This year has proved many things to us all: most notably, that nothing is more important than spending some quality time with the family.
Secondly, just how breath-taking – and therapeutic – those local spots on our doorstep are. Thirdly…how sometimes, when the world has come to a standstill, it’s up to us to make our own fun with what we’ve got.
Our Autumn Outside is a guide for all families, whichever area you’re in, to make the most of your Autumn holiday. We’ve taken into account local lockdown rules and have brought to you some outdoor inspiration while abiding by government restrictions. From the wild waves of North West Wales to the hilly heart of the Lake District, this blog includes plenty of ideas for you to make the most of this time of year.
1) Denbighshire
Family Beach Walk
Prestatyn
Starting with a solid favourite for all the family – a simple stroll on the sandy beaches of the North Wales coastline. Whichever county you’re a resident of, there’s a beach in that proximity. And we’re pretty sure that making your way to your local beach is a good reason for travel.
Fresh sea air, miles and miles to stretch your legs (and enough room for social distancing) and natural wildlife is a sure way to improve your wellbeing and provide fun for all the family. Why not visit Prestatyn’s Blue Flag beach and see if you can spot some starlings? (insert blog link to animals)
Outdoor Play Area
Llyn Brenig playground, Cerrigydrudion
Located deep in the heart of Denbighshire, this outdoor play area will prove a hit with the youngsters. The recently installed new adventure playground includes a zip wire, swings, and a huge slide. Adults can also take in the gorgeous scenery – while keeping an eye on the wandering little ones, of course – with plenty of seating areas to sit with a flask of hot coffee.
A network of footpaths and trails are dotted around this Denbigh Moore hotspot, perfect for cycling! Why not hire bikes for all the family and explore the area? There are deer and otter to be seen – careful to keep dogs on a lead if you take them to this pet-friendly park.
2) Flintshire
Greenfield Abbey
Hide and Seek
Basingwerk Abbey is the ideal place for a fun game of hide-and-seek! Located in Greenfield, five minutes’ drive from the historic market town of Holywell, this Grade I listed ruined abbey will interest adults and children alike. History buffs can revel in the ancient stories of the 12th-century site, while children can quite literally run around the ruins.
This underrated, outdoor, family-friendly gem consists of a large field, with medieval ruins dotted about. With plenty of sneaky spots and crooked crevices to hide in, children can have hours of fun in this cultural spot. Remember to watch your step and pick up your litter!
Feed The Animals
Greenacres Animal Park
At Greenacres, you and the family will have 80 acres of indoor and outdoor access to domesticated, zoological, and wildlife animals. This park is reputed to be educational, informative, and all-around fun! You can feed and pet the animals (Covid-19 restrictions do apply of course) and learn all about something new. Located at the gateway to North Wales in Deeside, Greenacres is the perfect family day out for those who live in Flintshire.
3) Conwy
Tobogganing
Llandudno Snowsports Centre
Thrill-seekers, we have something for you! Outdoors, wild – and rather crazy, is tobogganing which you can do at Llandudno Snowsports Centre if you live in the county of Conwy. The longest run in Wales is located here, offering 575m of exhilaration (when the weather is dry!)
Children under 4 can only watch on with glee, and children between 4-7 must ride with an adult – but this doesn’t mean the whole family can’t have fun. Sno-tubing is also available here, fantastic fun and safe activity consisting of inflatable rings and a huge artificial snow slope. Sound good?
Water Gardens
Conwy
Open year-round and whatever the weather, this Snowdonia-based Water Garden is something quirky for your family to visit. With three fishing lakes, a newly installed nature walk, lots of duck ponds, woods, waterfalls, and a children’s play area, what more could you need for a quality day out? The Dutch Pancake House & Restaurant is rave-worthy, and the aquatic centre is home to over 100 species of fish and tortoise for the youngsters to wonder at.
4) Anglesey
Puffin Island
Those who live in Anglesey are blessed daily with breath-taking views of landscapes and wildlife. It’s easy to see why thousands of tourists flock to the Menai Straits and Puffin Island – but now you’ve got it all to yourself! Take in the island and its wild inhabitants via seacoast safari and feel the sea air in your hair. Social-distancing measures are in place to ensure you and the family enjoy a staycation in the great outdoors of Anglesey.
Kayaking
Bodorgan/ Holyhead
It’s October. Too cold to go in the sea, right? Wrong! Sea Kayaking is a common autumn sport on Anglesey, with miles of beautiful coastline to discover. Aficionados can hire ‘sit inside’ kayaks and go exploring either with us without an instructor. Those who want to stay a little drier can hire a ‘sit on top’ kayak – and complete newbies can even have lessons in a sheltered bay. Children are always welcome, and most companies offer a family discount. Do something a little different – get your suit on and wet your paddles!
5) Cumbria
Treetop Adventures
Windermere
There’s nothing more refreshing than spending some time in the great outdoors with your family – suspended 15m in the air! Swing, climb, balance, and fly through the ancient woodland of Windermere, while secured to a safety cable. The lower level Mini Trek stands at 5m high and has tree mazes, aerial challenges, and swinging vines for the younger adventurers.
Hadrian’s Wall
Carlisle
Joining the land between the North and the Irish Seas in a barricade of bricks and mortar. Hadrian’s Wall is a must-see for any Cumbria resident. The World Heritage Site, built in AD122 to guard the wild northern frontier of the Roman Empire, a walk to Hadrian’s Wall will not disappoint any member of the family. Explore forts, turrets, and shrines, and wonder at the views of Solway Coast and North Pennines. There’s a national trail path to follow so families can plan their own invasion of the beautiful Cumbrian countryside.
There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the great outdoors with your family – as long as you follow your local council’s advice and protect, respect, and appreciate the environment and others.
