When you think of the UK, chances are your mind jumps to London, castles, or the occasional drizzle – but what if I told you there’s a side of England that’s perfect for families who love active holidays, getting outdoors and exploring together?
In the latest episode of the Family Holiday Destinations Podcast, we sat down with Will from Active England Tours, a company specialising in active travel through some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes. From gentle village walks and scenic bike rides to surfing in Devon, these adventures go far beyond the traditional sightseeing trip.
🎧 Listen to the Episode:
This article is based on Episode 7 of the Family Holiday Destinations Podcast. You can listen to the full episode below or wherever you get your podcasts.
So, grab your walking shoes – here’s what I learned from our chat.
How Active England Tours began
Will’s story started, fittingly, on an active family holiday.
“I was in the Loire Valley with my kids and saw people biking from château to château,” he recalls. Back home in Oxford, he realised they had everything – Blenheim Palace, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath, Stonehenge – all in a circle. So he set out to bike it with his kids, saw an opportunity, built a website, and that was that.
What began as one dad’s weekend idea has since grown into a full-scale touring company offering walking, cycling, and multi-activity trips across England, Scotland, and beyond – all of which can be designed to suit families.
It doesn’t always rain in England
One of Will’s goals is to challenge the classic image of gloomy English weather. In the podcast, we talked about This Is Our England, a short video he created to showcase a more appealing side of England you might not have seen before.
Watch this below:
“Interestingly, London has fewer rain days than New York,” he says. “In a typical season from March to October, there are only three or four days when you can’t do anything outside. It might drizzle for ten minutes, but then it’s sunny again.”
That attitude sums up the Active England approach to family holidays: embrace the outdoors, whatever the weather. Because for families, it’s not just about the destination – it’s about being out there together.
The best age for active family holidays
Will breaks down active family holidays into two stages: before kids can swim, and after.
“Once kids can swim, it opens up so many more fun things,” he explains. “Whether it’s surfing in Devon, swimming in a lake in the Lake District, or just splashing about, that confidence changes everything.”
He believes the sweet spot is when children are around seven or eight years old – old enough to walk or cycle longer distances, yet still full of curiosity and energy.
“Fit and active seven-year-olds can do as much as adults,” Will says. “And after a full day outdoors, they’ll sleep soundly too”, which every parent appreciates.
Where to go: Will’s top picks for families
The Cotswolds
Known as “chocolate-box England,” the Cotswolds is filled with charming stone villages, winding lanes, and plenty of easy walks. Highlights include Blenheim Palace, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Avebury nearby – a lesser-known alternative to Stonehenge, where kids can actually touch the standing stones.
The Lake District
A paradise for walking families, especially those with older kids who can handle a climb. “By the time they’re seven or eight, they just want to get to the top of the mountain,” Will says. “Have lunch up there, then head down for a pint – and an ice cream for the kids.”
Devon & Cornwall
If you prefer sand between your toes, head to the UK’s southwest. From surfing lessons to coasteering and old-fashioned rock-pooling, it’s packed with summer fun.
“The water’s about 17–18 degrees in summer,” says Will. “Fine for a swim – even without a wetsuit!”
Will also recommends travelling by train whenever possible: “It’s faster, cheaper for kids, and much less stressful than driving.”
Making it work for every age and stage
No two families travel the same way, and Will’s team knows it.
“We’re not a babysitting service, but we make sure everyone gets their holiday,” he explains. “Our guides are qualified to work with kids of all ages, and we adjust the day’s pace to suit.”
For multi-generational families, communication is key:
“We always have calls with the whole group before a trip so everyone knows what’s planned,” Will explains. From grandparents to grandkids, it’s about ensuring everyone knows what to expect and making it fun for all ages.
E-bikes are also available for adults, levelling the playing field on hillier routes – though Will notes that children under 16 ride traditional bikes for safety reasons.
Sustainability and supporting locals
Active England builds sustainability into its experiences by keeping things simple: smaller groups, local guides, electric vehicles, and farm-to-fork dining.
“Active travel is inherently green,” Will says. “We’re getting people out of buses, walking, biking, and eating local – it’s a win all round.”
He also helps guests avoid peak-season crowds.
“We encourage families to travel outside the busy July-August period when locals holiday in Devon and Cornwall. You’ll find better prices, fewer crowds, and the same great weather.”
Tips from the podcast: Making active family holidays easier with younger kids
The mini explorer tip
Give each child a “job” on your adventures. One can be the map reader, another the snack captain, or the wildlife spotter. It keeps them engaged and gives them something better to do than annoy each other.
The pack smart, walk far tip
Let kids carry a small daypack with their own water, snacks, and a jacket. It builds independence and teaches responsibility while lightening your load. You don’t have to be the pack mule all the time!
Final thoughts
Active family travel doesn’t have to mean hiking mountains every day – it’s about moving, exploring, and making memories together. 🎧 Listen to the full conversation by tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations Podcast to hear the full interview with Will from Active England Tours – available on all major podcast platforms.
About Active England Tours
Active England Tours designs walking, cycling, and multi-activity holidays across England and Scotland, blending outdoor adventure with cultural highlights. Their family-friendly itineraries are tailored for all ages and fitness levels, with expert guides, local partnerships, and a strong focus on sustainable, community-based travel.
For more information, visit www.activeenglandtours.com
Where to next?
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