The Best UK National Parks for a Peaceful Cottage Break

The UK has a national park to suit everyone. Exmoor is a wonderful all-round choice if you're after atmospheric moorland and woods, valleys and stargazing. 

Northumberland suits travellers seeking remote landscapes, while the Yorkshire Dales combines peaceful countryside with some of the most charming villages in England.

Choose the New Forest for gentle woodland walks, Pembrokeshire for stunning coastal views and the Cairngorms for a true sense of wilderness.

At Holiday Cottage Delights, we help you explore a wide selection of self-catering cottages in the UK, from romantic retreats and dog-friendly stays to country cottages for families. That includes those in the UK’s top national parks. 

Here are our favourite national parks for slowing down and enjoying more space.

Why stay in a cottage in a national park?

A cottage gives you the freedom to set your own pace. There is no timetable or busy breakfast room. You can wake to stunning countryside views, cook with local ingredients, spend the day walking and return to a private, comfortable base.

The most peaceful breaks combine a quieter location with easy access to local attractions. Travelling outside school holidays and choosing accommodation away from major tourist spots can make the experience even calmer.

Exmoor: best for moorland and dark skies

Exmoor National Park stretches across Somerset and North Devon, bringing together heather-covered moorland, wooded combes and a dramatic coastline. It is an excellent choice for couples, walkers and anyone who prefers unhurried days in a varied landscape.

Walk along the river, stop in an enchanting village for lunch, then return to your cottage before dusk. Exmoor was Europe’s first designated International Dark Sky Reserve, making clear evenings particularly memorable for stargazing.

A secluded cottage on Exmoor works well for a romantic getaway, while larger rural properties give families and groups room to relax.

Northumberland: best for space and star-filled nights

Northumberland National Park offers wide skies, rolling uplands, peaceful walking routes and a powerful sense of remoteness. It suits travellers who want quiet surroundings, historic landscapes and long walks without the atmosphere of a busy resort.

The whole national park forms part of Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, established in 2013. After exploring Hadrian’s Wall country or taking a gentle moorland walk, spend the evening beside the fire or step outside to look at the stars.

Yorkshire Dales: best for villages and scenic walks

The Yorkshire Dales offers tranquillity without leaving you completely cut off. Its stone-built villages, green valleys, waterfalls, limestone scenery and country pubs create a classic setting for a UK cottage holiday.

Bases such as Swaledale, Wensleydale and Wharfedale provide access to scenic walking routes, while villages sit close to woodland paths, caves and waterfalls. A traditional stone cottage feels especially inviting after a day outdoors, particularly with a wood burner, enclosed garden or field views.

New Forest: best for gentle woodland escapes

The New Forest is a peaceful option for families, couples and dog owners who prefer easier walks and varied days out. Ancient woodland, open heath, rivers and coastline provide plenty to explore, while free-roaming ponies give the landscape its distinctive character.

Walking routes pass through woods, beside streams and across heathland, with accessible and family-friendly options available. Choose a pet-friendly cottage with an enclosed garden, and remember to keep a respectful distance from livestock and wildlife.

The Pembrokeshire Coast: best for quiet coastal stays

For fresh sea air and restful scenery, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is hard to beat. It is the UK’s only national park designated primarily for its coastline, with rugged cliffs, sheltered coves, beaches and estuaries.

The 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers everything from short clifftop strolls to longer walking days. A coastal cottage near a smaller harbour or village gives you a quieter base for wildlife watching, beach walks and evenings overlooking the sea.

Cairngorms: best for Highland wilderness

The Cairngorms is the UK’s largest national park and a rewarding choice for guests who want mountain scenery, forests, wildlife and a genuine feeling of escape.

You do not need to tackle a major summit to enjoy it. Local paths and waymarked trails include options graded from easy to strenuous. A lodge, cabin or self-catering cottage makes a cosy base for forest walks, wildlife spotting and slow evenings in the Highlands.

How do you choose the right cottage?

Start with the break you want. For dark skies, consider Exmoor or Northumberland. For village charm, try the Yorkshire Dales. Choose the New Forest for gentle outdoor activities, Pembrokeshire for the coast or the Cairngorms for wild landscapes.

Then filter by the details that matter: number of guests, dog-friendly facilities, an enclosed garden, ground-floor bedrooms, EV charging, a hot tub or walking routes from the doorstep.

At Holiday Cottage Delights, we bring together plenty of inspiration regarding holiday cottages for different budgets, group sizes and travel styles. 

Explore our cottage holidays in national parks and reconnect with nature this summer.