Top Family Walking Holidays in the UK and Europe

Family walking holidays offer the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Kids enjoy the fresh air and exploration, while parents can unwind and engage in meaningful conversations.

The New Forest, England

Ideal for beginners, the New Forest offers buggy-friendly trails through ancient woodlands and heathland. The children’s sensory trail at the Reptile Centre is a highlight, encouraging kids to interact with nature.

Mount Teide, Tenerife, Spain

For adventurous families, the 3,718m high Mount Teide offers a thrilling hike. Suitable for children aged six and over, the trail features volcanic rocks and fumaroles. Alternatively, the Roques de Garcia route provides stunning views.

Lake Como, Italy

Combine walking with culinary delights at Lake Como. The Sentiero del Viandante trail offers beautiful lakeside views and easy access to gelato shops in Varenna and Bellano.

Exmoor National Park, England

Exmoor’s 3.7-mile walk from Lynmouth to Watersmeet follows the East Lyn River through ancient woodlands. Families can enjoy cream teas at Watersmeet’s tea garden and paddle in the stream.

Isle of Wight, England

The Isle of Wight offers diverse trails, including the seven-mile track across Tennyson Down, leading to the Needles and Alum Bay’s attractions.

Trollstigen, Sweden

In Sweden’s Billingen mountain, the Trollstigen trail loops through rhododendron valleys and limestone caves. Kids can search for fictional forest creatures and enjoy the outdoor pool at Billingebadet.

Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Wales

The Glamorgan Heritage Coast combines hiking with beach activities. The eight-mile Vale Trail 1 features Ogmore Castle, Dunraven Castle ruins, and Dunraven Bay.

The Algarve, Portugal

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in the Algarve offers stunning cliff-top views and beach stops. The 7-mile route from Praia da Marinha to Praia do Carvalho is perfect for families.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland

The Trossachs provide family-friendly hikes like the ascent of Ben A’An, offering breathtaking views over Loch Katrine.

Mont Blanc, Italy, France, and Switzerland

Families can trek Mont Blanc with donkey support. Suitable for kids aged seven and up, this multi-day hike offers stunning Alpine views.

When walking with kids, it's essential to keep them distracted, especially toddlers, with engaging activities like treasure hunts or popular trails such as the UK's Gruffalo trails. Always bring snacks, and don't overestimate their capabilities; if they struggle with the school run, they're not ready for challenging hikes. For very young children, use a backpack-style carrier. Invest in proper hiking shoes to prevent discomfort and consider potential bailout points along the route, ideally near cafés or pubs for breaks. Bringing friends along can also motivate kids to walk faster by turning it into a fun race.