Whether it’s a slow woodland wander, a quiet beach walk, or a lakeside stroll, there's nothing quite like heading outdoors when you need a bit of breathing room.
The UK is home to 15 National Parks, stretching from the wild beauty of the Cairngorms to the rolling landscapes of the South Downs, the peaceful valleys of the Yorkshire Dales and the dramatic coastline of Pembrokeshire. But which National Parks are best for fresh air, peace, and proper headspace?
To find out, we analysed all 15 UK National Parks across three key factors:
- Visitor density: how many annual visitors there are per square mile
- Woodland coverage: the percentage of each National Park covered by woodland
- Air quality: using PM2.5 annual mean data, which shows the yearly average level of tiny airborne pollution particles
Each park was given a score out of 10 for each factor, before the three scores were averaged to create a final ‘fresh air and headspace’ score.
The best UK National Parks for fresh air and headspace
|
Rank |
National Park |
Visitor Density Score |
Woodland Score |
Air Quality Score |
Fresh Air & Headspace Score |
|
1 |
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs |
9.41 |
8.12 |
9.37 |
8.97 |
|
2 |
Cairngorms |
10.00 |
4.37 |
9.73 |
8.03 |
|
3 |
Northumberland |
9.60 |
6.19 |
6.74 |
7.51 |
|
4 |
Eryri / Snowdonia |
9.18 |
4.92 |
8.32 |
7.47 |
|
5 |
Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons |
9.02 |
4.09 |
6.80 |
6.64 |
|
6 |
North York Moors |
7.97 |
5.97 |
5.68 |
6.54 |
|
7 |
Exmoor |
9.15 |
3.65 |
6.59 |
6.46 |
|
8 |
Lake District |
7.50 |
3.37 |
8.07 |
6.31 |
|
9 |
Dartmoor |
9.03 |
3.15 |
6.71 |
6.30 |
|
10 |
Pembrokeshire Coast |
6.58 |
2.27 |
10.00 |
6.28 |
|
11 |
Yorkshire Dales |
9.09 |
1.00 |
6.93 |
5.67 |
|
12 |
New Forest |
1.00 |
10.00 |
4.76 |
5.25 |
|
13 |
South Downs |
6.30 |
6.08 |
2.86 |
5.08 |
|
14 |
Peak District |
6.98 |
2.21 |
1.54 |
3.58 |
|
15 |
The Broads |
1.01 |
3.15 |
1.00 |
1.72 |
1. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs — 8.97/10
Taking the top spot is Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, with a score of 8.97 out of 10.
This Scottish National Park performed strongly across all three categories, with particularly impressive scores for both air quality and woodland coverage. Its combination of lochs, forests, glens, and mountains makes it a brilliant choice for anyone looking to switch off and get outside. It also scored highly for visitor density, meaning it offers a strong balance of space, scenery, and cleaner air.
2. Cairngorms — 8.03/10
In second place is Cairngorms National Park, with a score of 8.03 out of 10.
Cairngorms had the best visitor density score in the study, making it the strongest performer for those looking to avoid huge crowds. It also came second for air quality, helping it secure one of the highest overall scores.
As the largest National Park in the UK, Cairngorms is a brilliant option for anyone craving wide-open space. From forest trails and mountain views to quiet lochs and remote valleys, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve properly escaped.
3. Northumberland — 7.51/10
Northumberland National Park rounds out the top three, with a score of 7.51 out of 10.
It scored especially well for visitor density, making it one of the best National Parks for those looking for peace and quiet. It also performed strongly for woodland coverage, giving it a well-rounded result across the study.
Northumberland is ideal if your idea of headspace involves quiet hills, open moorland, big skies and slower-paced countryside walks. It’s a strong choice for anyone who wants to get away from busier beauty spots and enjoy the outdoors without feeling surrounded by crowds.
The best UK National Parks for woodland
Woodland was included in the study because time spent among trees can play an important role in wellbeing. The Woodland Trust notes it can support mental health, boost mood, and help decrease stress.
For this category, National Parks with a higher percentage of woodland coverage scored better.
|
Rank |
National Park |
Woodland Coverage |
Woodland Score |
|
1 |
New Forest |
36.8% |
10.00 |
|
2 |
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs |
30.0% |
8.12 |
|
3 |
Northumberland |
23.0% |
6.19 |
1. New Forest — 10/10
The New Forest came out on top for woodland coverage, with 36.8% of the National Park covered by woodland. Although it did not place in the overall top three due to its high visitor density, it's still the strongest choice for woodland lovers.
For those looking for leafy walks, shaded paths, and that calming feeling of being surrounded by trees, the New Forest is a standout option.
2. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs — 8.12/10
In second place for woodland is Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, with around 30% woodland coverage. This strong woodland score helped push it to the top of the overall ‘fresh air and headspace’ ranking.
Its mix of lochside paths, forest trails, and mountain scenery makes it one of the most balanced National Parks in the study.
3. Northumberland — 6.19/10
Northumberland takes third place for woodland, with 23% woodland coverage. Combined with its excellent visitor density score, this makes it a brilliant choice for a quieter woodland escape.
It’s a great pick for those who want peaceful trails, rural landscapes, and a little more space to themselves.
The best UK National Parks for air quality
For the air quality category, we looked at PM2.5 annual mean levels. PM2.5 is a measure of fine particulate air pollution, with lower levels indicating cleaner air.
For this study, National Parks with lower PM2.5 figures received higher scores.
|
Rank |
National Park |
PM2.5 Annual Mean |
Air Quality Score |
|
1 |
Pembrokeshire Coast |
3.93 |
10.00 |
|
2 |
Cairngorms |
4.02 |
9.73 |
|
3 |
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs |
4.14 |
9.37 |
1. Pembrokeshire Coast — 10/10
The Pembrokeshire Coast had the best air quality score in the study, with a PM2.5 annual mean of 3.93.
While it did not rank in the overall top three due to lower woodland and visitor density scores, it came out strongest for clean air. With sea views, coastal paths, and plenty of fresh breeze, it’s a brilliant option for those who want a proper lungful of coastal air.
2. Cairngorms — 9.73/10
Cairngorms placed second for air quality, with a PM2.5 figure of 4.02. This strong result, combined with its excellent visitor density score, helped it secure second place overall.
For anyone looking for open space and fresher air, Cairngorms is one of the strongest choices in the UK.
3. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs — 9.37/10
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs came third for air quality, with a PM2.5 score of 4.14. Alongside its high woodland score and low visitor density, this helped it become the overall winner.
It’s a great all-rounder for fresh air, peaceful views, and head-clearing countryside.
What to Wear for a National Park Walk
Whether you’re heading into the woods, wandering along the coast, or taking on a hillier route, dressing for changing weather is key. Comfortable layers, supportive footwear, and a waterproof jacket are always a good place to start, especially on exposed paths where conditions can quickly shift.
Woodland and Valley Walks
For woodland trails and lower valley routes, choose breathable layers that will keep you comfortable as temperatures change. A checked shirt, fleece, or gilet works well for adding warmth without feeling bulky, while sturdy walking boots or wellies are useful for muddy or uneven paths.
Coastal Paths and Exposed Routes
For coastal walks, open trails, and breezier routes, a lightweight waterproof jacket is a must for sudden showers, sea winds, and misty weather. A cap can also come in handy for keeping the sun out of your eyes on more exposed paths.
Hill Walks and Mountain Trails
For hill walks, rocky routes, and steeper climbs, supportive walking boots and cushioned socks will help keep you comfortable on uneven ground. Flexible trousers are also a great choice for longer days exploring, giving you room to move across rugged terrain.
What to Pack
A small backpack is useful for carrying extra layers, snacks, water, and walking essentials. It’s also worth packing a foldaway waterproof coat, warm socks, and a towel or blanket for muddy paws if your dog is coming along, too!
Methodology
To create the Fresh Air & Headspace Index, we analysed all 15 UK National Parks across three core factors: visitor density, woodland coverage, and air quality.
Each National Park was scored out of 10 for each factor, where 10 represented the strongest performance and 1 represented the weakest. The three scores were then averaged to create the final Fresh Air & Headspace Score.
The final score was calculated using the following formula:
Fresh Air & Headspace Score = (Visitor Density Score + Woodland Score + Air Quality Score) ÷ 3
National Park data
The full list of UK National Parks was taken from the National Parks UK website, with additional park-level information gathered from the official websites for each National Park authority.
Visitor density
Visitor density was calculated by dividing each National Park’s latest available annual visitor figure by its area coverage in square miles.
Visitor density = Annual visitors ÷ Area in square miles
Parks with fewer visitors per square mile were awarded higher scores, as this suggests they may offer more space, fewer crowds, and a quieter outdoor experience.
Woodland coverage
Woodland coverage was included due to the connection between spending time in nature and mental wellbeing. The Woodland Trust notes that spending time in nature can help support mental health, boost mood, and reduce stress.
Parks with a higher percentage of woodland coverage were awarded higher scores.
Air quality
Air quality was measured using Defra UK-AIR data. We used PM2.5 annual mean figures, as PM2.5 is a measure of fine particulate air pollution. Lower PM2.5 levels indicate cleaner air.
As National Parks do not each have one single local authority air quality figure, PM2.5 was calculated using the relevant local authorities for each park. Where a National Park spans more than one local authority, the PM2.5 figures were averaged to create one air quality figure for that park.
Parks with lower PM2.5 levels were awarded higher scores.
Sources
Data and supporting information for this study was gathered from:
https://www.nationalparks.uk/
https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk
https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk
https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk
https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk
https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk
https://www.visitthebroads.co.uk
https://www.southdowns.gov.uk
https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk
https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk
https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
https://www.eryri-npa.gov.uk
https://bannaubrycheiniog.org
https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales
https://cairngorms.co.uk
https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/health-and-wellbeing/
https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/
