Ultimate Guide to UK National Parks by Train

The Broads

In the East of England, the Broads has some of the most stunning scenery in England, and a quarter of Britain's rarest animals and plants. Famed for its windmills and castles, you’ll find cosy lodges and cute places to stay on boats on the famous Broads waterways. For convenient access to The Broads by train, head to Norwich Station. Learn more about train routes to The Broads.

Dartmoor

Rugged moorland, rolling hills, ancient granite tors, and magical wilderness captivate visitors to Dartmoor, a remote national park in southern Devon, South West England. Spend time in the great outdoors at natural hotspots like Haytor Rocks, or swim in the Rivers Dart and Teign. Travel by train to Totnes Station from places like Penzance, London Paddington, and Plymouth for simple access to stunning scenery. Start your Dartmoor adventure by train.

Exmoor

Dramatic scenery abounds at Exmoor National Park in South West England. From towering sea cliffs to large areas of open moorland, this unique landscape has diverse scenery and stunning natural attractions including Heddon Valley, on the West Exmoor coast, which was a favourite landscape of poet William Wordsworth. Take the train to Barnstaple, a river-port town in Devon, to start your Exmoor adventure. Find out how to visit Exmoor by train.

Lake District 

The Lake District is the most visited National Park in the UK for a reason: formidable peaks, vast lakes, and charming villages make this Cumbrian landscape one of boundless beauty. Spanning an area of 2,362 square kilometres, the Lake District is also the largest national park in England, with a diverse array of historical, cultural and natural activities. Arrive at Oxenholme Lake District to start your trip in style. See so much more when you visit the Lake District by train.

New Forest

Across southwest Hampshire and southeast Wiltshire, the New Forest National Park combines tradition and innovation: declared a royal forest by William the Conqueror, the landscape thrives today with conservation managed wildlife. The nearest stations to the New Forest include New Milton and Totton Station to the north. Read all about taking the train to the New Forest.

Northumberland

Experience tranquility at Northumberland National Park, the northernmost national park in England and the most remote national park from large urban areas. Get back to nature, from Linhope Spout waterfall in Ingram Valley, to the dramatic valleys of secluded College Valley. For spectacular views, take the Tyne Valley Line to stations like Corbridge, Hexham, Haydon Bridge, and Haltwhistle. Learn more about getting to Northumberland by train.

North York Moors

With heather moorland and wooded river valleys, the North York Moors in north-eastern Yorkshire, are one of the most impressive natural areas in England. Nestled between the cliffs of the North Sea coast, the steep scarp slopes of the Cleveland Hills, the Hambleton Hills, and the Vale of Pickering, you’ll be surrounded by miles of natural bliss. From the south of England, to take LNER services to Northallerton, or aim for Middlesborough Station to visit the North York Moors by train from the North. Find out more about train routes to North York Moors.

Peak District

The first national park in the UK and one of the most visited, the Peak District offers one of the best days out by train in nature. Spectacular trails abound, with major routes like the Pennine Way National Trail, which follows the Pennine chain from Edale. Take scenic direct trains from Manchester to Hope (Derbyshire) in just 50 minutes. Discover everything you need to know to visit the Peak District by train.

South Downs

Adventure awaits at England's newest national park, a special landscape and the closest national park to London. Visit the South Downs by train for unforgettable family days out surrounded by stunning scenery that stretches from Winchester to Eastbourne. Walk the South Downs Way, the only National Trail that lies entirely within a national park. Accessible from London Victoria, the best stations for the South Downs include Winchester and Amberley. If you’re planning to visit the South Downs National Park by train, here is all the key information.

Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the most scenic national parks in England, surrounded by Northumberland to the north, the North York Moors to the east, the Peak District to the south, and the Lake District to the west. Take the train to the Yorkshire Dales National Park for the most spectacular train journeys in the UK, especially if you’re taking the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle line to Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Don’t miss a second of the stunning landscape when you head to Yorshire Dales by train .

Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)

With beautiful walks and some of Wales’ most dramatic scenery, the Brecon Beacons is a national park ideal for outdoor adventures, whether it’s a stroll along a canal towpath, or a climb up breathtaking mountains. Arrive into Abergavenny Station, on the south-eastern edge of Bannau Brycheiniog, to reach popular areas like the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Discover more about train routes to the Brecon Beacons.

Eryri(Snowdonia)

Wildlife galore and the highest mountain in Wales await at Eryri, one of the most beautiful national parks in the UK for adventurous days out. Get to the heart of Eryri when you take the train on the Conwy Valley Line to Betws-y-Coed. Find out more about trains to Eryri, and travel tips for this national park.

Pembrokeshire Coast

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park exudes natural beauty, from sandy beaches to wild inland hills. Across 243 square miles, this unique landscape allows visitors to explore stunning scenery without a car at the only coastal national park in the UK. If you arrive at Fishguard Station, connected with Swansea on the West Wales Line, you’ll be in the heart of the national park. Dive into an adventure at Pembrokeshire Coast and learn more about travelling to Pembrokeshire Coast by train.

Cairngorms

The UK’s most northerly and largest National Park by area, Cairngorms boasts beautiful walks, vast cycling networks, and five of the UK’s highest peaks, including Ben Macdui (1,309 metres) and Derry Cairngorm (1,155 m). As the largest UK-wide national park, you’ll find miles of iconic natural scenery. Travel to Aviemore, situated to the West of the Cairngorms, to start your adventure in a Highlands town surrounded by lochs and ancient forests. Find out more about train routes to Cairngorms.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Visit Loch Lomond & The Trossachs by train for scenic strolls, wild camping, long-distance cycling, and so much more. As one of the most scenic train routes in the UK, you’ll have a peaceful journey to the national park by leaving the car behind. One of the nearest stations to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs is Ardlui. Get all the information you need to plan an unforgettable Loch Lomond & The Trossachs adventure by train.

Wherever you are in England, Scotland, or Wales, there are National Parks within easy reach by train. From Manchester, explore the stunning scenery of the Peak District, or from Glasgow, you are well placed to explore Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. Dartmoor and Exmoor are close to Exeter, while Newcastle is near to Northumberland. The nearest national park to Birmingham is the Peak District or Brecon Beacons.

There isn't a national park in London but many are easily accessible from the city. If you’re looking for the nearest national park to London by train, try the New Forest or South Downs, both reachable in under 2 hours. 

Travelling to UK National Parks by train is a joy, with stunning views from your seat. The Leeds-Settle-Carlisle train provides spectacular views as you wind across the Yorkshire Dales, while the Heart of Wales line offers unmissable scenery as you approach the Brecon Beacons. To reach the Lake District by train involves taking some of the most beautiful train journeys on regional train routes that stop at key points across the North West.

Are you feeling inspired yet? Whichever park is calling to you, be sure to visit in the most eco-friendly and affordable way when you buy cheap train tickets in advance. Use the TrainPal train journey planner to map your perfect UK National Park adventure!

How many national parks are there in the UK?

The UK has 15 national parks, spread across England (10), Wales (3), and Scotland (2). From the Brecon Beacons to the Yorkshire Dales, these landscapes provide a scenic escape and some of the best natural beauty in the UK.

What is the most beautiful national park in the UK?

Opinions vary wildly depending on who you ask! If you like dramatic mountain landscapes, Snowdonia in Wales is hard to beat. The Lake District in England is the most visited national park, while the towering peaks of the Cairngorms in Scotland also deserve a mention. You can’t go far wrong!

Are there UK national park jobs accessible by train?

Absolutely! From all corners of England, Scotland, and Wales, you’ll be able to reach a national park by train. Some of the best national parks to commute to by train include the Yorkshire Dales, with its frequent train stations and scenic routes, and the Peak District, which has convenient connections with major cities like Sheffield and Manchester.

How can I apply for UK national parks jobs?

Being surrounded by some of the most beautiful sights in the country would be a dream job for many. Look out for UK national park ranger jobs on each park’s website, or browse all vacancies here.

Where can I find a comprehensive UK national park map?

Check out the 15 UK National Parks on this map from the official National Parks website.