40 family-friendly Great British walks to entertain the kids this summer
Charles Clinkard’s 40 family-friendly Great British walks to entertain the kids this summer- Best from each category
Best walks for little ones
- The Room on the Broom Adventure Trail at Anglers Country Park came out as our top-ranking walk for little ones. It's free to enter and has free parking for up to two hours (with a small charge if you're planning on staying longer). This walk also has toilets, baby changing facilities, and is accessible by pram or wheelchair. Plus, it has plenty of activities to keep your little one entertained, including a playground.
- Also rating high on the index, Loch Lomond Faerie Trail or Sculpture Trail at Rushmere Country Park are great days out especially to see if you can spot any fairies in the trees. Both will only take you an hour to complete, and they're fully accessible for prams and wheelchairs.
- The route from Padley Gorge to Longshaw in the Peak District is a popular one for families in the summer and has a refreshing stream that's perfect for paddling in to cool off. However, this walk is only partially accessible and has some uneven terrain in the woodland and on the moors, making it difficult for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
- For a longer walk, Fishpool Dingle Walk at Croft Castle, Blickling Estate, or the Pond Walk at Brodie Castle are great options. These walks offer plenty of opportunities to see some of our great British wildlife, plus they all have a playground for your little ones to enjoy.
Best walks for older kids
- The Three-in-one Woodland Walk at Ashridge Estate came out as our top-ranking walk for older kids. With no entry fee, free parking, and plenty of amenities — including toilets, refreshments, baby changing, and a visitor centre — this walk is perfect for the whole family.
- Longer routes like the Five Pits Trail, Stackpole Wildlife Walk, The Balmoral Cairns, and the walk around Loch Muick are also fun options for older children.
- If you are wanting a more challenging route, the Llanberis Path up Snowdon is the easiest route up the mountain, making it perfect for beginners and families. It may be a seven-hour round trip but the view from the tip is definitely worth it!
Best walks for accessibility
- The Sculpture Trail at Rushmere Country Park came out as our top-ranking walk for accessibility. This route has disabled parking, disabled toilets, baby changing, and the path is fully accessible for prams and wheelchairs. There’s also plenty to keep little ones entertained, including a fairy trail and a playground, as well as refreshments and a visitor centre.
- If you can't get to Rushmere Country Park, then The Dunham Massey Ancient Trees Walk, Dunwich Heath and Beach, Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door, and the Pond Walk at Brodie Castle all have disabled parking, disabled toilets, and are accessible by pram too.
Best walks on a budget
- The Room on the Broom Adventure Trail at Anglers Country Park came out as our best walk for families a budget, with lots of amenities such as toilets, refreshments, and a visitor centre, plus plenty of accessibility measures. Activity packs are available for £2, but are an optional add-on, and you can easily enjoy the walk without one.
- The Long Pooh Walk from Gills Lap at Ashdown Forest is another great option for little readers who can walk through the forest that inspired Winnie-the-Pooh and see if you can spot the homes of some of your favourite characters. There are refreshments available on site, but you can take your own picnic food as there are plenty of tables and scenic spots to stop for lunch.
Commenting on the rankings, Rachel Clinkard, Ecommerce Director from Charles Clinkard said:
"We're really lucky to have such amazing walks right on our doorstep. From fantastic coastal walks to exciting nature trails, we really do have it all!
"Getting outside and exploring nature is a great way to boost your child's development. Not only can they learn more about the world around them but investigating wherever they can helps improve their fine motor skills. Plus, getting outside and enjoying a bit of exercise can help give everyone's mood a little boost too.
"Some of the country's favourite walks aren't necessarily family-friendly. Many are quite challenging, and others don't have all the relevant facilities such as toilets, baby changing, and accessible paths. For families with children, it can be difficult to know exactly which walks are best. That's why we put together our list of 40 family-friendly Great British walks.
"Nothing ruins a day out more than sore feet, so it's important that your family is kitted out with the right shoes. Walking or hiking boots are your best option for long walks. As these styles are a little taller than conventional trainers, they offer more support around the ankle which helps prevent any injuries.
"The best way to prevent soreness and blisters is by making sure your shoes are the right fit. Your little ones are always growing, so it's really important to get their feet measured before buying new shoes. Our handy printable measuring gauge will help you measure your child's feet from home, so you can work out exactly what size to get.
"To avoid any complaints about blisters, make sure you wear thick socks to prevent your feet rubbing against the shoe. You might also want to carry some blister plasters with you just in case!"