Northumberland National Park has been named the top national park in England and overall in a recent survey. It scored 90%, with four stars for its scenery and five stars for its attractions, which include diverse woodlands.
For autumn walks, Hareshaw Linn ancient woodlands offer a nine-metre-high waterfall framed by copper-coloured branches. The First & Last Brewery, an award-winning craft microbrewery, is located at the start of this walk. Another recommended route is Housesteads to Steel Rigg, which includes Sycamore Gap and views of woodlands turning orange. The Twice-Brewed Inn, acclaimed by CAMRA, is a nearby option.
The Lake District was the only national park in the survey to receive a full five stars for its scenery, achieving an overall score of 86%. The Buttermere Circuit is suggested for views of colourful canopies reflected by lakes, with the historic Bridge Inn available for refreshments afterwards. The Mardale Inn, included in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide for four years, is also noted for its location for Lake District strolls.
The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors both scored 86% and 85% respectively. The Malham Cove circuit via Gordale Scar in the Yorkshire Dales offers views of autumn leaves around Janet’s Foss waterfall, with The Lister Arms nearby. In the North York Moors, the walk from Whitby Abbey to Robin Hood’s Bay is highlighted, concluding in a village with pubs such as The Victoria Hotel’s Loxley pub, featured in this year’s Good Beer Guide, and the Laurel Inn.
The Peak District, with a score of 84%, sees its landscapes transform from September with orange and red hues from native rowan, birch, beech, and sycamore trees. Dovedale to Milldale and Stanage Edge were two top-rated walks in the area, both scoring 81% overall and five stars for scenery. The Blind Bull in Little Hucklow, listed in the Michelin Guide, is noted as a standout pub in the Peak District.