Take the bus through Borrowdale, Lake District
We enjoy visiting the northern Lake District. You can enjoy the hustle and bustle of friendly Keswick, full of great cafes, independent shops, beautiful parks and fantastic views in all directions. Travel by open-top bus from Keswick to Seatoller and enjoy the beauty of Derwentwater and Borrowdale, which, according to Alfred Wainwright, passes through the “loveliest square mile of Lakeland”. For real peace and quiet, explore the northern hills: walk from Mungrisdale to Bannerdale Crags and Blencathra as you admire those brave enough to take on Sharp Edge. Later, sit by the stream and enjoy a coffee in the beautiful village of Caldbeck.
Katharine
The gift of solitude in Northumberland
Northumberland National Park is a gift to those seeking solitude. Here pipits, lapwings (lapwings) and curlews are your steadfast companions. History lies beneath your feet as you stand at the top of Yeavering Bell and look out over Ad Gefrin, the medieval court of the kings where wild goats now live. Venture beyond the park’s boundaries to its namesake, the fantastic Saxon museum and whiskey distillery, and immerse yourself in history with a drink. Discover Rothbury, a small market town on the banks of the River Coquet, or head upriver to enjoy the folklore of the Drake Stone. Every step here is a treasure. Just don’t forget your boots.
Laura B
A scramble on a quieter mountain in Eryri
Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) holds a special place in my heart. Rain, sun or snow, there is beauty everywhere. Yes, there is the big one, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) that everyone wants to conquer, but there are other, less visited mountains, the best of which is Tryfan. You will not find a café, signpost or train on this 917 meter high peak; just a clamber over a “path” of your choice. There is an incredible view and, if you are brave, you can jump at the top between the two rocks of Adam and Eve (Sion a Siân).
Than
Tips from Guardian Travel readers
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Tackle the Cairngorms on two wheels
Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the Cairngorms National Park. All types of bicycles can be found here. There are family-friendly routes, scenic rides on quiet roads, stunning mountain bike trails and some of the best mountain biking centers in Scotland. One of these is Bike Glenlivet on the Glenlivet Estate, offering flowing singletrack trails for all ages and abilities, set amidst spectacular scenery. The routes are free to use and both trail bikes and e-bikes can be rented. There is also a nice cafe.
Peter Dieder
A quiet corner of the New Forest
Ignore the hotspots of Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst and head to a quiet corner of the New Forest. Take one of the numerous trails among the ponies on Rockford Common, just outside Ringwood. Within a few minutes of leaving the car park you will be on your own and can wander around for hours enjoying the scent of the gorse and the sweeping views over the communal area. Each season brings different pleasures: seeing the forest come alive in May, lazy picnics in the sun, beautiful autumn colors or playing in a secret winter wonderland.
Tracy Jordan
The Yorkshire Dales and their lovely neighbours
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is lovely in itself, but is further enhanced by being surrounded by the natural landscapes of Forest of Bowland, Nidderdale and North Pennine. You’ll find many more hectares and wildflowers per person – and the local people may have more time for you. If you are light on your feet, you are welcome to come along. You can start at the Dales villages of Clapham or Austwick, near the great hill of Ingleborough, and Gaping Gill Cave, then simply cross the A65 to enter the Forest of Bowland and visit places largely unknown.
Martin Charlesworth
Pembrokeshire evening perfection
When visiting Pembrokeshire National Park, don’t forget a visit to Stackpole with its beautiful coastline, wooded valleys, lily ponds and walking trails. Then head to the beautiful beach of Barafundle Bay. On a warm summer evening we like to visit the beach here with a picnic.
Jan
The bunnies of Butser Hill in the South Downs of Hampshire
As a child, shortly after the book Watership Down was published, I was taken to Butser Hill – at 270 meters the highest point on the chalk ridge of the South Downs National Park. It was almost sunset and we sat munching sandwiches, waiting and whispering, while in a fairly short time the hill gradually became covered with rabbits. Here I am, just over half a century later, still enchanted by one of the most magical and fondly remembered evenings of my life.
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Wildlife while floating on the Norfolk Broads
The Norfolk Broads is home to stunning wildlife among the marshes and reeds, but is also a beautiful place where visitors of all ages can have fun in the water. While toddlers paddle on Wroxham Broad, parents can enjoy sailing races and teenagers can take part in rowing and sea exploration activities on Oulton Broad. Then there is the option to sit in a rubber boat all day with a picnic. It’s a place where you can rent a boat and stop at a nice pub every lunch break after enjoying the birds and the fluttering of swallowtail butterflies. I love doing all these things.
David Innes-Wilkin
Winning tip: a canyon of legends in the Peaks
My favorite walk in the Peak District National Park includes two beautiful sites: Lud’s Church and the Roaches. The route offers a captivating mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Lud’s Church is a deep, moss-covered gorge, rich in legends and a tranquil escape to nature. Nearby are the Roaches: dramatic gritstone ridges with breathtaking panoramic views. Hikers and climbers are drawn to the challenging terrain. The area’s unique geological features and lush greenery make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.
Always
Use the comments to recommend your own favorite activities and walks in the UK’s national parks