On the Water
Blue Adventures
Whether hiking through smooth glacial carved valleys or relaxing riverside with a picnic, you’ll see how water has shaped the surrounding iconic landscape over thousands of years. The National Parks are a source of high quality drinking water for millions of people and havens for wildlife. They’re also packed with places to learn new skills or to simply be near the water to unwind and feel calmer.
If you want to chill out or make a splash, the lovely lakes, wonderful waterways, picturesque waterfalls and stunning coastlines offer something magical for everyone to enjoy. Hoist the ropes and set sail. Paddle out for a new perspective. Stroll by the canal. Learn to surf. Picnic by a lake.
Try these ideas to dip your toe into the blue
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) , Discover (opens in a new tab)
Surrounded by a patchwork of green hills, fields, meadows and hedgerows, Llangorse Lake is a beautiful spot to get out on the water. Launch your own craft from the boat hire centre or sailing club on Llangorse Common on the northwest shore. Hire a dinghy, windsurfer, canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, pedalo or rowing boat and get afloat.
Broads , Discover (opens in a new tab)
Home to more than a quarter of Britain's rarest animals and plants the Broads is a paradise for boaters. Its 125 miles of lock free waterways make it perfect for first time skippers and seasoned navigators. Take the helm and learn to sail, hire a boat or hop on board an electric boat trip. Eight paddle trail maps give kayakers plenty of choice too, from an hours paddle out to a full day excursion.
North York Moors , Discover (opens in a new tab)
The Yorkshire Coast is particularly good for beach breaks - the best type of wave to learn to surf on. It’s becoming a surf mecca. Good beach breaks for beginners are found in Saltburn, either side of the pier and best at high tide, and at Sandsend. West Cliff beach in Whitby is an ideal place to learn or progress your skills in surfing or SUP.
Northumberland , Discover (opens in a new tab)
With its high, rolling hills and stunning river is the perfect picnic spot to explore the the haugh land (pronounced ‘hoff’) alongside the River Breamish. This area has a significant concentration of prehistoric hillforts built by ancient Britons 2,300 years ago. You can download a trail to help you explore as you walk up to the hillforts and imagine what life was like.
Eryri (Snowdonia) , Discover (opens in a new tab)
Canolfan Tryweryn - The National Whitewater Centre is situated on the bank of the river Tryweryn near Bala. Adrenaline seekers will love white water rafting, kayaking and canoeing. The Centre caters for visitors of all experience levels with activities for the whole family. Afon Tryweryn is a dam released river from Llyn Celyn reservoir. This means water is often flowing when other British rivers are dry creating a unique year round whitewater venue.
Yorkshire Dales , Discover (opens in a new tab)
As well as offering an array of watersports, Semerwater Lake high above Bainbridge in Wensleydale also inspires artists and photographers. Painted by JM Turner on one of his tours, the annual spectacular display of thousands of flowering yellow water-lilies in July is captivating. The water-lilies used to be known as 'brandy bottles' because of their shape and smell.
Did you know?
Did you know?
National Park Experiences Collection
Get afloat with the National Park Experiences. Hoist the sails and take the helm as you learn to sail a classic boat in the Norfolk Broads. Pick up a paddle and enjoy different countryside views as you explore the waterways of the South Downs. Explore Hickling Broad – the largest of all the Norfolk Broads by kayak on a guided wildlife spotting adventure.
National Park Experiences is a curated collection that brings the stories of our National Parks to life. Each experience offers an authentic insight into the landscape and special qualities of a National Park.
👻 Strange sights and spooky stories await in the @Southdownsnp
From mist-shrouded woods and twisted trees to castles beneath the moon, the National Park is home to many eerie spots.
And across our 15 National Parks, there are tales that have endured for centuries, legends still passed down today, and histories with dark chapters.
📸
Ghost in South Downs - Luis Fernando Mancilla
Iping tree - Richard Murray
Harvest moon - Andrew Gambling Photography
Devil’s Dyke - Sam Moore
Stamner Park - Finn Curry
#SouthDowns #Halloween #NationalParks
🎉 Happy Exmoor Day, @exmoornp!
Today, Exmoor National Park celebrates years of connecting people with nature, wildlife and the great outdoors.
From England’s largest wild red deer herd and native ponies to Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve and dramatic landscapes, Exmoor is a place full of life, history and discovery.
Its landscapes, wildlife and historic villages bring people closer to nature and create opportunities to explore, connect and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors.
Here’s to Exmoor – and many more adventures to come! 💚
#Exmoor #ExmoorNationalPark #NationalParksUK
Happy birthday @parc_eryri 🎂
From its towering peaks and sweeping valleys to its rich heritage, Eryri (Snowdonia) is a place that means so much to so many people.
It`s a landscape full of stories, shaped by generations of people and home to some of Wales` most treasured places, from the summit of Yr Wyddfa to the quieter corners.
Today, we`re celebrating everything that makes Eryri unique, from the people and traditions that give it its character to the ongoing work to protect its landscapes and wildlife.
Share your favourite memories of Eryri in the comments! 💬
📸Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia @cinqueportsphotography
#Eryri #EryriNationalPark #TheAnswerIsNationalParks
Autumn is a chance to give nature a helping hand. 🍂
From leaving fallen leaves to providing food for birds, small actions can make a big difference to the world around us.
Here are some of the ways to help nature this season.
#NatureRecovery #Autumn #NationalParks
An ancient wall almost 2,000 years old, and a catch-up with your mate? ✅
Historic landmarks like Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park have been connecting people for centuries.
While that connection looks very different today from the wall’s original role as a Roman defensive fortification, it’s still a place where people come together and explore history.
Because our National Parks are about so much more than great places for a day out. They’re places to connect with friends, clear your head, get active and learn about history, all in one place.
#Northumberland #HadriansWall #NationalParksUK
They’re more than just pretty places. 🌳
Our National Parks are home to some incredible trees, from ancient giants to England’s tallest tree.
Swipe through for a few #WildFacts about the trees growing across our 15 National Parks.
#NationalParksUK #Trees #Woodland
National Parks are places where animals make their homes, people catch up over coffee, and we pause to marvel at the dark skies above.
Places to connect, discover and look a little closer.
We’d love to see your images of autumn in action in a National Park. Tag us or use the hashtag #AutumnInAction 🧡
#NationalParks #Autumn
What if Middle-earth’s Rangers had more in common with National Park Rangers than we might think?
Of course, our National Park Rangers have a little less to worry about than Aragorn and his fellow Rangers.
But they do both know their landscapes well, protect the places they love and guide others to find their way.
Across the UK’s 15 National Parks, our Rangers are taking action every day. They may not be defending the Shire from the forces of darkness, but they certainly do an incredibly important job. 💚
#MiddleEarth #Rangers #NationalParksUK
