Find out more about the designated landscapes in the North West.

Finest countryside in the North West

The finest countryside in England is protected through Designation as National Parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.

The Lake District in Cumbria is England's largest national park and the region also contains parts of the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District national parks.

Three areas of outstanding natural beauty lie wholly or mainly in the region:

  • Solway Coast
  • Arnside and Silverdale
  • Forest of Bowland       

The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty also straddles Cumbria's eastern border.

Within Natural England the lead region for working with stakeholders in each National Park is:

Lake District National Park - North West region

Yorkshire Dales National Park - Yorkshire and Humber region

Peak District National Park - East Midlands region

In the North West, specific land between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks is under consideration as National Park extensions. More information is available.