10 must-do activities in England's National Parks

Rolling hills, limestone cliffs and historic landmarks can be found across the scenic Yorkshire Dales, making it the perfect location for a heritage railway trip. Now running between Settle and Carlisle, Rail Charter Services offers comfortable, socially distanced carriages with guaranteed window seats for all. Enjoy panoramic views from atop the Arten Gill Viaduct, pass the three peaks of Pen-y-ghent and venture through the Upper Eden Valley on this memorable railway route.

Climb rolling hills and bustling markets full of character, or stalk through the woods and see what wildlife you can discover. Not sure where to start? There are plenty of signs to help you from getting lost along the 100 mile-long South Downs Way which stretches from Winchester in Hampshire. Keep an eye out for the acorn logo.

Spread across both Norfolk and Suffolk and famous for its picturesque waterways, The Broads National Park is one of the best places in England for a boating holiday. Choose from a river cruiser, vintage barge or a sailing boat and moor up at a country pub or two for delicious local food. 

Spanning both coast and countryside, stick with civilisation and build sandcastles and explore quaint local market towns, or go off-grid and follow the heather-clad moors for wide-open views. Better still, hop aboard a steam train with the North York Moors Railway and soak it up from the comfort of a vintage carriage.

Exmoor is a warren of trails and paths that are ideal for anyone who wants a bike ride to remember. The Tour of Britain was held in Exmoor, and you can follow the same 56-mile trail that they did then. Or tackle the South West Path on foot, and wander along a section of the South West Coast Path on a 12.5-mile walk from Minehead to Porlock Weir. 

Photo Credit: Martin Kitching

Visit the least populated National Park in the UK and you'll find utter tranquility and some of the darkest skies in Europe. Get tips from a team of experts at Battlesteads Observatory or head to the Dark Skies Discovery Site at Cawfields and see what constellations you can spot above the Park's peaks. It's even possible to spot the Milky Way! 

New Forest National Park is the place to go if you want to spot a vast variety of wildlife. See critters ranging from butterflies to warthogs at the New Forest Wildlife Park, or head out on your own to track down ponies, deers, donkeys and pigs who graze freely through the countryside. 

Perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and rafting, The Lake District has vast meres flanked by dramatic mountain views, so you won't want to return to dry land in a hurry. Take a cruise on one of the handsome steam-powered liners designed so you can take in the views, or even take a dip in a lake yourself. 

Dartmoor National Park was the inspiration for The Hound of the Baskervilles, and you too can be a victorian sleuth with a game of Letterboxing. Begun in 1854, Letterboxing is a twee outdoor hobby that combines treasure hunting and orienteering as you find your way to various stashes hidden around the moors.

Indulge in the history of the Peak District, and all the gorgeous examples of nature it has. Camp in fields alongside ancient forests, go fell running across sprawling hills and visit one of many stately homes, including the fairytale Haddon Hall, dating back to the 12th century.