Best National Parks across the South West

When the sun is beaming in the sky, what better way to spend the day than with a stroll through one of the UK’s many glorious National Parks. With rich green spaces, the ability to be at one with nature and no shortage of stunning views, Britain’s parks are perfect whether you're heading for a family day out, a weekend away from the chaos of city life with your partner or a fun adventure with a group of friends.

Travelling by train with South Western Railway allows you to easily access the South West’s National Parks: New Forest, South Downs, Exmoor and Dartmoor. Millions of visitors from across the UK and around the world visit these locations each year to cycle, camp, birdwatch, stargaze and take stunning photos of the sights, so read on for advice on which ones to head to for your next getaway.

New Forest National Park

Despite it being one of the UK’s smallest National Parks, at just 220 square miles, the New Forest National Park is one of the most visited, with over 15 million visitors annually. Situated between south west Hampshire and south east Wiltshire, its wet valleys and dry heathlands preserve crucial wildlife habitats, including those of the six reptiles that are native to Britain, unique insects and birds that aren’t found anywhere else. Having evolved and adapted over the years, it dates back to the Bronze Age and was later claimed by William the Conqueror in 1079, while also once being a Royal Hunting forest. History buffs can enjoy an educational visit with the opportunity to delve into its rich history at the reference library in the New Forest Centre.

If you’re looking for fun family days out, the New Forest is the perfect option as there’s so much to see and do within a day. You could make the most of the 146 miles of public footpaths and head for a long walk, cycle along parts of its 26 miles of coastline, or stroll along the banks of the Lymington and Beaulieu rivers, before settling down for a delightful picnic as you embrace the peaceful surroundings. Later on, get the perfect sunset snaps of this picturesque park by heading to its highest point: Telegraph Hill. Extend your adventure by camping in the New Forest. Taking a train to the New Forest is a stress-free way to get to this iconic park, and there are nine South Western Railway stations in the area.

South Downs National Park

The South Downs National Park stretches from Winchester and Petersfield in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex and is filled with superb sights and landmarks that are well worth a visit. This is the newest addition to the south west’s collection of National Parks, earning the status in 2010, and in 2016 it was granted a Dark Sky Reserve status, which makes it one of the ultimate places for stargazers to lay back and admire the magic of the night sky.

You’ll find a range of terrains and landscapes in its 994 square miles, from grassy hills to white cliffs. What makes the South Downs National Park extra-special is that it’s also home to a lowland heath, which is currently being restored and expanded as it’s home to some of the nation’s rarest wildlife (including all twelve of our native reptiles and amphibians). Look out for unusual and rare species as you wander along the walking trails, such as barn owls, skylarks, fallow deer, burgundy butterflies, the greater mouse-eared bat and plenty of other intriguing insects and creatures. Explore the different walking trails on offer and find the perfect one to suit you, whatever your ability and interests. To get there, take a South Western Railway train to Liphook, Winchester or Haslemere, before taking a short taxi ride to the National Park.

Exmoor National Park

Step into the fairy-tale landscapes of south west England’s Exmoor National Park, spread across West Somerset and North Devon, where there are walking route options perfect for seasoned long-distance walkers and Sunday strollers alike. Combine your walk with a visit to some of the park’s villages and points of interest.

History buffs will enjoy taking a trip off the beaten track to the 1,000-year-old port of Porlock Weir. Here you’ll find quaint cottages, boats and yachts, and numerous outdoor activities to enjoy. A visit to the timber medieval Dunster Castle in Somerset is also recommended, checking out its working watermill and manicured gardens while you’re there.

Or if castles aren’t for you, make your way to the coast with a fun pitstop at Lynton and Lynmouth’s Cliff Railway, which provides fun for all the family as the highest and steepest water-powered railway in the world. And for those looking to truly immerse themselves in nature, a visit to the tranquil Tarr Steps clapper (stone-formed) bridge is a must, as it’s the longest bridge of its kind, and its surrounding areas are home to plenty of wildlife and tree species. To see wildlife up close and personal, kids will love a visit to the Exmoor Pony Centre, too, where they can meet an Exmoor Pony and learn more about them.

There are plenty of camping sites in Exmoor National Park to pitch up at, so why not extend your trip with an overnight stay? It is also one of England’s best spots for stargazing, so keep your eyes peeled for shooting stars and constellations as you marvel at the sky – particularly in October. Whenever you decide to visit, hop on a train to Exeter St Davids station with South Western Railway, before changing for a train to Taunton.

Dartmoor National Park

Drenched in thousands of years of history, from the Bronze age to the Middle Ages and Victorian era, and with an array of rare wildlife and flora, Dartmoor National Park is perfect for days out with family, friends and solo breaks. Located in southern Devon and spanning 368 square miles, the park is the largest open moor in the region. But as well as moorland, it also features woodland, wetlands and farmland – roughly 90% of Dartmoor’s land is used for farming. The majority of Dartmoor’s larger settlements can be found at the moor edge, with farms and villages on both the east and west.

When arriving at the rocky granite-formed landscapes of Dartmoor National Park, head to a visitor centre in Princetown, Haytor and Postbridge for helpful tips for things to do and see during your visit. Princetown is the park’s highest village and features the renowned prison and its museum, a brewery and galleries illustrating Dartmoor’s history. Or you could explore Widecombe-in-the-Moor, with hundreds of artefacts to spot along your stroll, as well as a church, two historic pubs and an annual fair held on the second Tuesday every September.

If you’re visiting in summer, enjoy the beautiful hay meadows, with vibrant flowers and fascinating wildlife such as butterflies, voles, grasshoppers and rare birds. Meanwhile, its woodland features ancient oak trees that are believed to date back to the 1600s, as well as willow, birch and ash trees. Whenever you choose to visit, you’ll be able to discover all of these special parts and more with its many scenic walking trails, cycling routes, canoeing options or even rock climbing offerings. To head here, get a train with South Western Railway to the closest station, Exeter Central Station, before taking a taxi onwards to the park.

And there you have it, an impressive selection of National Parks to visit in the South West of England, with a wide range of activities and sights to choose from. All you need to do now is plan your journey and book your train tickets with South Western Railway.