Looking for family day trips from the North West? From North Wales and the Peak District to the Lake District, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite places that are genuinely worth getting in the car for.
Sometimes you don’t need a big holiday to feel like you’ve escaped for the day. One of the best things about living in the North West is just how much we have within reach. In a couple of hours you can be wandering through a Welsh mountain village, paddling beside a forest, chasing waterfalls in the Lake District or exploring one of the prettiest towns in the Peak District. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite family day trips from the North West , with plenty that work brilliantly with younger children too. Some are full-day adventures. Others are perfect for combining with another nearby stop. Either way, these are the places we think are genuinely worth the journey. 📍 Millennium Walkway, New Mills, Derbyshire This is such a good one when you want a walk that feels like a proper little adventure without needing to trek for miles. The Millennium Walkway winds through the dramatic Torrs Gorge, with bridges, rocky scenery and woodland along the way. It’s one of those walks where there’s always something for children to look at, which makes it much easier with little legs. Little Northerners Tip: Add a stop at High Lea Park afterwards so the kids can have a run around and play. Best for: Family walks, little explorers and an easy Peak District adventure. 📍 Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, Derbyshire If you want a relaxed day out rather than a huge itinerary, Buxton works really well with children. The Pavilion Gardens give you plenty of space to wander, picnic and let the kids burn off some energy, with pretty gardens, riverside areas and a playground. You’re also right in the centre of Buxton, so it’s easy to combine with lunch, an ice cream or a wander around the town. Little Northerners Tip: Take a picnic and make the gardens your base rather than trying to cram too much into the day. Best for: Toddlers, picnics and slower family days. 📍 Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire For big views without having to drive deep into the Peak District, Tegg’s Nose is a brilliant option. There are countryside trails, woodland areas and huge panoramic views, and children can enjoy exploring without it feeling like a formal walk. It’s especially lovely on a clear day when you can really appreciate the scenery. Little Northerners Tip: Stop at The Nose Coffee nearby for drinks, cake or something to eat after your walk. Best for: Outdoor families, countryside walks and children who love exploring. 📍 Dovestone Reservoir, Saddleworth Dovestone always feels like much more of an escape than the journey there would suggest. You’ve got water, hills, wildlife and plenty of space to explore, with different walking routes depending on how ambitious everyone is feeling. It works just as well for a gentle family wander and picnic as it does for a longer day of walking. Little Northerners Tip: Don’t feel like you need to complete a huge route. With younger children, exploring around the reservoir and stopping for snacks can be more than enough. Best for: Nature lovers, picnics and family walks. 📍 Conwy, North Wales Conwy is one of our favourite places when you want a day trip that has a bit of everything. There’s the impressive medieval castle, the harbour, pretty streets to wander and plenty of places to stop for food or an ice cream. It feels like a proper day away without needing to plan loads of separate attractions. Little Northerners Tip: Give yourself time just to wander around the harbour. With children, the unplanned bits are often the ones they enjoy most. Best for: History, seaside exploring and a full family day out. 📍 Newborough Forest & Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey This is one of those places that genuinely makes you forget you’re in the UK. You walk through beautiful pine forest before reaching huge stretches of sandy beach, dunes and incredible views across towards the mountains. There’s so much space for children to explore and the combination of woodland and beach makes the day feel like two completely different adventures