Spring is an amazing time of year, especially after the long winter months. With a riot of colour from daffodils and bluebells, trees full of blossom and the arrival of all the baby animals, there is plenty to look for when you are out and about.
This post it all about fantastic family walks, where you can look for signs of spring, but if you fancy a trip somewhere to feed the lambs and see baby animals, don’t miss this post about where to see spring animals.
In number one spot is the one closest to home. The daffodils on the city walls are always a splendid sight in March and April. You get fantastic views of the city and it takes about 2 hours to walk all the way around.
It might be too much for little legs, but it’s easy to do a small section and then head back into town for rest (also known as coffee & cake). Please note there are lots of steps so it’s not buggy friendly. More information is available here.
What do Mumblers think?
“I really enjoy walk unground the city walls – my little boy loves it too and is free.”
🚘 Distance from the centre of York by car: 6 miles/20 minute drive
🗺 Location: Moor Lane, York, YO30 2RE
A Mumbler favourite gets the number two spot and this really is a great family-friendly circular woodland walk. This small woodland garden is full of colour in spring – snowdrops, primroses, daffodils and bluebells. By June the mature rhododendrons are in flower, so the woods are ablaze with even more colour.
It is great for children of all ages, and accessible with prams/buggies. Free parking is available on the verge, just by the entrance. Please note dogs are not allowed. More information is available here.
What do Mumblers think?
“Recommended walk in the woods; We went to Moorlands Nature Reserve, near Skelton yesterday and would recommend it as a lovely place for a walk with little ones, good distance, circular route, pram friendly paths and lots to see on the way round, our little boy loved it.”
🚘Distance from York by car: 32 miles/1 hour drive
🗺 Location: Low Mill, North York Moors National Park, York YO62 7UY
Due to the sheer amount of daffodils, Farndale takes our number three place – you’ll probably be hard-pressed to find more daffodils in one place than the wild ones at Farndale. A trip to Farndale from mid-March to mid-April means you can enjoy a spectacular spring walk.
A 3 ½ mile route next to the River Dove and back will mean you’ll see hundreds of glorious wild daffodils. The walk is relatively flat and there are several gates but no stiles so navigating with little ones shouldn’t be too much bother and there is plenty to see along the way to keep them entertained.
Spaces at Low Mill car park are severely restricted at Daffodil time, but the privately run Daffy Car Park (charges apply) is available in an adjacent field during this busy period. A full route and lots more information available here.
What do Mumblers think?
“We love Farndale daffodil walk from low mill to the Daffy cafe! It’s a must this time of year.”
🚘 Distance from York by car: 55 miles/1 ½ hour drive
🗺 Location: Aysgarth, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 3TH
A bit further afield is the spectacular Aysgarth Falls in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. At this time of year, the woodland is carpeted with spring flowers.
There are many circular walking routes available including this one that takes you through the woodland, offers views of Bolton Castle and the waterfalls. It starts and ends in Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre which has a pay and display car park, toilets and café.
What do Mumblers think?
“We took our 2,4 and 8 year old. Awesome place. We climbed down and walked on the large stone at the water level.”
🚘 Distance from York by car: 36 miles/1 hour
🗺 Location: Ilkley, LS29 0BZ
Last but certainly not least is Middleton Woods in Ilkley which is famous for the bluebells which cover the woodland floor from May. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy this woodland, as there are so many wildflowers to spot – bluebells, wood anemone and wood sorrel to name but a few.
There is parking available by the woods, but it might be easier to park in Ilkley and walk from there. More information is available here.
What do Mumblers think?
“Middleton Woods is absolutely beautiful in the spring”
🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️In need of more walking inspiration? We’ve listed 50 family-friendly walks in York and beyond here. To make your life even easier we’ve detailed if they are suitable for buggies or dog-friendly, plus how far they are from York. Also, the majority of the family-friendly walks we have listed are free!
