Shepherd's huts near Lyme Regis

Take a scenic southwest drive to Dartmoor National Park for prehistoric landscapes, giant tors, and more wild ponies. Covering nearly 954 square kilometres, Dartmoor is one of the largest national parks in the UK. Private farm campsites, rustic barn rentals, bunk houses, camping pods, and caravan sites are available as well as options for backpack camping in designated private areas that don’t need landowner permission. Then, explore a range of prehistoric sites and structures dating back 3,000 years ago to the Bronze Age, or traverse the Tarka Trail for views of the countryside.

Cruise the eastern coastline to New Forest National Park for lush landscapes, majestic trees, and wildlife sanctuaries. Explore Rhinefield Ornamental Drive and Tall Trees Trail lined with redwoods and Douglas firs, or visit any of the wildlife sanctuary habitats protecting rare species like the Adder—Britain's only poisonous snake, the Dartford warbler, New Forest ponies, and the southern damselfly. Camping options throughout the park feature on-site tent pitches and caravan sites run by Camping in the Forest. Private holiday parks and cottage rentals are also available in the park. Unlike other nearby parks, wild camping is not permitted here.