Top UK National Parks to Visit with Friends or Family by Coach

There’s something truly special about escaping the city and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the UK’s national parks. Whether you're planning a weekend away with family or an adventure with friends, few travel options beat the convenience and comfort of a private coach, especially when you're visiting some of the UK’s most beautiful green spaces.

At Centaur Travel, we believe the journey should be just as enjoyable as the destination. That’s why coach travel is the perfect solution for group trips to national parks: no train transfers, no car convoys, just one comfortable, spacious ride together.

Here are our top UK national parks ideal for group visits by coach, so your adventure starts sooner.

1. South Downs National Park

Best For: Rolling countryside, charming villages, and accessible day trips

South Downs is the UK’s newest national park, but don’t let that fool you. Its winding chalk hills, panoramic viewpoints, and storybook villages make it one of the best-loved escapes for families and groups in the South East.

Group travel perks? With large green spaces and multiple picnic sites, it’s ideal for casual walks, outdoor lunches, and photography outings. Towns like Lewes and Arundel offer history and charm in equal measure. Plus, your coach can drop you off near popular walking routes like the Devil’s Dyke or Seven Sisters cliffs without the parking stress.

Looking to explore from London, Kent, or Essex? Coach hire in London, Coach hire in Kent, and Coach hire in Essex services make the South Downs a practical and beautiful day trip.

2. Epping Forest (technically not a national park, but a perfect green escape)

Best For: Easy day trips, forest walks, and family outings

Just outside East London, Epping Forest is a stunning ancient woodland stretching across Essex. While not designated a national park, it's a practical alternative for group getaways that don’t require long travel times.

It’s perfect for school trips, birthday picnics, or weekend family coach days out. There are over 100 lakes, trails for all fitness levels, and plenty of space for kids to run around. You can also visit nearby Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge for a dose of Tudor history.

Perfect for groups travelling from the capital or nearby towns like Romford, Brentwood, or Chelmsford. See our Essex coach hire page for seamless access.

3. New Forest National Park

Best For: Nature walks, wildlife spotting, and scenic group drives

The New Forest National Park is a coach-friendly haven with open woodlands, roaming ponies, and accessible walking and cycling paths. Group travel here is made easy thanks to ample coach parking and charming villages like Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, and Beaulieu for lunch stops and sightseeing.

The park is especially good for multi-generational travel: you can mix forest walks with museums, gardens, and stately homes. Coach travel makes the journey smooth, without the need for changing trains or navigating narrow local roads.

Groups departing from London or Kent can explore New Forest comfortably with Centaur coach hire in London or Kent.

4. The Broads National Park

Best For: Water-based activities and picturesque boat rides

If your group is looking for a different kind of landscape, The Broads offers something unique: more water than land. With over 125 miles of navigable waterways, it's perfect for boat hires, nature cruises, and riverside pub lunches.

Travelling by coach removes the hassle of multiple vehicles or train transfers into Essex. Once there, your group can enjoy wildlife spotting, canoeing, or exploring charming towns like Wroxham and Horning.

A brilliant escape for groups starting from Essex or East London, visit our Essex coach hire page for more info.

5. Chiltern Hills AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)

Best For: Group walks, historical sites, and countryside escapes

Though technically not a national park, the Chilterns offer everything a group might want for a countryside retreat. With scenic villages like Amersham and Wendover, and views from Ivinghoe Beacon, this area is made for day trips from London or Kent.

Group highlights include visiting the Roald Dahl Museum, exploring chalk grasslands, or hiking short stretches of The Ridgeway. You’ll find picnic spots, walking trails, and historic market towns all within a coach’s reach.

Start your day with coach hire from London or Kent for a relaxed countryside escape.

6. Peak District National Park

Best For: Dramatic views, active group adventures, and nature trails

If you’re planning a longer weekend getaway, the Peak District is well worth the trip. Its striking limestone valleys, moorlands, and walking routes (like Mam Tor and Dovedale) make it a favourite for active groups and nature lovers.

The region is peppered with stately homes like Chatsworth House and Hardwick Hall, perfect for groups seeking culture and scenery in one trip. And with coach travel, you skip the car hire and parking chaos at major sites.

For large groups or school trips heading from London, Centaur offers comfortable long-distance travel options. Visit our London coach hire page for more details.

7. North Downs Way 

Best For: Walking groups and countryside retreats

The North Downs Way runs through the heart of Kent and Surrey, offering a perfect blend of accessibility and natural beauty. Ideal for hiking clubs or friends looking for a less commercialised outdoor experience, this stretch features rolling hills, chalk escarpments, and woodlands with views over the Weald.

Coach access is easy via several towns along the route, such as Wrotham, Detling, or Box Hill. Your driver can drop off and pick up at set meeting points while your group explores parts of the trail at its own pace.

Looking to explore locally? Our Kent and Surrey coach hire services are perfect for day hikes.

8. The Surrey Hills AONB

Best For: Vineyard tours, scenic hikes, and cultural pitstops

With rolling hills, award-winning vineyards, and views over the Weald, the Surrey Hills are an excellent alternative to full national parks. Perfect for grown-up group trips, you can combine countryside walks with wine tasting, garden visits, or a stop at Box Hill.

Coach access is simple via towns like Guildford or Dorking, and the area offers a peaceful retreat less than two hours from the capital. Ideal for one-day celebrations or weekend wellness escapes.

Why Choose Centaur for Your National Park Coach Trip?

Planning a group getaway shouldn’t be stressful. With Centaur Travel, you get:

• Private group transport: No waiting on public timetables or splitting across multiple cars.
• Professional drivers: Relax knowing your trip is in safe, experienced hands.
• Modern, comfortable coaches: Air conditioning, reclining seats, and generous luggage space.
• Flexible pickup options: From homes, schools, offices, or central meeting points in London, Kent, Essex, and beyond.
• Eco-friendlier travel: Fewer cars mean fewer emissions, and coach travel is one of the most sustainable group options.

Planning Your Trip: Quick Tips

• Book in advance: National parks are popular, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Check access points: Some parks have designated coach drop-off/pick-up zones, our drivers will plan accordingly.
• Tailor your trip: Want a stop for lunch? Museum tour? Vineyard detour? Let us know, we’ll customise your route.
• Make it social: Coaches are a great way for friends and families to enjoy quality time together en route.

Ready to Start Your National Park Adventure?

From the tree-lined trails of the South Downs to the riverbanks of the Broads and the ancient hills of the North Downs Way, there’s no shortage of incredible destinations just a coach ride away.

Wherever your group wants to go, Centaur Travel is ready to get you there, comfortably, affordably, and without the hassle. Start planning your trip today with Centaur coach hire.