Family walks near me

Want to get your little ones outside? A waterside walk is the perfect breath of fresh air this summer. Read on for our free guide to family walks near you.

Family running along a canal towpath in the summer

Family walks by the canal

With colourful boats, wonderful wildlife and working locks, there's plenty to interest all the family on your local canal.

Family walks near me have been selected with a number of factors in mind, including length, towpath surface and wildlife/historical interest along the way.

Read on for our favourite family-friendly walks - in no particular order.

Family friendly walks in the north

Manchester

Wellbeing walk to Piccadilly Basin

Get a breath of fresh air on this 2km linear walk along the canals of Manchester.

Castleford

Historic canal walk at Castleford

Walk through 900 years of history on a 2.5km stroll along the Aire & Calder Navigation at Castleford.

Merseyside

Walker in a winter coat on a towpath covered in autumn leaves next to a still canal reflecting the blue sky and surrounding trees.

Walk along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

This short circular walk takes in Rimrose Valley and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Family friendly walks in Wales

Powys

Boats moored along grassy towpath of canal

Wildlife walk in Welshpool

The Montgomery Canal brings wildlife right into the centre of Welshpool. Follow our fascinating family trail to explore this exciting waterway.

Wrexham

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Vale of Llangollen

History walk on the Llangollen Canal

Take all your senses on a family adventure around the awe-inspiring Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Family friendly walks in the midlands

Lincolnshire

History walk at Torksey Lock

Discover the rich history of Torksey Lock with this fun activity sheet from our Explorers team. Take a family stroll and see history come to life.

Birmingham

Birmingham Canal Walk

Enjoy this one-mile walk through Birmingham city centre, taking in Farmers Bridge Locks, Old Turn Junction and Gas Street Basin.

Family friendly walks in the south

Buckinghamshire

Family walk at Soulbury

Become a nature detective and step back in time with this fun activity trail at Soulbury Three Locks, Buckinghamshire. Family walking at its best along the Grand Union Canal.

Bath, Somerset

Family walk in Bath

Download our exciting activity sheet to add to the fun as you take a family walk around Bath Locks. Our trail leads from Darlington Wharf near Sydney Gardens all the way to Widecombe Bottom Lock.

London

London Canal Walk

Take a gentle waterways stroll along the Regent’s Canal, where rail tracks, water roads and towpaths crisscross harmoniously.

Wiltshire

Narrowboat moors beneath trees at the bottom of a flight of locks.

Wildlife walk at Caen Hill Locks

You are a brave and fearless explorer in a place called Caen Hill. What wild birds, animals, insects and plants will you discover?

Family walking in Devizes

It’s 1898. You are the honest and hardworking wharfinger in charge of Devizes Wharf. Step back in time on this family trail around Devizes Wharf on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Look out for wildlife

Feed the ducks, admire the swans and keep your eyes peeled for more elusive waterway creatures such as kingfishers and water voles.

Watch the boats

Children (and adults!) are fascinated by colourful canal boats, especially if you can watch them moving up and down the locks. We call that 'gongoozling'.

Go on a scavenger hunt

There's so much to look out for by the canal, from plants, trees and animals to living history such as mileposts and rope marks.

More waterside walking routes

For family walking of all shapes and sizes, see our full list of waterside walking routes or find your local canal and follow your nose. Look out for wonderful wildlife and glimpses into the fascinating past of our canals and rivers.