Lake District National Park
It is located in the north west of England, in Cumbria, and is one of the most popular in Great Britain.
The Lake District is like a blooming garden. You can see the European squirrel and the only pair of golden eagles in England. With picturesque lakes, peaceful flocks of sheep and majestic mountain peaks, one of the most beautiful regions in Great Britain opens up to you.
The park is about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Manchester. But there are also good transport links to the national park from the airports in Blackpool and Glasgow. Motorway M 6 runs along the east side of the Lake District.
The British also call this area “ The Lakes ”. It combines the highest peaks in England with a multitude of picturesque lakes. The landscape is characterized by an incomparable beauty, which offers hikers, nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts and geologists a true paradise.
Grasmere, a picturesque town, has made a name for itself as the tourist center of the Lake District. The site is accessible on the A591, which runs between Ambleside and Keswick.
William Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage is now a museum. An interesting, delightful hike leads into Borrowdale, which is surrounded by mountains, with its idyllic waterfalls.
You shouldn’t miss the wonderful view from the 951 meter high Helvellyn. The third highest mountain in England is very easy to hike. The Ullswater See stretches out at the foot of the Helvellyn.
An excursion on the historic post and passenger ships is also recommended. Sailing, rowing and water skiing are also offered to water enthusiasts. One of the most beautiful hiking trails can be found along the lakeshore.
In the southern part of the national park you will find Lake Windermere. The glacial lake is considered the largest body of water in England and is a popular holiday region.
Hike through Elleray Forest to come to Orrest Head Lookout. From there, the national park will show itself to you from its most beautiful side.
Lake Coniston Water is the third largest lake in the national park. You can also take a steamboat there. A two-hour hike leads to one of the region’s most beautiful panoramic mountains, the Old Man of Coniston.
Keswick is the center of tourism in the north of the Lake District National Park. Keswick can be reached by exiting the M6 Motorway at Penrith and following the A66. The place has a long tradition of pencil production. The Pencil Museum provides information about the handicraft that dates back to the 16th century. Also of interest is the Automobile Museum and Hope Park.
National Forest
The National Forest (also called New Forest) extends over an area of approx. 520 m² over the counties of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
From 1990 to 2006 around 7 million trees were planted to complement the existing woodland and thus create a beautiful landscape and habitat for numerous animal and plant species.
In addition to activities such as hiking, cycling and horse riding, you can also go fishing. The National Forest also has some attractions to offer: beautiful forest walks, historic houses, exciting visitor centers, sparkling lakes, cozy guest houses, log cabins, clearings, fantastic festivals.
The Conkers is an interactive entertainment and experience center where you can visit exhibitions, but above all take part in activities related to nature.
In Ashby de la Zouch, a small town in west Leicestershire, you can visit the ruins of a castle and in Moira there is a 19th century blast furnace which is now a museum.
The Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales National Park can be found in northern England, in the north-western part of the county of Yorkshire (area 1,765 square kilometers). The region has excellent transport links via Leeds Bradfort International Airport.
The secret of the Dales lies in their diversity and wildly romantic beauty, which fascinates hikers and nature lovers. The Romans laid high-altitude trails through the Pennine mountain ranges. In the Middle Ages, the monks had proud abbeys built, which have been preserved as stone witnesses to the past.
The biggest attraction in Wharfedale is Bolton Abbey, a ruined monastery from the 12th century. Head south on the A59 to Skipton on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. The center of the place is the castle. A boat trip on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal is highly recommended, but also a stroll on the riverside of the Wharfe.
At the Strid the river narrows and forms impressive rapids. A hike in Upper Wharfedale takes you over the Barden Bridge to the remains of the Barden Tower. The Wensleydale is characterized by wide grasslands and thundering waterfalls.
To the south-west rise the magnificent ruins of Fountains Abbey. The remains of the 12th century Cistercian monastery are among the best preserved in Europe and are nestled in the magnificent Studley Royal Water Garden.
Middleham Castle towers over Middleham. The keep of the complex is one of the largest in England. Another imposing castle complex is Bolton Castle, not far from Wensley. Popular hiking destinations include the Aysgarth Force and West Burton waterfalls.
Food lovers should visit Hawes, where the famous Wensleydale cheese is made. The factory has opened its doors to visitors. A mountain road takes you to the Hardraw Force waterfall and the rough and wildly romantic Swaledale.
You hike through moorland and heathland into Arkengarthdale. Teesdale is a paradise for nature lovers. Here the whole splendor of alpine and Mediterranean flora unfolds.
The lifeline of the Dales are countless hiking trails that connect the most beautiful places with charming places in the region. In the summer months you can explore the countryside with the “Dales bike bus” or go by bike.
