The Best Free Walks and Outings for Half-Term

With half-term coming up across the UK, parents are on the hunt to find ways to entertain the kids – and preferably without breaking the bank. However, it can be a challenge to keep finding new and affordable things to do, let alone that the whole family can enjoy.

Luckily with Asda Money’s Adventure Planner, it couldn’t be easier for parents to plan a day out. This free tool helps people discover their perfect day trip in just 30 seconds, covering over 150 activities and attractions from across the country, as well as plenty of the best walks and trails in every region. The activities are suitable for various ages with many being suitable for children and families, and one of the questions even filters the results to completely free or shows what’s available for a minimal cost.

By simply completing a few quick questions around your desired destination, budget and activity preferences, Asda Money’s Adventure Planner will scan over 150 attractions nationwide to provide you with a selection of the best locations in the UK which can either be the centre of a day trip or can make up part of a longer stay if wanting to travel further. The tool even tells you if a location is dog friendly!

The February half-term is an ideal time to take the family exploring to some of the most scenic walks the UK has to offer. Taking the family out for a day to stretch legs, breathe in fresh air, and play in nature can be all that is needed to provide a change of scenery.

Neil Foster, Senior Commercial and Product Manager at Asda Money, commented, “School holidays can be a busy time for all the family, and after various lockdowns parents are looking for new activities they can do and perhaps trying to avoid busy indoor spaces – or are just wanting to make the most of the UK’s best spots. There’s certainly lots of fantastic walks and day trips to be had so hopefully this quick tool makes it really easy for people to find a range of activities that match their trip requirements – so everyone can find something they enjoy and more time can be spent on the adventures!”

No matter where your chosen destination is, now is a perfect time to explore the countless incredible walking trails and stunning scenery the UK has to offer, such as:

Scotland

• Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell

Explore the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games host venue, one of Scotland’s most popular family attractions. Both kids and their four-legged friends will love running around this iconic country park surrounded by miles of scenic countryside.

• Loch Lomond, Balloch

A brilliant way to get the family active this half-term is to take them on one of the incredible walking trails around the largest lake in Scotland, Loch Lomond. On the way you’ll discover stunning views and breathtaking scenery.

Wales

• Lydstep Cliffs and Caverns Walk, Lydstep

A beautiful spot for a family walk. The spectacular clifftop is home to an array of fascinating wildlife, while young explorers will love investigating the rocky caves. On a clear day, you may even be able to spot some dolphins or porpoises offshore!

• Brecon Beacons National Park, Libanus

Your family can have a full day of fun here. Kids can run free and scramble on the ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle, go bug hunting, or fly a kite from Sugar Loaf Hill on a windy day.

Northern Ireland

• Tollymore Forest, Newcastle

Be enchanted by the giant redwoods and ancient oak trees, wander along the River Shimna and enjoy the many bridges, grottos and caves along the way. There is also an adventure playground which little ones will love!

• Causeway Coastal Route, Ballycastle

The superb Causeway Coastal Route is a fantastic area to walk around. The route is also dotted with amazing cliff pathways, caves, the Giant’s Causeway, and the exhilarating Carrick-A-Rede Rope bridge!

North East

• Jesmond Dene, Jesmond

A wonderful historic park in the heart of Newcastle, Jesmond Dene provides a tranquil environment for a gentle stroll with the family where you can catch a glimpse of rare wildlife, including magnificent peacocks.

• High Force and Low Force Walk, County Durham

A leisurely scenic walk through the famous North Pennines with one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England, cascading 21 metres into a plunge pool below.

North West

• Lake District National Park, Cumbria

This stunning park offers a vast range of child and dog-friendly walks as well as views of incredible lakes and dramatic mountains. An ever-popular family favourite.

• Sefton Park, Liverpool

Explore the 200 acres of rolling landscapes, pathways, lakes, and statues including a beautiful boating lake. Younger kids will love the play area with swings and climbing frames!

Yorkshire & Humber

• Malham and Gordale, Yorkshire Dales

The Malham and Gordale Scar walk provides a stunning location for a family walk, with dramatic cliffs and tumbling waterfalls. There is plenty of natural beauty to admire and rocks to scramble over for little adventurers.

• Wentworth Castle Gardens, Barnsley

These spectacular gardens in South Yorkshire provide the perfect backdrop for a family stroll. Look out for birds, hunt for bugs, build a den or even make some wild art along the way!

East Midlands

• Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire

Take your family for a walk in the magical Sherwood Forest, home to the old legend of Robin Hood. Explore the ancient woodlands, wildlife and so much more.

• Peak District National Park, Derbyshire

Known as the spiritual home of the great countryside, there is so much to do and see, including wild moorlands, famous hills and plenty of family-friendly walking and cycling trails to keep you busy!

West Midlands

• Client Hills, Romsley

Less than 8 miles from Birmingham City centre, this park offers panoramic views as far as the Cotswold and Welsh borders. Explore the long footpaths, bridleways and easy access trails as you make your way through the beautiful park.

• Walsall Arboretum, Walsall

Walsall Arboretum houses a wonderful boating lake, beautiful gardens, open green spaces and a fabulous children’s play area making it the ideal place for a family walk.

East of England

• Maldon Promenade Park, Maldon

This Edwardian Promenade Park on the Blackwater Estuary offers a lovely family stroll around the lake, or if you have some spare pennies, kids will love the mini-golf, zoo, and boat lake!

• Hylands Estate Country Park, Chelmsford

Set in 570 acres of parkland, Hylands House is the perfect location for a family stroll. Kids will love walking in the woodlands or playing at the award-winning Adventure Park!

London

• Hyde Park, Green Park and Kensington Gardens

In the heart of London, Hyde Park offers spots for families to stroll and relax in the beautiful surroundings. Green Park spans over 40 acres – an ideal place for a day full of walking and exploring. Younger children will love Kensington Gardens for its unique wooden pirate ship and spectacular sculptures inspired by the adventures of Peter Pan.

• Greenwich Park

Overlooking the River Thames, Greenwich Park offers a historic mix of landscapes and stunning scenery to walk around. Discover the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory or learn about the famous Cutty Sark for some historical education for the kids!

South East

• South Downs National Park

Spanning the three counties of Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex, families will love walking amongst the rolling chalk hills and lush greenery. History lovers will love the Iron Age monuments and forts dotted around.

• Leith Hill Tower, Surrey Hills, Surrey

Surrounded by lots of family-friendly and dog-friendly woodland, this tower is the highest point in Southeast England. Kids will love exploring the parkland and climbing the 74 steps to the top of the tower for a glimpse of the London Eye!

South West

• Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

Follow in Harry Potter’s footsteps when you visit the ancient woodlands of Puzzlewood. Marvel at the twisted trees and enjoy a mile and a half of walking trails with plenty of lookout points and bridges.

• Haldon Forest Park, Exeter

With 3,500 acres of woodland to explore and stunning views, these offer the ideal location for a family stroll or hike. If you have some extra money, you could even book a Segway tour of the forest or treetop adventures!