There’s something truly magical about an autumn walk. The crunch of leaves underfoot, the fresh nip in the air, rosy cheeks, and the thrill of discovering the perfect conker—simple joys that make this season feel special.

Whether you’re after a weekend wander or a half-term adventure, I’ve rounded up the best autumn walks for families across the UK—complete with kid-friendly trails, seasonal charm, and plenty of opportunities for leaf-kicking and hot chocolate stops.

🍂 What Makes a Great Autumn Family Walk?

When you’re walking with little legs in tow, it’s all about:

• Easy-to-follow, not-too-long routes
• Places to run, climb, explore and collect treasures
• Opportunities for seasonal extras like pumpkin patches, woodland trails or nature-themed activities
• Nearby facilities (read: toilets and snacks!)

Here are some top spots to check out around the UK…

🌳 1. Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey

Best for: Spectacular leaf colour and gentle trails

Run by the National Trust, Winkworth is an autumn dream. Think winding woodland paths, fiery red and gold trees, and a boathouse by the lake for a magical rest stop. They even do seasonal activity trails for children.

🧺 Facilities: Café, toilets, baby changing
🅿️ Parking on site
🧭 Trail tip: The Tree Adventure Trail is perfect for kids!

🎃 2. Brogdale Farm, Kent

Best for: Pumpkin picking meets orchard stroll

Home of the National Fruit Collection, Brogdale is brilliant in autumn. Kids can pick apples, spot wildlife, and roam the orchards. Look out for their October pumpkin patch and seasonal trails.

👣 Trail length: Flexible paths through orchards
🎟️ Small entry fee during events
🧃 Don’t miss the local apple juice tasting!

🐿️ 3. Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire

Best for: A little legend with your leaves

Explore the legendary home of Robin Hood on a leafy autumn walk. With towering oaks, including the Major Oak, and a great visitor centre, it’s a fab mix of storybook and outdoorsy fun.

🧭 Good for: All ages
📚 Bonus: Storytelling events and Robin Hood-themed activities
🧤 Wrap up—it can be chilly under the canopy!

🍁 4. The Gruffalo Trails, Various Forestry England Sites

Best for: Younger kids and fun photo ops

Forestry England sites like Wendover Woods, Dalby Forest, and Moors Valley offer interactive trails based on Julia Donaldson books. Perfect for engaging little ones on a woodland stroll, especially if they’re “not that into walking”.

🎨 Grab the free app or printed trail map
🚻 Most sites have family-friendly facilities
📷 Don’t forget a photo with the Gruffalo!

🌾 5. Castlewellan Forest Park, Northern Ireland

Best for: Maze adventures and lakeside strolls

A gem in County Down, this park offers accessible lakeside paths, a giant Peace Maze, and an adventure playground. Ideal for burning off energy before a flask of hot chocolate.

🌳 Beautiful mix of forest and water
🧺 Picnic-friendly with scenic views
🧭 Try the family orienteering challenge!

🎒 6. Faskally Wood, Pitlochry (Scotland)

Best for: Dramatic autumn views and forest immersion

Known for its vivid colours, Faskally is part of the Tay Forest Park and a great choice for a nature-immersive autumn walk. If you’re visiting in October, check out the Enchanted Forest light show (book in advance).

🧣 Bring your wellies—it can get muddy
🌈 Ideal for forest school-style exploring
🍫 Reward with a local café stop in Pitlochry

🐾 7. Formby, Merseyside

Best for: Sand dunes and red squirrels

Formby offers a blend of beach, woodland and dramatic sand dunes. Autumn’s a great time to spot the rare red squirrels and enjoy a windswept family walk along the coastal paths.

🦌 Wildlife spotting adds extra fun
🧺 Bring a kite or bucket for beach finds
🧭 Mix it up with a conker hunt in the pine woods

🍂 Top Tips for Autumn Walks With Kids

✔️ Layer up – British autumns can be unpredictable!
✔️ Bring bags – For conkers, pine cones, or leaves for crafting later
✔️ Snacks and warm drinks – Motivation in a Thermos
✔️ Wellies or waterproof shoes – Mud is practically guaranteed
✔️ Make it a game – Try a nature scavenger hunt or “spot the colour” challenge

Final Thoughts

Some of the best family memories happen outdoors, boots on, cheeks rosy, with a pocket full of conkers and a bag full of damp leaves you’ll forget about for three days.

The best autumn walks for families offer more than just fresh air—they’re a chance to reconnect, slow down, and enjoy the simple magic of the season. So grab your scarves, load up on snacks, and go explore your own little corner of autumn.