7 Parks In The UK You Should Visit

Hello Everyone!

If you know me, you’ll know I love my parks, especially ones that let nature roam about and live freely. Now, when I mean park, I mean conservation areas, the larger swathes of land that is literally protected, so that the natural wildlife of an area has somewhere to live. I’ve been to many of them before, and there have been some memorable ones that I would be happy to go back to, again and again. So, you know the drill. In this post I’ll be highlighting the 7 natural parks in the UK that I think you should visit.

1.   Cumbria – The Lake District

Granted, this one was years ago, and I mean 10 odd years ago. I was probably in my mid-teens at the time, but The Lake District was very memorable for me. It was such a beautiful place, with many pockets of nature that got my imagination going. From what I remember, it was snowing when we went, and it just made the experience that little bit more magical. I’d love to go again, to see what I remember, and what I’ve forgotten, but if you’re looking to find some peace and quiet, I highly suggest going to the Lake District and just soak in the natural beauty around you. Not to mention, there are small towns nearby that sell local crafts and delicacies too!

2.   Snowdonia – Eryie National Park

Snowdonia is another park I’ve been to that’s just absolutely gorgeous. It’s a great place for a hike, and you may even find a waterfall or two. The hills in the area are amazing to walk on or even drive through, and the trees, especially during the autumn season are just magnificent. If you want a quiet place to recharge your energy, by hiking, and, if allowed, camping, then go to Snowdonia. The peace there is unbeatable. Not to mention the lakes and the rolling clouds make you feel like you’ve walked right into a fairytale. Of course, again, it’s been years since I’ve been, and there are a few fuzzy memories I have of the place (particularly when my dad got stuck up one of the hills, because he was scared to climb back down. I had to help him, it was rather funny), so I definitely want to visit it again, just to remember what drew me to the place before.

3.   South Downs National Park

This one is closer to home, and again, I was a very young teenager when I last went. The South Downs National Park is one of the UK’s more popular parks and is a great lesson in geography. I should know. I went to the park, on a geography trip. There’s a lot to learn about the relationship water has with the natural stones that line the riverbed and its banks. I remember walking along the beach and being taught what shingles were (not the ones you get on your skin, but the pebbles on the beach). I remember picking random smooth stones and wanting to keep them in my pocket for absolutely no reason. It’s such a great place to go, especially if you’re with children or pets. I highly recommend it, because there just so much to see and do there, they even have a campsite! So, if you want to learn camping, or if you want an easier camping trip, stop on by.

4.   Cheddar Gorge

While I’ve not actually hiked the hills of the park, I’ve been to Cheddar Gorge many times, when as a child, and I’ve loved every single trip there. Cheddar Gorge is well-known for its natural caves and the pre-historic artefacts that have been found there. The caves are most famously known for the “Cheddar Man” which is a nearly complete, and well-preserved skeleton of one of the earliest known humans on earth. I actually remember the caves well, because it was such an adventure, and I promise you, if you take your kids there, they’ll love it too. Lit up with atmospheric lights and with tours that teach all about the history of the gorge, I guarantee it’ll be worth the trip. I mean, you’re standing on ancient ground after all. How awesome is that!

5.   Colne Valley Park

Ok, we’re now taking these parks closer to home, especially for those who are visiting London, and don’t want to travel too far. Colne Valley Park is one of the best places I know, where you can literally walk around, and just soak in the natural environment around you, without being too far away from the nearest town. It’s a great place to take your dogs for a walk and is quieter than most of the other parks you’ll find in London. If you want to relax in nature, I suggest coming here, rather than to the major ones you’ll find in London. You will be away from the crowds, and you may find a hidden pub or two, tucked away on the riverside, to grab some lunch. Or, if you’re happy to wait, drive down to the nearest town, Denham, and enjoy a nice Sunday roast at their local Toby Carvery’s.

6.   Richmond Park

We’re getting into the city now, and one of the more well-known parks I’d recommend is Richmond Park. It’s much bigger than Regent’s Park and Hyde Park combined, so you have plenty of space to roam. Of course, being in the middle of Richmond, it is still within the city, and is a great place to hang out, if you’ve visited Hampton Court Palace. While the nearer park is Bushy Park (which is the bonus park I’d recommend visiting), Richmond Park has lots more to do. There’s even a lookout point where you can even see St Paul’s Cathedral in the distance, on a good day. I highly recommend going, even if it’s just for an afternoon.

7.   Hyde Park

I know, this park is overly done, but there’s a reason it’s so popular. There’s plenty to do, and it’s in the heart of London. It’s perfect for tourists who just want a moment to escape the city. Yes, it can be crowded, and will be crowded, especially at the peak of summer and during the Christmas season, but on a good day, Hyde Park is perfect for those who want to take a moment away from the city, without having to leave it completely. You can get away from the noise of traffic, the constant hubbub of conversation, and the endless number of bodies that push their way past you, on the busy streets of London. I would recommend visiting Hyde Park, even if it’s for an hour or two. There are so many café stalls and shops that are tucked away in the corners of the park that you know you’ll never leave hungry.

Ok, Time To Step Back Into Nature Now, I’m Going Off To One Of My Favourite Parks!

Well, there you have it, the top 7 parks I highly recommend you should visit…at least for now. Who knows, my opinions might change, once I visit more parks and experience the natural surroundings around me, and if you have any recommendations, leave them in the comments below. I might just be able to visit them one of these days and do a review of it.

Anyway, for now, I’m going to go to my local park, and recentre my energy. I’ve been sat at my computer for too long lately, I need a good stretch. While I go do that, please don’t forget to like, subscribe, comment, share and follow me, here on Feather’s Charm, on my YouTube channel, on my other social media channels, and on Patreon. Your support really helps me make more content like this, for you guys.

And as always, be kind, be creative, and be unique.

I’ll see you later!

Feather, out!