Celebrate the Beauty of the UK National Parks: 2025 Photography Competition Now Open
14 July 2025 – The UK’s fifteen National Parks are once again calling on photographers of all abilities to capture the magic of these treasured landscapes as the 2025 National Parks Photography Competition officially opens for entries.
Now in its fourth year, and proudly supported by Sykes Holiday Cottages, the competition offers amateur and professional photographers the chance to win one of two fantastic prize bundles worth over £300 each. More than just a celebration of stunning photography, the competition champions conservation and invites people to engage meaningfully with the natural world this summer.
Whether it’s the wild beauty of Cairngorms, the dramatic peaks of Eryri, or the peaceful waterways of the Broads, the competition encourages everyone to explore, appreciate and protect the unique character of the National Parks.
How to Enter:
To take part, simply share your chosen photo on Instagram, tagging @nationalparksuk and including the hashtag #NPUKPics25 in the caption. The top 10 images will be selected by the National Parks team. From these, one winner will be chosen by public vote, and a second winner will be selected by the staff at Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Key Dates:
- Entry Deadline: Thursday 25 September 2025
- Shortlist Announced & Public Voting Opens: Wednesday 1 October 2025
- Voting Closes: Friday 10 October 2025
- Winners Announced: Wednesday 15 October 2025
The Prize:
Each winner will receive:
- A £250 Sykes Holiday Cottages voucher
- A complete set of Collins National Park Pocket Map and Favourite Ranger Walks books, worth £115
Launched in 2021, the competition was created to highlight not only the beauty but also the importance of the UK National Parks in the face of global challenges. As we tackle the climate and biodiversity crises, our National Parks are leading the approach to landscape scale nature restoration with nature-based solutions that benefit people, place, nature and climate.
Sykes Holiday Cottages, has supported National Parks since 2021 through National Parks Partnerships, backing a wide range of impactful projects—from planting over 5,000 trees in Eryri National Park to enhancing pollinator habitats in Northumberland National Park. The partnership also champions regenerative travel, helping to sustain rural economies and support local businesses, ensuring National Parks remain vibrant, living landscapes for future generations.
For full terms and conditions, and to find out more about the competition, visit www.nationalparks.uk/photo-competition-2/.
Ends
Notes to Editors
For further information, interview and image requests please contact Bec Butler, Senior Partnership Communications Manager
E: bec.butler@nationalparks.co.uk | T: +44 (0)7843 393962
About UK National Parks
The UK is home to fifteen National Parks, with ten located in England, three in Wales, and two in Scotland. Combined they span almost 10% of land and are more than just protected landscapes; they are living, working environments where people and nature can thrive together.
Each National Park is managed by an Authority, an independent body funded by the central government and other sources. These authorities do not own all of the land within the National Park but are tasked with conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage of these areas. They promote opportunities for the public to experience and understand the unique qualities of National Parks while fostering the economic and social wellbeing of local communities.
2024 marked the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, which laid the foundation for the creation of these protected spaces. Today, National Parks continue to play a vital role and are committed to leading a transition toward a fairer, greener, and healthier future. By embracing large-scale nature-based solutions to create natural resilience, our National Parks continue to inspire, sustain, and benefit generations to come.
National Parks are open for everyone to explore, with more than 90 million visits each year, offering a chance to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the outdoors.
For more information, visit www.nationalparks.uk.
About Sykes Holiday Cottages
Sykes Holiday Cottages are one of the UK’s leading independent holiday cottage rental agencies. Offering over 23,000 cottages across the UK and Ireland, there’s plenty of choice for your next escape. Whether you’re seeking a beachside apartment, a traditional countryside cottage, or anything in between, you’re sure to find it with us. If you’re looking for inspiration on where to travel for your next adventure, be sure to browse our Travel Guide. Here you’ll find a whole host of information on exciting locations and their very best attractions. From the beautiful Cairngorms to the dramatic scenery of the Lake District, there are plenty of locations letting you uncover the many wonders of a variety of National Parks. Boasting an extensive range of unique self-catering cottages paired with over 30 years’ experience in the industry, you can be sure to book with confidence.
Find your perfect stay in a National Park with Sykes Holiday Cottages today.