UK's Most Popular National Parks

When moving to an area it's often important to check out what's around you.  You may want to look at restaurants, walking trails or even the national parks on your doorstep, in the UK there are currently 15 national parks scattered around the country.

But which national park is the most popular?

There are many ways of working out the most popular national parks and one of which is turning to social media.  Many social media users will take to their favourite platforms to show off their time in a national park and using the number of photos taken in a national park is a good way to work out how popular it is.

We recently did a study to see which were the most instagrammable national parks in the UK and the results may surprise you.

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1. New Forest National Park (5,133 hashtags per square mile)

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New Forest National Park is a unique and enchanting region located primarily in southwestern Hampshire, England. It was designated as a National Park in 2005, but its origins date back many centuries to 1079 when William the Conqueror used it as a hunting area. The park covers approximately 220 square miles (566 square kilometers).

The landscape of the New Forest is quite diverse, comprising mainly of heathland, ancient woodland, grassland, and coastline. This variety of habitats supports a rich biodiversity. Particularly iconic are the free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and cattle that can often be seen grazing in the common lands.

For those with an interest in wildlife, the New Forest is a paradise. The park is home to all six species of native British reptile, a variety of birds including the rare Dartford warbler and nightjar, and a rich variety of insects.

Visitors to the New Forest National Park can engage in a variety of outdoor activities. The park has numerous walking, cycling, and horse-riding trails that traverse its beautiful landscapes. In addition, the New Forest's coastline provides opportunities for sailing and other water-based activities.

The area's history and culture can be explored through a number of venues. The Beaulieu National Motor Museum, the historic shipbuilding village of Buckler's Hard, and the ancient Rufus Stone are just a few of the attractions available. Moreover, the park has several picturesque villages, like Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst, with traditional pubs and charming tea rooms.

For those interested in camping, the park offers numerous campsites that allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the natural surroundings.

2. Lake District National Park (5,099 hashtags per square mile)

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The Lake District National Park is located in northwest England, in the county of Cumbria. Established in 1951, it is the largest of the national parks in England, spanning approximately 912 square miles (2,362 square kilometers). In 2017, the Lake District was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in recognition of its outstanding natural beauty and cultural heritage.

As the name suggests, the Lake District is famed for its stunning network of vast lakes, with Windermere being the largest and deepest. In addition, the park is home to the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike, which stands at 978 meters. The landscape is characterized by craggy hilltops, deep blue lakes, forests, and picturesque valleys.

The park is home to a rich variety of wildlife. Red squirrels, otters, and peregrine falcons are among the many species that can be spotted. The famous Herdwick sheep, with their distinctive grey wool, can often be seen grazing on the fells.

The Lake District offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities. It's a paradise for walkers and hikers, with hundreds of routes across its fells and mountains. In addition, the lakes provide opportunities for watersports such as canoeing, sailing, and paddleboarding. Cycling and horse riding are also popular activities.

The Lake District has also inspired many poets and authors over the centuries. It's famously associated with the 19th-century poet William Wordsworth, and his former home, Dove Cottage, is now a museum open to the public. Beatrix Potter, author of the Peter Rabbit books, was another famous resident, and her home, Hill Top, is a popular tourist attraction.

In terms of facilities, the Lake District has a wide range of accommodations, from campsites and hostels to luxury hotels. It also offers numerous dining options, with many pubs and restaurants serving locally sourced food.

3. Peak District National Park (4,860 hashtags per square mile)

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The Peak District National Park is located in central England, stretching across parts of Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire. Established in 1951, it was the first national park in the UK and covers an area of approximately 555 square miles (1,438 square kilometers).

The park is characterized by a variety of landscapes, including limestone valleys known as dales, dramatic gritstone ridges and escarpments, and moorland plateaus. The highest point in the park is Kinder Scout, standing at 636 meters. This diversity of terrain makes the Peak District a place of striking natural beauty.

The Peak District is rich in wildlife, from the red deer and badgers that roam its moorlands to the variety of bird species such as lapwings and curlews that can be spotted in the skies. It also has a unique array of plant life, including several species that are not found anywhere else in the world.

There is a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy in the Peak District. The park has over 1,600 miles (2,575 kilometers) of public rights of way, providing ample opportunities for walking and hiking. The terrain is also ideal for rock climbing, with the park being known as the birthplace of the sport in the UK. Cycling is another popular activity, with numerous trails that cater to all ability levels.

The park also offers a rich cultural history. Visitors can explore a number of stately homes, such as the grand Chatsworth House, the medieval Haddon Hall, or the gothic revival masterpiece of Lyme Park. For those interested in industrial history, the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site offers a fascinating insight into the region's past.

The Peak District is renowned for its picturesque villages, many of which host traditional markets. There are also plenty of cosy pubs, tea rooms, and restaurants where visitors can enjoy local Derbyshire fare.

4. Northumberland National Park (4,254 hashtags per square mile)

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Northumberland National Park, located in the northeast of England, covers an area of about 404 square miles (1,049 square kilometers). Established in 1956, the park stretches from the Scottish border in the north to just south of Hadrian's Wall.

The park's landscape is characterized by clean rivers, clear skies, and a variety of habitats, including heather-covered hills, forests, and moorlands. It's home to the Cheviot Hills, with the highest point being The Cheviot, standing at 815 meters.

The park is teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, otters, and a diverse range of bird species. It's also home to the largest area of protected night sky in Europe, known as the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, making it a fantastic location for stargazing.

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5)Dartmoor National Park (2,990 hashtags per square mile)

Dartmoor National Park is a vast moorland located in the heart of Devon, in South West England. Established in 1951, the park covers an area of 368 square miles (954 square kilometers), making it one of the largest and wildest areas of open country in southern England.

The landscape of Dartmoor is characterized by stunning granite tors, deep wooded valleys with fast flowing rivers, and vast swathes of heather-covered moorland. The highest point in the park is High Willhays, standing at 621 meters.

Dartmoor is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the famous Dartmoor ponies, which roam freely around the moor. The park also supports a range of bird species, including skylarks, buzzards, and cuckoos, and it is a haven for many rare species of plants and insects.

The park offers a plethora of activities for visitors. With over 450 miles (730 kilometers) of public rights of way, it's a paradise for walkers and hikers, offering routes ranging from gentle strolls to challenging treks. Cycling and horse riding are also popular ways to explore the park's vast landscape. Moreover, the fast-flowing rivers provide opportunities for canoeing and other water-based activities.

Dartmoor has a wealth of cultural and historic attractions as well. It's internationally renowned for its wealth of prehistoric remains, with over 5000 recorded archaeological sites. Visitors can explore stone circles, ancient burial sites, and the remains of medieval villages. The park also has a number of historic market towns, like Tavistock and Ashburton, which offer a variety of shops and traditional pubs.

Another unique feature of Dartmoor is its tradition of letterboxing, a kind of treasure hunt that started in the 19th century and is believed to be the origin of the worldwide hobby of geocaching. This activity involves seeking out small weatherproof boxes that are hidden throughout the park, each containing a visitor's book and a rubber stamp.

For those interested in astronomy, Dartmoor has some of the darkest skies in the country, making it an excellent place for stargazing.

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6. Snowdonia National Park (1,913 hashtags per square mile)

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Snowdonia National Park, situated in northwest Wales, covers an area of 823 square miles (2,130 square kilometers), making it the largest national park in Wales. It was established in 1951 and is known for its rugged landscapes, stunning coastlines, and rich cultural heritage.

The park is dominated by Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales and England, standing at 1,085 meters. Besides the mountains, Snowdonia's landscape features extensive forests, beautiful lakes, and a dramatic coastline.

Snowdonia is home to a wealth of wildlife. Rare and endangered species such as the peregrine falcon, the merlin, and the Snowdon lily can be found here. It's also the only place in the UK where the Snowdon beetle is found.

Outdoor activities abound in Snowdonia, from hiking and climbing to water sports and cycling. The Snowdon Mountain Railway is a popular attraction, offering visitors a chance to reach the summit of Snowdon without the strenuous hike.

7. Broads National Park (1,764 hashtags per square mile)

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The Broads National Park, often simply referred to as "The Broads," is located in East Anglia, primarily in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, England. Established in 1988, the park covers an area of approximately 116 square miles (303 square kilometers).

The Broads is known for its network of navigable rivers and lakes, formed by the flooding of peat workings. The park is home to more than 60 shallow lakes, or "broads," and six rivers. These waterways are surrounded by marshes, fens, and woodland, creating a uniquely beautiful landscape.

The park is a haven for wildlife, housing more than a quarter of the UK's rarest species. Notable inhabitants include the swallowtail butterfly, the Norfolk hawker dragonfly, and an array of bird species such as kingfishers and marsh harriers.

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8. Exmoor National Park (1,389 hashtags per square mile)

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Exmoor National Park is a beautiful area of hilly open moorland in west Somerset and north Devon in South West England. It was designated a National Park in 1954 and covers 267 square miles (692 square kilometers), making it one of the smaller national parks in the United Kingdom.

Geographically, it's characterized by rugged moorland, deep valleys and stunning coastlines, with the highest point being Dunkery Beacon at 519 meters. It's also home to the River Exe, after which the park is named, which provides a number of picturesque spots.

Exmoor National Park is rich in flora and fauna. It's particularly known for its red deer and the native Exmoor Pony, which live wild on the moor. The park also offers a habitat for a diverse range of bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching.

There's plenty to do within Exmoor National Park. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of walking and cycling routes that crisscross the moorland and descend into quaint villages. Visitors can also enjoy horse riding, and there are several stables in the area that offer guided rides. Watersports are also available at Wimbleball Lake, including sailing and fishing.

Exmoor's coastline, part of which is known as the Heritage Coast, is perfect for coastal walks, with scenic views over the Bristol Channel. The South West Coast Path, which is the longest national trail in the UK, starts at Minehead in Exmoor.

There are also plenty of cultural and historic sites to visit within the park, including Tarr Steps, an ancient clapper bridge, and the medieval village of Dunster with its castle. For astronomy enthusiasts, Exmoor was Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve, making it an excellent spot for stargazing.

In addition, there are numerous traditional country pubs, tea rooms, and restaurants where visitors can sample local produce and relax after a day exploring the beautiful surroundings.

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9. Brecon Beacons National Park (1,138 hashtags per square mile)

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Brecon Beacons National Park is located in South Wales and spans an area of about 520 square miles (1,346 square kilometers). Established in 1957, it's known for its diverse landscapes of mountains, moorlands, forests, waterfalls, and reservoirs.

The park is named after the Brecon Beacons mountain range, which includes Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain at 886 meters.

The Brecon Beacons is home to an array of wildlife, including red kites, otters, and bats. The park is also recognized as an International Dark Sky Reserve, making it an excellent location for stargazing due to its low light pollution.

10. Yorkshire Dales National Park (1,065 hashtags per square mile)

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Yorkshire Dales National Park is situated in Northern England, mainly in North Yorkshire, spanning an area of approximately 841 square miles (2,178 square kilometers). Established in 1954, it's known for its rolling hills, verdant valleys (known as 'dales'), and a mosaic of grasslands, heathlands, and forests.

The park is home to the Three Peaks: Whernside, Ingleborough, and Pen-y-ghent, each providing challenging hikes and rewarding views. A diverse range of wildlife can be found here, from barn owls and peregrine falcons to red squirrels and a variety of wildflowers.

Outdoor activities are plentiful in the park. Walking and cycling are popular, with an array of paths and trails. The park also provides opportunities for horse riding, caving, and fishing.

11. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park (889 hashtags per square mile)

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Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is located in west central Scotland. Established in 2002, it covers an area of approximately 841 square miles (1,865 square kilometers). The park is divided into four distinct sections: Loch Lomond, Cowal, The Trossachs, and Breadalbane.

The park is named after Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in Britain by surface area, known for its islands and surrounding hills. The Trossachs area is characterized by picturesque lochs, forests, and hilly landscapes.

The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including red deer, otters, and golden eagles. It also hosts a range of plant life, from ancient oak woods to colourful wildflower meadows.

12. South Downs National Park (854 hashtags per square mile)

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South Downs National Park, located in southeast England, spans an area of about 627 square miles (1,625 square kilometers). Established in 2011, it stretches across the counties of East Sussex, West Sussex, and Hampshire.

The park is famous for the South Downs, a range of chalk hills that extend across the southeastern coastline of England. The park's highest point is Blackdown, standing at 280 meters. The park also includes a portion of the iconic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters.

The park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, with habitats ranging from ancient woodlands and river valleys to heathlands and chalk grasslands. It hosts several species, including buzzards, red kites, and the Adonis blue butterfly.

13. North York Moors National Park (383 hashtags per square mile)

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North York Moors National Park, situated in North Yorkshire, England, covers an area of about 554 square miles (1,436 square kilometers). Established in 1952, it's known for its expansive heather moorland, rolling hills, deep dales, and a stunning coastline.

The park's highest point is Urra Moor at 454 meters. The landscape is rich in forests, rivers, and agricultural lands, making it a haven for a diverse array of wildlife, including red grouse, curlews, and adders.

The park offers numerous outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and horse riding, with a network of trails including the Cleveland Way National Trail. The North York Moors Railway, a preserved historic railway, is a popular attraction for visitors.

Culturally, the park is rich in history, with landmarks such as the medieval ruins of Rievaulx Abbey and the iconic Whitby Abbey. There are also numerous picturesque villages, like Hutton-le-Hole and Robin Hood's Bay, to explore.

14. Cairngorms National Park (258 hashtags per square mile)

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Cairngorms National Park is located in northeast Scotland, covering an area of approximately 1,748 square miles (4,528 square kilometers). Established in 2003, it's the largest national park in the British Isles.

The park is named after the Cairngorms mountain range, part of the Scottish Highlands, and includes five of the six highest mountains in the UK. The landscape is diverse, featuring vast forests, lochs, rivers, and moorlands.

The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, hosting a quarter of Scotland's native forest and many rare and endangered species, such as the Scottish wildcat, capercaillie, and red squirrels.

15. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (108 hashtags per square mile)

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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, located in southwest Wales, spans an area of about 239 square miles (629 square kilometers). Established in 1952, it's the only national park in the UK to be primarily focused on the coastline.

The park is famed for its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a 186-mile (299 km) long-distance walking route that offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea. The park's highest point is Foel Cwmcerwyn at 536 meters.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife. It's particularly known for its marine life, including seals and porpoises, and coastal birds like puffins and razorbills.

Outdoor activities are plentiful, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, water sports, and rock climbing. Boat trips to the offshore islands, such as Skomer Island, are popular for wildlife watching.

The park is also rich in cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites including Pembroke Castle, St David's Cathedral, and the Preseli Hills, known for their prehistoric monuments and as the source of the bluestones used in Stonehenge.

National Park Conclusion

Knowing how popular a national park is could help you decide which order you may want to visit the parks in, or it could help you decide if you are on the fence on moving to that area.  If you are thinking of moving to an area close to a national park such as Cardiff to go to the Brecon Beacons we have self storage in Cardiff to help make the move easier.

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