Escape London with a trip to the UK's 'best' national park with 'striking' countryside
Can you guess where the UK’s best National Park is? (Picture: Getty Images)
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the Big Smoke this spring? The UK’s best national park has been named as the ‘ideal destination,’ inundated with chocolate box villages and gorgeous natural views.
Famous for its steep limestone valleys, moorlands and ridges, the Peak District – which spans across Derbyshire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester, Staffordshire and parts of Yorkshire – has been named the UK’s top national park.
The UK is home to 15 national parks – 10 in England, three in Wales and two in Scotland – all of which are protected by law, including the likes of the South Downs, the Pembrokeshire Coast and Loch Lomond.
The Trinnacle, Saddleworth, Peak District, Summer Landscape (Credits: Getty Images)
Each year, the Peak District welcomes more than 13 million visitors, many of whom are drawn to its captivating landscape, wildlife and historical roots.
Now, its status has been recognised by a new study by Cinch, which also featured the Lake District, the New Forest, Northumberland and Dartmoor.
Here’s the full list:
The best national parks to visit in the UK, according to Cinch
- Peak District
- Lake District
- New Forest
- Northumberland
- Dartmoor
- Norfolk and Suffolk Broads
- Pembrokeshire Coast
- Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
- South Downs
- Eryi (Snowdonia).
Things to do in the Peak District
From gorgeous hikes to delicious eateries, the Peak District isn’t just about the scenery: there’s plenty else going for it, too.
Chatsworth House is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and is found in the heart of the Peak District. This historic house is home to one of Europe’s largest art collections, whilst the garden boasts stunning water features and giant sculptures.
Winnats Pass with the Hope Valley beyond. Peak District National Park. Derbyshire. UK. (Credits: Getty Images)
There’s also the Peak District Mining Museum, which houses information about the lead mining heritage of Derbyshire, starting with the Roman Empire. It also poses the chance to visit the Temple Mine and try a spot of gold panning.
Elsewhere, there are fantastic walks to be found, such as the Mam Tor and the Great Ridge trail, as well as Hathersage to Stanage Edge and Bolsover Castle to Sutton Scarsdale.
And if you need a bite to eat, there are pubs aplenty, including The Ashford Arms in Ashford In The Water, The Royal Oak in Hurdlow and The Bulls Head in Holymoorside.
How to get to the Peak District
The Peak District is just under 3 hours by car from London, accessible via either the M1 or the M6.
However, it’s also surprisingly well connected by public transport, with the Hope Valley Line between Manchester and Sheffield providing access to Grindleford, Hathersage, Bamford, Hope and Edale stations.
Iconic shot of Castleton, Peak District, Derbyshire, England. Photograph taken early morning on the bridge over Peakshole Water (Credits: Getty Images)
There’s also the Derwent Valley line operated by East Midlands Railway, connecting Derby and Matlock via Duffield, Belper, Ambergate, Whatstandwell, Cromford and Matlock Bath.
When to visit the Peak District
If you’re after favourable weather, the best time of year to visit the Peak District is between May and September.
The days are longer, too, allowing extra daylight hours for hiking time (or an evening spent in the pub garden). Happy hiking!
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