Handsome homes for sale near the UK’s best national parks

Want to swap city life for a house in the country? These rural homes for sale are a stone's throw away from some of the UK's most spectacular landscapes

When it comes to outlooks, it doesn't get much more impressive than the UK's breathtaking national parks.

From the shimmering shores of the Lake District to the tranquil waterways of The Broads, we're blessed with an abundance of unblemished natural landscapes – now imagine having these rural idylls on your doorstep.

Whether you’re hankering after a sprawling country estate or a cosy coastal home, we’ve got you covered, whatever your budget. Here are the best homes for sale right now, near some of the country’s most cherished beauty spots.

One-bedroom bungalow, Exmoor: £179,950

This characterful stone home is a converted agricultural building. Image: Webbers

Home to windswept moors, tranquil wooded valleys and lofty coastal cliffs, Exmoor is one of the UK’s most spectacular natural treasures.

Situated right on the edge of the national park in the village of Carhampton in Somerset, this characterful single-storey property is within easy reach of the region’s rural delights.

Vaulted ceilings framed by rustic beams impart plenty of charm. Image: Webbers

Converted in 2017, this Grade II-listed home is brimming with gorgeous period features, from exposed timber beams to original stone walls, while the pretty courtyard garden outside is another highlight.

Bare stonework offers a reminder of the building's past. Image: Webbers

While it isn't short of historic charm, the property benefits from modern touches too, including the open-plan living area with a kitchen and dining zone, flanked by dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows.

The expansive main living space leads through to the large master bedroom and bathroom, which comes complete with a panelled bathtub and a luxurious monsoon shower.

This petite period home is currently on the market with Webbers.

Two-bedroom stone cottage, Northumberland: £250,000

Nestled within woodlands, this chocolate-box cottage occupies an idyllic spot. Image: Andrew Coulson

Snap up this charming country cottage in Allendale, a town sandwiched between Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines, to enjoy the best of both landscapes.

The least populated of all the UK’s national parks, Northumberland is brimming with natural gems, from wild moorland and rolling meadows to ancient woodlands.

Accommodation in this character property is spread across two floors, with a spacious kitchen and living area on the ground floor and two double bedrooms and a family bathroom upstairs.

Modern amenities and fixtures sit in harmony with the heritage house. Image: Andrew Coulson

Nestled within a Conservation Area, stand-out period features in this stone-built house include pitched ceilings, exposed beams and traditional sash windows. Meanwhile, modern additions include central heating and double-glazing to keep things toasty and warm in the winter.

Spectacular beams are the star of the show in this light-filled bedroom. Image: Andrew Coulson

Outside, there's an outhouse for storage, as well as private car parking and delightful lawned gardens to the front and rear.

This cosy cottage is on the market with Andrew Coulson.

Three-bedroom detached house, Lake District: £375,000

This picturesque new home reflects the area's traditional vernacular. Image: PFK

Sweeping valleys, craggy fells and glistening lakes are just a few of the spectacular sights to soak up in the Lake District National Park.

Situated in Keswick, a pretty Lakeland town in Cumbria, this beautiful home is the ideal base for exploring the area's breathtaking landscapes and traversing the breathtaking fells.

Sleek shaker-style kitchen cabinetry offers a modern take on a traditional design. Image: PFK

Despite its traditional appearance nestled amid a pretty country garden, this new-build property benefits from a fresh, contemporary feel and plenty of mod cons.

There are three bedrooms and one bathroom on offer, as well as a handy utility room and bright, newly fitted kitchen.

Pitched ceilings and plentiful windows bathe the bedrooms in light. Image: PFK

Downstairs, the wood-burning stove in the sitting room provides the perfect spot to snuggle up with a book after a long walk across the hills.

This Lake District retreat is listed for sale with PFK.

Three-bed coastal cottage, The Broads: £550,000

The heritage home wows with a stunning stone exterior and quaint sash windows. Image: Savills

If you’ve been dreaming of peaceful waterways and far-reaching stretches of unspoiled scenery, The Broads National Park can offer the perfect coastal paradise.

This handsome period property is situated in Blakeney, a quaint village within the North Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a short distance north of The Broads.

A subtle nautical theme extends throughout the living areas. Image: Savills

Bank Cottage offers the best of both worlds – a modern interior inside a historic home. Flint walls, sash windows and exposed timber beams are just a few of the property’s historic highlights.

Offering three bedrooms, the cottage would be ideal for a small family. Image: Savills

The charming home comes with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a spacious dining room, living room and kitchen. There’s plenty of built-in storage, as well as a snug wood-burner for colder months.

On the market with Savills, this endearing cottage is a real find.

Five-bedroom historic home, Dartmoor: £975,000

From teal gate to the yellow gable and gothic windows, the home's facade is nothing short of enchanting. Image: Strutt & Parker

The rugged moorlands and windswept peaks of Dartmoor National Park are just a stone’s throw from this historic five-bedroom home.

Located in Lustleigh, a quaint Devon village nestled within the Wrey Valley, the property is encircled by some Dartmoor’s finest scenery.

The Grade I-listed property was originally part of a 14th-century manor house, which was divided into separate homes in the 1950s.

Spectacular cathedral ceilings and ornate wood beams take centre stage in this living room. Image: Strutt & Parker

The main house retains many of its stunning period features, including exposed beams, vaulted ceilings and Gothic-style windows. Accommodation sprawls across 2,761 square feet, comprising five bedrooms, three bathrooms and three reception rooms.

The colourful kitchen-diner is packed with personality. Image: Strutt & Parker

Next to the main house, there's also the Grade II-listed Coach House, ideal for hosting guests or renting out to holidaymakers. The cosy space comprises a workshop on the ground floor, with a snug kitchen, dining area and two bedrooms above.

Fancy taking on this heritage beauty? It's on the market with Strutt & Parker.

Seven-bedroom country house, Snowdonia: £1,650,000

The magnificent property is flanked by the mountains and the estuary. Image: Strutt & Parker

With seven bedrooms and four bathrooms spread across three regal storeys, you’ll never run at of space in this sprawling country estate.

Benefitting from majestic mountain views across Snowdonia’s Cadair Idris range, Gladwr Hall in Gwynedd is ideally positioned to make the most of this stunning natural beauty spot.

In this traditional living room, French doors open out to waterfront vistas. Image: Strutt & Parker

Our favourite feature has to be the luxurious master suite, which features underfloor heating, a regal fireplace and a large ensuite with a roll-top bath, a marble walk-in shower and dual sinks.

The 17th-century property is nestled in just shy of four acres of land and comes with a maze of gorgeous gardens, an indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub and tennis court.

Alfresco dining spots don't get much more picturesque than this. Image: Strutt & Parker

Perched on the edge of the Mawddach Estuary, the estate even has its own quay in the grounds to access the river, complete with a boathouse and ancient kiln. It doesn't get much better than that!

This remarkable property is currently on the market with Strutt & Parker.

Lead image: Strutt & Parker