlighting a taster of five Parks and their wonders across, land, water, sea, sky and subterranean habitats.
Discover the wonders
Cat Bells, Lake District National Park ©Stewart Prince
1. On land
The Lake District National Park
Though named for its water bodies, the Lake District National Park hosts some of our most beloved hills and mountains. From the peaks of Scafell Pike to the rolling hills of Ennerdale, the dramatic landscape makes hiking and hill climbing favourite activities for the millions who visit the Park each year.
Want to beat the crowds? Breathtaking views and quieter paths can often be found off the beaten track, and this can help to protect the landscape too.
2. On water
The Broads National Park
With its 125 miles of navigable waterways, The Broads is one of the best National Parks to see from water. Navigating through reeds and across lakes, you might spot some of the country’s rarest wildlife.
In fact, the National Park which is Britain’s largest protected wetland is home to more than a quarter of Britain’s rarest species. Its fen, marsh and wet woodland make it one of our most important habitats for health of nature and the country’s waterways.
Puffin ©Harriet Gardiner
3. At sea
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
It’s not only freshwater where National Parks shine. Covering almost all of the coast in Pembrokeshire, the National Park is known for its ecologically rich coastal habitats and marine wildlife, including seals and even orca.
And soon, National Parks may go one step further. We’re on a mission to secure the first designated National Marine Parks in the UK with our project to build community and government for support National Parks that extend out to sea, protecting our country’s wonderful marine habitats and connect more people with the sea.
Stars over the South Downs ©Matt Gibson
4. In the stars
Northumberland National Park
With some of the lowest levels of light pollution in England, it’s no surprise that Northumberland National Park forms part of the first International Dark Sky Park to be designated in the country. Stargazing in National Parks can be a unique way to connect with their history. Join millions of people who have visited, lived and worked in National Parks for centuries, and take a moment to look up.
Swap your daytime hike for a late-night stroll for breathtaking views of stars as far away as Andromeda, some 2.5 million lightyears away.
Malham Cove, Yorkshire Dales ©Harriet Gardiner
5. Underground
The Yorkshire Dales National Park
Some of the rarest habitats in National Parks fly under the radar — literally. Caves, coves and caverns, many of our Parks have rich subterranean habitats.
The Yorkshire Dales is home to a fascinating underground including part of the longest interconnected network of caves in Britain, the Three Counties system. Its limestone hills cover numerous other caverns, caves and underground passages offering rich archaeological information as well as unique experiences for anyone looking for something a little different in a National Park.
Learn more
Find National Parks
Find out more about each of the National Parks in England and Wales.
Visiting National Parks
Adventure, relaxation, exploration, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a National Park, here are out top tips on making the most of your visit.