Guide to Family Active Adventures in the UK

Enjoy getting out in nature altogether and taking in adventurous climbs and beach ambling year-round. From the National Parks of the Lake District to the picturesque seaside towns of Cornwall, the quartet of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are awaiting exploration.

Here is a guide to everything you need to know for an active adventure in the UK with all the family.

The Best Time to Go on a Family Active Adventure in the UK

Synonymous with wetter conditions, holidaying in the UK will always be traditionally best in the summertime. Alongside the warmer weather, the summer months see longer daylight hours for longer days exploring, and, let's face it, sunlit landscapes only amplify the beauty! Even consider spring, which has similar mild temperatures but is likely to be a bit more comfortable for outdoor venturing. If the family includes older children who are ready for challenging terrain, consider the Coast to Coast Path Walk at this time of year for a multi-day adventure.

That’s not to say the colder months have to be written off. Autumn brings stunning leaf falls, and temperatures can still be comfortably mild early on in the season. For more secluded adventures, there are fewer tourists at this time of year, meaning you can crunch through leaves at a more leisurely pace.

Areas like the Cotswolds and the New Forest are renowned for extra beauty at this time of year thanks to the golden autumnal hue littering roadways and pavements. Winter brings the most dramatic yet distinctively picturesque landscapes. Consider tranquil walks at lower altitudes where you can look up at sublime, often alpine, beauty. Staying in quaint UK lodgings during the colder season too, guarantees the cosiest atmosphere for staying amid wintery elegance.

The Best Places to Stay on a Family Active Adventure in the UK

Embrace the wealth of creative accommodation options nestled within the UK’s landscapes. From unplugged cabins to converted barn stays amid vast farmland, the opportunities are endless. Discover last minute quirky stays across the aisles, all the way from John o’Groats to Land’s End.

For the perfect family stay, consider isolated housing that just nests you and yours. There are arrays of cosy cottages and log-style stays within a wealth of countryside and national park districts.

Whether it’s just immediate family or you’re getting grandparents and extended family loved ones involved too, research the wide variety of properties, from two beds to those that can sleep over ten. Amenities can include private hot tubs and staying on sites with many family-friendly activity hubs. Retreat on the coastline or in the depths of the countryside to charming English villages inland.

The Best Places to See on a Family Active Adventure in the UK 

The UK offers an extensive range of phenomenal places to see for families wanting to embrace an active adventure. In the Lake District, look up at England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, and marvel at the intertwining of this highland between the azure waters of Windermere and Derwentwater. The Peak District is known for its sublime sunset and sunrise spots. At the summit of Mam Tor, stand in awe at the orange hue of the sky against the lush green landscapes; it's well worth an early wake-up!

The highest peak across the UK  stands in the Scottish Highlands. Look up at the colossal state of Ben Nevis before being right where your feet are and appreciate the spectacle of the deep freshwater lake, Loch Ness. Back down south, Cornwall’s beaches are some of the best in the country for the perfect activity conditions and sheer beauty. In Newquay, Fistral Beach is known for its consistent waves and lively atmosphere. Situated against the town’s shops and restaurants, it makes it the perfect sight for a quintessential British seaside escape.

The Best Places to Go on a Family Active Adventure in the UK

Walk, cycle, swim, surf, or sail through the sublime UK landscape. Many of the key hotspots for an active adventure with the family have been adapted for self-guided touring. Bring out the intrepid explorers within their smaller legs by allowing them to lead the perfect routes. Through self guided adventure tours in the UK, you can enjoy quality bonding time while still ensuring you’re gaining the crucial knowledge and expertise to be the best active adventurer.

The most renowned national park in the UK, the Lake District, is worth a visit at any time of year for outdoor enthusiasts and nature-loving families. Hike up Scarfell Pike to embrace the breathtaking views of the summit. If life on two wheels suits the whole family more, the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path is a scenic route of flat land that’s perfect for little legs to feel like top explorers. Relax on boat trips on England’s largest lake, Windermere, or learn new skills together on smaller boats like canoes and kayaks.

There are other vast national parks across the UK’s quartet. In Wales, Snowdonia National Park is the perfect spot for hiking, mountain biking, and exploration across secluded cove land. Adrenaline obsessors can even embrace the thrill of zip lining between the mountainscapes and over the lush land below.

What to Pack for Family Active Adventures in the UK

Packing for the whole family can be an extensive task to ensure everyone can get the most out of the trip. With the unpredictability of the UK’s climate, it’s essential to have enough to endure all seasons and extreme weather conditions.

Waterproofs and sun protection to wrap up worthy layers for colder evenings. If the children are younger, make sure to include essentials that will amplify their holiday experience, from light snacks to small toys to soothe energetic minds. For the actual travel journey, ensure to have entertainment facilities and even an odd card game for all the passengers to enjoy. Research is the best way to ensure everything is packed up that needs to be, but also to ensure there’s that extra bit of room for take-home souvenir shopping. 

Summary 

The UK is the perfect backdrop for families to embark on an active adventure. Let young minds roam free with nature immersion and create the most memorable adventure together amid rolling hills and serene coastlines. The UK, awaits.