Lockdown for me, as I know for many, has made me appreciate getting outdoors, walking, the fresh air and taking in the scenery whatever the weather.
This inspired me to pop together an article highlighting a collection of properties, that can be found on Holiday Tots, ideal for adventurous families who enjoy exploring the outdoors.
So if you are looking for a family holiday with walks and countryside on your doorstep or close by read on…
This is a beautiful Chateau in the Languedoc-Roussillon, France.
The family run winery has stunning walks right on the doorstep. The vineyards surrounding the Chateau lead you through olive, pine forests and offer great stopping points to take in the views of the Pyrenees in the distances. There are 120 hectares to explore with picnic areas set up along the way too. Easily accessible for the whole family.
If that is not enough there are lots more walks further afield. Less than an hour from Chateau Canet in the Corbiere, near a very pretty village called Lagrasse is the Sentier de Mayronnes, a fantastic walk through countryside with incredible views.
La Montagne Noir, a small mountain range about 30minutes away with forest walks that follow rivers and loop around the mountain villages.
For families who enjoy bird watching there are walks along the Mediterranean coast which is about an hours drive away, great for bird watching in the spring and fall as migration birds stop here. It is a great viewing for pink flamingos.
There are many more walks and attractions near Chateau Canet not forgetting the Canal de Midi a UNESCO world heritage site, that are worth adventuring out for, however, it is hard getting away with all the fun stuff going on site!
A quirky and rustic collection of beautiful holiday cottages in the Natural Park Sierra de Aracena, a peaceful setting in the Spanish countryside
The Sierra is a perfect spot with walking lovers, so perfect they have put together there own walking holiday for those who are a little more adventures. However, if you are looking at going to one area and setting up camp then Molino Rio still has much to offer.
The Gorge walk with fabulous scenery and great for families that love animals spotting. You will pass farms with cows, sometimes bulls and goat, not forgetting the famous black pigs roaming around the meadows. This walk is also great for bird lovers with many species flying around.
Another walk recommended by the owners is the The Linaraes Walk which passes the deserted, abandoned hamlet of Los Madroneros. This walk leads you to the village of Linaraes de la Sierra with winding streets. You also pass the village of Alajar. Both villages are within walking distance of Molino Rio with traditional bars and restaurants.
This wonderful country estate is located in Devon and as many of us do know Devon is full of fabulous countryside and coastal walks.
Gitcombe encourage walking and running when staying with them, they even have put together a few suggested walking and running routes for their guests.
With footpaths on Gitcombe’s doorstep offering routes through the countryside with combined woodland areas and open fields along with countryside walking. On the walks you may be lucky enough to spot a deer or two and wilding hares hopping about. Walks here can adventure guests right out to the coast where they will be able to spot grey seals and maybe even some dolphin!
Dartmoor National Park is only a 30 minute drive away. Beautiful woodland trails with ponies roaming, open moorlands and deep river valleys.
An Andalucian child-friendly holiday home placed in a beautiful part of Spain.
Andalucia is a pretty place for walking, especially spring and early summer when all the wildflowers are blooming. It is quite common for holiday goers to head there this time of year to see the wildflowers.
Recommended by the lovely owner of Casa La Sierrecilla is Torcal Park Nature Reserve near Antequera perfect for a family walk. There are three routes varying in lengths with spectacular views and limestone rock formation, owner Heather really enjoys her trip here with her two boys who love exploring the rocks.
Two child-friendly holiday cottages with an onsite Bread Making school set in the wonderful Sussex countryside.
The cottages are situated just outside the historic market town of Steyning with shops, cafes pubs and tearooms.
Being surrounded by beautiful countryside and on the edge of South Downs National Park, guests who enjoy walking and taking in the country views really are spoilt for choice with a number of public footpaths to enjoy. The Artisan Bakehouse has 5 acres of gardens and woods to explore and if families are planning a trip in spring, they have some beautiful bluebell woods minutes from their gates. Once guests have enjoyed a lovely walk what better feeling than returning home to a cosy cottage with warm wood burning fires and indulging in some freshly bakes treats from the onsite Bakehouse .
South Down National Park is one of England’s newest National Parks, with stunning panoramic views and rolling hills great for walking, cycling and even horse riding.
Above are just a few fantastic holidays with fabulous family-friendly walks, there are many more on Holiday Tots worth exploring depending on what makes your family tick! I would just recommend a baby carrier, a few snacks and drinks to keep the little ones happy, maybe some wellies and raincoats in the wetter months too (no one enjoys a walk with a moaning and upset baby or toddler)!
