Top 10 most beautiful family walks in the UK this autumn

The days may be shorter, but don't let that put you off enjoying every moment of daylight during the autumn months – especially when you can go on walks in the country spots that really bloom during the last shrug of summer, before winter sets in.

So what are you waiting for? Dig out your weather wear, fill up the flask and usher your children out for some fresh air and stunning views.

And to help inspire you, here are findings from recent research by Millets about the top 10 best family-friendly hiking destinations.

The list is based on factors including Trip Advisor reviews, the average length of the walks in the area, nearest beaches, facilities, child-friendly restaurants, average temperatures and number of visitors, to reveal the hiking spots fit for the whole family.

1. New Forest National Park

The park is 220 square miles and home to over 3000 native ponies, donkeys, cattle, pigs and deer. In the autumn months it is breathtaking – covered in purple heather, green bracken and yellow silver birch leaves and littered with multi-coloured fungi.

The New Forest National Park came in top of the survey due to having over a quarter of walks that are kid-friendly and 81% of restaurants that welcome tots.

2. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

The UK’s only coastal national park, this season is the best time for catching a tea-time sunset over the sea, seal spotting and enjoying a thriving food scene. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has over half of all walks shorter than 10km and over 600 miles of public footpaths, making this is a day out that you can even drag teenagers on.

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3. Exmoor National Park

As the leaves fall from the trees, this clears the stunning views over North Devon and West Somerset. Exmoor National Park takes the third spot for child-friendly hikes in the survey because over 60% of all hikes have a length of 10km or less, and once you’ve got the family out for some fresh air, 78% of all restaurants in Exmoor National Park are child-friendly.

4. Lake District National Park

The landscape that inspired Beatrix Potter to create the magical worlds of Peter Rabbit and his animal friends, and to set up home at Hill Top, this area is great for families with older children as 57% of hikes are above 10km, and the research found that the Lake District National Park has the second most family-friendly campsites at 124.

5. Snowdonia National Park

This national park has the most family-friendly campsites at 132, and the 823 square miles of north-west Wales offers lots of trail options for all abilities. The classic ascent up Snowdon will be quieter during these months, but still start early to beat the crowds!

And after you've completed the hike – and taken the picture to show off on social – then there are 61% family-friendly restaurants to enjoy at the Snowdonia National Park.

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6. North York Moors National Park

Perhaps unsurprising for anyone who has been served a classic Yorkshire breakfast, this park came in at third place in the survey for family-friendly restaurants.

As well as enjoying the hospitality, the North York Moors National Park has heather-clad ridges, lush valleys, pretty villages and rugged coastlines to explore on your walks.

7. Wendover Woods

Enjoy the stunning views across the Chiltern Hills. And with 58% of hikes below 10km, plus a Go Ape Tree Top Adventure and the Gruffalo trail, this is perfect for a family with young children.

Just remember to bring wellington boots for everyone to jump in muddy puddles on some 30 miles of public paths and bridleways in Wendover Woods.

8. South Downs National Park

This park stretches for almost 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne. It is part of the Miles Without Stiles initiative to have routes to help people of all levels of mobility and fitness get out for an autumn stroll.

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9. The Broads National Park

Popular for its beaches and outside museums and monuments, or if you fancy a break from hikes, an opportunity to go on a family boating holiday.

The Broads National Park has four areas that have been designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): Heigham Sound, Hickling Broad, Horsey and West Somerton – and you may even get lucky and spot the always-popular otter.

10. Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park is a vast moorland in Devon (47,000 hectares) with a craggy landscape of forests, rivers, wetlands and tors (rock formations).

On one of the many walks – 62% below 10km – you may spot herds of wild ponies being taken into the farms so that foals can be weaned at this time of year.

You could also take teens canoeing on Dartmoor's inland rivers between 1 October and 31 March. No canoeing is allowed outside of these times to help preserve the valley.