Get outdoors

From amazing attractions to wonderful walks, here are Educate’s top five family-friendly things to do outdoors in the UK, in 2020.

1. Catbells and Derwentwater Lakeshore
One of the most iconic fells in the Lake District and considered a ‘proper little mountain’ it’s a great walk to tackle as a family and will not disappoint. From the moment you step on the fell you can start to enjoy sensational panoramic views over Keswick, Derwent Water and Borrowdale. Add to this to the West the views of Newland Valley and Western Fells make this walk unrivalled in terms of spectacular views.

With a distance of 3.5 miles, estimated to take approx. three hours with a moderate difficult grade, it’s a more than manageable climb. The best way to approach Catbells is using the launch across the lake as there is no parking at the foot of Catbells. www.visitkeswick.com

2. Wales Coast Path
2020 is being celebrated as the Year of Outdoors in Wales and so what better time than to take a walk along part of the Wales Coast Path. Stretching for an unbroken 870 miles around the entire shoreline, it’s the first national walking route of its kind in the world. Have no fear as you don’t need to tackle this all in one go, you can dip in and out depending where you are, where you want to explore and whatever the whole family fancy. With stunning sea views, castles along the way, and of course an abundance of beautiful beaches to visit, this is a superb way to get to know Wales at ground level. Ideas to get you started can be found by visiting www.visitwales.com

3. Zip World
The attraction operates across three sites across the Snowdonia National Park, and we’ve selected a pick of three activities to try.

Quarry Karts
Gear up for a gravity-fuelled adventure on Zip World Quarry Karts! Take on the UK’s ONLY mountain cart experience as you travel down the Penrhyn Quarry mountains, alongside the world’s fastest zip line! Explore the unique dirt track and enjoy the exciting twists and turns. Price includes two runs on the track. Suitable for 15 years old plus.

Safari
Soar your way through the spectacular forest site on zip lines, and tackle obstacles at every twist and turn. An exhilarating adventure high in the trees! Suitable for 9+ years old. This site is best for young family with Zip World Tree Top Nets suitable for 3+ years old.

Bounce Below
Any age can unleash and go crazy in an enormous underground net adventure. With six nets and four slides, navigate and bounce your way through the disused mine on the best playground ever! Warning, it’s a bit of a workout! Suitable for families with children over 7 years old. www.zipworld.co.uk

4. Yorkshire
Sculpture Park
Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a truly extraordinary place – where else could you find amazing artworks by the world’s greatest artists, see Highland cattle roaming in the woodland and explore historic follies?

The UK’s leading open-air gallery has 500 acres of parkland, lakes, gardens and galleries to explore, with more than 80 artworks to discover by world-famous artists like Ai Weiwei, Barbara Hepworth and Damien Hirst. Find a colourful octopus, a human with the head of a hare, and a room of blue crystals, plus lots more exciting and unexpected sculptures, both outdoors and in.

With four different habitats at the Park, there are mini-beasts and plant-life aplenty too. On a stroll around the sprawling Yorkshire landscape you could stumble across Highland cows in the woodland, sheep grazing among the Henry Moores, and herons nesting by the lakes. You can bring the whole family and dogs on leads are very welcome. Enjoy a great family day out together with a programme of free and affordable events and activities taking place all year-round, including playful sculpture walks, storytelling sessions in the gallery, and outdoor sculpture building.

Then rest your weary legs with a tasty bite to eat in one of several eateries across the site. And best of all, entry to YSP is free – all you need to do is pay to park your car.Find out more at ysp.org.uk

5. Just So Festival
Just So 2020 takes place 21/22/23 August in Rode Hall Estate, Cheshire. Just So is an imaginative outdoor adventure dedicated solely to children and their families, offering astonishing arts and unique experiences. With a love of stories and childhood escapades at its heart, the festival enables families to step out of their day to day lives and into a wonderland of world class literature, arts, theatre, dance, music, comedy and creative pursuits together.

Audiences of all ages are invited to learn the tricks of the Wild West, try paddle boarding, watch a unique woodland opera, take part in the Great Just So Colour Fight and meet some larger than life animal puppets. From theatre and circus to music and outdoor arts, and everything in between there is sure to be something to suit everyone in the family. For more information and tickets visit justsofestival/org.uk