Why we’re celebrating 70 years of the National Parks!

With 2019 marking the 70^th anniversary of the National Parks, there has never been a better time to encourage visitors to come and explore these beautiful and protected areas of the British landscape.

Previously known as National Parks Week, this annual event has just been rebranded ‘Discover National Parks Fortnight’ and will now comprise two weeks of celebrations, spanning the Easter holidays, from 6^th- 21^st April 2019.

The 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act paved the way for the creation of National Parks in the UK and family friendly events will be held in each of the National Parks to mark its 70^th anniversary.

What are the National Parks?

The National Parks are Britain’s ‘breathing spaces’! And there’s 15 of them to explore. In short, they are areas that are protected for their natural beauty, wildlife or cultural heritage and they are overseen by various National Park authorities.

Land within the National Parks is often privately owned, including some by the National Trust but National Park authorities work with all landowners to protect the landscape.

Where are Britain’s National Parks?

The 15 National Parks can be found right across Britain, offering the chance to explore some of the most beautiful - and protected - landscapes in Britain:

• Brecon Beacons
• The Broads
• Cairngorms
• Dartmoor
• Exmoor
• Lake District
• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
• New Forest
• Northumberland-
• North York Moors
• Peak District
• Pembrokeshire Coast
• Snowdonia
• South Downs
• Yorkshire Dales

Did you know? Quirky facts about National Parks

The Peak District, founded in 1951, is the oldest National Park and features impressive gritstone edges, steep limestone dales, moorland, farmland (which covers about 90% of the park) and caverns famed for rare Blue John stone. 

The Lake District National Park, is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Which means it joins a number of iconic locations across the planet, including the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, Easter Island and the Great Barrier Reef!

The Cairngorms is the largest National Park in the UK. At 4,528 square kilometres, it’s bigger than the whole of Luxembourg…

Book a holiday cottage in one of the National Parks

At Holiday Cottage Compare, we have over 3,000 holiday cottages available to rent in a National Park.

Locations such as the Lake District, Peak District and Snowdonia remain perennial favourites. And justifiably so.

But there are so many other areas to explore that it’s really worth adding a tour of all 15 National Parks to your bucket list!

Whether you are drawn to the sea, the lakes, hills or lowlands, there’s something for every National Park visitor.

And when you have decided on your location, you will find hundreds of cottages to meet your every requirement, from large party house perfect for a reunion, to cosy cottages for two, ideal for a romantic weekend away.

You can also select from hundreds of different property features, to ensure you narrow your search down to the perfect property. From stairgates, swimming pools and disabled access to coffee machines, downstairs bedrooms and hot tubs for two. You’ll find it all here.

And of course, don’t forget to bring your dogs – we have thousands of cottages in the National Parks that welcome pets. And better still, you can select from properties that accept 2,3,4 or even 5 dogs.

So please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about booking a holiday cottage in the National Parks – we’re happy to help with all questions about the cottages and to give you advice before you go ahead and book.

And if you would prefer us to do the searching work for you, then get in touch with your list of requirements for your next holiday cottage.

We would be more than happy to help you find your perfect place!