The best places in the UK for a family hiking trip

We’re all Made For Adventure, and there’s nothing like putting on your walking boots for a family trip out. You simply can’t beat the physical and mental benefits of fresh air; from encouraging an active lifestyle to learning about wildlife, there are endless reasons to go hiking outdoors as a family. But where are the best places to visit in the UK?

Using a variety of family-friendly factors, we have ranked the best hiking spots to find the ultimate destination for families to experience the outdoors together.

The most family friendly hiking spots

1. New Forest National Park, England

The New Forest National Park is heaven for lovers of walking, the countryside and of ancient woodland. Ideal for a family walking trip, young children can spot ponies and deer in the national park, while older children and adults can enjoy navigating the forest.

Out of all hiking trails in the New Forest National Park, almost three quarters (72%) are below 10km and thus suitable for children aged 8+. One of the most popular trails is the Brockenhurst Village Walk - an 8.4km walk which takes on average 2 hours to complete and is pet-friendly. This easy-going trail is the ideal opportunity to explore outdoors, for active families with children.

Over a quarter (27%) of all walks in the park are kid-friendly - more than any other area on our list! One such walk is the Tall Trees Trail Circular, a 3.7km route which takes around 50 minutes to complete and is even pushchair friendly.

There are 48 family-friendly campsites around the New Forest, including Green Hill Farm Holiday Village, which is ideal for families. Offering pony spotting, deer spotting and picturesque views the campground is perfect for children to learn about wildlife.

Of all the restaurants in Lyndhurst, a short 2 mile walk from the national park, 81% are child-friendly, meaning they offer menu options for children. One must-visit child-friendly restaurant in the area is The Forage, a contemporary British restaurant offering kids’ main meals for just £6.

2. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales

With over 600 miles of public footpaths, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is one of the best places in the UK to go walking as a family. The coastal national park is characterised by cliffs, wildlife and spring flowers, perfect to experience with children.

Almost half (49%) of all walks in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park are shorter than 10km, which is a suitable distance for juniors. One walk in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park that’s great for kids is Foel Eryr, an easy-to-follow walk taking around 34 minutes to complete. At the top of the hike, children can explore the Bronze Age burial cairn and unmatched views over the Preseli Hills.

Over a quarter (26%) of all walks in the national park are kid-friendly - higher than any other location on our list except Wendover Woods and the New Forest National Park, placing it third overall in this category.

There are 95 family-friendly campsites in Pembrokeshire Coast are family-friendly, including Celtic Camping which offers panoramic sea views. It is situated around 500m from the Pembrokeshire coastal path, a winding walk for adventurous families.

Within Pembrokeshire county, 62% of all restaurants are child-friendly. The Shipwright Inn at Pembrokeshire dock offers small plates for children and sea views.

3. Exmoor National Park, England

Exmoor National Park is one of the UK’s best spots for a family day out, famed for its natural wildlife, endless moorland and coastal views.

60.61% of all hikes in Exmoor National Park have a length of 10km or less, making them perfect for juniors. One of the most-visited of these is Tarr Steps and River Barle, an easy route for walking and bird-watching, taking around 1 hour 4 minutes to complete. The route passes through the Tarr Steps clapper bridge and a designated National Nature Reserve alongside the River Barle.

There are 40 family-friendly campsites in Exmoor, including Lynton Camping and Caravanning Club Site situated walking distance from the coast. The campsite has a kids’ playground and safari tents for up to 6 people.

We also found over three quarters (78%) of all restaurants in Exmoor National Park are child-friendly, according to Tripadvisor. The Copper Kettle is located on the edge of the national park and serves sandwiches and cream tea, the ideal place to stop for lunch during a family day out.

Hiking spots for more adventurous families

1. Northumberland National Park, England

Northumberland National Park is the most northern of all national parks in England and is one of the least populated national parks in the UK. Despite this, the park’s natural beauty is undeniable and attractions like Hadrian's Wall are fun for the whole family.

Only 12% of walks are considered ‘kid-friendly’, offering plenty of opportunities for more adventurous families to challenge themselves and spend more quality time in the outdoors. Hareshaw Linn Waterfall from Bellingham is one walk not to miss for active families travelling to Northumberland National Park. The trail takes around 1 hour 28 minutes to complete, and children can follow the rocky footpath taking extra care in wet weather. The trail has wildflowers, stunning views and passes the scenic Hareshaw Linn Waterfall.

11 campsites in the national park are family-friendly, including GlamPods Northumberland, situated just 30 minutes from Kielder Waterside Park, home to zip wires and mountain biking.

Almost half (45%) of restaurants are child-friendly in Northumberland National Park, such as Newcastle House Restaurant, serving fish and chips, a Sunday lunch carvery and Indian cuisine.

2. Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye is a popular destination for families who love the outdoors and walking, attracting tourists from all over the world thanks to its fishing villages, unique landscapes and mountain peaks.

61.36% of all hikes in the Isle of Skye are 10km or less, ranking fourth in this factor among all the hiking spots on our list. This makes them great for juniors who love longer walks. One such walk in the Isle of Skye is Sligachan Waterfalls, a 1km walk taking 14 minutes to complete, and offering picturesque views of the waterfall and surrounding mountains. If you’re lucky, you could even spot deer along the path.

There are 13 family-friendly campsites in the area, including Skeabost View Pods Skye which is the ideal spot for families who love glamping or the idea of staying in a pod with internet access.

On Tripadvisor, over half (51%) of all restaurants are child-friendly, with menu options suitable for children. One must-visit restaurant is the popular Chidakasha Skye in Glendale - a vegetarian restaurant serving Eastern-inspired dishes.

3. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs is one of Scotland’s two national parks, famous for the lake, Loch Lomond, and its breathtaking scenery.

45% of all hikes in the national park are 10km or less in length, an ideal distance for juniors. The walk at Conic Hill from Balmaha Circular is a moderately challenging hike for families with more adventurous children, ideal for picnics, fishing and bird-watching.

11 of all campsites in the area are family-friendly, including Strathfillan Wigwams - a campsite situated on a working farm and picturesque spot within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

58% of all restaurants in the national park are child-friendly, including Broch Cafe, situated in the heart of the national park and serving authentic Italian coffees, and a range of freshly baked goods.

The best family-friendly hiking spots