Whether the sun is shining or the rain is pouring, the bank holiday is an opportunity for you and your little ones to explore the great outdoors. So pack your bags, because we’ve put together some of the best activities around the UK for the whole family to enjoy this half-term – including your beloved pooch!
Spot wild ponies – Dartmoor, South Devon
Here’s a ‘pawfect’ excuse to get the kids active and your dog’s tail wagging. Walk along the incredible Dartmoor moors, admiring the breathtaking views and fresh country air.
Just seeing the Dartmoor Ponies living as semi-wild herds across the moor is worth the trip in itself. There are also a number of open spaces to run around on and ample space for a cosy picnic. Just make sure you bring a blanket!
See Spring in – Malvern Hills, Worcestershire/Herefordshire
Hope on your bike and see the beautiful beginnings of spring on the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire. As the weather warms up, you’ll start to see blooming bluebells emerge and luscious greenery forming on both the Herefordshire and Worcestershire hills.
If the weather is kind, you and all the family will be able to see four counties from the Worcestershire Beacon. It’s a sight to behold and a wonderful way to tire out both the kids and the dog!
Enjoy an animal adventure – Cotswold Wildlife Park
What happens when your little ones and dog come face to face with giraffes, rhinos and tigers? A wild adventure!
The Cotswold Wildlife Park is one of the very few wildlife parks that allow dogs. Providing you keep them on a lead, seeing your kids and dogs’ reactions to wild animals is a sight you’ll never forget.
Take a trip to the seaside – Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
There’s something extra fun about going to the seaside outside of the peak summer season. For starters, more beaches are dog-friendly and accommodation is cheaper.
And then there’s the simple fact that it’s a lot less crowded. Just think of all the sand castles your kids can make! Check out our outdoor toys to keep them occupied!
In particular, we love Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland – especially when the sun sets around the gorgeous Bamburgh castle.
Get active with these family-friendly cycling routes
If you want an exhilarating way to explore the outdoors with your family and dog, hop on your bike for a nice long ride.
Instead of going to the local park, take a look at some of these cool family-friendly routes:
Monsal and Tissington trails in the Peak District – with these two trails on a disused railway, this is perfect for a traffic-free riding experience. There are buildings and stops along the way for refreshments, plus stunning views across the Peak District.
East London canals – if you’re in the city, take in the scenic canals in East London. Along the way, you’ll be treated to various pop-up cafes, a mix of wildlife and the edges of beautiful Victoria Park. Be warned, if your dog loves to swim, this might not be the best cycling route for you!
Aviemore, Cairngorms – as far as settings go, this 20-plus mile route from Inverdruie (near Aviemore) is among the best in the UK. Spot red squirrels and revel in the picturesque edge of Loch an Eilein. This cycling route is for more advanced riders.
Sutton Park, Birmingham – this isn’t like any other park. Surrounded by grassland, ancient forests, narrow bridges and Birmingham’s famous canals, your family can embark on a long but highly accessible cycling adventure in the Midlands.
Bristol to Bath – this 13-mile cycling route from Temple Meads Station to Bath is traffic-free, stunning, and has the added bonus of other activities at both ends. You can even catch the train back if your legs need a rest!
Check out our post on family-friendly bike rides for even more route ideas.
Before you set off
Don’t forget to pick up any extra accessories you need before you go. Bike bags & baskets can be handy for carrying picnic supplies and other goodies, while a good bottle or hydration pack will keep everyone’s fluids topped up as you ride.
Or, to make sure that your bikes are in tip-top working order, you can always book yourself in for a free bike check at your nearest Halfords for more peace of mind in the saddle.
Speaking of, it might be a good time to use your free 10-Point Car Check Member Benefit too! If you’re planning on travelling for the bank holiday, we can make sure everything’s working soundly before you go. You can use any of your other Halfords Motoring Club benefits too to get your car ready, or stock up on driving accessories for the journey with your 5% Member Discount. (Still not part of the club? Find out more about the Halfords Motoring Club & how it can keep the cost of car maintenance down).
Whatever you’re up to this bank holiday, there are plenty of family activities to keep both your kids and dog happy.