Where are the UK’s National Parks?

Apart from its wealth of historic landmarks and cultural highlights the UK is also notable for its expanses of countryside. There are few better ways to explore this than by visiting one of the UK’s 15 national parks in your campervan.

From rolling green acres, misty lakes and stunning coastlines to heathery moorlands, wild forests and looming mountains you’ll come to know all sides of this beautiful island through its parks.

So, here’s a quick glimpse to whet your appetite and give you some ideas on how to make the most of your visit.

The team at Motorhome Protect love hearing about your adventures while finding you the right insurance for a campervan to suit. We’re the specialists when it comes to insuring classic VW campers and more modern conversions.

 

Brecon Beacons (Wales)

With over 520 square miles of adventure and heritage on offer, this mountain range in the south of Wales is a joy to behold by day or by night.

As a designated International Dark Sky Reserve, try a spot of stargazing over the mountain tops – you might even witness a meteor shower.

During the day you can go for a ramble through some of the landscape it has to offer, or even try your hand at paragliding or mountain biking!

If you do bring some expensive outdoor sports equipment then make sure it’s covered by your campervan insurance policy.

Where to stay: Erwlon Caravan & Camping Park, Carmarthenshire

The Broads (England)

As Britain’s largest protected wetland, Norfolk’s national park is a watery haven unlike anywhere else.

With hundreds of miles of waterways to explore, hire a boat or a kayak for a day to explore the area’s rich tapestry of landscape, wildlife and history.

Where to stay: Whitlingham Broad Campsite, Norwich

 

Dartmoor (England)

Exploring wild, natural beauty is certainly the big draw of a trip to Dartmoor. The 360 square miles of Devon moorland is criss-crossed by 450 miles of paths on which to walk, cycle, run or ride.

Take a hike between Yes Tor and High Willhays, its two breath-taking high points, and wonder at the stunning landscape that has inspired so many authors, poets and artists.

Where to stay: Langstone Manor Holiday Park, Tavistock

 

Exmoor (England)

With dramatic sea cliffs, expansive high moorland and deep wooded valleys, Exmoor is a fantastic combination of landscapes!

And with over 600 miles of rights of way it’s easy to explore everything this special area has to offer. Keep your eyes peeled for those Exmoor ponies.

Where to stay: Cloud Farm Campsite, Lynton, Devon

Cairngorms (Scotland)

With the number of outdoor activities on offer at Scotland’s most recent national park, any visit is sure to put some colour in your cheeks.

From water and snow sports to 12 golf courses and even the UK’s first permanent bridge-based bungee jump there’s a lot to keep outdoorsy types busy.

While exploring these rocky highlands you might even spot wildcats, red squirrels or soaring ospreys. Keep your camera at the ready!

Where to stay: Braemar Caravan Park, Aberdeenshire

 

Lake District (England)

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most culturally rich and visually spectacular areas in the UK.

With its patchwork of pretty but lively villages gazing over moody lakes with majestic fells above, there’s plenty of beauty to go round here!

Take a long walk or hire a boat or paddle board and explore this famous area.

Where to stay: The Quiet Site, Ullswater

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs (Scotland)

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is a land of diverse habitats and an absolute hub for wildlife spotters.

Watch out for otters, red squirrels and majestic golden eagles when you’re walking or cycling the many routes through this rich terrain.

Where to stay: Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park, Fort William

 

North York Moors (England)

With 26 miles of Jurassic coastline, famous old fishing villages like Robin Hood’s Bay and a wealth of wildlife to spot, there’s plenty to lure you in.

Where to stay: North Yorkshire Moors Caravan Club Site, Whitby

 

New Forest National Park (England)

This ancient woodland and former royal hunting ground is the perfect place to walk, cycle and even horse ride on traffic-free trails.

Step back in time and experience the heaths, rivers and streams as our ancestors did.

Where to stay: Ocknell campsite, Fritham

Northumberland (England)

On the border with Scotland and just south of Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the least populated of the UK’s national parks and the perfect place to explore in peace.

Where to stay: River Breamish Caravan Club Site, Alnwick

 

Peak District (England)

The Peak District is the UK’s original national park and a trailblazer for free public access to the countryside.

One of the UK’s most spectacular walking routes The Pennine Way even starts in Edale, at the Nags Head pub!

Where to stay: Upper Booth Farm Campsite, Edale, Derbyshire

 

Pembrokeshire Coast (Wales)

As Britain’s only truly coastal National Park it boasts spectacular beaches as well as opportunities for outdoor adventure and unique wildlife spotting.

Where to stay: Celtic Camping, Pembrokeshire

South Downs (England)

As well as the majestic white cliffs along this historic coast, Britain’s newest national park is packed with wartime relics, great walks and stunning panoramic views.

Where to stay: Broadhembury Caravan and Camping Park, Ashford

 

Yorkshire Dales (England)

From historic mill towns and castles to spectacular waterfalls and luscious landscapes, Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the most picturesque places in the country. If you visit you’ll never want to leave.

Where to stay: Buckden Camping at Heber Farm, Skipton

 

Snowdonia (Wales)

Snowdonia and the spectacular area around it has long drawn in visitors interested in history and the great outdoors.

If you want to try something a bit different, then head to Zip World Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Where to stay: Rhosfawr Caravan and Camping Park, Gwynedd

Caring for your classic camper

Whichever national park you visit, it’s always worth getting the right campervan insurance. Policies arranged through us include a wide range of exclusive benefits at a price to suit any budget.

Get a quote for campervan insurance today.

Policy benefits and features offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.