In the United Kingdom, the countryside is rich with ancient forests, dramatic cliff tops and sprawling landscapes. Walking is a fantastic activity for those of any ability as it provides many physical and mental benefits and can be done alone or in a social group.
The United Kingdom has some of the most outstanding areas of natural beauty and most are filled with well-maintained routes and trails for all capabilities. Being able to explore these country walks on a regular basis could be a gift to your retirement and these 5 residential parks are ideally situated for access to them.
New Park, Dartmoor National Park (Devon)
Devon is one of the most beautiful counties in the whole of the United Kingdom. Flanked by the ocean and vast beaches, Devon is also home to Dartmoor National Park. Dartmoor’s moorland core is the largest open moor in southern England and is filled with unique sites and stone tors that tell the story of humankind’s close links with nature in an age gone by. The enchanting sights of Dartmoor have been a source of inspiration for many artists and writers over the centuries, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hound of the Baskervilles.
Dartmoor National Park covers approximately 954km² and is full of walks to be explored. The Teign Gorge walk is one of the most famous and can be accessed from Castle Drogo and follows a marked trail high above the River Teign. The River Bovey walk goes through a mix of ancient woodland and wildflower-rich wet meadows and is only a short distance from New Park.
New Park is conveniently situated on the outskirts of Bovey Tracey, a typical small Devon town with good shopping facilities. The residential park features mature woodland and the rolling hills of Dartmoor are right on the doorstep. You’ve practically just got to lace up your hiking boots, step out your front door and be prepared to discover the rugged beauty of Dartmoor.
Lion House Park, The High Weald AONB (Sussex)
The county of Sussex is full of natural beauty and important history. From the ancient battleground of The Battle of Hastings to sleepy villages and country lanes, the natural areas of Sussex are well known for their picturesque landscapes and views. The High Weald Area of Natural Beauty and the South Downs cover over 2,000km² combined and cover all landscapes from chalk cliffs to wooded rolling hills.
Often understated, these national parks are full of walking trails and rambling routes. The Ashdown Forest is full of footpaths and can take walkers through the woodland that inspired A. A. Milne’s setting for the beloved Winnie the Pooh. Many of the walks are circular and offer shorter options for those who still want to venture through the tranquil woodland on a less-demanding route.
Lion House Park is beautifully laid out in a green setting and is only a short distance from both areas of beauty. Not only is the countryside easy to explore from this residential park but the town of Eastbourne and the coast is close by.
West Shore Park, Lake District National Park (Cumbria)
The Lake District National Park is England’s largest National Park and a World Heritage Site. Covering 2,362 km², The Lake District is home to towering peaks and shimmering lakes and is a popular destination for adventurers, walkers and nature lovers.
Although many walks in The Lake District can be challenging, there are many walking routes known as ‘miles without stiles’. There are 48 of these routes spread across the glorious landscape and are ideal for all abilities of walkers and families. Amongst these, walks such as the Broughton Railway and Walls Drive in Ravenglass are peaceful and delightful and can transport walkers back in time with Georgian market squares and coastal hamlets.
West Shore Park is located in one of Cumbria’s breathtaking areas of outstanding natural beauty and is spectacularly set on the shores of the Irish Sea. This residential park is only half an hour from The Lake District which is ideally suited for regular trips to explore the beautiful scenery and trails.
Caerwnon Park, Brecon Beacons National Park (South Wales)
Wales is well-known for its breathtaking scenery. From the summit of Snowdon to the Gower Peninsula, the hills and valleys of Wales are a lush display of wildlife and wild landscapes that are full of walking routes. One of the most popular Welsh natural destinations is the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The Brecon Beacons National Park is full of everything a walker could ever want from mountains and moorland to castles, lively waterfalls and vibrant communities. The Brecon Beacons range features six main peaks, all of which can be accessed by devoted walkers and some trails by those with less ability and experience or those with their families. However, for those who want to stay off the peaks, the open areas of the National Park are full of amazing walks.
Caerwnon Park is set within 24 acres of the finest countryside in Mid Wales. It is about three miles north of the attractive small market town of Builth Wells, and to the south it enjoys panoramic views of the Wye Valley. This residential park could be the perfect park for you if you love spectacular Welsh countryside and incredible walks in natural beauty.
Cauldron Barn Farm Park, Old Harry Rocks (Dorset)
Dorset is a small county that is full of character. This county features some of the nation’s most unspoilt coastline and quintessentially English towns. The coastline is picturesque and is favoured by fossil hunters and ramblers alike who value beautiful walks and the scent of the ocean. Amongst the top walkways in the UK, the South West Coast Path is the longest at 630 miles.
Standing tall on Handfast Point at the southern end of Studland Bay is one of the most famous landmarks on the South Coast: Old Harry. These chalk formations are known fondly as Old Harry Rocks but each rock has a unique character and history. Thousands of years ago, Old Harry and The Needles on the Isle of Wight were linked by a line of chalk hills that were eroded during the last ice age. The walk to Old Harry Rocks offers spectacular sites of the ocean and has beautiful little grasslands to stop at along the way.
Cauldron Barn Farm Park is set amongst the Purbeck Hills with outstanding views of the beautiful Dorset countryside. It is close to Swanage Bay and plenty of trails along the coast and further inland. If you’re looking for a residential park with plenty to discover then a new home in Dorset could be the answer.
If you’re a devoted rambler or a lover of the beautiful outdoors then a new residential park home in one of these locations is perfect for you.
Contact the Berkeleyparks’ team today and find out how we can make sorting your retirement a walk in the park.
