6 great family walks

Distance: Two miles  

Parking: Yes, paid at National Trust car park  

One of the best-known spots in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Box HIll is less than 20 miles from London.  It’s an ideal spot if you’re looking for a family walk over the weekend.

It has spectacular views, varied wildlife. You can go for a long or short walk, depending on what you’re after! You can do the two-mile loop taking in the iconic stepping stones across the River Mole.  

This route starts at the National Trust visitor centre at the top of the hill, heading down the hill to the river, then back up again — and passes by the ancient Box Hill Fort, which is now home to bats rather than soldiers. 

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Distance: From 1.8 miles  

Parking: Yes, free  

You can find this route just 10 miles southwest of Birmingham. Lickey Hills Country Park covers more than 500 acres. It’s a popular spot for walking and other leisure activities.  

Beacon Hill has fantastic views across the countryside and the city — and has a castle-like “toposcope” structure at the top. This was built to mark the handing over of the land to the City of Birmingham by the Cadbury chocolate family in 1907.  

There are plenty of circular waymarked walks to follow. If you during April or May, you’ll be able to spot bluebells!

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Distance: From 3/4 mile  

Parking: Yes, paid at Cannop Ponds car park  

The Forest of Dean is one of the most impressive ancient woodlands in the country.  

It covers 42 square miles and is home to wonderful wildlife, including deer, birds, butterflies, wild boar and the European adder.

The forest sits in the stunning Wye Valley, which has a long-distance walking trail along the River Wye, but lots of people head to the visitor centres to follow the shorter marked loops in the forest.  

We’ve linked to maps of 12 walks. These include a two-mile loop around Cannop Ponds which passes former mine works, giving a taste of the area’s industrial heritage.  

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Distance: From 0.6 miles  

Parking: Yes, paid  

The River Lea runs from Leagrave near Luton to meet the River Thames in London. The Lee Valley Regional Park is a much-loved green and blue space which stretches from the capital out to Hertfordshire and Essex.  

While the park is based around the river, it also includes the Lea Navigation canal and a former gravel pits which now form picturesque lakes. While you’re walking, be sure to keep an eye out for migrating birds.  

The park was also home to athletes from around the world during the 2012 London Olympics, and still plays host to a variety of legacy venues. These include the Lee Valley White Water Centre at Waltham Abbey — which is open to walk around, so we recommend stopping in while along your route.   

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Distance: 0.7 miles

Parking: Pay-and-display car park, free for National Trust members

We think this is a lovely family walk. You’ll start at the visitor and go in a loop, which takes you through woodland and past windpumps. While you’re wandering, you can learn about the local wildlife and the different habitats you’re passing. In the summer, the nature trail is open. This trail will take you up to the Tower Hide.

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Distance: 0.7 miles

Parking: Park in Dog Kennel Lane, walk down the rough lane a short distance and use the rear gate to access the Garden

The Wychwood Wild Garden is made up of 12.5 acres of avenues, woods and ponds which dates all the way back to the 1860s! These woods are home to wildlife, including ducks and birds. It is owned and ran by a local charity. The gardens may be small, but they are a peaceful spot. Lots of locals have described it as a hidden gem.

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