Independent Families: 'We'd like to do an activity holiday in a national park'

Q. Last summer we spent two weeks exploring the national parks of California and had a fantastic family holiday staying in log cabins and enjoying the wildlife and activities there. This year we are aiming to holiday closer to home and wondered what the UK has to offer in this field? We'd be happy to travel anywhere within the UK to find a national park with good accommodation, outdoor activities and scenery. There are five of us – our children are aged 10, 11 and 13. F Denny, via email

A. Although Britain's 14 national parks (www.nationalparks.gov.uk) won't be able to offer you the deserts, bears and canyons that California can, you do have a breadth of choice that encompasses inland waterways, wild coastline, snowy peaks, ancient woodland and magnificent lakes.

A particularly family-friendly option is Britain's newest national park, designated three years ago – the New Forest (01590 689 000; www.thenewforest.co.uk), which mushrooms north from the Hampshire coast. Upon arrival, you will be struck by the vast expanse of woodland that stretches before you, but the name belies the fact that the "forest" contains the largest tract of lowland heath in Europe.

The park was designated as a hunting ground by William the Conqueror in 1079. Today New Forest ponies, cattle, deer and more roam within its boundaries. There are scores of pleasant and easy off-road trails and routes that intersect the park. Activities might include horse riding (01425 610 278; www.burleyvilla.co.uk), cycling (01425 403 584; www.forestleisurecycling.co.uk), water-skiing (01425 656 868; www.newforestwaterpark.co.uk) – even zip wiring (0870 220 4791; www.goape.co.uk).

A good place to start your visit is at the New Forest Centre (023 8028 3444; www.newforestmuseum.org.uk; open daily 10am-5pm; admission £3 adults, free for under-16s) in Lyndhurst, which provides information on what the area has to offer and hosts exhibitions.

The park is also close to many other interesting locations, including the resort of Bournemouth, with its sandy beaches and Oceanarium (01202 311 993; www.oceanarium.co.uk).

Oceanarium offers an interactive diving experience, whereby visitors can come face to face with animated sea creatures from great whites to manta rays while "submerged" in a diving tank. It opens 10am to 6pm daily and a family ticket costs £28 for two adults and three children (aged three to 15).

If this summer proves to be less sodden than last year, the chances are that the sandy beaches at Bournemouth will be carpeted with visitors enjoying the sunshine. However, the coast of the New Forest has some pretty shingle beaches at Calshot, Milford-on-Sea, Hordle Cliff and Barton-on-Sea. Backed by colourful beach huts, they shelve gently into the Solent.

The Log Cabin (01425 653 800; www.thelogcabinnewforest.co.uk) in the village of Godshill sleeps up to six guests and is surrounded by pastures roamed by ponies, pigs, donkeys and deer. A week's rental is about £500 at this time of the year, self-catered. To get up closer to animals, you could stay on a family-friendly farm such as Burgate Manor (01425 653 908; www.newforestcottages.com) on the eastern boundary of the park. Here, seven cottages have been converted for guests on a huge farm on the banks of the Hampshire Avon. Cottages sleep between four and 18 and all have been tastefully decorated and have all modern amenities. Kingfisher Cottage is £525 for a week-long stay and for Heron Cottage the cost is £562. The farm also has a communal games barn which includes a pool table and a darts board.

From Britain's newest, to its largest national park – if you haven't already visited the Lake District (01539 724 555; www.lake-district.gov. uk) then you should. The landscape is breathtaking, whether it's a bright, sunny day or the clouds have rolled in, menacingly, over the hills.

While the Lake District might be more associated with fell-walkers and hardy ramblers, the area also has a lot to offer families. Great walks abound in the park's 3,500km of rights of way, while water-based activities on what are some of Britain's largest lakes range from kayaking to water-skiing.

Quirkier days out include llama trekking around Keswick in the North Lakes (01254 877 827; www.lakeland llamatreks.co.uk; £40 per person for a half-day trek) and Europe's largest grass-covered building, the Rheged Centre in Penrith (01768 868 000; www.rheged.com), which shows movies on a huge screen, hosts exhibitions and offers workshops. Or if you're out hiking, then seek out the lesser-known watery attractions of Cumbria – the waterfalls of Aira Force, Ullswater and Scale Force, Crummock Water are two of the highest cascades.

While there is an abundance of accommodation, it's worth bearing in mind that the lakes are often heaving with visitors during the summer months, which can make driving difficult on the congested roads. Therefore, you might want to spread your search to one of the quieter corners. The website www.hiddentreasurescumbria.com lists accommodation in the further reaches of Cumbria.

Alternatively, an increasing number of farms have opened up their gates and offer a modern take on rural living. You can opt for guest-house or self-catering options, such as The Mount in Sedbergh (01539 620 252; www.holidaysedbergh.co.uk), a home to dairy cows and rough fell sheep within the Yorkshire Dales. The four-bedroom house costs £950 per week in July and August, self-catered. Guest-house options include The Old Homestead (01900 822 223; www. byresteads.co.uk), a luxurious option on Byresteads Farm in Cockermouth in the western Lake District. Double rooms here start at £60 B&B during the summer. For more options contact the local tourist board on 01539 822 222; or visit www.golakes.co.uk.

Finally, if you'd prefer to experience log-cabin living, then the Tranquil Otter (01228 576 661; www.thetranquilotter.co.uk) is a lakeside lodge overlooking The Lough in Thurstonfield. There are five luxury log cabins and two "cosy" lodges, which are due to be upgraded this year, sleeping two to six guests. Each comes equipped with a kitchen, television and DVD player, as well as outside decking with a barbecue and a small boat to enjoy on the water. Weekly lets are available from £559 during the summer.

Send your family travel queries to The Independent Parent, Travel Desk, 'The Independent', Independent House, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS, or email crusoe@independent.co.uk

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