Family walking holidays

Sensational scenery and national parks, UNESCO heritage sites and thriving cities: there are endless enchantments to thrill adults and children alike on our family walking holidays. There are diverse destinations and different levels of walking difficulty too, starting from gentle coastal strolls and flat forest paths.

On our self-guided family walking holidays, you dictate the pace, start times and number of rest stops, and how long you wish to spend exploring the amazing places you pass through. Our Headwater Navigation app, with its detailed GPS routes, means you can roam at your leisure without worrying about getting lost!

The majority of our family walking holiday routes have a low  , suited to even the littlest legs and most occasional walkers. If the idea of daily walking is daunting, you can choose a single-centre holiday, so it's easy to have a rest day should the kids feel tired.

Whichever itinerary you choose, a walking holiday is a great way to get closer to nature, to each other, and to the authentic, off-the-beaten-track culture of your destination.

Ready to plan your next adventure together? Browse our walking holidays for families below, clicking on the 'View Holiday' button for full trip details.

Where can I go on a family walking holiday?

With its temperate climate and varied natural beauty, we consider Europe to be the best place for a family walking holiday. We've found child-friendly routes in several locations, from scenic destinations on the doorstep in the UK and Ireland to the natural and cultural wonders of the Akamas Peninsula in Cyprus.

Sticking to a straightforward route doesn't mean run-of-the-mill scenery. You can discover some of Europe's most staggering landscapes on our family walking holidays, from the snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows and waterfalls of the Swiss Alps to the colourful coastline of the UNESCO island of Palmaria in Liguria, Italy.

These are just two of our top destinations for family holidays where walking is the way forward.

Austria

With azure glacial lakes, undulating pine-covered hills and pretty alpine villages, the Tyrol in Austria is a superlative setting for walkers of all abilities. Every route from start to finish is picturesque, whether you're atop a mountain or passing through farmland and wildflower meadows lower down.

We have two walking holidays for families that journey through the Tyrolean Mountains. Our Alpine Walks in the Stubai Valley tour takes you into the 'Heart of the Alps', along accessible trails that nevertheless have the wow factor. Highlights for Headwater explorers include:

• Neustift im Stubaital: An alpine village with an extraordinary range of activities to suit all ages. Between December and March, exhilarating winter sports such as skiing await. In the spring/summer, follow forest trails and go on nature walks through the lush hills.
• Stubai Glacier: This millennium-old glacier stands proud at 3,210 metres above sea level, providing panoramas over the Italian Dolomites. Between June and August, you can visit the incredible ice grotto here too.
• Tyrolean cuisine: Both adults and children will love traditional Tyrolean cuisine. Buchteln, soft, sweet buns filled with fruit jams or curds, are perfect for a mid-walk picnic. In the evenings, fill up on Fiakergulasch – a dish of diced beef in a rich red sauce.

France

France is another favourite for our family walking holidays. We have routes in several regions, giving you a taste of the country's captivating countryside which ranges from terraced grape-growing vineyards and castle-clad cliffs to the soaring peaks of Mont Blanc.

• Burgundy: Base yourself in Burgundy and roam rolling hills peppered with woodland, rural villages and medieval towns. Introduce your children to some of the world's best gastronomic delights in Dijon, from truffle hunting to traditional cheeses. Adults can pair these with wine tasting at the Château Clos Vougeot estate.
• The Alps: Our Mont Blanc Highlights circuit covers some of the most outstanding and accessible trails in the Alps all from one convenient base. Led by an expert guide, discover the sensational seven valleys that surround Western Europe's highest mountain.
• The Dordogne: Our Dordogne holiday combines walking with other adventure activities that will keep even the most restless kids and trying teenagers entertained. Pedal beside or glide along the river through the Perigord Noir, one of the most scenic parts of the region. The spectacular cliff-clinging pilgrimage town of Rocamadour is not easily forgotten.

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