August’s Bank Holiday is almost here and the country’s most stunning national parks are set to witness a surge in visitors, driven in part, by platforms like Instagram and especially TikTok. But this popularity comes with its own set of challenges that could impact on our natural treasures.

Viral videos of the country’s most picturesque locations are drawing more visitors than ever before. However, while on the one hand this increased visibility can boost tourism and local businesses, on the other, it also raises concerns about the environmental and social impact on our beloved natural spaces.

A recent study by TOG24, ranks the UK’s national parks based on their popularity on TikTok. The index takes into account the number of TikTok posts per square metre (or TikTok density score), revealing which areas are most at risk of becoming overcrowded due to the digital spotlight and with the August Bank Holiday just around the corner, many of these parks are expected to experience a significant influx of visitors, inspired by the content they’ve seen online.

The most popular UK’s National Parks according to TikTok

At the very top of the TOG24 index is the Lake District, the UK’s undisputed online phenomenon. With over 100,000 TikTok posts and growing, the Lake District has become a favourite among influencers as much as among nature lovers and it’s not hard to understand the reason why. The park’s breathtaking landscapes, coupled with the opportunity to ‘discover’ hidden gems like the secret waterfall grotto, have made it a must-visit destination for those seeking the perfect TikTok post. This popularity also means that the Lake District faces the highest risk of environmental degradation, overcrowding and subsequent impact on local authorities.

Not far behind is the Peak District, another location that has seen a surge in social media-driven tourism. Although it has fewer TikTok posts than the Lake District (around 66,700 at the time of the study) it still attracts a significant number of visitors drawn by its stunning scenery and easily accessible trails. The park’s popularity on the platform has made it a go-to destination particularly as the Bank Holiday approaches.

But where is the trend leading the social media cross towards? The index reveals New Forest Park as the top trending with the highest year-on-year growth rates in online searches. This southern English park is known for its centenary trees and, in particular, for its free-roaming ponies. The popularity of these creatures amongst tourists had already sparked a rout between rule-breaking tourists and the Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) in 2023 and jeopardised the animal’s wellbeing.Today, with a TikTok density of 43 posts per square metre, the New Forest is quickly becoming a hotspot for social media enthusiasts and ss its online presence grows, so too does the pressure on local resources and the park’s delicate ecosystems.

Finding the balance between natural preservation and digital clout

While social media can bring much-needed attention to the UK’s national parks and can represent a valuable boost for local businesses, it may also lead to overcrowding, littering, and damage to natural habitats. These are just some of the issues that locals and park authorities are grappling with as a result of this digital clout, especially when the surge in interest is too steep brought about by sudden virality.

The main challenge remains to strike a balance between promoting these parks and preserving their natural integrity. For visitors, this means practising responsible tourism by following park guidelines, respecting the environment, and being mindful of the impact their social media-driven visits can have.

Image credit: Matt Heaton on Unsplash