Explore the UK's Best Country Parks Near You

North East | North West | Yorkshire and the Humber | East Midlands | West Midlands | East of England | South East | South West | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a relaxing stroll through a country park near you. These spectacular parks offer plenty to do, from picnicking and playing games to birdwatching, fishing and wildlife spotting. Not only have we listed some incredible country parks below, but we've also included nearby campsites so you can easily rest up after a day of exploring.

Country Parks in the North East

 

Walltown Quarry Country Park, Northumberland

Located on the line of Hadrian’s Wall near the village of Greenhead is Walltown Quarry Country Park. This space was once a quarry, which has now been filled and replaced by acres of towering trees and colourful flowers. It’s a lovely spot for walking, wildlife watching and feeding the ducks.

Nearest campsite: Haltwhistle Club Site (10-minute drive*)

Druridge Bay Country Park, Northumberland

Druridge Bay Country Park is made up of a large freshwater lake, woodland, and grassland. You’ll also find three miles of sandy beach and sand dunes where you can sit back and relax. At this country park, you’re able to enjoy a peaceful day of fishing and spot incredible wildlife.

Nearest campsite: Beadnell Bay Club Site (14-minute drive*)

Hardwick Country Park, Durham County

Awarded a Green Flag award, Hardwick Park is a fantastic country park with a stunning lake, woodland, and wildlife. On a sunny day, set up a BBQ and cook up a feast for everyone to enjoy.

Nearest campsite: Barnard Castle Club Site (40-minute drive*)

Country Parks in the North West

Marbury Country Park, Cheshire

Located in Cheshire, Marbury Country Park is a brilliant place to wander around. You’ll see incredible views over the water leading to the church at Great Budworth. You can also explore the arboretum and community orchard. If you’re visiting with children, there’s a fantastic play area near the picnic benches.

Nearest campsite: Delamere Forest Club Site (22 minute drive*)

Etherow Country Park, Stockport

Etherow Country Park is one of Britain's first country parks. When visiting, you’ll find over 240 acres of green space with more than 200 species of plants and a lot of wildlife. Remember to bring your binoculars, as there are over 100 different types of birds to spot. You can also go fishing, sailing, and motor boating at Etherow Country Park, but permits are required.

Nearest campsite: Hayfield Club Site (24 minute drive*)

Tegg's Nose Country Park, Cheshire

There’s plenty to do in Tegg’s Nose Country Park. You can enjoy a relaxing walk, go on a scenic cycle, try fishing, experience rock climbing or go on a horse ride through the country park.

Nearest campsite: Leek Club Site (26 minute drive*)

Beacon Fell Country Park, Lancashire

With 271 acres of woodland, moorland and farmland, Beacon Fell Country Park is a wonderful place to go for a walk and spot incredible wildlife. You can climb up to the Beacon Fell summit, which is 266 metres above sea level, and on a clear day, you can see spectacular views of the Isle of Man.

Nearest campsite: Clitheroe Club Site (28 minute drive*)

Country Parks in Yorkshire and the Humber

Filey Brigg Country Park, North Yorkshire

Grab a picnic blanket and set up a comfy spot at Filey Brigg Country Park. Here, you can capture phenomenal images of the coast, spot whales and dolphins or enjoy birdwatching. This country park is also popular for flying kites and walking dogs.

Nearest campsite: Sheriff Hutton Club Site (20 minute drive*)

Rawcliffe Bar Country Park, York

Awarded a Green Flag Award in 2009, Rawcliffe Bar Country Park has plenty to do. There’s a children's play area, an area for climbing and a bike track with a series of challenging jumps, twists and turns.

Nearest campsite: Sheriff Hutton Club Site (20 minute drive*)

Oakwell Hall Country Park, Birstall

Oakwell Hall Country Park has over 110 acres of beautiful countryside that everyone can enjoy. You can set up a picnic, go on a nature walk around the park, ride a mountain bike, or try orienteering.

Nearest campsite: Boroughbridge Club Site (45 minute drive*)

Rother Valley Country Park, South Yorkshire

Perfect for a family day out, Rother Valley Country Park is situated around three large lakes where visitors can take on fun water sport activities. Splash around the aqua park and enjoy the cable ski, or try sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and more. Other activities available at the country park include mountain biking, trekking, wildlife spotting, or running around the children's play area.

Nearest campsite: Bakewell Club Site (50 minute drive*)

Country Parks in the East Midlands

Cotgrave Country Park, Nottingham

With 200 acres of landscaped grassland, woodland, lakes, and wetland areas to explore on foot, by bike or on horseback, Cotgrave Country Park is full of endless entertainment. Make sure you check out their ‘What’s On’ page to see what community events are taking place at the country park.

Nearest campsite: Nottingham Club Site (5-minute drive*)

Beacon Hill Country Park, Leicestershire

Beacon Hill Country Park is a charming park that’s great for family picnics, walks, and capturing panoramic views of Leicestershire from the summit. This country park holds a lot of history and significant value. Not only has it been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), but some of the rocks that make up Brecon Hill are over 700 million years old. While exploring, you can also see the magnificent sculptures around the park and visit the farm animals at Broombriggs Farm Trail and Windmill Hill.

Nearest campsite: Conkers Club Site (24 minute drive*)

Gedling Country Park, Nottingham

Gedling Country Park opened in 2015 and has over 500 acres of open space to explore. Not only can you set up a picnic and spot wildlife, but you can also go on a nature trail, zip wire, spend time at the play area or enjoy a good book at the cafe.

Nearest campsite: Nottingham Club Site (22 minute drive*)

Bestwood Country Park, Nottingham

Enjoy a scenic walk around Bestwood Country Park in Nottingham. The country park consists of 650 acres of varied landscape, wildlife and industrial heritage. While visiting, you can walk around, cycle or bring your binoculars and enjoy some bird watching. You could also visit the Bestwood Winding Engine House, where you’ll see a huge winding engine dating back to 1876.

Nearest campsite: Nottingham Club Site (28 minute drive*)

Country Parks in the West Midlands

Kingsbury Water Park, Warwickshire

With 15 lakes and over 600 acres of grassland, Kingsbury Water Park makes for a fun family day out. At the country park, you can enjoy birdwatching, geocaching, cycling, sailing, orienteering, racing model boats and much more. Best of all, our Kingsbury Water Park campsite sits within the country park. So, once you’re done exploring, you can head back to your campsite and enjoy a creamy ice cream or tasty BBQ.

Nearest campsite: Kingsbury Water Park Club Site (on site)

Lickey Hills Country Park, Birmingham

Finding a quiet escape in Birmingham can be tricky, but Lickey Hills Country Park is a good start. It's a great place for stargazing, walking, cycling, and horse riding. The award-winning country park also has a diverse range of wildlife and spectacular views over the city.

Nearest campsite: Clent Hills Club Site (12 minute drive*)

Waseley Hills Country Park, Worcestershire

Waseley Hills Country Park has 150 acres of grassland and woodland. There are plenty of walking trails, brilliant views over the city and benches to sit and relax.

Nearest campsite: Clent Hills Club Site (7 minute drive*)

Coombe Abbey Park, Coventry

Pack your picnic basket and head to Coombe Abbey Country Park for a quiet picnic with a stunning view. The country park is over 500 acres and has phenomenal gardens and woodlands. You can enjoy a lakeside walk, birdwatching or live out your Bridgeton fantasy and take exceptional pictures in the historic Victorian gardens.

Nearest campsite: Kingsbury Water Park Club Site (26 minute drive*)

Country Parks in the East of England

Whitlingham Country Park, Norfolk

A country park home to various wildlife species, picturesque views and an incredible lake, Whitlingham Country Park makes for a peaceful day out. Depending on when you’re visiting, plenty of events take place throughout the year. You can book tickets to an outdoor cinema, dance the night away at a silent disco or get your steps in on an orienteering course.

Nearest campsite: Norwich Club Site (7 minute drive*)

Holt Country Park, Norfolk

Located on the edge of the breathtaking Norfolk Coast, Holt Country Park is an award-winning park perfect for a relaxing stroll. The 100 acres of mixed woodland are open to everyone, so if you enjoy wildlife watching, taking your dog for a walk, playing games with your family and friends, or having a little picnic, Holt Country Park is worth the visit.

Nearest campsite: West Runton Club Site (12 minute drive*)

Milton Country Park, Cambridge

Enjoy a scenic walk at Milton Country Park. Perfect for animal lovers and runners, this park's walking path is 3.5 miles long or 2 miles circular, and you’ll be greeted with phenomenal views throughout the trek.

Nearest campsite: Cambridge Club Site (14 minute drive*)

Priory Country Park, Bedford

Nestled in Bedford is Priory Country Park, a 360-acre green space made up of lakes, meadows, and woodland. This country park is great for bird watching, fishing (a permit is required), watersports, walking, and cycling. There are play areas available and plenty of grassy areas to set up a picnic.

Nearest campsite: St Neots Club Site (22 minute drive*)

Country Parks in the South East

Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is a gateway to the South Downs National Park. It’s one of the largest country parks in the UK and spans over 2000 acres. There’s plenty to do in the country park, from enjoying a scenic stroll to cycling and horse riding. You can also participate in orienteering and an assault course.

Nearest campsite: Chichester Club Site (18 minute drive*)

Seven Sisters Country Park, East Sussex

Seven Sisters Country Park was named after the famous chalk cliffs that form part of the Sussex Heritage Coast. The country park consists of over 690 acres of chalk cliffs, river valley and chalk grassland. On your visit you’ll see grazing livestock, rare flora and fauna and plenty of migrating birds.

Nearest campsite: Normans Bay Club Site (28 minute drive*)

Crowborough Country Park, East Sussex

Crowborough Country Park is a 16-acre local nature reserve with streams, wet marshes, ponds, and plenty of woodlands. Visitors can pack a picnic and enjoy it in the designated picnic areas, walk around the country park and spot stunning wildlife, or play family games in the open field.

Nearest campsite: Crowborough Club Site (7 minute drive*)

Haysden Country Park, Kent

Haysden Country Park has over 160 acres of natural habitats, including a river, grassland, freshwater lakes, marshland, and woodland. This country park has a lot to do, from fishing and sailing to orienteering, walking, and cycling.

Nearest campsite: Crowborough Club Site (26 minute drive*)

Country Parks in the South West

Moors Valley Country Park & Forest, Dorset

If you’re looking for a fun day out for the whole family, visit Moors Valley Country Park and Forest. Here, you can go for a relaxing walk, play a game of golf, enjoy a mindfulness audio trail, go fishing, play laser tag or even test your bravery on the Go Ape Treetop Challenge.

Nearest campsite: Verwood Club Site (14 minute drive*)

Crickley Hill Country Park, Gloucestershire

Capture phenomenal views of the Gloucestershire countryside when visiting Crickley Hill Country Park. This country park is perfect for nature enthusiasts as it has over 1,300 species of wildlife, including rare birds, butterflies and reptiles.

Nearest campsite: Winchcombe Club Site (24 minute drive*)

Stover Country Park, Devon

Stover Country Park consists of 114 acres of woodland, lake and marsh, heathland, and grassland. The charming country park has an array of wildlife to observe, and the British Dragonfly Society has designated it a dragonfly hotspot.

Nearest campsite: California Cross Club Site (28 minute drive*)

Durlston Country Park, Dorset

Remember to pack your camera when you head to Durlston Country Park. This country park has magnificent views, hay meadows, and coastal downland. If the weather is great, pack a picnic and enjoy the sunshine and views, or go for a walk and spot incredible wildlife. If you fancy being indoors, there’s a stunning Victorian castle and a charming cafe to visit.

Nearest campsite: Moreton Club Site (40 minute drive*)

Country Parks in Scotland

Roseisle Country Park, Forres

Walking, cycling, and horse riding are just some of the activities you can engage in when visiting Roseisle Country Park. The park has a long sandy beach, sheltered woodland trails, a playground, and plenty of facilities for you and your family to have a splendid day out.

Nearest campsite: Nairn Club Site (30 minute drive*)

Crombie Country Park, Dundee

Crombie Country Park has 200 acres of woodland around the Crombie Loch. As you explore the woodland and loch, you’ll find incredible wildlife, including red squirrels, woodpeckers and roe deer.

Nearest campsite: Scone Club Site (1 hour drive*)

Chatelherault Country Park, South Lanarkshire

For incredible views of Campsie Fills and Ben Lomond, visit Chatelherault Country Park. The 500-acre park comprises of countryside and woodland. There’s an adventure playground, picnic facilities and the park is home to a listed 18th century hunting lodge.

Nearest campsite: Moffat Club Site (51 minute drive*)

Beecraigs Country Park, West Lothian

Nestled high in the Bathgate Hills near the historic town of Linlithgow is Beecraigs Country Park. The country park is great for cyclists and mountain bikers, as there are tracks to challenge their skills. The country park is also a popular spot for a BBQ or picnic.

Nearest campsite: Lauder Club Site (50 minute drive*)

Country Parks in Wales

Parc Gwledig Padarn, Gwynedd

Parc Gwledig Padarn offers spectacular views of North Wales. When visiting, you’ll see views of Padarn Lake, Dolbadarn Castle and Mount Snowdon.

Nearest campsite: Llanystumdwy Club Site (35 minute drive*)

Loggerheads Country Park, Denbighshire

Loggerheads Country Park sits below the dramatic cliffs of Alyn Valley. Here, you’ll see the river enter the steep wooded gorges. This country park is a beautiful place for a picnic with a view.

Nearest campsite: Bala Club Site (40 minute drive*)

Craig-y-Nos Country Park, Swansea

Although Craig-y-Nos Country Park is small, it leaves a lasting impression. This 40-acre Victorian garden is a peaceful escape, with shady woodlands, meadows, ponds, and lawns spread along the banks of the River Tawe. The park also has a significant history, as it was once the home of the internationally famous opera singer Adelina Patti.

Nearest campsite: Rhandirmwyn Club Site (50 minute drive*)

Country Parks in Northern Ireland

Delamont Country Park

Adjacent to our popular Delamont Club Site, Delamont Country Park is a stunning park that is fun for the whole family. On your visit, make sure you see Strangford Stone, the tallest megalith in Ireland. You can also enjoy plenty of lovely walks, wildlife watching, or enjoy horse riding through the country park.

Nearest campsite: Delamont Country Park Club Site (Adjacent to country park)

Scrabo Country Park

Located at the top of Scrabo Hill is Scrabo Country Park. While walking through the country park, you’ll see an abundance of wildlife, rare birds and colourful wildflowers. You’ll also be able to spot one of Northern Ireland's famous landmarks, Scrabo Tower which was built in 1857.

Nearest campsite: Delamont Country Park Club Site (22 minute drive*)

Crawfordsburn Country Park

Crawfordsburn Country Park makes for the perfect relaxing retreat. It features two beautiful beaches, picturesque scenery, and views across Belfast Lough. Visitors can enjoy walks through the meadows and capture breathtaking waterfalls.

Nearest campsite: Delamont Country Park Club Site (34 minute drive*)

*Please note that drive times may vary.

What are your favourite UK country parks? If we haven't included them in our list, send us a picture on Instagram or Facebook.