UK National Parks Conference 2026
Date:
Location: Aviemore
Date and Time:
Location: Aviemore
Join us for the biennial UK National Parks Conference in Aviemore, Scotland, bringing together over 150 delegates from across the UK's 15 National Parks. The event is taking place from 16 to 18 September 2026 at Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
Every two years, the UK’s national parks come together with our partners and stakeholders to discuss our role in society, consider key challenges, share ideas and celebrate our successes.
In 2026, we will be considering the crucial role national parks play in helping people and nature thrive together, exploring the symbiotic relationship between our natural world and the people who live, visit and work in these spectacular landscapes.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority is hosting the conference in Aviemore at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort – a fully-accessible venue within easy reach by public transport.
Join some of the UK’s leading conservation and community experts at this year’s National Parks UK Conference to explore how we can work together across all four nations for the benefit of people and nature.
Below you will find more information about the conference, including a draft programme. If you would like to book a place, or have any questions about the event, contact us on [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1479 873 535.
Hotels and self catering fully accessible to wheelchair users. Guide dogs are welcome. The venue has automatic doors and lifts are available to upper floors. Disabled parking and a dedicated drop-off point are available.
Public transport within 500m
Ramp or elevator access
Wide access doors
Accessible toilets
Assistance dogs welcome
BSL
Captioning
Disabled toilets are available across the site.
Indoor
WiFi
Power sockets
Large screen
Sound system
Food available
Soft drinks available
Alcoholic drinks available
Event location
Macdonald Aviemore Resort is situated directly opposite Aviemore train station on the Highland Main Line. Trains run regularly from Edinburgh and Perth to the south, and Inverness to the north. Ember runs an electric bus service to Aviemore train station from Edinburgh and various stops to the north. FlixBus also operate services from Edinburgh.
The venue is a short walk from Aviemore train station, which is located in the heart of Aviemore town centre.
Situated off Grampian Road, for satellite navigation use the postcode PH22 1PN. Approximate drive times are 45 minutes from Inverness, 1 hour 30 minutes from Perth, 2 hours from Aberdeen, 2 hours 30 mins from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Organisers
Cairngorms National Park Authority
The Cairngorms National Park Authority was set up to ensure that the unique aspects of the Cairngorms – both the natural environment and the local communities – are cared for, sustained and enhanced for current and future generations to enjoy. The Park Authority provides leadership to all those involved in the Cairngorms and works in partnership with a range of communities, businesses, non-government organisations and public sector partners to deliver practical solutions on the ground.
Partners
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Transmission
SSEN are responsible for the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland, maintaining and investing in the high voltage 132kV, 220kV, 275kV and 400kV electricity transmission network. Their network consists of underground and subsea cables, overhead lines on wooden poles or steel towers, and electricity substations. It extends over a quarter of the UK’s land mass, crossing some of the country's most challenging terrain.
Tarmac
Tarmac provides sustainable solutions for construction projects across the UK, supporting infrastructure development nationwide. With 150 years of experience and heritage behind them, Tarmac are a national network of local businesses, combining the knowledge and expertise of two of the construction industry’s most recognisable brands: Tarmac, pioneers and inventors of the modern road, and Blue Circle, the company that patented Portland Cement.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund distribute grants from £10,000 to £10 million to support projects across the UK that connect people and communities to their heritage. In February 2024, the Heritage Fund awarded £10.7 million to the Park Authority and partners to deliver Cairngorms 2030, a programme that is inspiring people and communities in the National Park to take action and tackle the nature and climate crisis.
National Parks Partnerships
National Parks Partnerships develop tailored partnership opportunities that connect business, finance and philanthropy with all 15 UK national parks. Working on behalf of the national parks family, they unlock responsible private finance to support the vital work of the UK’s national parks, whilst creating opportunities that are carefully designed to align with each partner’s strategic priorities.
