Enjoy some family fun
Looking for places the whole family will enjoy? Discover family-friendly cycling trails, places to get closer to nature and historic buildings where you can learn about the past.
Enchanted forests to visit with the family
Looking for magical days outdoors? Here are our best enchanted forests to explore with your family. Keep an eye out for fairies, dragons and creatures of the wild woods on your day out.
- Acorn Bank, Cumbria
- Acorn Bank in Cumbria is best known for its collection of herbs and traditional fruit orchards. Explore a little further into the woods and you'll find hidden doors, a hollow tree, and space for wild play where children can create their own adventures.Visit Acorn Bank
- Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire
- The forest at Dinefwr has some of the oldest trees in Britain, and is home to modern-day mini-dragons in the form of freshwater dragonflies. Another hill in Wales is Dinas Emrys, which has links to Merlin and King Arthur, and legend has it that this is where the red dragon of Wales came from.Visit Dinefwr
- Hatfield Forest, Essex
- The ancient trees of Hatfield Forest are like living sculptures. Some are an incredible 1,200 years old and others have become 'walking trees', where branches of the tree touch the ground and grow new roots. If you're looking for somewhere where children can run off some energy, this medieval royal hunting forest will get their imaginations whirring.Visit Hatfield Forest
- Lydford Gorge, Devon
- Lydford Gorge is an ancient forest, home to the spectacular White Lady Waterfall and the Devil's Cauldron, a naturally-formed pothole. The gorge is associated with many stories and myths, which you can explore on a day out.Visit Lydford Gorge
- Shervage Wood, Somerset
- Rumour has it that Shervage Wood, in the Quantock Hills near Fyne Court, was once home to a fire-breathing dragon called the Gurt Worm. The dragon was eventually defeated and cut into two halves, and legend tells that the two halves of the dragon formed the Quantock Hills, so you’ll be walking an enchanted path through this wood.Visit the Quantock Hills
- Ullswater, Cumbria
- A family stroll next to Ullswater, Cumbria leads you to Aira Force, a magical waterfall surrounded by trees and peaceful glades. Look out for resident red squirrels as you explore this woodland.Visit Ullswater and Aira Force
You might also be interested in
Family-friendly castles
If you're looking for an adventure-packed family day out, discover a family-friendly castle packed with history and activities suitable for royalty of all ages.
Places for kids to dress up
Dressing up is a fun way for children to get in touch with the past. We've picked our best places to try on costumes and play make-believe.
Best natural play areas
Whether it's splashing, climbing or running, there's nothing quite like playing outdoors. Explore the best natural play areas at the places in our care where kids can run wild.
No. 40 Go on a nature walk at night
Read these tips to make the most out of no. 40 of our ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’, go on a nature walk at night.
Best family bike rides
Learn about the best places in our care to explore with your family by bike. Find miles of traffic-free trails through woods and parkland.
