Best UK National Parks for families, short hikes and new ramblers

Looking for family friendly hikes? Or perhaps you are new to hiking and are looking for a short or easy route to try out?

The UK is lucky enough to be home to 15 picturesque National Parks, making the country a rambler’s paradise. From stunning coastal scenery to fairytale forests, you won’t be short of breathtaking areas to explore. Whether you’re completely new to rambling, looking for a short or easy route, or are taking the family walking, there are plenty of options.

To help you plan your next outdoor adventure, Charles Clinkard – a family footwear brand celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2024 – have taken a closer look at all 15 National Parks in the UK and ranked each one on several factors to find the best option for different walkers.

Read on to discover the best park for your next ramble, from family-friendly hotspots to areas perfect for those looking for something a little less strenuous. 

Best National Parks for families: Exmoor and North York Moors

If you plan on taking your little ones with you on your rambling adventure, Exmoor is a great option for family friendly hikes. While there are some hills, the land is relatively flat and there are no mountains in the National Park, making it a less strenuous walk for younger children.

There are also a number of accessible places to explore in the Park, making it ideal for navigating pushchairs and wheelchairs (Visit Exmoor). There are plenty of fun activities and sights for kids of all ages too, from catching a glimpse of the native Exmoor Ponies to visiting wildlife parks and safaris. There are also theme parks nearby and water sports opportunities for older children.

Read More: 5 top tips for getting the kids outdoors for family walks this summer

For those looking for a good Park for families further north, another great option is North York Moors. Like Exmoor, this National Park doesn’t have any mountains and has a range of flat accessible routes without stiles to choose from (North York Moors).

As well as family-friendly walks and cycling routes, the Park is also close to the Yorkshire coastline where your little ones may even catch a glimpse of less commonly spotted marine animals, such as minke whales and white-beaked dolphins.

Best National Parks for a short hike: Dartmoor and Peak District

If you’re looking to tackle a mountain ramble but want something a little less tall than the dizzy heights of Ben Macdui, the good news is that there are several National Parks with family friendly hikes and smaller peaks to explore.

Dartmoor National Park is a great option for those looking for a smaller hike. The highest peak in the park, High Willhays, stands at 621 metres. Although the moorland can be boggy after rain, the terrain is relatively easy to navigate, making this a good hike for those looking for something a little less than a 1000 metre+ mountain, but more than a hill.

Similarly, Kinder Scout in the Peak District is ideal for those looking for a shorter height. While this peak stands a little higher than High Willhays at 636 metres, it is still relatively small in comparison to many of the UK’s mountains, plus you get some breathtaking views from the peak.

Although shorter, walks here tend to be on the more challenging side, and can involve scrambling in parts. It’s best explored by more experienced hikers looking for a short but challenging adventure.

Best National Park for newbie ramblers: New Forest

Looking to get into rambling or hiking but don’t know where to start? The New Forest is the perfect place to slowly introduce yourself to this outdoorsy lifestyle. This is the second smallest National Park in the UK (the first being the Broads), but you won’t be short of routes to choose from.

There are plenty of accessible routes to explore for those new to rambling: the ground is relatively flat and terrain is easy to navigate in most areas. There are ample facilities throughout the park too, as well as over 130 car parks, making this a great option for those looking to dip their toes into the world of walking.