National Park and AONB
The map of National Park and AONB gives some of the popular outdoor locations of the UK. The Lake District National Park (commonly known as The Lake District, or simply The Lakes) is a National Park in England. Created by the National Parks Act of 1951, it encloses 46 square miles of Cumbria in North West England. It shares the Lake District National Park Authority with the Lancashire and Cumbrian counterparts. The lake district's main attraction are the 16 lakes of the region. The lakes are either perfect for fishing, swimming, boating, or relaxing. The lakes district is a popular year-round attractions for walkers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Snowdonia is a region in northwest Wales concentrated around the mountains and glacial landforms of massive Snowdonia National Park. The park's historic Snowdon Mountain Railway climbs to the summit of Wales's highest mountain, Mount Snowdon, offering views across the sea to Ireland. The park is also home to an extensive network of trails, over 100 lakes and craggy peaks like Cader Idris and Tryfan.
Situated on the west coast of Britain covering 823 square miles of diverse landscapes, Snowdonia National Park is a living working area, home to over 26,000 people. As well as being the largest National Park in Wales, Eryri (Snowdonia) boasts the highest mountain and the largest natural lake in Wales, as well as a wealth of picturesque villages. Snowdonia is an area steeped in culture and local history, where more than half its population speak Welsh.
The National Park Authority’s aims are to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area, promote opportunities to understand and enjoy its special qualities; and to foster the economic and social well-being of its communities.
Dartmoor National Park is a national park in England, occupying 854 square km. In the South-Western peninsula of England, it is one of ten English national parks. Dartmoor NP includes the largest expanse of heather moorland in the United Kingdom. According to Natural England, "some of the most spectacular and important ancient, semi-natural and recently improved grassland" in southern Britain. Dartmoor includes three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These are the Govett-Brewster, Northern, & Western Areas.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is in west Wales. It has the second-highest coastal cliffs in the United Kingdom and the largest expanse of seabird breeding sites in Britain. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is a long-term winner of the European Destination of Excellence award. It has been internationally recognized as such since 2001 and is widely praised for its spectacular scenery, wildlife and culture.
The Gower Peninsula is also a popular tourist destination, especially for walkers along the South Wales Coastal Path. Most of its coastline is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Gower Peninsula was the first area in the United Kingdom to be also designated as a Marine Conservation Zone offshore.