Our National Parks always aim to include absolutely everyone. So we've come up with a list of adventures that will appeal to anyone who's not seeking a major adrenaline rush or looking for their next thrill. Sit back, relax and enjoy a peaceful adventure!
The annual National Eisteddfod of Wales really is a highlight of the Brecon Beacons National Park calendar. It has a little bit of everything on offer. Poetry, singing, dancing, food, drink, music, live stock, you name it and it's probably going on somewhere. With such a wide variety of things going on it would be almost impossible not to find something to enjoy.
Wherry Yacht Charter and Norfolk Wherry Trust
Wherry Yacht Charter Charitable Trust and the Norfolk Wherry Trust organise programmes of visits to their wherries each summer. You can step aboard these historic craft, which date from 1898 to 1927, and hear about life on board trading wherries, pleasure wherries and wherry yachts. You can also book sailing trips on the wherries where you can sit back and have further relaxing adventures while others do all the work – more like the luxurious life of Edwardian holidaymakers than the hard life of the wherry-men. For something a bit more adventurous, you can also charter the wherries for day trips, weekends or longer, or volunteer as crew.
Whilst you’re walking through the forests listen out for the skittering of claws on tree bark, and perhaps even the thud of a chewed pine cone hitting the floor. Look up amongst the branches and you might see a soft, bushy red tail arc along a branch and spring through the air. More skittering claws, perhaps a bit of chitter-chatter to let you know you’ve been spotted. And if you’re lucky you can follow one of nature’s finest acrobats as it dances amongst the tree tops!
The market takes place on every 2nd, 4th and 5th Saturday of the month. Voted the 'Best Farmers Market in the South West' we are sure that all the delights on offer will not let you down.
Join a National Park Ranger to find out who is eating who and what is hiding where in the rock pools on Lynmouth seafront in Exmoor National Park, then call in at the National Park Centre in the Lynmouth Pavilion and chat to the friendly team who will help you get the most out of your visit.
There’s no need to book for the Seaside Safari and the event is free, but donations to CareMoor for Exmoor (supporting vital access and conservation work) will be welcome.
With over 100 exhibitors from across Europe and further afield, this event promises to deliver a huge variety of styles and ideas about working with clay. Situated in Hutton-in-the-Forest, the weekend long ceramics festival takes place in and around marquees in front of the picturesque castle. .
Catch the Waterbus to Inchcailloch and escape to the peace and quiet of Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve; catch the boat from Balmaha and explore the island via 2 signposted paths.
Horse riders have the freedom to roam throughout the New Forest, making it a wonderful way to appreciate the National Park’s special qualities at a sedate pace. There are a range of stables throughout the New Forest offering lessons and guided rides perfect for beginners.
Here in Northumberland we are keen for visitors to get outdoors and enjoy the rich history, scenery, flora and fauna. There’s no better way of sampling these delights than getting your walking boots on and taking one of our guided walks.
Follow ‘The Rail Trail’ from the pretty moorland village of Goathland, down the line of an old railway track to the historic railway terminus of Grosmont. It’s only a shade over 3 miles, and downhill all the way, with a pub en route and several cafés at the other end. Best of all – the steam trains of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway take the strain on the way back, puffing you back up the hill for tea and cake in Goathland, better known as the ’Heartbeat’ and ‘Harry Potter’ village.
A historical odyssey through Eyam and Stoney Middleton looking at the factors which have influenced change over the centuries and delving into the traditions of the area.
Visit the impressive stone circle of exquisitely carved Preseli blue stones by local sculptor Darren Yeadon.
A relatively short walk, which is accessible to all. There are facilities nearby such as disabled parking, accessible toilets, benches and picnic tables. A beautiful walk, with amazing scenery and a perfect opportunity for a relaxing adventure.
From artisan cheese, wild venison, micro-breweries and some of the best sparkling wines in the world, the South Downs should recognised for high-quality, sustainable food almost as much as its spectacular beauty and tranquil spaces.
These landscapes have been shaped by farmers and food production for thousands of years and by enjoying this wonderful produce you can help to make sure these businesses continue to thrive and care for the National Park.
Visit SouthDownsFood.org to find local food and drink producers and the shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes which sell and serve great local fare from in and around the National Park. The site also includes an extensive calendar of foodie events throughout the year and features the top chefs in the region sharing their recipes using local, seasonal ingredients
With large areas completely free from local light pollution, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a fantastic place to start your stargazing adventure. But the more remote you are from light sources such as street lights, the better.
There are four designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites in the Yorkshire Dales National Park - at Hawes and Malham National Park Centres, Buckden National Park Car Park and Tan Hill Inn. These are locations that are defined as being open to the public, accessible to all abilities and provide parking and other facilities, and are a great place to begin.
