Dog-friendly National Parks UK summer. The best way to enjoy the dawning of summer is to get outdoors, and where better than Britain’s National Park? These 15 magnificent locations feature everything from lakes, lochs and beaches to mountains, Munros and moorland, and they can all be visited for free.
Here’s where to take your dog this summer:
Holidays with a dog in ENGLAND
DARTMOOR
This brooding moorland is home to herds of wild ponies, rare wildlife, rocky granite tors, deep river valleys, and 450 miles of walking, cycling or riding paths. History buffs will also have a field day, as Dartmoor is Western Europe’s most important site for Bronze Age archaeology.
THE BROADS
Straddling the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, this is Britain’s largest protected wetland. Many people come for boating opportunities, choosing everything from kayaks to canal boats, but the flat landscape is also perfect for walking and cycling. There is plenty of wildlife to spot, and many species here are internationally protected.
EXMOOR
There’s something for everyone on Exmoor, where the 37 miles of coastline form the first stage of the South West Coast Path, the UK’s longest National Trail, and the dramatic open moorland inspires creativity. The beaches are peaceful, and the dark skies are brilliant with stars on a clear night.
LAKE DISTRICT
There are many good reasons this National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site: here, you’ll find deep, clear lakes, spectacular scenery, breathtaking falls, and ancient woodlands. Sporty visitors love it, too, because the Lake District has more outdoor activity centres than anywhere else in the UK.
Forest, park or lake, choose the place that suits you best.
THE NEW FOREST
The gentle lowland landscape here is easy to walk, but the scenery constantly changes, with woodland, heath, river banks, streams and a beautiful, unspoilt coastline to explore. Look out for the ponies, donkeys, cattle and pigs roaming free.
NORTH YORK MOORS
Wowing visitors ever since it was established in 1952, this National Park is the stuff of legend. Within 550 square miles lie 1,500 ancient boundary stones and crosses, 800 Scheduled Monuments and Gothic ruins. The stunning Jurassic-era coastline is dotted with old fishing villages, while the colourful heather moorland is excellent for birdwatching.
NORTHUMBERLAND
If you want quiet, you’ve come to the right place: this is the least densely populated National Park, and it occupies a unique position between the Scottish border in the north to just south of Hadrian’s Wall. Prehistoric hill forts, medieval castles and fortified farmhouses nestle beneath vast, open skies that are perfect for stargazing at night.
PEAK DISTRICT
Britain’s original National Park is a magnet for walkers and cyclists. The tunnels of the Monsal Trail, the former Midland Railway line, are fun for families to explore, and there are caves and rock climbing for adrenaline tans. The resident wildlife includes red deer.
SOUTH DOWNS
Rolling green hills, chalk grasslands and woodland are perfect for dog walking, and panoramic views are on the 100-mile-long South Down Way. In summer, swathes of wildflowers attract butterflies on the wing.
YORKSHIRE DALES
Picture-perfect hay meadows and stone barns sit among some of the finest limestone scenery in the UK, including spectacular waterfalls, dramatic peaks and caves. Gastronomists will love the local cheese festivals, farmers’ markets and micro-breweries.
Holidays with a dog in SCOTLAND
LOCH LOMOND AND THE TROSSACHS
This National Park features rolling lowland landscapes and rugged mountains in the north, including an incredible 21 Munros (those higher than 3,000 feet) within easy reach of Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh. There are also plenty of walking and cycling routes along the shores of the tranquil lochs. The awe-inspiring wildlife includes red squirrels, pine martens, otters, golden eagles, osprey and grouse.
CAIRNGORMS
Do you like climbing, cycling or wild swimming? Snow sports and bungee jumping are just some of the activities at Britain’s largest and most northerly National Park. The scenery, which includes rugged mountains, heather moorlands, forests and wetlands, is simply spectacular, and the wildlife consists of several endangered species. Enjoy some of the darkest skies in the UK at night, brimming with stars.
Holidays with a dog in WALES
BRECON BEACONS
If you want adventure, spectacular landscapes and stargazing, this is the place for you. Cardiff, Swansea and Newport are only an hour away, yet there are an incredible 520 square miles to be explored, with gorges, waterfalls, caves and rocks adding drama to the geology.
PEMBROKESHIRE COAST
Small but beautiful, this is Britain’s only truly coastal National Park – with the sandy beaches to prove it. There are 600 miles of footpaths and bridleways to walk and incredible wildlife to spot, including basking sharks, orcas, seals and many rare birds.
SNOWDONIA
Located on the west coast of Wales, Snowdonia combines history, geography and adventure in 823 square miles of breathtaking scenery—nine rugged mountain ranges. Fifteen peaks above 3,000 feet, including Snowdon – and 23 miles of coastline should keep you busy.
Need a bag for your dog while travelling? Or valuable accessories for your trip with your dog? Ready Dole Out as Award for Dog’s Good Behavior?
Thank you for reading the article to the end. Your reading contribution was significant to us.
Affiliate Disclosure: The Frenchie Breed website may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links at no cost to you.
Follow Frenchie Breed on Google News
Post a Comment