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Inside The Outdoors
HF Holidays reveals how a walking break can become a family tradition

HF Holidays reveals how a walking break can become a family tradition

22.04.2026 | Hints & Tips

For many families, a walking holiday can become a tradition rather than a one-off break.

Along the way, friendships form, confidence builds, and a love of the outdoors takes root – one walk at a time. Family walks are at the heart of what HF Holidays, Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative, do best.

They bring like-minded people together on over 260 guided walking and activity holidays across the UK, Europe, and beyond. With 16 characterful country houses, set in some of the UK’s most loved national park landscapes, guests can expect good walking, good food, and great company come as standard. Each day typically offers up to four guided walks, from short, gentle strolls to longer, more challenging routes, so grandparents, parents and children can all enjoy the same holiday – at their own pace.

A Tradition That Grows with You

For some, HF Holidays began with childhood adventures: learning to walk a little further each day, building confidence on the trails, and discovering that being outdoors together creates memories that last far longer than the holiday itself.

Linda Briggs, HF Member, shares the sentiment. “My grandparents became HF Members in 1978, and Mum joined the year after I was born in 1982. From then on, we took HF Holidays to various destinations every year,” she explained. “I even met my best friend of 30 years on an HF break!”

Those early experiences often spark a lifelong love of walking and connection to HF.

“As a youngster, I loved the thrill of going on an adventure every day and learning about nature from my Grandad. Memories come flooding back as soon as we arrive on an HF Holiday – it’s soothing for the soul,” Linda continued. “My sons now share the same excitement for daily walking adventures, especially collecting their packed lunches and getting their rucksacks ready!”

Teenagers return as young adults. Parents become grandparents. And HF Holidays remain a constant, offering the same welcoming atmosphere, shared mealtimes, and supportive group experience whatever stage of life you’re in.

Holidays That Bring Everyone Together

What makes HF Holidays so special for families isn’t just the walking. It’s the time it offers together.

As lives get busier, finding time to truly reconnect can be difficult. Family walking holidays are a great way to maximise bonding time, make long lasting memories, and get kids away from screens and active outside.

HF Holidays offer a chance to slow down, switch off, and spend meaningful time together.

Whether it’s walking side by side, sharing laughs over packed lunches, or reminiscing in the evening, these moments often become the highlights families look back on most fondly.

Many members say HF Holidays is one of the few times when multiple generations of the same family can genuinely enjoy the same experience, creating shared memories that span decades.

It’s no surprise that so many members who first discovered HF Holidays as children now find themselves returning with families of their own, ready to pass on the joy of walking and togetherness in the great outdoors.

And now, they’ve introduced a special offer you simply can’t miss. Available to book until the 30th of June, the offer includes complimentary stays for children under 11, full board dining, and, for a limited time, an additional £70 off for every adult.

HF Holidays Special Offer*, available on a selected number of Family Walking Adventures in August:

Creating Confident Walkers (and Happy Memories)

HF Holidays has played a role in building confidence for generations of walkers.

For younger family members, supported walks and friendly leaders help turn early steps into lasting enthusiasm.

For adults, there’s reassurance in knowing everything is taken care of – from carefully planned routes to comfortable accommodation and good food at the end of the day.

It’s this balance of independence and support that encourages families to return year after year, knowing that everyone, whatever their ability, will feel comfortable and included.

HF Family Adventure Leader and grandparent of four, Georgina Churchlow, shares her top tips for keeping children engaged on family walks. “I was a Girl Guide Leader for 42 years, and these are a few handy tips I’ve learned for keeping kids entertained,” she reveals. “Pick a few you like and have them ready for when you walk.”

  • A game of spies. One person walks ahead as the “spy” while everyone else follow as “trackers.” When the spy turns around, the trackers must try to look as if they are totally innocent – perhaps by pretending to tie their shoelaces, chatting intently, or closely examining the scenery.
  • Rhymes. Recite fun, familiar verses, such as “I had a good home and I left.”
  • Get everyone moving in a conga line.
  • Play games such as follow-the-leader.
  • Try the “I want to lead” approach. Walk in line like a crocodile, with the person at the back racing to the front to take over as the leader. The next person follows, and so on.

With more than 112 years of experience helping people enjoy the outdoors together, HF Holidays are proudly member-owned – however, you don’t have to be a member to holiday with them. Lots of people try them as a guest first and if it’s a good fit, they choose to become a member to enjoy the full range of benefits on future breaks.

Start your own family tradition with HF Holidays. Let our friendly team help you plan the perfect family break by calling 020 3974 8865 or search “Family” at hfholidays.co.uk


*See Terms & Conditions below:

  • Under 11s go free, and for a limited time, grown-ups get an extra £70 off.
  • Maximum of three free places for children under 11 years old per full paying adult price on UK country house stays.
  • Family rooms are subject to availability.
  • Sole occupancy charges may apply.
  • Children under 11 go free, children aged 11-17 pay a supplement of £79pp for 3 night, £99pp for 4 night breaks and £159 for 7 night breaks).
  • All children’s rates are based on sharing a bedroom with one or more adults.
  • Children under 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult on all walks, though this need not be a parent or guardian.
  • Parents should bring car seats/carriers for children under 3yrs of age, these items can be left on the coach whilst walking.

For full T&Cs, please visit https://www.hfholidays.co.uk/