Britain's National Parks offer both the foreign visitor and the domestic tourist breathtaking areas of natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a National Park in which you'll be able to enjoy spectacular walks and hiking trails, or one in which you and your family will be able to indulge in some boat rowing or bike riding, the National Parks of the United Kingdom are sure to delight you.
Take a trip to the Lake District or Peak District National Parks - the first two National Parks to be designated in the UK. The Peak District lies mainly in northern Derbyshire, but also spans parts of Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire and Yorkshire. Visitors to the Peak District, split into the Dark Peak in the north and the White Peak in the south, are able to participate in a range of activities - including mountain biking, horse riding, canoing and hang gliding - allowing you take in the surrounding staggering scenery in style.
Alternatively, the Lake District, lying entirely within the region of Cumbria, is more famous for its lakes, mountains and its association with the romantic poet William Wordsworth. Tourists visiting the Lakes can get the most out of their trip by car, allowing them to explore the region's charming towns and valleys. For instance, a drive to Kendal, Penrith and Keswick allows you to appreciate some of the park's most attractive towns. You'll also be able to visit some of the park's major lakes, including Ullswater, Derwent Water and Lake Windemere, the largest natural lake in England.
If you're hoping to soak up some history on your National Parks tour, take a trip to Northumberland National Park, the northernmost and least visited of England's National Parks. Its southernmost parts contain a large part of Hadrian's Wall, a sight of significant historical importance. The northernmost region of the Park consists of the Cheviots, a range of hills that mark the border between England and Scotland, and incorporates Kielder Forest, which is home to various forestry plantations.
If you don't have your own car, and don't want to rely on public transport, there are plenty of cheap UK car hire firms which means that you'll be able to tour each of the National Parks at your convenience - making your trip an altogether more leisurely affair!
Author of the article is Andrew Regan. For further information check: UK car hire.
