Whether you are looking for action-packed adventures, or a peaceful location to relax in and enjoy the wonders of nature, there are outdoor centres across the UK that cater for the needs of families.
This post has just a small selection of the many options available, along with links to find other options near to where you live.
RSPB nature reserves in the UK
The UK has some wonderful nature reserves, designed for families to enjoy nature and to find out more about the wildlife in the area. Wherever you are based, typing in your postcode here will enable you to find your nearest centre(s): https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves
The facilities at each centre vary, but the website is very helpful, as it indicates what is available at each site, so you can choose one to best meet your family’s needs. It indicates whether each site is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs, whether toilets and baby changing facilities are available, if there are nature trails, if dogs are permitted and more.
If you are holidaying in the UK, a day out at a nearby nature reserve is a great way to observe and discover more about the wildlife in a different locality.
Wildlife and Wetlands Trust centres in the UK
There are a range of Wetlands Trust centres. They are conservation centres which allow visitors to see a wide range of water birds in their natural habitats.
Here is the link to find your nearest WWT centre: https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres
Slimbridge Wetland Centre is situated in Gloucestershire, with walkways, a canoe safari and an open-air Living Wetland Theatre.
https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge
Forest centres
Forestry England is a great place to find forest centres which cater for families, with trails, activities and facilities. Their website can help you to find the best options for the activities that you want to do.
https://www.forestryengland.uk/search-forests
Activities at some forest centres may include:
- Walking
- Running
- Cycling
- Mountain biking
- Horse-riding
- Segway opportunities
- Tree top adventure centres
Sherwood Forest, renowned for its association with Robin Hood, has a visitor centre. It has toilet facilities, food and drink and trail guides for exploring the vast forest area.
https://visitsherwood.co.uk/at-the-visitor-centre
Farms
Many farms across the UK are now open for family visits. Activities can range from walking around the farm to see the animals, to feeding animals, bottle feeding lambs and helping with care. Many farms now also offer activities like tractor rides and play parks for children.
Cannon Hall Farm, as featured in the TV series ‘Springtime on the Farm’ is open for visitors. Set in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, it offers the opportunity to see a wide range of animals, on a working farm. It also has vast play areas for young children and older children too, as well as tractor rides and indoor facilities.
The National Trust
If you are looking for a family day out with walks, picnic spaces, a park and gardens, then the National Trust has lots of options across the UK. You can usually buy a ticket for the grounds only, if you are not wanting to visit a stately home. A membership pass is also available to purchase, allowing access to all of the National Trust properties.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
A selection of some of the UK’s outdoor adventure centres
For families seeking more active adventures, or wanting to try new experiences, then an adventure centre like one of these may provide you with what you are looking for:
- Hilltop Outdoor Centre is a family-run, independent centre in Norfolk, England. It caters for school visits and families. Activities available include climbing walls, high ropes courses, zip wires, archery and air jump.
https://www.hilltopoutdoorcentre.co.uk
- Acorn Adventure is set in the Brecon Beacons in Wales, with mountain views. Activities include horse riding, climbing and tree top challenges.
https://www.acornadventure.co.uk/brecon-beacons-wales
- East Links Family Park in East Lothian, Scotland, offers the opportunity to see a wide range of animals and to take part in activities such as biking, go-karting, sand play, trampolining and crazy golf.
- Todd’s Leap is in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Activities includearchery, climbing, a giant swing and more.
- Lusty Glaze Adventure Centre, in Newquay, Cornwall. Activities include surfing lessons, stand-up paddleboarding, jet-skiing and rib rides. https://lustyglazeadventurecentre.co.uk/
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References
RSPB: https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves
Forestry England: https://www.forestryengland.uk/search-forests
National Trust: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Wildlife and Wetlands Trust: https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres
‘Farm Parks in the UK’ Great Days Out…ideas for all the family: https://www.great-days-out.co.uk/animal-wildlife-parks/farm-parks
