Blackpool is a fun and convenient base from which to explore numerous national parks in northern England.
Well-known for its Pleasure Beach Amusement Arcade and sky-high rollercoasters; the Blackpool Tower with views over the Irish Sea; and a stretch of sandy seafront with no fewer than three piers, Blackpool is a retro coastal destination in northwest England with proximity to three national parks. Stroll along the pedestrian promenade (known as the Golden Mile), enjoy the high ropes of Stanley Park, and take to the water at the indoor Sandcastle Waterpark before venturing further afield for a camping getaway. Campers aren’t short on options, from kitschy holiday villages and caravan parks to glamping yurts and back-to-basics campsites.
Stargaze, hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, and go sailing in the Peak District National Park, an International Dark Sky Reserve mostly situated in Derbyshire. Just an hour and a half outside of Blackpool, the Peak District is home to rolling hills, quintessential English countryside, and former spa towns like Bakewell and Buxton. Pitch your tent at moorside campsites, luxe glamping grounds, or rent a caravan to enjoy the full-service amenities of a holiday park.
Bordered by no fewer than three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty—the Forest of Bowland, Nidderdale, and the North Pennines—the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a fantastic destination for outdoor adventurers. Lay your head in luxe glamping pods, caravan parks, or back-to-basics campsites before visiting popular villages like Hawes, walking the Pennine Way, and geocaching, biking, or horseback riding your way through this rugged, heather-clad International Dark Sky Reserve.
There are few better places in Cumbria to take to the water, try long-distance walks, and camp, caravan, or glamp than the popular Lake District National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site, once a key inspiration for Romantic poets, is located just an hour outside of Blackpool and is best-known for sailing, kayaking, open water swimming, and kayaking, as well as the towering (but climbable) Scafell Peak. You can also take it easy in laid-back towns like Keswick, Kendal, and Ambleside.
For beach days and ice creams, the best time to visit Blackpool is during the sunny summer months of June to September; however, this is also peak season. To enjoy the annual Blackpool Illuminations spectacular, visit between August and October, the ideal time for roasted chestnuts and hot sugared doughnuts. Spring is also a lovely season in Blackpool, although you should prepare for rain year-round in this coastal destination.