What is it like living in a National Park?

When was the last time you took a moment to pause and appreciate the natural beauty of the night sky? This February, budding stargazers will be heading to Dark Skies Festivals held across some of Great Britain’s most breathtaking National Parks. The low levels of light pollution means a spectacular view emerges as the sun sets, just one of the sights that make these swathes of protected land so special. 

Created during the same post-World War II reforms that saw the creation of the NHS, the concept of National Parks not only ensures public access to incredible green spaces, but helps conserve and protect the landscapes and wildlife of the countryside. Beyond the significant tourism they attract, they are home to communities where people live and work.

Hattie Young, an Associate at Knight Frank, resides within the South Downs National Park, the most populous of the National Parks and the newest, having officially come into being in 2010. “It’s a privilege living somewhere that people recognise is a lovely place to be, and having the countryside right on my doorstep,” she says. “I can go for a walk before work and not put any music on, and instead totally immerse myself in nature.” 

Despite National Parks covering 10.97% of the area in England and Wales, only 0.67% of the general population (almost 400,000 people) live within their boundaries, according to the last Census in 2021. For those seeking the peace and tranquillity of a rural lifestyle, Young notes that demand for properties within these areas are high and they command a significant premium. “One of the biggest draws of being in a National Park is the uninterrupted views, and this is really what buyers are looking for,” she shares. “It’s not a guarantee, but the focus on preserving the landscape also means you are more protected from building work happening near you.”

While National Park residents tend to be older than elsewhere, she has also increasingly seen Londoners with young families move in search of a quieter life - particularly in regions such as the South Downs with swift train links to the capital. Depending on which area you choose you can enjoy a truly rural retreat or a more connected lifestyle, along with a thriving culture of traditional pubs, tearooms and restaurants bolstered by the tourism trade. 

With National Parks statistically home to larger and more detached properties when compared to the countrywide average, it makes the small number of homes available within their boundaries all the more desirable. As Young describes, “People are attracted to the idea of an idyllic lifestyle, and often already have in their mind the idea of a classic country house - whether that’s a traditional cottage or a bigger, grander property.”