How accessible are the UK's National Parks?

The UK is home to some of the world’s most beautiful national parks. These locations boast incredible scenery, natural wonders, wildlife, and a range of fun things to see and do.

But how accessible are the UK’s national parks for people with limited mobility? We have analysed and ranked the UK’s 15 national parks to see which locations come out on top.

Read on to discover the results and learn more about these amazing national parks.

Key findings

• Brecon Beacons, Cairngorms, Northumberland, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, and the North York Moors are the most accessible national parks in the UK.
• All of the UK’s national parks offer accessible activities, attractions, walking routes, and toilets.
• 5/15 parks don’t clearly explain if their visitor centres are accessible or not.

What are the most accessible national parks in the UK?

The top UK national parks by accessibility

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

• Miles without stiles walks/accessible routes: Yes
• Accessible parking: Yes
• Accessible toilets: Yes
• Changing Places: Yes
• Trampers/all-terrain vehicles to hire: Yes
• Accessible visitor centre: Yes
• Accessible activities/attractions available: Yes
• Google Review score: 4.8
• Accessibility score: 11.8/12

Brecon Beacons, also known as Bannau Brycheiniog, is a national park covering around 520 square miles in mid and south Wales, and home to the Brecon Beacons Mountain Range. This is one of the most accessible national parks in the UK, offering all the facilities our study looked at, including accessible walking routes, disabled parking, changing places facilities, and all-terrain vehicles available to hire.

Chris, from the travel blog Oh What a Knight, has this suggestion for those looking to visit the Brecon Beacons: “If spending a weekend in the Brecon Beacons, my recommendation would be to spend one day in the mountains and one day exploring waterfall country. However, if the weather is a complete washout, then two days exploring the waterfalls is still time well spent. “

Learn more about Brecon Beacons accessibility.

ALSO READ: Accessible national parks in the UK that older people should visit

Cairngorms National Park

• Miles without stiles walks/accessible routes: Yes
• Accessible parking: Yes
• Accessible toilets: Yes
• Changing Places: Yes
• Trampers/all-terrain vehicles to hire: Yes
• Accessible visitor centre: Yes
• Accessible activities/attractions available: Yes
• Google Review score: 4.8
• Accessibility score: 11.8/12

Located in the northeast of Scotland, Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK, covering the Cairngorms Mountain Range and the surrounding hills. When it comes to accessibility, Cairngorms is one of the UK’s best national parks, offering every facility our study looked at, such as accessible visitor centres, accessible activities and attractions, as well as accessible walking routes.

Learn more about Cairngorms accessibility.

Northumberland National Park

• Miles without stiles walks/accessible routes: Yes
• Accessible parking: Yes
• Accessible toilets: Yes
• Changing Places: Yes
• Trampers/all-terrain vehicles to hire: Yes
• Accessible visitor centre: Yes
• Accessible activities/attractions available: Yes
• Google Review score: 4.8
• Accessibility score: 11.8/12

Northumberland National Park is England’s northernmost national park, spread across an area between the Scottish border and just south of Hadrian's Wall. Covering about a quarter of Northumberland county, the national park is one of the UK’s most accessible, ticking all the boxes when it comes to facilities. Those with limited mobility can look forward to accessible walking routes, activities, and attractions, as well as important facilities such as accessible parking, all-terrain scooters, and Changing Places toilets.

Learn more about Northumberland National Park’s accessibility.

Peak District National Park

• Miles without stiles walks/accessible routes: Yes
• Accessible parking: Yes
• Accessible toilets: Yes
• Changing Places: Yes
• Trampers/all-terrain vehicles to hire: Yes
• Accessible visitor centre: Yes
• Accessible activities/attractions available: Yes
• Google Review score: 4.8
• Accessibility score: 11.8/12

Found in central England, the Peak District National Park is famed for its steep limestone valleys like Dovedale, dramatic gritstone ridges, stark moorland plateaus, and the iconic Pennine Way footpath. The Peak District National Park is also very accessible, excelling in all of the areas that our study looked at. During your visit, you can take part in accessible activities, explore easy-going walking routes, and take advantage of a range of important accessible facilities such as parking and toilets.

Tammy, from the travel blog Travelling Tam, lives near Peak District National Park and has shared her thoughts about its wide appeal: “There’s absolutely no denying it’s impossibly beautiful and interesting too! It really has an abundance of varied attractions, no matter what you’re into – whether that’s walking or biking through iconic landscapes, uncovering fascinating history, visiting pretty villages or simply eating local delicacies!”

Learn more about Peak District National Park’s accessibility.

ALSO READ: The UK’s best walks for older people

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

• Miles without stiles walks/accessible routes: Yes
• Accessible parking: Yes
• Accessible toilets: Yes
• Changing Places: Yes
• Trampers/all-terrain vehicles to hire: Yes
• Accessible visitor centre: Yes
• Accessible activities/attractions available: Yes
• Google Review score: 4.8
• Accessibility score: 11.8/12

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is situated along the west coast of Wales and is one of three national parks in the country. The park is famous for its beaches, cliffs, and secret covers and is a popular destination for both land and water activities. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is among the most accessible parks in the UK, ticking all the boxes of our study. There are all-terrain vehicles available to help you explore the park and disability-friendly walking routes for those with limited mobility.

Learn more about Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s accessibility.

North York Moors

• Miles without stiles walks/accessible routes: Yes
• Accessible parking: Yes
• Accessible toilets: Yes
• Changing Places: Yes
• Trampers/all-terrain vehicles to hire: Yes
• Accessible visitor centre: Yes
• Accessible activities/attractions available: Yes
• Google Review score: 4.8
• Accessibility score: 11.8/12

In the North York Moors, you can discover coastal wonders, scenic hikes, or woodland adventures. There are so many activities you can do and attractions you can visit within the national park, including art galleries, the Flamingo Land Resort and Zoo, and the National Centre for Birds of Prey. The park is also one of the UK’s most accessible, as its visitor centres are accessible to all, all-terrain vehicles can be rented, and there are facilities such as changing places and miles without stiles walks.

Pippa Stacey, a disabled freelance writer based in Yorkshire, is the founder of the Life of Pippa blog, and she talks a bit about the accessibility of the park:

“I’ve always heard the North York Moors described as an iconic holiday destination. I’d visited as a child before but naively assumed that such a rural part of the country wouldn’t be a suitable option for my wheelchair-using adult self. Reader, I’m glad to tell you I was mistaken. The countryside not only offered the peaceful haven that my chronic illness craves but also many incredible things to see and do that spoke to the adventurous part of my soul as well.”

Learn more about the North York Moors’ accessibility.

ALSO READ: What to do with grandchildren in Yorkshire and Humber

The UK’s other national parks

The Broads National Park

• Miles without stiles walks/accessible routes: Yes
• Accessible parking: Yes
• Accessible toilets: Yes
• Changing Places: Yes
• Trampers/all-terrain vehicles to hire: Yes
• Accessible visitor centre: Yes
• Accessible activities/attractions available: Yes
• Google Review score: 4.7
• Accessibility score: 11.7/12

The Broads National Park is a picturesque network of rivers and lakes situated across the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. From boating and fishing to cycling and wildlife watching, the Broads has lots of activities to look forward to and the park is also very accessible. The Broads offers a wide range of accessible features, including lots of fun activities, such as accessible walks, wheelchair accessible boat trips, and accessible fishing opportunities.

Learn more about The Broads National Park’s accessibility.

Lake District National Park

• Miles without stiles walks/accessible routes: Yes
• Accessible parking: Yes
• Accessible toilets: Yes
• Changing Places: No Info
• Trampers/all-terrain vehicles to hire: Yes
• Accessible visitor centre: Yes
• Accessible activities/attractions available: Yes
• Google Review score: 4.8
• Accessibility score: 10.8/12

The largest national park in England and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District is famed for its spectacular landscapes, picturesque villages, and cultural heritage. From its world-famous lakes to its soaring mountains (known as ‘fells’ locally), there is so much to explore. The Lake District is accessible to visitors with limited mobility as it offers accessible car parks, visitor centres, toilets and routes that can be used by wheelchair-users.

Carrie-Ann Lightley, who is the writer behind one of the UK's leading accessible travel blogs, says one accessible activity to try in the Lake District is going on a boat trip at the Coniston Boating Centre:

“Coniston Boating Centre has a specifically adapted wheelchair-accessible boat with a moveable ramp. It can accommodate up to three wheelchair users. The top speed is six mph, and the boat is perfect for wheelchair anglers.”

Learn more about the Lake District’s accessibility.

ALSO READ: What are the best outdoor attractions in England?

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

• Miles without stiles walks/accessible routes: Yes
• Accessible parking: Yes
• Accessible toilets: Yes
• Changing Places: Yes
• Trampers/all-terrain vehicles to hire: Yes
• Accessible visitor centre: No info
• Accessible activities/attractions available: Yes
• Google Review score: 4.8
• Accessibility score: 10.8/12

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs is Scotland’s first national park, and here you can explore wide-open lush landscapes, sprawling glens and rocky peaks. You can enjoy cruises on the lochs and visit one of the loch’s 30 islands. Despite its varied landscape, the national park is accessible to all as it offers trampers and all-terrain vehicles that visitors with limited mobility can hire, and there are over 10 paths within the park that are accessible to visitors with limited mobility.

Learn more about Loch Lomond & The Trossachs accessibility.

Yorkshire Dales

• Miles without stiles walks/accessible routes: Yes
• Accessible parking: Yes
• Accessible toilets: Yes
• Changing Places: Yes
• Trampers/all-terrain vehicles to hire: Yes
• Accessible visitor centre: No info
• Accessible activities/attractions available: Yes
• Google Review score: 4.8
• Accessibility score: 10.8/12

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is home to beautiful valleys, towns, and villages, and there is so much for visitors to explore and enjoy. The Yorkshire Dales doesn’t share any information regarding the accessibility of its visitor centres, but it ticked all the other boxes in our study. Accessible toilets, parking, walking paths, and activities and attractions are all available in the park.

Learn more about the Yorkshire Dales accessibility.

Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

• Miles without stiles walks/accessible routes: Yes
• Accessible parking: Yes
• Accessible toilets: Yes
• Changing Places: No info
• Trampers/all-terrain vehicles to hire: Yes
• Accessible visitor centre: No info
• Accessible activities/attractions available: Yes
• Google Review score: 4.9
• Accessibility score: 9.9/12

Snowdonia is Wales’ largest national park, covering an area of 823 square miles. Its landscape is steeped with culture, history, and heritage, and the Welsh language is part of the day-to-day fabric of the area. Despite there being no information regarding changing places within the national park and the accessibility of the visitor centres, our study shows that there are many accessible facilities available in Snowdonia. All-terrain vehicles can be hired, accessible walking routes are available, and plenty of activities and attractions are available to people with limited mobility.

Learn more about Snowdonia National Park’s accessibility.

ALSO READ: How accessible is the UK?

Dartmoor

• Miles without stiles walks/accessible routes: Yes
• Accessible parking: Yes
• Accessible toilets: Yes
• Changing Places: No info
• Trampers/all-terrain vehicles to hire: No
• Accessible visitor centre: Yes
• Accessible activities/attractions available: Yes
• Google Review score: 4.8
• Accessibility score: 9.8/12

Dartmoor is a unique place as visitors can explore wild, open moorlands and deep river valleys, and learn about the rich history of the park and the rare wildlife that lives here.

Mollie, who is the writer behind the We Are Global Travellers blog, spoke about her experience of Dartmoor: “Dartmoor National Park is one of the UK’s most beautiful national parks. Famous for its wide-open spaces and bylaws that allow wild camping, ponies and the tors, exploring this National Park in Devon with my van in summer was a delight.

“This vast moorland is riddled with walking and hiking trails, home to cute villages, and even the inspiration behind the Sherlock Holmes story, ‘Hound of the Baskervilles’.”

The national park is accessible to everyone as visitors can enjoy accessible paths, visitor centres and parking, but the park doesn’t rank among the most accessible and there is no all-terrain vehicles which can be hired.

Learn more about Dartmoor National Park’s accessibility.

Exmoor

• Miles without stiles walks/accessible routes: Yes
• Accessible parking: No
• Accessible toilets: Yes
• Changing Places: No info
• Trampers/all-terrain vehicles to hire: Yes
• Accessible visitor centre: Yes
• Accessible activities/attractions available: Yes
• Google Review score: 4.8
• Accessibility score: 9.8/12

Exmoor was designated as a National Park in 1954, and it is a haven of peace and tranquillity, but it is also full of outdoor activities. Explore heather-topped moorland, catch a glimpse of wild red deer or iconic Exmoor ponies, enjoy spectacular woodlands, or find your new favourite village. Exmoor National Park offers most of the accessibility features the study looked at, including accessible toilets, visitor centres and walking routes. There is no information about changing places within the park or accessible parking, but there are drop-off points, and general public parking is available.

Learn more about Exmoor National Park’s accessibility.

ALSO READ: 5 National Trust locations to visit in Devon

New Forest National Park

• Miles without stiles walks/accessible routes: Yes
• Accessible parking: Yes
• Accessible toilets: Yes
• Changing Places: No info
• Trampers/all-terrain vehicles to hire: Yes
• Accessible visitor centre: No info
• Accessible activities/attractions available: Yes
• Google Review score: 4.8
• Accessibility score: 9.8/12

With its wildlife, ancient traditions, rich history, and distinctive local communities, the New Forest National Park is unique. The New Forest has been a top destination for breaks for many years, and with it being just 90 minutes by train from London, it is easy to get to. As our study shows, the park is very accessible to visitors with limited mobility, offering facilities like accessible walking routes, parking and all-terrain vehicles that can be hired. There is no information available about changing places or whether the visitor centres are accessible to all.

Learn more about the accessibility of the New Forest National Park.

South Downs National Park

• Miles without stiles walks/accessible routes: Yes
• Accessible parking: No
• Accessible toilets: Yes
• Changing Places: Yes
• Trampers/all-terrain vehicles to hire: Yes
• Accessible visitor centre: No info
• Accessible activities/attractions available: Yes
• Google Review score: 4.7
• Accessibility score: 9.7/12

South Downs National Park is a landscape rich in folklore and legend that has inspired generations of writers, artists and storytellers who have flocked to witness the beauty of the rolling chalk downland and the wooded heaths. The South Downs may have come last in our study, but the national park is accessible to all. There are changing places, accessible routes to follow, and all-terrain vehicles which can be hired, to name a few. The park has no information about the accessibility of its visitor centres, and the national park does not manage the car parks.

Learn more about the South Downs National Park’s accessibility.

ALSO READ: 5 National Trust locations to visit in Sussex

Methodology

Looking at the 15 national parks in the UK, a score out of 12 was assigned to each park based on how they performed against different accessibility criteria*.

The criteria looked at were:

• Miles without stiles walks/accessible route
• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Changing Places
• Trampers/all-terrain vehicles to hire
• Accessible visitor centre
• Accessible activities/attractions available
• Google Review score

You can see the full findings, scores, and resources used in this Google sheet.

*If a park didn’t have information available for particular accessibility criteria, the park received 0 points, therefore rewarding parks that make this helpful information available to prospective visitors with disabilities.

Hopefully, this exploration of the accessibility of UK national parks has been helpful.

This article was brought to you by Handicare, who work with Age Co to provide a range of home mobility products such as stair lifts, homelifts and bathing solutions. For more information about how they can help make your home more accessible, please get in touch on 0808 303 7284.