UK's most beautiful national park is full of postcard-worthy villages and walks

07 January 2024 , 06:00

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The Lake District has been crowned the UK's most beautiful national park (Image: Getty Images)

The Lake District has been crowned the UK's most beautiful national park - an accolade that's not entirely surprising considering it's previously been tipped to be one of the prettiest in the world.

There are 15 national parks in the UK, all of which offer unique attractions and views, but according to a survey by Bounce the Lake District is the one with the most social media clout.

As the name suggests, there are plenty of gorgeous lakes to explore in the region - 16 in fact - with popular highlights including the likes of Lake Windemere, Derwentwater and Ullswater which boast a host of water sports facilities, hotels and attractions. (Families may particularly want to bookmark the World of Beatrix Potter which brings the stories of Peter Rabbit and his friends to life).

While the region tends to be popular during the summer months when the weather is warmer (and the lake waters), for those who like to stay away from the crowds there's good news as you'll find plenty of the UK's best winter retreats in the area with cosy cottages, postcard-worthy walks and pubs with roaring fireplaces and hearty roasts.

It's also home to some of the UK's best winter retreats (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The good news is that exploring won't have to make a big dent in your budget either. That's because a deal with new £2 bus fares has been extended until December 2024.

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Visit the Lake District posted the news on social media , writing: "A large number of services are eligible, including many run by Stagecoach - taking you to destinations like Windermere, Grasmere, Kirkby Lonsdale, Hawkshead, Ulverston, Ullswater, Carlisle, Keswick, Cockermouth and so many more.

"Simply buy your ticket online or on board, with no discount code needed. £2 bus fares are now available until December 2024, so there's plenty of time to explore the Lakes for less. Part of the government's Help for Households campaign."

Looking for more staycation inspiration? You may want to check out our UK holidays guide that's regularly updated with destination tips, deals and news that we think you'll want to have on your radar when planning your next holiday.

One man who has got really stuck into the Lake District is Tom Chesshyre, who took on a 379-mile hike around the Lake District in spring 2022 to find its best hidden places.

One area he particularly recommends is Ennerdale. It is the most westerly of the lakes, and the most remote. He explained: "It has got no road and it is one of the only main lakes without one next to it, and it has no mobile reception. I stayed in a youth hostel there with no Wi-Fi. It is very remote. They have schemes to reintroduce red squirrels and fritillary butterflies. There's also work on fresh water mussels. Rewilding projects are massive there."

UK's 10 most beautiful national parks

1. Lake District
2. Peak District
3. Northumberland
4. Eryri/Snowdonia
5. Dartmoor
6. New Forest
7. Yorkshire Dales
8. Brecon Beacons
9. Exmoor
10. Cairngorms

You can find out more on usebounce.com.

It wasn't just UK parks which impressed in the rankings. Bounce's survey encompassed global rankings too, with Kruger National Park in South Africa being crowned the world's most beautiful national park. If you're hoping to see one of the Big Five (the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo) then Kruger needs to be on your radar as it's home to all five of them!

Julie Delahaye