Pram And Buggy Friendly Coastal And Wildlife Walks In The UK

The spring is a delightful time of year to get out and explore the world with babies and toddlers. The last of the winter chills have finally been banished, and the trees and borders are blossoming into life and colour. There’s no better way to enjoy the fresh air than with a bracing coastal walk, but this can be a challenge if you have a buggy or pram.

However, there’s no need to miss out as there are plenty of pram-friendly routes to enjoy. Here are some suggestions if you are heading off for a few days by the sea this spring! 

Bosherston Lily Ponds, Pembrokeshire

This is not strictly a coastal walk, but it’s teeming with wildlife and brings you very close to the sea. The Bosherston ponds were originally created by the Cawdor family of Stackpole Court, which was demolished in 1963. The beautiful lily ponds were conserved, and today provide a habitat for otters, dragonflies, and birds.

The ponds are on the Stackpole Estate, which is managed by the National Trust, and a part of a National Nature reserve. The water lilies are in full bloom by June, and it’s possible to spot around 20 species of dragonfly. The reed beds are home to breeding coot, moorhen, herons, and kingfishers.

The walk is mainly on the flat and just over one mile long. The terrain can be uneven in places, but if you have a pram or buggy with a sturdy frame and wide wheels you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. 

Toddlers and older children who are up to longer walks will enjoy the half-mile walk to Barafundle Bay, which is not accessible by pushchair or other vehicles. This means that it is usually peaceful and quiet, and it is regularly voted the most beautiful beach in the UK. 

Cullen to Portknockie, Moray

This stunning walk in north east Scotland is ideal for prams and pushchairs, because it runs along the route of a former railway line. It offers splendid views of the sands of Cullen Bay and the interesting rock formations of Bow Fiddle Rock, which will delight both adults and children. 

The area also has a reputation for being one of the best places in Scotland to spot dolphins and basking sharks, so it’s worth taking a pair of binoculars. 

Cwm-yr-Eglwys to Pwllgwaelod, Pembrokeshire

It’s a steep drive down to the charming fishing village of Cwm-yr-Eglwys (Valley of the Church) in Pembrokeshire, but well worth the effort. In the summer months there’s an ice cream shop open, and you can sit on the bay or harbour wall and enjoy a treat. There’s also the remains of an ancient church that little ones will love to explore. 

When you are pleasantly refreshed, take the easy short woodland walk along the valley that divides Dinas Head from the mainland. The pathway is mainly tarmaced with minimal gradients, although the terrain across the carpark is a little rough. 

There are toilets in the carpark at Cwm-yr-Eglwys that are open all year round, and at Pwllgwaelod they are open seasonally. Pwllgwaelod is another beautiful small cove with a stretch of flat sandy beach when the tide is out. 

It’s ideal for small children to play and have a paddle in the sea, and there are low rocks for climbing and rock pool exploration on either side of the bay. It’s also a popular place for paddleboarding and kayaking. There’s even a pub near the bay with some of the best views in the country, and it’s said that Dylan Thomas was a fan!

Penzance to Marazion seafront, Cornwall

This is a beautiful pushchair-friendly walk that is just over two miles long, and offers unforgettable views over the Cornish coastline. It follows the seawall along a level path and you can see right over Mounts Bay to St Micheal’s Mount and the Lizard.

There is a bird reserve at Marazion where you can spot bitterns, water rails, swallows, and other sea birds. There's also a few pubs on the trail that are family-friendly and ideal to stop off for a bite of lunch. They also welcome dogs if you have a four-legged friend along.