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Things to do in England, United Kingdom: The Best National Parks
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1. Lake District National Park Guided Walks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 298 reviews
The Lake District National Park is a national treasure and World Heritage Site. It boasts England's largest lake, Windermere, and its highest peak, Scafell Pike. One of the best ways to discover this unique living, cultural landscape, is by going on a Lake District National Park guided walk. Join one of our local experts to summit world famous fell tops, exploring ancient caves, paddle in the sea, stare up at wild waterfalls, explore historical houses, gazing across vast valleys and of course look across the beautiful lakes that give this special place it's name. All of our guided walks are led by passionate, local volunteers who love nothing more than to share their love of the Lake District with you. And all the money from our walks goes back to looking after the National Park for generations to come.
2. New Forest National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,810 reviews
The New Forest National Park is truly unique. It’s a ‘world capital’ for wildlife with a huge diversity of rare plants and animals– one of the reasons why it was made a National Park in 2005. A place of outstanding natural beauty, the unique landscape is shaped by the grazing of ponies, cattle and pigs that roam freely. These animals may appear wild, but they are owned by people called commoners. One of the last places in southern England to offer a sense of wildness and tranquillity, it’s a wonderful area to explore on foot, horseback, or by bike. Indeed William the Conqueror, who set aside the ‘New Forest’ for hunting more than 900 years ago, would probably recognise much of it today.
Reviewed By Allwyna - Geneva, Switzerland
An amazing place nestled in Southern England .. Some of the closer town which boost of scenic boutique hotels are Lyndhurst, Burley and Romsey... The entire forest is absolutely scenic, stunning and lush.. you could easily see grazing Horse, cattle and deers.. Surely a perfect get away from London as it’s just a 2 hours drive and offers you a perfect relaxing moment to create memories to cherish. Plenty of places to visit if you intend to relax, rejuvenate, organize a team or family gathering, wedding plans or just want to hike by yourself to spent a me time secluded from the rest of the world.., I spent my 2 nights at White Buck Burley (separate review uploaded).. Their are many great restaurant options around town but surely recommend to drive down as having a car or bike is important... Enjoy and live your life...
3. Heigham Holmes
4. Lindway Springs Alpacas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Lindway Springs Alpacas, Walking Experience with a unique crafting twist, aimed at adults & older children 12 plus, specialising in small private groups of family or friends 2 to 4 people. located in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, hidden away down a quiet county lane. Between Matlock & Alfreton. Come learn meet, and walk our quirky Alpaca boys around our scenic tranquil farm land, & needle felt your own little alpaca to take home. Drinks & cake included self serve. Open all year, week days can also be booked by arrangement & in advance. Booking only please. Find us on Fb lindwayspringsalpacas for offers & more information.
Reviewed By Chappell1947
My daughter and I spent a most enjoyable morning with Deanna and Henry at Lindsay Springs Alpacas. It was a very friendly atmosphere, four delightful alpacas who behaved very well on our walk in the delightful Derbyshire countryside. We made a felt alpaca to take home and were treated to a coffee and a delicious slice of cake. I would recommend this experience very highly. Helen Chappell
5. New Forest National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By 950charlesf - Newtown, United Kingdom
Beautiful part of the world, plenty of opportunities to explore, even with busy traffic, the ponies are an ever present bonus.
6. The Broads National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,226 reviews
Discover dramatic landscapes, raw natural beauty and a rare quality of light. Where big, bright skies meet endless horizons and dreamlike landscapes. A place where time stands still. Real peace, open space – it’s a place unlike anywhere else... The Broads National Park.
Reviewed By carolwise - Norwich, United Kingdom
We hired a day boat from Potter heigham and the views are amazing we also stopped of at a pub and the mooring was free. You see a lot of wildlife
7. South Downs Way
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By Highway272 - Brighton, United Kingdom
Hard to believe when you're walking this path that you are in one of the most densely populated parts of England. The rolling downlands are relaxing, at times breathtaking - the views of the the high weald and north Downs, the sea to the south. The path goes through three counties, Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex, comes ever closer to the sea until the the South Downs way becomes a coastal path from Cuckmere Haven onwards. Start at Winchester finish at Eastbourne. This way you are more likely to to have the wind on your back as well as saving the best till last. With a few exceptions it's easy walking, very few steep gradients and for long stretches softly undulating. The first few miles from Winchester pleasant enough but things don't really get going until the Meon valley, and the view from Beacon Hill is spectacular. The classic Downland structure is not evident until entering West Sussex and Harting down. From here you are aware of being on the edge of the escarpment pretty much as far as Alfriston. Much of the West Sussex section is forested, some of it rather sterile conifer plantation which also removes the views. In my opinion the East Sussex section is the most varied, beautiful and rewarding with the Seven Sisters the jewel in The crown. There are also villages on the route such as Exton, Amberley and Alfriston, beautiful villages in themselves but also offering refreshment. Between Butser hill, the highest point on the Downs, and Amberley there is nowhere are on the path to get refreshments; the same is also true from Amberley to Devil's Dyke so there are large stretches of the West Sussex path where you either need to to bring your own provisions or come down off the path. By contrast the East Sussex section has many great stop off points for coffee and and lunch. At Alfriston the the South Downs way splits into two, the northern section as far as Jevington is very rewarding but the final part to Eastbourne is fairly dismal. The southern route is thus highly recommended although the Seven Sistersisters can be the most demanding part of the whole walk. The South Downs way can be done in one go taking between 5 and 7 days or else in sections. The following are the points where the path can be picked up using public transport: Meon valley, South Harting, Cocking, Amberley (train station) Bramber, Devil's Dyke and Ditchling beacon at weekends, Southease (train station) Alfriston and Cuckmere Haven Highlights: Meon valley Butser hill Harting down Amberley Chanctonbury ring Devil's Dyke Ditchling beacon Firle beacon Alfriston Cuckmere valley Seven sisters.
8. Saltwell Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 822 reviews
Reviewed By tracisunis
I've loved this park, ever since I was a child. It's expansive, on a gently sloping hill with vistas of Gateshead and its surrounds. A walk around the lake in summer is a must, or a picnic on the lawns, but the meandering paths make this park a must. Beautifully maintained and complete with bowling greens, rose gardens, a maze and aviaries – as well as coffee rooms – it makes for a wonderful day out for everyone.
9. Clumber Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,440 reviews
Clumber is a beautiful expanse of parkland, heath and woods covering more than 3,800 acres.Clumber Park was once the country estate of the Dukes of Newcastle. Although the house was demolished in 1938, there are glimpses of its grand past to explore - from the Gothic-style chapel, often referred to as a 'cathedral in miniature', you can follow in the footsteps of dukes through the peaceful pleasure ground to the Walled Kitchen Garden, where you can experience sights, scents and a taste of the past.Today Clumber offers freedom to discover a ducal park and provides a haven for wildlife within an idyllic setting.With 3,800 acres of picturesque parkland and gardens, peaceful woodlands and a magnificent lake to enjoy there is plenty of space to explore and relax with your family and friends.Not only is Clumber's mosaic of habitats home to an amazing array of wildlife, it is also a great place to spot it.And there's much more to explore.
Reviewed By jstan54 - Birkenshaw, United Kingdom
Stayed at the Motorhome & Caravan Club site on Clumber Park for 5 nights, fabulous staff and so friendly.The weather was kind to us and our friends for the visit and we were able to walk in this truly beautiful place with its Autumnal magnificence. We didn’t bring the bikes but if we had the trails are fabulous as are the walks. The visitor centre is excellent with a great cafe/restaurant at very reasonable prices. It’s our third visit and it certainly won’t be our last. Our National Trust is a wonderful institution preserving the very best of our wonderful islands...Clumber is England at its best. Thoroughly recommend it...please visit.
10. Dalby Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,060 reviews
Reviewed By Professional468 - Leeds, United Kingdom
I went with my partner who was wanting to try mountain miking on trails and downhill etc. We have done a fair bit of mountain biking, but generally more canal path and cycle track on disused railway lines etc We looked at the map and decided on the blue route. The long uphill at the start was hard work. But we only really got our bikes back out 3 weeks ago, so are still a long way from being fit. Then there was a really enjoyable mixed middle bit. Single track in the main, varied and fun. I found the end section too steep and technical and had to walk that part, which left me feeling disappointed. But if you have more confidence, then I’m sure it would be fine. My other half enjoyed it. There seems to be something for everyone. A lovely venue and we will go again, but I think we will try the long green route next time ????
