How many national parks are there in England?
England has ten national parks: Dartmoor, Exmoor, the Lake District, the New Forest, Northumberland, the North York Moors, the Peak District, the South Downs, the Yorkshire Dales and the Broads, which has equivalent status.
The first national park, the Peak District, was established in 1951, following the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949. The Lake District, Dartmoor and the North York Moors followed the same year.
The most recent national park is the South Downs, created in 2010. It stretches across Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex.
Protecting landscapes
National parks in England protect landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage, while allowing people to enjoy the countryside. Unlike national parks in some countries, they include towns, villages and farmland.
The Lake District is the largest national park in England, while the Broads is the smallest.
Each national park has its own authority responsible for planning and conservation.
Scotland and Wales have their own national parks, bringing the UK total to 15. Millions of people visit England's national parks each year.