Here are five lovely woodland walks around Bath that are ideal for families and perfect for crisp autumn or half-term adventures. Each offers a mix of nature, exploration and gentle adventure – just the sort of outing to get everyone outdoors, leaves crunching underfoot, thermos in hand and children free to roam!
1. East Harptree Woods & the Smitham Chimney
We have only just discovered this great autumnally, thanks to a post I saw on the Go Wild Go West website, which is packed full of great outdoor adventure ideas! Between Bath and Bristol, nestled in the beautiful Chew Valley, it is a great place to spend a couple of hours messing around in the woods!
Why it works for kids in autumn
- A relatively short, fairly easy walk through woodland with a bit of intrigue – the historic chimney (Smitham Chimney) is visible and acts as a fun landmark.
- The woodland, ponds and industrial heritage make for interesting sights plus watch out for fungi in the autumn, we found an amazing toadstool!
- A good family length: it took us around an hour to do a loop of the East Harptree woods.
Tips for visiting
- Wear boots: some paths get wet or muddy in autumn.
- Pack a snack and drink: there are picnic spots around the car park and woodland clearings.
- Bring a magnifying glass or view-finder: spotting fallen leaves, fungi, pond life makes the walk extra fun for kids.
- Starting point: the car park has grass/meadow area for running around first, then follow the wide gravel path.
Find out more on the Forestry England website.
2. Rainbow Wood (Claverton Down / Bath Skyline)
Part of the beautiful Bath Skyline Walk, this is a firm family favourite. Owned by the National Trust the well surfaced trail takes you through the woods to a natural play area. On the way have a hunt for the hidden fairy doors – all part of the magic of this place! The kids love the opportunity to run wild, climbing, swinging and enjoying the freedom of the woodland.
Why it works for kids in autumn
- This is more than just a walk: there’s a woodland play area, fairy-doors, den-building space and logs to balance on. Fantastic for imaginative play.
- The woodland lies along the Bath Skyline ridge so you get great views, fresh air and space to run.
- Paths are well surfaced in parts, making it relatively accessible though children should still wear good shoes (autumn leaf-cover can hide slippery bits).
Tips for visiting
- Try to go mid-morning or early afternoon: the woodland play area is more fun when it’s a bit drier and brighter.
- Bring a flask of hot chocolate and marshmallows: turn the adventure into a little treat stop.
- Use the fairy-door trail as a game: see how many you spot, or hide one yourself for the kids to find.
- Parking: there is parking around Claverton Down, but it can get busy, arrive early in half-term.
Find out more on the National Trust website.
3. Browne’s Folly (Bathford)
Sat up high above the village of Bathford, Browns Folly is a little gem. There is a small car park and a circular walk with a couple of different options. The woodland trail is undulating and can be muddy, but that is all part of the fun! There are also some beautiful views looking over towards Bath, a folly and old stone quarries. Perfect for a couple of hours of exploring.
Why it works for kids in autumn
- A nature reserve with woodland, quarry remains, and good views across the valley. That mix gives children things to explore, imagine and talk about.
- The terrain has variety: woodland, slopes, clearings — good for burning energy and giving a sense of adventure.
- Autumn colours on the slopes and the crunch of leaves beneath feet create a nicely immersive seasonal outdoor experience.
Tips for visiting
- Some steeper / muddy paths: so boots with grip recommended.
- Stay on marked paths: the reserve includes old quarry/ mine features which are interesting but need caution.
- A picnic spot with a view: take a blanket and sit on a stone wall or grassy verge for lunch with a panorama of Bath.
Find out more on the Avon Wildlife Trust website
4. Friary Wood (Freshford)
We couldn’t believe this place was on our doorstep. Taking in the beautiful valley of the River Froome, an old friary and a manor house this was a real trail of discovery. The whole loop is 4.5 miles, to far for the littlest ones legs, so we headed back at the half-way mark but we will be going back to tick this one off.
Why it works for kids in autumn
- A delightful woodland walk which passes along the valley of the River Frome, woods and paths — giving children the feel of being in a proper forest adventure.
- Great opportunities for den building!
Tips for visiting
- Check for parking and amenities in Freshford: there is a café/shop at Freshford Galleries which can be a useful stop for supplies. Galleries Community Shop & Café
- Paths can get muddy especially nearer the river – waterproof boots recommended.
- Bring along a nature-hunt list: e.g., “find a fungus, find a red leaf, find a squirrel” and tick off as you go.
- Consider shortening the loop if younger children get tired, the full loop is 4.5 miles but you can turn back earlier.
5. Wick Golden Valley Nature Reserve
Just a 20 minute trip out of Bath is Golden Valley nature reserve. A former site of heavy industry it has been reclaimed by nature. The hard-surfaced trail follows the River Boyd and other wild tracks mean you can choose to be more adventurous! Lots to see and spot, it is a real favourite.
Why it works for kids in autumn
- A gentle nature reserve with woodland, riverside stretch (the River Boyd) and a surfaced path in places – making it accessible and suitable for buggies and younger children too.
- The path features wildlife interest (woodland birds, bat roosts even) and autumn is great for spotting things like fallen seed pods, fungi, bright leaves.
- It can feel a little off the beaten track which adds to the sense of “mini-adventure”.
Tips for visiting
- There are no toilets or cafés on site, so bring everything you need.
- Because of limited parking, consider walking/cycling from nearby village or using the bus if feasible.
- The path near the lower part is mostly level and surfaced — good for younger ones or buggies — but if you go higher/up the hill there are slopes. So choose your loop accordingly.
Find out more on the South Gloucestershire County Council website.
Read more of our Family Adventures in Bath and beyond! And please share any of your favourite family walks in Bath.
Please remember all adventures are taken at your own risk. Please park responsibly if using a car and leave no trace of your visit.