Stunning scenery, a mixture of wildlife and an abundance of walking routes waits to greet those who venture to the national parks here in the UK. We really are spoilt for choice.
But what if you don’t have to choose? What if you pack up your campervan and go on a tour of these captivating parks?
If you’re planning your getaway, here’s some inspiration before you hit the road.
Lake District National Park
The Lake District seamlessly blends dramatic terrain with the ideal setup for those on a road trip. Each lake offers something different. You’ll find your own pace as you navigate the loop around Derwentwater before parking up at one of the many dedicated campsites near Keswick.
If you want to challenge yourself, pitch your van at the foot of Scafell Pike early in the evening so you can start your hike before those taking on the Three Peaks Challenge arrive. For a calmer afternoon, launch a kayak straight from the shoreline at Coniston Water. Booking your overnight pitches well in advance ensures you secure a spot with electric hookups during the popular summer months.
Snowdonia National Park
North Wales is filled with mountain ridges and sweeping coastlines. You can base your vehicle in the Llanberis Pass, putting you in prime position to head along the paths up Yr Wyddfa. The Snowdon Mountain Railway is a particularly special treat too, carrying you up to deliver panoramic views without the strenuous climb.
You can also drive your van down to the coast to explore Conwy. If you want to leave your campervan securely parked while exploring busier trailheads, use the dedicated Sherpa bus service. The high season timetable is now running, so check the timetable to ensure you can park close to a stop and hop straight aboard.
Dartmoor National Park
If you’re driving to the South West, Devon’s national park features striking granite rock faces that rise dramatically from grasslands.
There are narrow, stone-walled lanes here, so you’ll need to employ some careful driving, but the reward is access to ancient oak woodlands like Wistman’s Wood. Before setting off on these challenging rural routes, ensure you have the right campervan insurance in place to protect against accidental scrapes on tight country bends.
Northumberland National Park
If you want to leave the crowds behind, head to the far north of England for ultimate tranquillity. The winding roads through the Cheviot Hills offer a peaceful driving experience away from busy tourist spots.
You can park near Hadrian’s Wall to spend a morning tracing Roman history on foot. Because the International Dark Sky Association designates this region as an official Dark Sky Park, pack a pair of binoculars in your glovebox. Pull into a designated campsite as night falls to capture the Milky Way away from light pollution.
Where are you heading in your campervan this summer? Which National Park will you visit first?