The United Kingdom is home to 15 national parks—10 in England, 3 in Wales, and 2 in Scotland—but unlike typical national parks worldwide, these are not government-owned wilderness; they feature private land, permanent settlements, and farms, with stricter planning controls rather than public ownership. These scenic areas attract an estimated 110 million visitors each year, bringing crucial tourism revenue to support conservation and local economies, though they also create challenges like erosion and traffic congestion. Governance is devolved: England and Wales follow the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, while Scotland uses the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000, with the Environment Act 1995 defining their core purposes. The main goals are conserving natural beauty and wildlife and promoting public enjoyment, but the Broads uniquely adds a third purpose of protecting navigation, and Scottish parks also focus on sustainable resource use and community development. Since April 1997, each park has been managed by its own national park authority, composed of local council appointees and national representatives, ensuring a balance between local and national interests.