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Best Holiday Parks Near the UK’s National Parks

The UK is home to 15 National Parks across England, Scotland and Wales, each recognised for its outstanding landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage. These protected areas are fantastic locations for short breaks and longer holidays, with plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors.

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed family adventure or a peaceful coast or countryside retreat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at a National Park.

Here, we explore all 15 of the UK National Parks and share some of our favourite HARPA member holiday parks nearby, helping you find the perfect base for your next break.

National Parks in England

lake district national park

Lake District, Cumbria

The Lake District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the North West of England. It is renowned for its spectacular and rugged scenery, including some of the most picturesque lakes and tallest mountains in the UK. The National Park is home to Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain and Windermere, its largest natural lake.

The landscape is dotted with quaint market towns and villages, including Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick. The Lakes are particularly popular among outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy hiking, climbing, watersports and wild swimming. For a more leisurely day out, take a boat trip across one of the lakes or explore the area’s independent shops, cafes and pubs.

Holiday Parks in the Lake District

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peak district national park

Peak District, Derbyshire

The Peak District is famed for its rugged landscape and dramatic views. Visitors can admire steep limestone valleys, rocky hills and embark on some of the most picturesque drives in the country.

Visitors flock to the region each year to explore its natural landmarks, including the Dovedale stepping stones, Stanage Edge and Mam Tor. These iconic locations offer fantastic opportunities for walking and photography, with routes suitable for a range of abilities.

Holiday Parks in the Peak District

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dartmoor national park

Dartmoor, Devon

We highly recommend a trip to Dartmoor if you’re planning a holiday in Devon. This spectacular National Park is home to some of the most impressive landscapes in the South West, with more than 300 square miles to explore.

The region is made up of varied terrain, including open moorland, wetlands, ancient woodlands and granite tors. On many of the walking trails you’ll encounter landmarks dating back to the Bronze Age and Neolithic periods, offering a fascinating insight into the area’s past.

Popular places to visit include Haytor, Becky Falls and the picturesque village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor.

Holiday Parks in Dartmoor

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north york moors

North York Moors, North Yorkshire

The North York Moors is one of North Yorkshire’s best-loved regions. It is home to one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in England, which transforms the landscape into a carpet of purple when it blooms in late summer.

This unique spectacle makes it popular with landscape photographers, who flock to the area to capture the colour. The National Park also boasts ancient woodlands, picturesque villages and a dramatic coastline, offering plenty of variety for visitors.

For a memorable day out, take a trip on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which runs heritage steam and diesel trains through the countryside.

Holiday Parks in the North York Moors

yorkshire dales national park

Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire

If you’re looking for a rural escape away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a trip to the Yorkshire Dales could be exactly what you’re looking for. Spend a couple of days exploring the area, taking in the sights and sounds of the countryside as you travel.

The National Park is renowned for its limestone scenery, rolling valleys and traditional stone-built villages. Highlights include Malham Cove, a dramatic limestone formation and Gordale Scar, a spectacular gorge surrounded by towering cliffs.

Holiday Parks in the Yorkshire Dales

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exmoor national park

Exmoor, Devon

Exmoor offers a unique blend of landscapes, combining rolling moorland, wooded valleys and dramatic coastal paths. Stretching across North Devon and West Somerset, the National Park is an excellent destination for visitors looking to enjoy the countryside and coast in the same holiday.

Popular attractions include Tarr Steps and the historic villages of Lynton and Lynmouth.

Holiday Parks in Exmoor

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northumberland national park

Northumberland, Northumberland

Northumberland is England’s northernmost national park and one of the least populated. It is a perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy some peace, quiet and tranquillity.
The National Park is particularly well known for its dark skies, offering some of the best stargazing opportunities in England. On a clear night, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the stars, planets and Milky Way.

Northumberland is also steeped in history with Hadrian’s Wall running through the southern part of the National Park.

Holiday Parks in Northumberland

the broads national park

The Broads, Norfolk

The Broads is one of the most unique National Parks in the country and a fantastic destination for couples and families. Unlike the UK’s mountainous National Parks, the landscape is made up of a network of rivers and lakes.

We highly recommend hiring a boat to explore the waterways or renting a bike to discover the quiet country lanes and traffic-free routes. There are plenty of quaint towns, villages and pubs to visit along the way.

Holiday Parks in The Broads

new forest national park

New Forest, Hampshire

The New Forest is one of our favourite National Parks to holiday in. Situated in Southern England, it offers a wonderful combination of coast and countryside to explore.

As the name suggests, the park has an abundance of woodland trails to discover on foot or bike. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some of the famous New Forest ponies roaming freely across the landscape.

There’s also plenty to see and do beyond the walking and cycling routes. Popular attractions include the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, the New Forest Wildlife Park and award-winning family theme park – Paultons Park.

Holiday Parks in the New Forest

south downs national park

South Downs, Hampshire

The South Downs is the UK’s newest National Park. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to escape London and enjoy a slower pace surrounded by countryside.

The National Park is best known for its rolling chalk hills. Highlights include the iconic Seven Sisters Cliffs and Beachy Head, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views across the English Channel.

The South Downs Way, a long-distance National Trail, offers excellent opportunities for walking and cycling, while historic towns such as Winchester and Lewes provide plenty to explore beyond the countryside.

Holiday Parks in the South Downs

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National Parks in Wales

snowdonia national park

Eryri (Snowdonia), Gwynedd

We think Eryri, also known as Snowdonia National Park, has some of the most impressive landscapes in the UK. The scenery, which has been formed by glaciers over thousands of years, is made up of hundreds of lakes, valleys and mountain peaks.

The National Park is home to Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, which attracts walkers and climbers from across the country. If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the region, book a trip on the historic Snowdon Railway, which climbs to the summit.

Beyond the mountains, visitors can discover Welsh villages, waterfalls and slate mining landscapes.

Holiday Parks in Snowdonia

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brecon breacons

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Powys

The Brecon Beacons are an iconic mountain landscape in South Wales. It’s a fantastic area to explore if you’re looking for a holiday destination with plenty of walking routes and outdoor activities.

Along the network of trails, you’ll discover lakes, rivers, waterfalls and caves. If you’re an experienced hiker, you might also want to tackle Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain which offers spectacular views across the countryside.

Holiday Parks in the Brecon Beacons

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pembrokeshire national park

Pembrokeshire Coast, Pembrokeshire

If you’re looking for dramatic cliffs and unspoilt beaches, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park could be the perfect destination for your next holiday park getaway.

Enjoy lazy days at the beach or action-packed days hiking sections of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

The area is home to a wide range of wildlife, including dolphins, seals and seabirds. There are also plenty of coastal towns and villages to explore, including Tenby and St Davids.

Holiday Parks on the Pembrokeshire Coast

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National Parks in Scotland

cairngorms national park

Cairngorms, Aberdeenshire

The Cairngorms is the largest National Park in the Scottish Highlands. The scenery is otherworldly, with towering mountains, sprawling moorlands and ancient forests waiting to be explored.

The National Park is particularly well known for its wildlife, with opportunities to spot red squirrels and red deer.

If you’re visiting the area with children, you might want to explore the Highland Wildlife Park or take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway when operating.

Holiday Parks in the Cairngorms

loch lomond national park

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, Stirling

Loch Lomond was the first national park in Scotland and remains one of our favourite places to visit. The area is renowned for its beautiful lochs, wooded hills and dramatic mountain scenery, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater lake in Great Britain and is a popular destination for boat trips, kayaking and paddleboarding. The surrounding villages, including Balloch and Luss are well worth exploring.

Holiday Parks in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

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Why Stay at Holiday Park Near a National Park

Holiday parks are a fantastic option if you’re looking for a countryside break, whether you’re travelling as a family, couple or group of friends. Many are located within easy reach of National Parks, providing a convenient base for exploring local attractions.

With a range of accommodation options, including holiday homes, lodges, touring pitches and camping facilities, there’s something to suit different holiday preferences. Many holiday parks also offer on-site facilities for your enjoyment and convenience.

FAQs About National Parks

How many National Parks are there in the UK?
There are 15 National Parks in the UK, including 10 in England, 3 in Wales and 2 in Scotland.

Can you stay in a holiday park near a National Park?
Yes, there are many holiday parks located within or near National Parks across England, Scotland and Wales. HARPA member parks offer a range of accommodation options, including lodges, holiday homes, touring pitches and camping, making them an excellent base for exploring the countryside.

What’s the best time of year to visit the UK National Parks?
UK National Parks can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and summer are popular for walking, sightseeing and outdoor activities, while autumn offers beautiful seasonal colours and quieter trails.

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