June 2024

CamperDays’ Guide to the UK’s Best National Parks

Chief Adventurer at Europe’s leading camper tour operator rounds up the country’s best National Parks for a dream summer road trip

2024 marks 75 years since the passing of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, put in place to meet the ever-growing demand for public access to the British countryside. Currently, there are 15 National Parks across England (10), Wales (3), and Scotland (2) and are ripe for exploration on a summer road trip. 

Max Schmidt, Chief Adventurer at CamperDays, Europe’s leading camper tour operator, says: “While access to the parks via public transport is improving, National Parks UK data still shows that 93% of visitors travel in their own car, making national parks the perfect option for families on a road trip.

“This summer, the number of Brits opting for road trips at home is up 67% on last year, the reason for which is, in my view, twofold – the exceptional beauty of the British countryside and the growing demand for low-cost summer holidays.”

Below, Max shares his four favourite National Parks in the UK, as well as a designated Area of Natural Beauty in Northern Ireland – the ideal destinations for summer road trips. 

• Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)

Wales’ largest national park is most famous for its mountainous terrain (it is home to Snowdon - Wales’ highest mountain) but the land is extremely varied, and its total 823 square-mile expanse consists of woodlands, waterfalls, natural pools, peatlands, and rugged coastline.

One of the UK’s most famous road trips – Eryri Snowdonia 360 – is a 360-mile loop around the northwest of Wales encompassing Anglesey, Llŷn Peninsula, and the coast of north Wales in addition to Eryri. A well-established itinerary that enables road trippers to soak up the best the region has to offer.

There are plenty of official campsites in Eryri, many of which permit campervans and motorhomes. Be warned though, staying overnight at a car park isn’t allowed so it’s worth booking your pitches ahead of travel.

• Peak District National Park

The Peak District has long been a popular and accessible tourist destination for Brits, especially as there are entrances to the park from major towns and cities in northern England and the midlands. There are four visitor centres in Bakewell, Castleton, Derwent, and Edale, all of which offer tourists the chance to learn more about the park.

There are more than fifty functional campsites in the Peak District that permit campervans and motorhomes, while the North Lees Campsite at Stanage has limited motorhome access. Despite its ominous name, Snake Pass is one of the Peak District’s most scenic driving routes, offering panoramic views of Manchester and its surrounds. 

The area also offers chances to indulge in activities like cycling, rock climbing, horse riding, water sports, caving, fell running, fishing, and even air sports.

• Cairngorms National Park

The largest National Park in Scotland is also the largest National Park in the UK at a whopping 1,748 square miles.

Cairngorms is noted for its cycling and biking routes for all ages and abilities, its historical castles, and its dark skies. The Glenlivet and Tomintoul area of Cairngorms is an internationally recognised Dark Sky Park, meaning spectacular views of the stars due to little light pollution. Astronomy and stargazing events are held year-round.

The country’s largest park is undoubtedly light years ahead when it comes to camping since, in addition to the most basic options, campers can choose from campervan pitches, glamping yurts, and even restored Romani vardos.

• South Downs National Park

The South Downs National Park may be the UK’s youngest, but the 628 square mile area in the south of England is easily the most accessible National Park from London, making it a strong contender for a family road trip from the city.

Much of the park consists of chalk downland, which explains the highly recognisable photographs of the striking white Seven Sisters cliffs and the Lillington White Horse, a chalk hill figure cut in 1924.

For Londoners, the South Downs can be kept short and sweet needing just one day to conquer, but for those travelling from further afield or simply wanting to spend a little more time in the chalk hills, the South Downs Way Camping and Caravan Park has pitches suitable for tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. 

• Mourne Mountains

Although there are no National Parks in Northern Ireland, one area in the running to become Northern Ireland’s first is the Mourne Mountains, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in County Down.

The Mournes are a hiker’s and rambler’s dream with thirty mountains between 500 and 850 metres above sea level, and the many forests – such as Northern Ireland’s first state forest park, Tollymore Forest Park – are well suited to forest bathers.

With the numerous peaks and hilltops providing the backdrop to a Mourne Mountains road trip, the Castlewellan Caravan Park is an ideal base. Situated next to the stunning Scottish baronial Castlewellan Castle, it has space for campervans and motorhomes, and boasts an on-site multi-activity centre, making it a perfect refuge for families on the road.