Top National Parks in the UK for Family Adventures: Where to Stay, Explore, and Have Fun
When it comes to family adventures, the UK's national parks offer some of the best opportunities to connect with nature, learn about history, and enjoy outdoor activities.
From majestic mountains to lush forests and sparkling lakes, there's something for every family. We've gathered the top parks across the UK where you can create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Whether you prefer gentle walks or thrilling outdoor adventures, these national parks offer a mix of unique experiences, must-see attractions, and family-friendly accommodations. Let's take a journey through the UK's most beautiful and family-friendly national parks.
Peak District
As the UK's first national park, the Peak District has a rich history and stunning landscapes. Known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and limestone caves, it's a great place for families who enjoy hiking and exploring. Visit the Heights of Abraham for a cable car ride with spectacular views or explore the Blue John Cavern for an underground adventure. Families can also enjoy cycling along the Monsal Trail, a traffic-free route with tunnels and bridges.
Where to Stay:
The Peacock at Rowsley: This luxury hotel near Bakewell offers elegant rooms and suites with a family-friendly atmosphere, a beautiful garden, and a fine dining restaurant.
Lake District
The Lake District, renowned for its breathtaking lakes and towering peaks, is a family favorite. Take a cruise on Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England, or hike to the top of Catbells for stunning views of Derwentwater. Beatrix Potter's Hill Top is a must-visit for fans of Peter Rabbit, and the Rheged Centre offers interactive exhibits and family-friendly activities. Don't forget to visit Keswick, where you can take the kids to the famous Pencil Museum.
Where to Stay:
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa: Located near Derwentwater, this luxurious hotel has spacious family rooms, a large indoor pool, and a spa. It's also close to popular attractions like Keswick and Catbells.
New Forest
The New Forest is a magical place where families can experience both ancient woodlands and open heathlands. Kids will love spotting the New Forest ponies, and the New Forest Wildlife Park is a great place to learn about local wildlife. Beaulieu, with its National Motor Museum, is a hit with car enthusiasts, while Buckler's Hard offers a glimpse into maritime history. For a unique experience, consider a pony trek through the forest.
Where to Stay:
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa: This five-star luxury hotel features stylish family suites, a large spa, an indoor pool, and a range of outdoor activities for children, including ziplining and mini-golf.
Northumberland
Northumberland National Park is known for its rich history and dark skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing. Visit Hadrian's Wall to explore Roman ruins and learn about ancient history. The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre offers interactive exhibits and activities for kids. The park's scenic landscapes are perfect for family hikes, and you can even find secret waterfalls like Hareshaw Linn.
Where to Stay:
Battlesteads Hotel & Observatory: This eco-friendly hotel near Hadrian's Wall has comfortable family rooms, a beautiful garden, and an observatory for stargazing.
Dartmoor
Dartmoor's rugged landscapes and ancient stone formations make it a captivating destination. Families can hike to iconic tors like Haytor and Hound Tor, or explore ancient stone circles and medieval villages. Dartmoor is also famous for its ponies, which can often be seen grazing on the moor. For a fun family activity, try letterboxing, a form of treasure hunting that kids will love.
Where to Stay:
Bovey Castle: This luxurious castle hotel in the heart of Dartmoor offers spacious family rooms, a large indoor pool, a spa, and a range of family-friendly activities like archery, golf, and falconry displays.
Norfolk & Suffolk Broads
The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads offer a unique experience with their network of rivers and lakes. Families can rent a day boat or canoes to explore the waterways, or visit the Broads National Park visitor centre to learn about the area's ecology. The park is a haven for birdwatching, with many species to spot along the trails. The nearby seaside town of Great Yarmouth offers family-friendly attractions like the Pleasure Beach and SEA LIFE.
Where to Stay:
Park Farm Hotel: This stylish hotel near Norwich offers family-friendly accommodations with a modern twist, an indoor pool, a spa, and extensive gardens for children to explore.
Pembrokeshire Coast
Pembrokeshire Coast is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and coastal paths. Families can take a boat trip to spot seals and dolphins, or visit the historic Pembroke Castle. The park offers plenty of family-friendly beaches, like Tenby's North Beach, where you can enjoy a day of sand and surf. The coastal path is also a great place for a family hike, with breathtaking views at every turn.
Where to Stay:
The Grove of Narberth: This luxurious hotel offers stylish family-friendly rooms and suites, beautiful gardens, and a fine dining restaurant. It's close to many coastal attractions and beaches.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Scotland's first national park, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, combines mountains and lochs to create a diverse landscape. Families can take a boat cruise on Loch Lomond, hike the Conic Hill Trail for panoramic views, or visit the charming village of Luss. The Trossachs offers a variety of cycling trails, and the nearby Go Ape Aberfoyle provides an adventurous treetop experience for kids and adults alike.
Where to Stay:
Cameron House: This luxury hotel on the shores of Loch Lomond offers spacious family rooms and suites, an indoor pool, and a large spa. It also features several restaurants and is ideally located for exploring the park.
Eyri
Eryi, or Snowdonia, is home to Wales' highest peak, Snowdon. Families can ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit, where they can enjoy breathtaking views. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, from gentle walks to challenging climbs. For history enthusiasts, Caernarfon Castle is a fascinating site to explore. Snowdonia is also known for its adventure activities, including zip-lining and underground trampolines at Bounce Below.
Where to Stay:
Palé Hall: A luxurious country house hotel with elegant family-friendly accommodations. It offers refined dining and is within easy reach of Snowdonia's main attractions.
Exmoor
Exmoor is a unique national park with a mix of moorland and coastline. Families can explore the charming village of Lynmouth and take the cliff railway to Lynton. The park is also famous for its stargazing opportunities, with designated Dark Sky sites. Visit the Valley of Rocks to see wild goats and dramatic coastal cliffs, or take a stroll along the South West Coast Path for stunning sea views.
Where to Stay:
The Luttrell Arms Hotel: This historic hotel in Dunster offers stylish family-friendly rooms, a traditional pub, and beautiful gardens. It's also close to popular Exmoor attractions.
Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales offer a mix of lush valleys, limestone formations, and quaint villages. Families can explore the Ingleborough Cave, known for its underground waterfalls and stalactites, or take a ride on the Settle-Carlisle Railway for scenic views. The park also has a network of walking and cycling trails, perfect for families who love the outdoors. Don't miss a visit to Bolton Abbey, a historic site with a beautiful riverside setting.
Where to Stay:
The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa: A luxurious hotel set in the Yorkshire Dales offering spacious family rooms, a spa, and beautiful gardens. It has a fine dining restaurant and is close to popular attractions like Bolton Abbey.
Bannau Brycheiniog
Bannau Brycheiniog, or the Brecon Beacons, is known for its rolling hills and stunning landscapes. Families can hike to the top of Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, or visit the Brecon Mountain Railway for a scenic train ride through the mountains. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including horse riding and canoeing. The nearby town of Brecon has a charming canal basin and a historic cathedral to explore.
Where to Stay:
Gliffaes Country House Hotel: This charming country house hotel offers spacious family-friendly rooms and scenic views. It also has a beautiful riverside setting and is close to many of the Brecon Beacons' popular trails.
Cairngorms
The Cairngorms is the UK's largest national park, offering a range of activities. Families can visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre to meet a herd of reindeer, or take a ride on the Strathspey Railway. The park has a variety of walking and cycling trails, and the Highland Wildlife Park is a great place to learn about local wildlife. In winter, the park becomes a hub for skiing and snowboarding, making it a year-round destination.
Where to Stay:
The Fife Arms: This luxurious hotel in Braemar combines stylish accommodations with a touch of Scottish tradition. It has spacious family-friendly rooms, unique art installations, and fine dining options.
North York Moors
The North York Moors are known for their heather-clad moorlands and rugged coastline. Families can ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a scenic steam train ride, or explore the historic site of Whitby Abbey, which inspired Bram Stoker's "Dracula." The park offers a variety of walking trails, including the Cleveland Way, and the coastal village of Robin Hood's Bay is perfect for a family day out.
Where to Stay:
Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa: This luxury hotel in Helmsley offers spacious family rooms, an outdoor pool, and a spa. It has a refined restaurant and is located near popular North York Moors attractions.
