The Best Spot in a National Park for a Family of 6 in the English Countryside

When planning a family getaway to England's National Parks, you might think that these areas are vast, isolated wildernesses. However, it's interesting to note that National Parks don’t strictly refer to vast unspoiled lands. Instead, they are regions with stricter planning controls to protect the environment and limit development. Even so, a large city like Norwich is nestled within the Breckland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, complete with an airport!

Exploring the English National Parks from London

Within a 5-hour train journey from London, you have a wealth of choice. Some of the key destinations are:

The Lake District in Windermere, accessible via train from London. The Yorkshire Dales, accessible via trains to either Settle or Ripon. The Peak District, accessible via train to Buxton. The South Downs, which can be reached via train to Pulborough. The New Forest, accessible via train to Brockenhurst.

From the train station in each of these destinations, you can catch local buses to get you right into the heart of the national parks.

Car-Free Options for Your Family Getaway

While there are very few truly car-free locations in England, here are a few suggestions for family-friendly accommodations:

Lundy Island

Lundy Island, situated in the Bristol Channel, is an excellent but expensive car-free option. Daily ferries operate from Ilfracombe, a coastal town, where you can catch a train from Barnstaple, which is a short distance away.

Scilly Isles

The Scilly Isles off the coast of Cornwall offer a unique, car-free experience. While St Mary's has a few cars, St Martin’s, St Agnes, Takser, and Bryher are virtually car-free. A sleeper train from Penzance to Penzance can bring you to the ferry dock, leading to daily ferry services to these islands.

Lake District Mountain Hostels

The Lake District offers numerous mountain hostels like Black Sail Youth Hostel and Skiddaw House Youth Hostel, which are accessible only by long hikes and are suitable for families that are physically fit and equipped to navigate by map and compass.

Norfolk Broads

For a budget-friendly day trip, consider visiting Berny Arms in the Norfolk Broads. It's the only railway station in England serving a settlement without road access, standing on a footpath to a cluster of houses and a disused pub by a riverbank. It's pretty and quiet but, as expected, it’s not an overnight accommodation option.

River or Canal Boats

An alternative idea for a car-free holiday is to hire a canal or river boat and moor each night in an area without road access. This way, you can go for days without seeing much of cars, making it a serene and peaceful experience.

Conclusion

While there are limited car-free options, England’s National Parks offer a wealth of choice for a family getaway. From staying on car-free islands to mountain hostels and unique, quiet day trips, you can tailor your family holiday to fit your preferences and interests. Just remember, a bit of preparation and physical fitness might be required for the fully car-free experience.