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Parks and green spaces
There are many green open spaces in the UK, ranging from small commons and village greens to the vast landscapes of our National Parks. Have a picnic, play cricket or go hiking in the hills - there's a whole host of activities for you to enjoy.
Parks
Good quality parks enhance the quality of life in our towns and cities. Parks provide a focal point for communities, a place for relaxation or recreation, and the opportunity to experience nature in an urban environment. The majority of parks are run by local councils. For more information about your local parks, visit your council's website.
Green Flag Award
The Green Flag Award recognises high standards in the management and maintenance of public parks and green spaces in England and Wales. Participation is voluntary and awards are given on an annual basis.
The number of green spaces winning a Green Flag Award is increasing every year, and this is helping to improve the quality of parks across the country. Find out about Green Flag Award winners in your region.
Royal parks
Each year, millions of people visit London's eight Royal Parks. The 5,000 acres of historic urban parkland provide opportunities for walks, sport, education and exploration - right in the heart of the capital.
Why not make a trip to the Royal Parks part of your visit to London?
National Parks
Our National Parks contain some of the most remote and beautiful open spaces in the UK.
There are eight National Parks in England. In addition, the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads have comparable status and qualities. There are also three National Parks in Wales and two in Scotland. These are mostly located in the less populated upland areas with extensive tracts of open country and spectacular views.
To find out where to go, what to see and how to plan your trip, visit the Association of National Park Authorities' website.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
England and Wales are also home to 41 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Each AONB encompasses a distinct and spectacular landscape, such as the Isles of Scilly, the Cotswolds and the Northumberland coast.
You can search for an AONB near you, and find out what you can see and do there, by visiting the website of the National Association for Areas of Outstanding Beauty.
Greens and commons
There are many areas of land in cities, towns and villages that are used by local residents for sport, recreation and enjoyment. These may be legally registered as town or village greens.
Common land is also registered and may allow public access. This ranges from Lake District fells to Surrey picnic spots; from Norfolk saltings to Dartmoor hill grazing. Some common land is very well known, such as the Malvern Hills or Hampstead Heath, while others are small areas known only to local people. The National Trust owns a lot of common land that is open to the public.
Find out more from your county council or unitary authority. General information is also available from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Open Spaces Society.
Nature and wildlife
As you make your way through one of the UK’s many parks or open spaces, keep your eyes open for some of the amazing wildlife that can be found there.
There are over 2,500 nature reserves dotted about the UK, many of which are owned or managed by the Wildlife Trusts. Their Urban Greenspace Project supports local Wildlife Trusts that are working with communities involved with local urban greenspaces. Activities include wildlife gardening and wildflower seed collection – a great way to get involved with local nature.
You could also visit one of the 150 nature reserves owned by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). These are ideal for bird watchers and nature lovers. Some provide a wide range of facilities suitable for family days out, while others have only minimal services on offer. To find out more about RSPB Nature Reserves, visit the RSPB website.
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