70+ Family Friendly Walks in Yorkshire

This site has a small car park and an access for all route that takes you along the main woodland ride. Although steep steps make it impossible for wheelchairs and difficult for pushchairs to access the high viewpoint. Please note the site has no toilets but these may be available nearby in Pocklington. Picnic benches are provided. The walk is around 1 mile long.

Big skies and ever changing wildlife make the evocative landscape of Spurn one of the Trust’s most iconic nature reserves. There is at least 3 miles of walking along the sandy point. Strong currents and soft sand underfoot mean that it is very dangerous to enter the water on the wash over area.

The boardwalk is a short loop which can be accessed at all times. Wellies are required for the rest of the site which is boggy with deep pools and ditches. Magnificent royal ferns, rare gingerbread sedge and spectacular displays of water violets are to be found in this mosaic of fen, woodland and meadow. Askham Bog is remarkable survivor of the ancient fenlands of Yorkshire. You can walk up to 5 miles.

Unsurfaced paths around the reserve, with some boardwalks. A wildlife trail leads visitors around a woodland trail with 25 posts to find. It is perfect for a family day out. With habitats spanning from wetland and wildflower meadows to mature woodland, this delightful nature reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The circular walk is around 1.5 miles.

The Cinder Track follows the route of the old Scarborough to Whitby railway line and provides over 21 miles of stunning coast and countryside to explore on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. This post is useful for planning a walk on the trail.

2-mile circular route that passes an idyllic woodland tea garden and the 30-foot Falling Foss waterfall, before returning alongside babbling May Beck. In summer there are shallow waters to paddle in, and a bridge to play pooh-sticks from – and spectacular in autumn when the woodland colours are at their best. The May Beck and Falling Foss trail is 2 miles long. The walk can get muddy and is relatively challenging. 

Guisborough Forest and Walkway is situated at the northern edge of the National Park. Onsite facilities include two play areas, a trim trail to challenge you, a sculpture trail, circular waymarked walks and bike trails, and a permanent orienteering course. A dipping platform provides access into the wetland area and there’s a regular events programme. The trail is 2.5 miles in length.

Hagg Wood is an area of woodland of 107 acres (43Ha), to the east of Dunnington, York. Home to foxes, deer, badgers and many woodland birds, It’s also a great place to spot bluebells in spring, as well as primroses, yellow pimpernel, wood anemone and dog violets, which you’ll find growing along the woodland rides and clearings. The circular walk is around 1 mile long.

There is a trail with plenty of things along the way. Including water play, seasonal geocache trail, animals and a sculpture trail – new willow sculptures celebrating the heritage of the Dales are hidden around the Park.

30 acres of parkland with tranquil lakeside walks, dramatic Millstone Grit rock formations, romantic woodland trails winding through bluebells and rhododendrons. The lake, woodland, parkland and dam have recently been restored to their 18th Century glory. Plumpton has been described as the finest 18th Century picturesque garden in Britain. There is so much to do nearby in Harrogate.

An accessible walk at Ripon. A gentle walk along a scenic stretch of the Ripon Canal, with plenty of opportunities to watch birdlife or enjoy a picnic. The walk begins at the canal basin, which is just outside the city centre. From here it is a gentle stroll to Rhodesfield Lock, passing the former lockkeeper’s house. The path is wide enough for wheelchairs and pushchairs making it perfectly accessible. The accessible path is 1 mile long but the canal path stretches on much further.

This park has a good range of easy walking routes. There is also a choice of cycle tracks. There is a relatively new centre with a hands-on Window on the Park exhibition

Swinsty Reservoir nestles in the stunning Washburn Valley and provides breath-taking views across the water and the surrounding landscape, especially from the embankment near the River Washburn or various rest points dotted along the walk. The main walk is roughly 3 miles long.

Wheldrake Wood is a fantastic place to escape the everyday bustle of York and stretch your legs with a woodland walk. With an abundance of wildlife, mixture of trees and network of informal paths, Wheldrake Wood is the place to go for your next outdoor adventure. Starting from Broad Highway Car Park, you can choose to stay on the main path or for the more adventurous, explore further by branching off on smaller trails.

York’s City Walls are FREE.  They are open to walk on from about 8.00am to dusk daily. York’s medieval City Walls (or “Bar Walls”), a scheduled ancient monument encircling the  historic City of York, comprise 3.4km (2 miles) of surviving masonry. They are the longest town walls in England. A walk round the walls takes about 2 hours and offers an opportunity to see the main features of the walls.

It is situated in the Loxley Valley, near the village of Low Bradfield. The 47 hectare area of open water is popular for angling and water sports, including three active rowing clubs and the Viking Sailing Club. The perimeter of the reservoir is also great for walking, especially since enhancements to the 3 1/4 mile circular route were completed. Photo credit Mick Knapton.

Nestled in the heart of the Dearne Valley is RSPB Old Moor nature reserve with 250 acres of nature to explore. There are pond dipping kits and exciting activity back packs for hire that contain all the fun things budding explorers need to while away their time around our Discovery Zone or adventure playground.

Longshaw is covered with a maze of footpaths, so let us help you find your way.  We have three waymarked walks, all starting from outside the tea-room – simply follow the coloured arrows.  Pick up a leaflet from the car park or tea-room. Walks from around 1.5 miles to 3 miles.

After being closed for two years, South Yorkshire’s only grade I registered landscape has now reopened. Breathe in the fresh air at Wentworth Castle Gardens by embarking on a beautiful self-led walk. Meander through miles of open parkland and woodland, taking advantage of the beautiful seasonal scenes. With 63 acres of gardens and 500 acres of parkland to explore.

Ardsley is a delightful short walk with flat, surfaced paths the full way around. Park up at our free car park. Length of walk is 1.5 miles.

This is a magnificent park with ornate features, cascades, grottos, steep cliffs and picturesque woodland walks for all the family. There’s play areas and a visitors centre plus other facilities. There’s even a hidden castle waiting to be found. The park is just over 20 acres in size.

Large woods with parking, playground, playing fields and a Trim Trail (static gym equipment such as monkey bars). The wood backs onto the Leeds Liverpool Canal and there is a walk along the riverside. Well-defined paths and some steep steps. The woods is around 1 mile in length and the canal path longer.

Cannon Hall is a stunning Georgian country house museum set in 70 acres of historic parkland and beautifully landscaped gardens. It is the perfect day out for all the family. It is an idyllic place for a relaxing walk, family outing or picnic. The Park is an ideal place to explore with children, with acres of grassland that are perfect for games

The forest park overlooks the market town of Otley and is a designated nature reserve. With amazing views from the Surprise View car park. Woodland, heathland, rocky outcrops and meadowland. You can walk for almost 3 miles.

Nestled between Leeds, York and Wakefield, Fairburn Ings is an exciting site for family activities and serious wildlife watching. Over the last 60 years it has transitioned from coal face to wild place; an ex-industrial site rich in heritage and an important site for breeding and wintering wildfowl. The circular walk is 5.5 miles.

Hardcastle Crags offers a chance to walk through some fairly ancient woodland above a stream, which has many paths and items of interest, particularly for the wildlife enthusiast. About a mile from the car park is a renovated Mill which is well worth a look/tour round and a cafe.

Middleton Park, the green jewel of South Leeds, is a mixture of traditional parkland and ancient woodland. This green space is over 470 acres and has something for everyone including a cafe, bowling greens, a playground, and a fishing lake. Plus much more, it is a great place for a walk. There is also 200 acres of woodland.

Newmillerdam Country Park features a central lake surrounded by a surfaced path with surrounding broadleaved and coniferous woodland located on the slopes. The Chevet branch line is an old railway line accessed from the south west corner which allows you to explore the wider countryside. You can also take part in the gnome roam – find the sculptures and complete the activities and challenges as you go. There is a 1.5 mile surfaced lake walk and further walks.

The restored gardens are well worth a visit, and over 100 acres of Green Flag award winning country park include a visitor centre, gift shop, café, nature trail, picnic sites and a playground designed for children of all abilities. Oakwell Hall and Country Park has two car parks. The south-west of the site is open for parking at all times, though a height restriction barrier prevents access to vehicles of over two metres.

 There are a number of walks with good footpath links to Sandal Castle where there are spectacular views to the west along the Calder Valley. Within the park is a lake which is a designated Local Nature Reserve which is enjoyed by bird watchers with a wide variety of bird visitors each year receives many varieties of bird species. You can also enjoy watersports, play area, light railway and cycling.

Created on a floodplain in Kirkstall Valley, a recognised ‘flyway’ for wildfowl and waders on migration, the wetland habitats constructed here complement the nearby River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Car Parking is available on site just after crossing the bridge over the River Aire. They also offer trails, pond dipping, mini beast hunts and bird watching.

Roundhay Park now covers over 700 acres of parkland, lakes and woodland and is one of the largest urban parks in the world. The Park has a scented for the blind, National Plant Collections, Canal Gardens, the Monet and Alhambra Gardens, plus Tropical World. Playgrounds and a cafe.

Just a stone’s throw from the centre of Leeds, St Aidan’s is a stunning park to explore. Whether you’re on foot, on your bike or have your camera at the ready, take advantage of the amazing views and wonderful wildlife including bitterns, avocets, black terns, skylarks and meadow pipits.

Located 3 miles south east of Wakefield, Walton Colliery Nature Park consists of lakes and ponds, woodland and grassland and also a section of the Barnsley Canal. With a Network of paths through the park for walking and cycling. The Loop trail is 3 in length. 

One of the most well-known sights in Otley, lies alongside the River Wharfe and has beautiful gardens where you can take a leisurely walk, go on the river on a boat or pedalo. There is an extensive playground and you can enjoy an ice cream from the cafe that overlooks the river. For older children there are the added attractions of a skateboard park and the recently installed outdoor gym.

Worsbrough Mill Country Park covers over 240 acres and holds Local Nature Reserve status. The Parks 60 acre reservoir is a haven for wildlife and is open to anglers and bird watchers. The Park has well maintained footpaths and cyclepaths that meander through Willow Carr and around the circumference of the reservoir passing meadowlands that are rich in wild flowers. Walks more suitable for families – The Badger Walk: A fairly level walk following Worsbrough Reservoir with only very slight inclines in places. Suitable for wheelchair access. Approx. 3.5km. The Fox Walk: A reasonably level walk with a few inclines. Suitable for wheelchair access. Approx. 2km.