Walks with Wildlings: The long summer holidays are the perfect time to escape screens and explore the outdoors
Walks with Wildlings
The long summer holidays are the perfect time to escape screens and explore the outdoors with your little wildlings.
by Danielle Murphy
Here in West Cumbria, a treasure trove of natural spaces awaits, many of them tucked away from the busier tourist spots of the central Lake District.
These child-friendly nature reserves are ideal for families looking to enjoy wildlife, fresh air, and a bit of adventure. With their accessible paths, interactive trails, and fascinating habitats, these spots offer the perfect blend of education and outdoor fun.
Whether you’re based near Carlisle or Millom, there are lots of little hidden gems awaiting discovery.
Here are four fantastic nature reserves across West Cumbria where kids can run free, learn something new, and build their love of the great outdoors…
Watchtree Nature Reserve; Near Carlisle
Location: CA5 6NL
Just southwest of Carlisle lies Watchtree, a 205-acre nature reserve that’s as engaging as it is accessible.
With a mosaic of habitats—from open meadows and ponds to woodland and wetland—this reserve is a living classroom for children with curious minds.
Kids can follow an enchanting story trail featuring woodland characters Flash and Iris, or try out the many pram-friendly walking and cycling routes. Families can even hire bikes, including cargo trikes and wheelchair-accessible options, making it easy to explore together. Watchtree’s welcoming visitor centre and regular holiday events add even more reasons to visit.
Harrington Nature Reserve; Workington
Location: CA14 5LD
Locally known as “The Rezzer,” Harrington Nature Reserve is a peaceful oasis just on the edge of Workington. Its short, circular walking route—about a mile in length—is ideal for young children and suitable for pushchairs.
Here, kids can wander through wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands, peer into willow scrub for birds, or listen out for the drumming of woodpeckers. It’s a great spot for spontaneous nature spotting or taking part in community-run events by the Friends of Harrington Nature Reserve. With free parking, benches, and easy access, it’s a simple but charming place for an outdoor hour or two.
Longlands Lake; Cleator Moor
Location: CA23 3AD
Once a flooded iron ore mine, Longlands Lake is now a serene and accessible spot that’s perfect for families with small children. The flat, 1km circular route is easy to follow and offers plenty of stopping points along the way.
Children love watching the ducks, swans, and moorhens. The surrounding woodland allows children to explore and play and during the school holidays, West Cumbria Rivers Trust often runs pond dipping sessions and forest school activities, bringing the natural world to life for young adventurers.
Hodbarrow RSPB Nature Reserve; Haverigg
Location: LA18 4JY
Nestled beside the sleepy coastal village of Haverigg, Hodbarrow is a gem for families who love birds, sea air, and wide-open views. Managed by the RSPB, this former iron mine now forms part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, thanks to its diverse coastal lagoon habitat.
A 1.5-mile, flat, surfaced trail makes it easy for pushchairs and little legs to enjoy the walk. Stop off at the nature hide to spot terns, oystercatchers, and other waders, or combine the visit with a trip to the beach or lighthouse nearby. Hodbarrow is a great blend of coastal exploration and nature-based learning.
Enhance your adventures with Tale Trails!
Enhance your adventures with one of the Tale Trail maps, these interactive maps each include a short story about various sites in Cumbria and are a fantastic way to introduce children to the animals and nature in that area. www.taletrails.co.uk
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