Containing sixteen lakes, 150 peaks and six national nature reserves, the Lake District National Park is the largest national park in England, comprising all of England’s mountains and covering most of the Lake District in Cumbria

The best national parks in the UK

Including the activity-packed Peak District, the rarest species in the UK found in The Broads, and the stunning Yorkshire Dales

Tuesday 22 July 2014 14:11

Every year National Parks Week gives visitors a chance to celebrate our incredible and varied wilderness.

This year the National Parks Week runs from 28 July – 3 August and there are 10 national parks across England to explore. Each has created a special event to celebrate National Parks Week, from picnics and treasure hunts in the park, to bicycle rides, safaris and outdoor art exhibitions.

In pictures: National Parks Week 2014

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1/10In pictures: National Parks Week 2014

In pictures: National Parks Week 2014

New Forest

Twist and turn through vibrant gorse, imposing woodland and bubbling streams, and stroll through the forest’s 143 miles of trails which wind their way through 193,000 acres of unspoilt heath and ancient woodland

In pictures: National Parks Week 2014

The Broads

The Broads is a unique mosaic of lakes, land and rivers that has national park status. This special area covering 303 square kilometres in the easternmost part of England is also the UK's largest protected wetland and boasts a quarter of its rarest species

In pictures: National Parks Week 2014

Dartmoor National Park

Located in South Devon and just a 30 minute drive away from Exeter, the Dartmoor National Park features rushing rivers, sprawling moorland and spooky forests. This stunning backdrop was the main reason it was chosen as the setting for Steven Spielberg’s film, Warhorse

In pictures: National Parks Week 2014

Lake District National Park

Containing sixteen lakes, 150 peaks and six national nature reserves, the Lake District National Park is the largest national park in England, comprising all of England’s mountains and covering most of the Lake District in Cumbria

In pictures: National Parks Week 2014

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Characterised by striking peaks, limestone pavements and spectacular waterfalls, Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of a kind. It’s an area of over 1,700 square kilometres covering the Pennines of Cumbria and North Yorkshire

In pictures: National Parks Week 2014

Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park contains a variety of landscapes including; moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland, within its 267 square miles. It’s a place where high cliffs plunge into the Bristol Channel and cosy pubs and tearooms offer delicious local produce

In pictures: National Parks Week 2014

North York Moors National Park

Famous for its spectacular purple heather moorland and beautiful heritage coast, North York Moors National Park is also home to an array of wildlife including red squirrels and badgers

In pictures: National Parks Week 2014

Northumberland National Park

This national park is home to the central section of the longest monument in Britain: Hadrian’s Wall. The park consists of leafy woodland, bogs and moorlands and takes up a quarter of Northumberland county

In pictures: National Parks Week 2014

Peak District National Park

The country’s first National Park has a special place in the hearts of millions of visitors. For some it's a wild and wonderful setting for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, abseiling and yachting. For others it's their favourite spot for a meal out - offering fine local produce - with family and friends

In pictures: National Parks Week 2014

South Downs National Park

A diverse area of woodland, coasts and ancient towns, and also home to the stunning South Downs Way trail, this National Park has something for everyone. South Downs, the country’s newest national park stretches 70 miles across Sussex

For more information visit http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/visiting/national-parks-week-2014

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