Figures recently compiled show that paying a visit to National Parks is not only good for you but also good for the local economy. The National Park Authorities aim to make sure these are kept beautiful, open and accessible so that everyone can take time out from the stresses of daily life to refresh mind, body and spirit in stunning natural surroundings. So to coincide with it being National Parks Week (25-31 July 2011) where the great outdoors is celebrated, we thought we’d cherry pick a few National Parks across the world that you simply must visit on coach holidays at least once in your lifetime.
1. Lake District National Park, UK
With more than 3,500 km of rights of way, you can walk, cycle and ride around the beautiful Lake District
countryside to your heart’s content – you can also get onto the water with the parks many lakes and coastlines. You can take a riverside stroll or a more challenging hike, explore beautiful gardens, treat yourself to afternoon tea, hire a bike and cycle the forests, hire a boat or kayak from the Coniston Boating Centre or perhaps try your hand at fishing? There’s no end to the activities you can take part in when visiting the Lake District National Park, but you must try to avoid walking to the sides of paths or taking shortcuts. Trampled verges and shortcuts collapse and water can stream down them, widening paths into broad ugly scars. Remember, your boots are just one pair among 8 million on Lake District paths each year.
2. Yorkshire Dales National Park, UK
You’ll definitely need those binoculars to hand on coach tours to The Yorkshire Dales National Park, it truly is a
magical place providing outstanding scenery, a range of wildlife habitats and a rich cultural heritage to die for. The Park is famous for its flower-rich hay meadows and pastures and has the largest area of nationally and internationally important habitats of any National Park in the UK. See if you can spot the red squirrels in Snaizeholme, walk along the unique limestone pavement at the top of the 80m high Malham Cove, admire the power of the mighty Aysgarth Falls, learn about the generations of people who made the Dales home with a visit to the Dales Countryside Museum. The National Park is open to a wide range of activities from hill-walking, climbing, mountain biking, caving, cycling, horse-riding, fell running and watersports – there’s something for everyone whatever takes your fancy!
3. Yosemite National Park, USA
Yosemite National Park is not only one of the first wilderness parks in America but it is also famous for its mighty
waterfalls. If you dig a little deeper though you will come across deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias and so much more within its vast wilderness of nearly 1200 square miles. There’s loads of opportunities to explore Yosemite from hiking to biking, spending time with a Park Ranger and learning about Yosemite, take a bus tour and let one of the professionals point out the hidden secrets of the Park, grab a guidebook and binoculars and go bird-watching, see if you can land a big catch by fishing, go horse-riding, rock-climbing, take part in a variety of water activities or simply pack a hamper for a tantalising picnic whilst admiring the awesome views.
4. Kruger National Park, South Africa
For a wildlife experience like no other, Kruger National Park certainly ticks all the
boxes especially if you’re looking for a safari adventure when in South Africa. The park is home to an impressive number of species including 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. There are also bushman rock paintings and archaeological sites such as Masorini and Thulamela to admire. The variety of activities that you can take part in is endless from driving and biking to hiking and walking, Kruger National Park has something to suit everyone. Hop in a 4×4 and enjoy an adventure trail off the beaten track, take a sunset drive along the banks of the Pioneer Dam in Mopani and see if you can spot one or all of The Big Five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino) or The Little Five (buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, ant lion and rhino beetle).
5. Banff National Park, Canada
Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park located west of Calgary and consists of 6,641 square kilometres of amazing mountain scenery nestled in the heart of the mighty Canadian Rockies. Every year, millions of visitors come
to Banff to marvel at the waters of Lake Louise, walk among flowers in Sunshine Meadows and drive beneath the towering peaks of the Icefields Parkway. Many travel to Banff simply for the awe-inspiring scenery of snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers and sweeping vistas. It’s worth venturing out of town to explore North America’s wilderness and see if you can spot grizzly bears, caribou and wolves.
Have you been to a National Park, what did you think? Are there any must-sees? Get in touch with us as we’d love to hear from you!