Step into storybook scenery: England’s National Parks
Lake District National Park, Cumbria, north-west England
Covering more than 912 square miles (2,362 square kilometres) of fells, forests and lakes, the Lake District National Park is England’s largest national park. Nestled in the north-west of England, it spans a large section of Cumbria. It’s where writer Beatrix Potter created the beloved children’s book character, Peter Rabbit, and where poet William Wordsworth found inspiration, while your clients can hike the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike (978 metres).
Nearest train station: The Lake District is located in Cumbria, in the north-west of England. The train from London to Oxenholme takes around two hours and 35 minutes, with trains to Cumbria and the Lakes available from various other destinations in England, including Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle.
Nearest airport: Manchester Airport is the closest airport (around one hour 15 minutes by car). Newcastle Airport is around one hour 30 minutes by car.
Getting around: Many of the Lake District’s key locations are served by train, as the West Coast Main Line connects London and Glasgow with Oxenholme, Penrith and Carlisle. Local services provide connections to Kendal, Staveley and Windermere. The bus network is also extensive, calling at all major towns and villages.
Cumbria Dark Skies Festival
In autumn, the Lake District turns into a haven of cosmic wonder. The Cumbria Dark Skies Festival (24 October to 21 November 2025) celebrates the region’s International Dark Sky status with stargazing walks, astronomy talks and telescope-led experiences in some of England’s least light-polluted skies. Think night swims under Orion’s Belt, and hot chocolate by the fire after planet-spotting hikes. Hosted across the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, it’s a chance to discover the stars – and the lakes – at their most magical.
Hex Pod at Castlerigg Hall, Keswick
High above Keswick with uninterrupted views over Derwentwater and the fells, the Hex Pods at Castlerigg Hall are a stargazer’s dream. Their cabin-style design keeps guests cosy while the stars sparkle in the night sky. Each pod features a double bed, private toilet and shower, as well as a sofa and large flat screen TV. A short walk from Castlerigg Stone Circle, this eco-friendly stay puts clients right in the heart of Cumbria’s night sky action – and just a stone’s throw from great hikes like the Walla Crag and Catbell trails and cosy pubs like the Dog and Gun, too.
The Treehouse at Another Place, Ullswater
Tucked into the woods with panoramic lake and sky views, the luxury treehouse at Another Place offers storybook escapism. It comes with a freestanding copper bath, private deck and floor-to-ceiling windows for midnight sky-watching without leaving the bed. The hotel also offers waterfall wild swims and guided stargazing swims in Ullswater, one of England’s largest lakes.
The Yan at Broadrayne, Grasmere
Part boutique inn, part bistro, and a basecamp for Lake District adventurers, The Yan offers modern comfort in a 17th-century farm setting just outside Grasmere. There are rooms, glamping pods, and self-catering barn conversions – all with mountain views – plus a kitchen serving up a regularly changing menu of classic dishes such as shepherd’s pie with local lamb and sticky toffee pudding.
Shed One Distillery, Ulverston
Nestled in the market town of Ulverston, Shed One crafts small-batch gins using botanicals inspired by the surrounding countryside. Visitors can tour the distillery, take part in a gin school workshop, or enjoy afternoon G&Tea in the garden, featuring a range of sweet and savoury bites. The distillery also offers a Make Your Own Spirit experience – for trips with a twist.
The Lakes Distillery, Setmurthy (near Bassenthwaite Lake)
Set in a beautifully restored Victorian model farm, The Lakes Distillery produces single malt whisky, gin and vodka using Lake District water. Daily one-hour tours and tastings run year-round, with a bistro on-site and views across the River Derwent. It’s just a short distance from Keswick, plus, it’s home to a herd of fluffy alpacas – ideal for a post-whisky photo op.
Forage Box, Ambleside, Keswick and Windermere
Send curious foodies into the woods with Forage Box’s wild food walks around Ambleside, Keswick. Led by experts, these three-hour guided rambles reveal what is edible and what isn’t from the region’s landscape. Your clients can pluck wild garlic and learn to find flavour in fungi.
Peak District National Park, central England
Stretching across 555 square miles (1,438 square kilometres) of hills, heather moors and dales, the Peak District was Britain’s first National Park. Found in the heart of England, it encompasses parts of Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire, making it a good choice for clients exploring both the Midlands and the north of England. In the north, its gritstone mountains are a magnet for climbers, while in the south, limestone valleys await walkers and cyclists. Add in Chatsworth House’s grandeur, cosy Bakewell cafés, and charming stone villages, and there’s a great blend of heritage and adventure.
Nearest train stations: Sitting between Manchester and Sheffield, with Derby to the south, the Peak District can be reached by bus, train or coach, and has good motorway links. Trains from London St Pancras to Derby take around one hour 30 minutes, while several other Peak District towns, including Buxton, Matlock, Edale, Hope and Hathersage have good rail connections and are all easily reached from Manchester or Sheffield.
Nearest airport: The closest international airport is Manchester Airport (33 miles/53 km from Bakewell).
Getting around: The Peak District is well connected by train, with the Derwent Valley Line and Hope Valley Line making car-free travel easy. Northern has information about train travel around the Peak District. Some walks can be reached directly from its rail stations. Bikes can be rented throughout the National Park.
Chatsworth House, Bakewell
Set in 1,000 acres of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown-designed parkland near Bakewell, Chatsworth is still the seat of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Its lavish interiors, world-class art collections, and filming fame (from Pride and Prejudice to The Crown) make it a top destination for set jetting. The gardens feature sculptures, fountains, mazes and a rock garden, while the farm shop and adventure playground cater to modern-day lords and ladies. Direct train connections are available from Sheffield or Derby.
Buxton Crescent Hotel and Spa, Buxton
This 18th-century architectural gem has been beautifully revived as a five-star spa hotel. Located in the heart of Buxton – once a favourite among Regency society – the hotel draws on the town’s famed thermal spring waters, offering luxurious modern wellness treatments in a Grade I-listed setting. There are Roman-style thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms and a rooftop relaxation area. Buxton is easily accessed by train from Manchester or Sheffield.
The Duncombe Arms, Ashbourne
Traditional country pub vibes meet upscale foodie destination at The Duncombe Arms on the edge of the Peak District. With a focus on seasonal dishes and a comprehensive wine list, this 19th-century coaching inn mixes pub classics with more adventurous modern British dishes, all made using produce from the region. Its luxurious rooms and self-catering cottages offer an excellent overnight option.
The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow
Dating back to the 12th century, The Blind Bull is one of the Peak District’s oldest inns – now reimagined as a stylish pub with rooms and a modern, locally-sourced menu. Hidden in the hamlet of Little Hucklow, it offers firelit dining, Peak ales, and a stripped-back, Scandinavian-style interior. Clients can stay overnight in the beautifully converted stables or just pop in for a Sunday roast after a morning of walking in the hills.
Chatworth Kitchen, Rowsley
Just a stone’s throw from Chatsworth itself, Chatsworth Kitchen celebrates estate-grown produce and local suppliers, offering breakfasts, lunches, cakes and coffees in a relaxed but elegant setting. Housed in the historic former mill of Rowsley, expect a menu featuring Chatsworth Estate sirloin steak, Derbyshire oatcakes and fish finger sandwiches. There is plenty of parking and an on-site shop stocking artisanal gifts and estate produce.
Fischer’s Baslow Hall, Bakewell
A country house with a fine-dining restaurant and rooms, Fischer’s at Baslow Hall is a top spot for food lovers. The Michelin-starred menu changes with the seasons – expect dishes like Hogget Rump, Oven Roasted Quail and Salted Caramel Tart. The hall is a cosy Edwardian manor surrounded by landscaped gardens, situated around 10 minutes from Chatsworth. Bakewell is 40 minutes from Sheffield or an hour from Manchester by car.
Lovage, Bakewell
This chic Michelin Star restaurant in Bakewell offers a contemporary twist on Peak District flavours. Led by chef-owner Lee Smith, Lovage is all about laid-back dining using locally-sourced ingredients – think Lamb rump with caramelised cauliflower, herb puree, or stone bass with Palourde clams, spring greens and sea herbs.
Peak District Pub Tour, Bakewell
This guided walking tour through Bakewell combines real ale, roaring fires and centuries-old pub lore in one afternoon. Your clients can sample local brews while learning about smugglers and the secrets behind Bakewell’s most beloved taverns. It’s authentic, accessible (Bakewell is 40 minutes by bus or taxi from Chesterfield station), and pairs nicely with a visit to Chatsworth.
North York Moors National Park, north-east of England
Covering 554 square miles (1,436 square kilometres) of rolling landscape and craggy coastline, the North York Moors is one of the UK’s most expansive heather moorlands, turning purple in late summer. Venture into nature with a hike through the moors. Trails wind through the heather-covered hills and dense woodland, offering panoramic views of the rugged landscape.
Nearest train stations: The nearest stations are York, Leeds and Middlesbrough. Trains from London King’s Cross to York take around two hours.
Nearest airports: Manchester Airport is a two-hour drive from Helmsley, while the journey from Leeds Bradford Airport is one hour. From Newcastle Airport, the drive takes approximately one hour 45 minutes.
Getting around:Public transport options are plentiful, and the Esk Valley Railway runs right through the National Park between Middlesbrough and Whitby, and links up with walks, attractions and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Meanwhile, the likes of Moorsbus and Moors Explorer operate buses throughout the summer and at peak weekends.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering to Whitby
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway offers a scenic 24-mile route through the landscapes of the Yorkshire moors, running between Pickering and Whitby. This heritage railway has starred in numerous film and TV productions, including scenes in Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) and the PBS All Creatures Great and Small TV adaptation. Along the way, passengers can spot the ruins of Pickering Castle and pass near the 14th-century Helmsley Castle, as well as moorland villages like Goathland (better known to some as Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter). The railway also hosts special experiences and themed journeys, including Pullman dining, afternoon tea and seasonal events.
Castle Howard
Castle Howard is a magnificent stately home surrounded by sprawling gardens and parkland. Located just 15 miles north of York, the 18th-century Baroque mansion has starred in Brideshead Revisited and, more recently, Netflix’s Bridgerton, thanks to its opulent interiors and romantic setting. Visitors can explore the house through self-guided or themed expert-led tours that reveal grand state rooms, decorated ceilings, and an extensive collection of art and antiques. Highlights include the Great Hall with its soaring dome, and the antique-filled chapel. Outside, there are formal gardens, a walled garden bursting with blooms, woodland walks, adventure playgrounds, and scenic spots for a lakeside picnic.
Valley View Restaurant, The Mallyan Spout Hotel, Goathland
Tucked in the heather moors of Goathland, the Valley View Restaurant is all elegance and culinary craft. Part of the historic Mallyan Spout Hotel, this fine dining destination pairs seasonal, locally sourced menus with sweeping views of the Esk Valley. Highlights include pulled beef rigatoni, slow braised beef cheek or dressed crab.
Rock Climbing with Lost Earth Adventures
Set against the wild beauty of the North York Moors, Lost Earth Adventures offers rock climbing days for visitors seeking adrenaline and breathtaking views. With expert guides and routes for all levels, your clients can scale to new heights – literally and metaphorically.
GoApe, Dalby Forest
Thrill-seekers can tackle treetop challenges at Go Ape Dalby Forest. Balance on the high-rope courses, take the plunge on the Tarzan Swings, or race down zip lines. For younger adventurers, the Treetop Adventure offers wobbly bridges and a zip wire finale. With 8,000 acres of forest to explore, it’s a day of adventure for all ages, with numerous trails for hiking and cycling.
Whitby Distillery Tour
Uncover the craft behind Whitby’s award-winning gin during an intimate distillery tour. Sip a refreshing Whitby Gin and Tonic, learn about the botanicals behind each flavour, and witness their copper still in action. End with a guided tasting and take home a complimentary Whitby Gin glass.
Northumberland National Park, north-east of England
Welcome to England’s northernmost National Park, covering more than 405 square miles (1,050 square kilometres) of unspoiled wilderness. With more sheep than people, this is where your clients can truly unplug. The Northumberland National Park is the largest protected Dark Sky area in Europe – ideal for stargazing under clear night skies. By day, it’s all about Hadrian’s Wall, Roman forts like Housesteads and Vindolanda, and trails through hills and wild moorlands. All this, just over an hour from Newcastle.
Nearest train stations: Newcastle provides excellent train links via the East Coast Main Line, with the fastest train from London taking around two hours 40 minutes.
Nearest airport: The closest international airport is Newcastle Airport.
Getting around: Taking the bus is easy and convenient, with local services running all over Northumberland and to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) when the tide allows. By train, the Tyne Valley Line connects Newcastle with Carlisle, and runs along the south of Northumberland National Park.
The Settle Carlisle Line
The Settle-Carlisle Line is one of Britain’s most picturesque rail routes. Stretching 73 miles (117 km) through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Eden Valley, the line is part of the National Rail network and offers jaw-dropping views alongside engineering feats like the imposing Ribblehead Viaduct. As the train weaves through tunnels and rolling hills, your clients will find plenty of opportunities to hop off and explore hiking trails, gently sloping valleys and dramatic waterfalls. For an added touch of luxury, several providers – including the Northern Belle – run steam services, with exclusive trips available throughout 2025 and 2026, such as Great Rail Journey’s seven-day rail adventure through Yorkshire and Northumberland.
Hadrian’s Wall
Stretching 73 miles (117km) from coast to coast, this ancient Roman barrier and UNESCO World Heritage Site is a top attraction for history fans and film buffs alike. It’s been the inspiration for many fictional walls (Game of Thrones, of course), and filming occasionally occurs in the surrounding forts and moorland. Notable productions include Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and the 1970s folk horror film Tam Lin. Your clients can walk sections of the wall, explore immersive museums at Vindolanda and Housesteads, and imagine life on the Roman frontier – with sheep as extras and sweeping landscapes as a backdrop.
Lindisfarne (Holy Island)
Also known as Holy Island, this tidal isle is a haunting setting in 28 Weeks Later. Accessible only at low tide (please check the safe crossing times), the island is mysterious and wildly cinematic. The ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, founded in the 7th century, offer a glimpse into the island’s early Christian heritage. Operated by English Heritage, the site includes a museum detailing the priory’s history and the role of the Lindisfarne Gospels. For a comprehensive experience, join a guided boat tour that explores the Farne Islands before arriving at Lindisfarne.
Alnwick Castle
Wands at the ready – we’re at Hogwarts. A family home for more than 700 years and still owned by the Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle is one of Britain’s most filmed locations. It starred as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series, featured in Downton Abbey, Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, and even played a role in Transformers: The Last Knight. The grand halls and sweeping grounds are pure magic. Broomstick lessons for your clients? Yes, they actually offer them here.
Triple A Food Tours, Newcastle
These guided food experiences from Triple A Food Tours cover the city’s best bites, from regional favourites to global cuisine. Expect everything from stotties (soft, round flatbreads often filled with savoury delights) and pease pudding (a creamy spread made from split yellow peas) to craft cocktails and sweet treats – all served with fascinating backstories. Tours typically last around three hours and include stops at hidden gems as well as award-winning eateries, with plenty of samples for your clients to enjoy along the way.
The Treehouse Restaurant, Alnwick
What can be more romantic than dining amongst the treetops? Suspended among the branches of Alnwick Garden, The Treehouse Restaurant is a tangle of rope bridges, wooden walkways and twinkling fairy lights. Inside, diners can find a seasonal menu and open fire, surrounded by rustic beams and forest views. Menu highlights include roast topside of British beef, British roast chicken breast and roulade of British lamb shoulder.
Harewood House, Leeds
Grand architecture, 140 acres of gardens and a touch of regal history are just some of what’s waiting to be discovered at Harewood House. Just a short trip from Leeds, this 18th-century stately home offers stunning art collections, from masters of the Italian Renaissance to modern works, lavish interiors, and sprawling landscapes designed by renowned 18th-century landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
The Potted Lobster, Bamburgh
Set in the coastal village of Bamburgh, The Potted Lobster serves seafood caught metres from its door. Menus change regularly, often starring local crab, lobster and line-caught fish. Interiors mix nautical charm with rustic touches. It’s a popular lunch spot for walkers coming off the beach or diners on their way to Bamburgh Castle.
Exmoor National Park, south-west of England
From heathered hills to cliff-lined coasts, Exmoor delivers drama without the crowds. Spanning 267 square miles (693 square kilometres), this beauty in west Somerset and north Devon offers views over the Bristol Channel, ancient oak woodlands, and wildflower-rich moorland. What’s more, it’s also a designated International Dark Sky Reserve – ideal for astro-tourism. Think wild red deer, windswept walks, and quaint villages like Dunster and Porlock serving up cream teas and British charm to go with their cobbled streets and quaint cottages.
Nearest train stations: Plymouth and Exeter are the region’s largest cities and are served by mainline train routes. Depending on your clients’ destination in Exmoor, the driving time ranges from 20 minutes to two (or more) hours. Trains connect Plymouth with Exeter (one hour), London (three hours) and Bristol (two hours 20 minutes).
Nearest airports: The closest main international airports are Bristol Airport, Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport.
Getting around: While a hire car will give your clients the greatest freedom, it’s easy to explore Exmoor by public transport. Exmoor has several bus routes. If your clients are hiking long-distance, they can book a luggage transfer to carry their bags.
Exmoor Dark Skies Festival
As Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, Exmoor is the perfect stage for the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival (17 October to 2 November 2025), where the night sky takes centre stage from mid-October to early November. Expect telescope workshops, stargazing safaris, astrophotography masterclasses and guest talks. Your clients can hire telescopes from National Park Centres and take in the Milky Way from one of the park’s many Dark Sky Discovery Sites. It’s an unforgettable light show – and not a lightbulb in sight.
Wild About Exmoor Stargazing Experience
By day, Exmoor’s rolling hills are the stars of the show, but after dark, the sky steals all the attention. Join Wild About Exmoor for one of their seasonal stargazing events. During summer, clients can enjoy outdoor sessions with barbeques, solar gazing and a walk into the Dark Sky Reserve to watch the sun set (if the clouds don’t gate-crash). In winter, events move indoors at Exford Bridge Tea Rooms, featuring a home cooked meal followed by stargazing on the village green.
The Poltimore Inn, North Molton
Stargazing meets country comfort at The Poltimore Inn, offering fully insulated lodges equipped with central heating, and large windows ideal for stargazing. Perched on the edge of Exmoor’s Dark Sky Reserve, in North Molton, the inn also boasts its own purpose-built observatory, so your clients can explore constellations before bed. Family-run and full of character, it’s a good base for astro-tourists or anyone keen to swap screen time for Saturn and the stars.
Exmoor Wildlife Safari
Climb aboard a Land Rover Defender with a local guide for a three-hour safari through Exmoor, setting off from Exford in Minehead. Traverse ancient tracks and narrow lanes, exploring valleys, rivers and open moorlands. Keep an eye out for red deer, Exmoor ponies, and a variety of bird species. Along the way, guides share insights into the area’s history and folklore.
South Downs National Park, south-east of England
In 2025, the South Downs National Park celebrates its 15th anniversary – the youngest of England’s ten national parks. Spanning 628 square miles (1,600 square kilometres) from the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head on the Sussex coast to the historic city of Winchester in Hampshire, it offers a mix of rolling hills, sea views and cultural landmarks. Highlights range from the Bloomsbury Group at Charleston House to contemporary exhibitions at Towner Eastbourne. Its beauty hasn’t gone unnoticed by filmmakers either: scenes from Wicked were shot here, adding a little Hollywood magic to this classic English countryside. Just an hour from London, it’s an accessible escape for clients craving a countryside adventure.
Nearest train stations: Trains from London Victoria and London Waterloo take around one hour. Regular ‘Breeze’ buses run between Brighton and parts of the National Park, too.
Nearest airport: The closest airport is London Gatwick, a 50-minute drive from Midhurst, or a one hour 30 minute train journey from Liss.
Getting around: With a Discovery Ticket, your clients can enjoy unlimited bus travel all over the South Downs and the rest of the region. Meanwhile, picturesque hiking routes can be reached directly from the train stations in Amberley, Liss and Southease.
The PIG in the South Downs, Madehurst
Set within parkland near the market town of Arundel, The PIG in the South Downs is a rustic luxury retreat offering cosy rooms in converted stable blocks, a walled kitchen garden, and a menu bursting with produce sourced from within 25 miles. Guests can borrow wellies, wander vineyard trails and orchards, sip homegrown Sussex wine by firelight, and even get hands-on during cooking workshops. The views stretch for miles, the atmosphere is laid-back, and the kitchen delivers hyper-local flavour – expect dishes like Trenchmore Farm ribeye steak, Selsey lobster, and freshly picked heritage vegetables, all led by the garden and the seasons.
Seven Sisters Country Park
Few walks in Britain deliver drama quite like this. The Seven Sisters chalk cliffs roll along the Sussex coast between Seaford and Eastbourne, offering sea views worthy of any film finale – and in fact, this exact spot features in Wicked. The route through the Seven Sisters Country Park is part of the South Downs Way, but clients can enjoy a shorter stretch from Seaford to Cuckmere Haven (with photo ops galore). Pair the walk with a picnic or a stop at the nearby Saltmarsh Farmhouse café. Accessible from London by train to Seaford or Eastbourne, with local buses or taxis for connection.
Park House Hotel and Spa
Nestled in the South Downs, Park House Hotel and Spa is the sort of country hotel where one drifts from pool to pedicure, then resurfaces in time for afternoon tea and a round of golf or croquet (if your clients are feeling energetic). Just 21 rooms mean things stay blissfully peaceful. In the evening, your clients can enjoy modern British delights at the hotel’s elegant restaurant, from market fish with English asparagus and hollandaise sauce, to aged ribeye steak with roasted garlic cherry tomatoes, wild mushrooms, kale and peppercorn sauce.
Fizz on Foot Tour
Walking boots on, and (drinking) glasses at the ready. Fizz on Foot pairs countryside rambles with English sparkling wine tastings in Sussex and Hampshire. Expect vineyard tours, scenic strolls, and generous pours of award-winning fizz – all led by local guides who know their grapes. Some of the vineyards visited during the tour include Rathfinny Estate in Alfriston, Ridgeview Estate Winery in Ditchling, Hidden Spring in Heathfield, Bluebell Vineyard in Uckfield, and Breaky Bottom Vineyard in Lewes.
Arundel Castle
Perched above the River Arun and packed with nearly 1,000 years of drama, Arundel Castle has seen it all: sieges, scandals, and the occasional royal sleepover. Wander through Norman towers, trace the Gothic arches of the Fitzalan Chapel, and picnic in the tulip-filled gardens if it’s spring. The castle is open from April to November for tours, jousting tournaments, and features seasonal tulip and rose displays.
Charleston
At Charleston, every corner speaks of art and rebellion. This was the country retreat of Bloomsbury Group artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant – a home where paint made it onto every surface, from the furniture to the walls, and convention never quite made it through the front door. Guided tours lift the curtain on a house as colourful as its past, while the garden still blooms with bohemian charm.
Buzz Active, kayaking and paddle boarding
Paddle straight through one of Britain’s most picturesque coastal valleys – and a filming location in Wicked. Buzz Active runs kayak and paddleboard sessions along the Cuckmere River. Great for first-timers or families, the calm waters and wide skies offer an immersive, photo-friendly escape into nature. Based near Exceat, the site is reachable via train to Seaford, then a short bus or taxi.
