THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN UK

The UK's national parks were created in the social upheaval after World War II; they were meant as a point of escape for citizens, where anyone could go to breathe fresh air and find space and solace. 

The number of parks has since risen to 14 across Great Britain – variously protecting majestic mountains, shimmering lakes, thick forests and misty moors. What's surprising is how close these beautiful landscapes can be to big cities. The suburbs of Sheffield and Manchester run to the edges of the Peak District, London commuter trains roll through the South Downs, and within an hour of leaving Glasgow, you can be at Loch Lomond in the Highlands.

And in 2020, it was announced that the UK is committing to creating more national parks as part of the government's 25-year Environment Plan. Be aware that while in some countries (such as Australia and the USA), national parks mean areas of untouched wilderness, in the UK they are largely lived-in, working landscapes, where visiting responsibly is as important for local farmers as for wild farming

1. South Downs National Park

Best for: This one the best park mostly used for long-distance walks in the UK

This is the UK's newest national park, though its wide-open spaces have long been a precious retreat in the densely populated southeast: with rolling hills commanding views down to the Weald and out to the Channel. The 100-mile South Downs Way traverses the entire park – from the spire of Winchester Cathedral to the beach at Eastbourne – but many hikers hail the final coastal section past the chalky heights of Beachy Head as the best.

Where to stay: The rambling, red brick Ram Inn in Firle has been a B&B for 500 years, with five smart rooms to rest trail-weary limbs.

 

2. Peak District National Park

Best for: this is best known for cycling 

Designated in 1951, the Peak District is the UK's original national park, a majestic marriage of bleak moorlands and wooded valleys, stately homes and industrial heritage. Taking a bike ride on the eight-mile Monsal Trail is a good introduction to the park. From Bakewell, follow an abandoned railway line west – cycling through tunnels, old stations and past little villages – before flying over the Victorian arches of the Headstone Viaduct.

Where to stay: You can stay on the Chatsworth Estate, renting cottages such as Park Cottage from £496.

 

3. Brecon Beacons National Park

Best for: strolls

A sequence of green ridges rising from the industrial heartland of South Wales, the Brecon Beacons get their names from mountaintop fires, lit in centuries past to warn of the coming invasion. These days that invasion takes the form of hikers and mountain bikers – many of whom are intent on conquering the highest point, Pen Y Fan (2,907ft). For a quieter corner of the park, head to the Vale of Ewyas, where a ruined priory is hidden between mighty escarpments.

 

4. Dartmoor National Park

This is a special park best used for wide camping

Dartmoor is the only national park in England where wild camping is permitted – and a night under canvas is a fine way to get acquainted with Devon's mysterious moorlands. Wherever you pitch up, you will notice the park's defining landmarks are its tors – granite outcrops rising over windswept grasses where wild ponies graze. Haytor and Hound Tor are popular spots; for a real adventure, strike out to remote Fur Tor. Accessed by a long walk over boggy ground, it's a magnificently secluded spot for a night under starry skies