Park life

The 15 National Parks of England, Scotland and Wales are priceless treasures – and the Club has sites either in or close to every one!

It is 73 years since the Peak District became the UK’s first official National Park, granting it special protection as a place of natural beauty, magical wildlife and cultural heritage. The Lake District, Eryri (also known as Snowdonia) and Dartmoor soon followed, and today the number of such special places stands at 15 following the addition of the South Downs to the roster in 2010. The great news is that there are Club campsites in or near each of the National Parks, making it easy for members to enjoy the varied delights they have to offer.

Wonderful Wales

Snowdonia Mountain Range, close to Coed-y-Llwyn. Photo by member Martyn Foss

Anyone venturing into Wales for a holiday will be spoilt for choice as three National Parks here cover almost 20% of the entire country. The largest and most popular is Eryri (Snowdonia) in the north – conveniently served by Coed-y-Llwyn Club Campsite. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is (literally) the biggest attraction in the area – the highest mountain in Wales towers 1,085m over the village of Llanberis. You can either choose to walk to the summit (all of the available routes are strenuous and proper preparation is essential – do your research at snowdonia.gov.wales) or jump on the Snowdon Mountain Railway at Llanberis Station for a leisurely ride to the top.

Head south to Brecon Beacons Club Campsite to explore the spectacular landscape of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Keen walkers will be in their element here, with a total of 1,200 miles of public routes catering for all levels of fitness – including to the top of Pen y Fan (at 886m it’s the tallest peak in South Wales – again, do your research at visitwales.com). The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down either as the park was declared the first Dark Sky Reserve in Wales, and boasts some amazing stargazing locations such as Usk reservoir, Llanthony Priory and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

For something a little different, aim your outfit west towards Freshwater East Club Campsite which is situated within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. As you might expect, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches in this area – whether you are looking for something that is family-friendly or a little more secluded; or whether you are a keen surfer or want to forage in rock pools. Why not walk a section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which stretches 186 miles in total from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south?

Sensational Scotland

Maragowan Club campsite. Photo by member Ian Whitelaw

The largest National Park in the UK – the Cairngorms National Park – covers a stupendous 4,528 square miles, with Grantown-on-Spey Affiliated Site situated near the northern tip. From here you have handy access to a plethora of historic sites – the atmospheric ruins of Blairfindy Castle, Drumin Castle and Castle Roy are all within reach of the campsite – and countless walking trails. Keep an eye out for the varied wildlife, including golden eagles, ospreys, wildcats and red squirrels that call this area home. Of course Speyside is also famous for its whisky (numerous distilleries in the region offer tours and tastings), as well as being an internationally renowned salmon fishing destination.

To the north of the bustling city of Glasgow is the natural playground of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park – and at its northern tip, right on the banks of Loch Tay, sits the delightful Maragowan Club Campsite. Top of the list to see during a stay here are the beautiful Falls of Dochart in Killin, where you can watch the waters cascade below the road bridge. Clachan Club Campsite is also in Killin.

‘Munro bagging’ (the practice of climbing – and ticking off – Scottish mountains with an elevation of more than 3,000ft/914m) is another popular activity. Standing at 1,174m, Ben More is an impressive munro to bag, although those attempting to scale it should be well prepared and check the weather forecast before setting off (you can find more advice at lochlomond-trossachs.org).

Enchanting England

Ribblehead Viaduct. Photo by member Ian Jefferson

The fact there are 10 National Parks in England means you are never too far from a sensational beauty spot wherever you choose to holiday. The Lake District National Park is the most popular, with some 16 million visitors attracted by its charms each year.

Coniston Park Coppice Club Campsite is just one of the gems here, tucked away in 63 acres of woodland and with direct access to Coniston Water, where you can try all manner of watersports or enjoy a steamboat ride. The Lake District is also paradise for both walkers – the keenest may like to climb Scafell Pike (at 978m, it’s the tallest mountain in England) – and cyclists.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire boasts not one but two National Parks – North York Moors in the east and Yorkshire Dales to the west. Hawes Club Campsite is an ideal base from which to explore the latter – it is right in the heart of the Dales. The park boasts attractions including Bolton Abbey, Malham Cove, Aysgarth Falls and Ribblehead Viaduct, to name just a handful.

The Howard, Rosedale Abbey Club Campsite is a good base for the North York Moors; this National Park’s distinctive landscapes have featured in everything from TV’s Heartbeat to the latest Indiana Jones movie. The eastern edge of the park covers the coast north of Scarborough, including the popular seaside destinations of Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby.

To the south, the Peak District National Park is said to have a split personality, with the north characterised by wilder terrain and the south notable for its green valleys and pretty towns and villages. Castleton Club Campsite is located right in the middle, meaning it is easy to enjoy both contrasting regions of a park which contains must-visit spots such as Mam Tor, Dovedale, Kinder Scout and Ladybower Reservoir – not to mention the architectural beauty of Chatsworth House.

In the south of England we finally reach the New Forest Centenary Club Campsite, which boasts a stunning location on the edge of the National Park near Bransgore. The New Forest is perhaps best known for its free-roaming ponies – there are almost 5,000 of them in all!

We hope you have enjoyed reading about some of our sites located near or within National Parks – don’t forget to check out our Certificated Location network for more ideas!

Five more sites near National Parks

Saltdean beach, near Brighton. Photo by member Laurence Freeman

If we have whetted your appetite, here are five more to consider…

Brighton Club Campsite, Sussex

Handily situated on the doorstep of the South Downs, which stretch all the way from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne in the east.

Norfolk Broads Club Campsite, Norfolk

Explore the magical water world of the Broads – popular with boaters, walkers, cyclists, anglers and nature lovers alike.

Exmoor House Club Campsite, Somerset

Hikers are spoilt for choice at this site on the southern edge of Exmoor National Park. Will you walk the hilly moorland or experience breathtaking views from the South-West Coast Path?

Stover Club Campsite, Devon

Dartmoor National Park lies to the west of this quiet site, while the Torbay coastline is within easy reach.