U.K. Holidays locations which are great for Buggy Running
Wendy Rumble
When you are active and have a family, choosing the right place to visit on holiday is a tricky. It needs to be affordable, not too painful to travel to, have activities to entertain the kids and then finally has something to make you actually want to go there too! (Besides escaping the pile of washing at home)
I am no travel journalist but I do have is lots of friendly communities on Twitter and Facebook that I can pool ideas from. (Buggy Runners, Run Mummy Run®, UK Run Chat®, Running with Buggies to name but a few)
The 'skip to the end' answer is anywhere with sea fronts, canal paths and bike trails are good for running with a proper running buggy. (click HERE for our blog on what makes a running buggy exactly that.) Also check out the National cycle routes for new ideas.
5 UK destinations for BUGGY RUNNING family holidays
1) Swansea, Wales. Stay in Blackpill, Mumbles and run along the bay to the famous Joe's ice-cream parlour. Close to the Gower, there are heaps of beautiful places to visit with the family including Three Cliffs and Langland Bay. Just remember you will need to pay to get into Wales on the Severn Bridge!
2) Windsor, Berkshire. Running through The Great Park in the grounds of Windsor Castle, or along the Thames Path is perfect for the buggy and a beautiful experience. With the castle to visit, Eton high street, boat tours along the Thames and within easy reach of London it's a great place to visit. The Windsor Horse show takes over the area in May so book early to take that in too, or avoid!!
The Long Walk, Windsor.
3) Blackpool, Lancashire is quoted by many as a jewel of the north. One of Britain's favourite seaside resorts, it is crammed full of family activities, from the thrill seeking Pleasure Beach attractions to the calmer Sea Life centre. The beach front is perfect for buggy running and travelling out into Lancashire unlocks Forest of Bowland, Lancashire’s stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Photo courtesy of Blackpool Tourist Board
Map from Poole Tourist Board
4) Poole, on Dorset’s south coast, is famous for its large harbour and bustles with life with the many residents and visitors attracted to the town all year round. Most of the bustle is centered around the towns’ beaches, quay and harbour. Poole has over 50 miles of cycle network and 28 miles of path are away from traffic, including routes in pleasant green areas and cycle paths by the sea.
Thule Urban Glide in Bluestone courtesy of Liz Richards
5) Holiday parks like Centre Parcs or Bluestone in South Wales are traffic free in the most and smooth for bikes (therefore buggies too!). In recent Trip Advisor chat it seems Sherwood Forest is coming out as the favourite in the Centre Parcs brand. Although they can be pricey there are really well set up for families and deals can be got in school holidays.
...and finally if you fancy a trip further afield then I recommend Washington DC, staying in Arlington, Virginia. Endless miles of fabulous bike trails which are smooth & traffic free. Metro access into DC, where heaps of sightseeing to enjoy as well as routes around monuments you have seen in all the movies! Avoid the height of the summer when its really humid and hot!
Arlington, Virginia USA> Courtesy of Hugh Owen