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We're still having some cold snaps, but its great to get out for some fresh air and walks in stunning places - many are open now so get out there and enjoy the first signs of spring.

Winter garden wonders
The UK’s largest Winter Garden at Dunham Massey offers colour and atmosphere right through the winter months, and is home to almost 700 different plant species and a further 1,600 shrubs. January heralds the first early signs of spring with the delicate charms of snowdrops, where clusters of over 100,000 double and single snowdrops and 20,000 narcissi bloom amongst the trees.
 
Go wild on Crow Wood Playscape
Head out to Lyme Park and spend a couple of hours with the kids exploring Crow Wood Playscape. A giant tree house, slide and badger den, a rope walks and lots of places to hide is a great way to keep warm on a winter’s day. Grab a delicious hot snack in the Timber Yard Coffee Shop, then head out on a walk across the park through Lyme’s herd of red deer, and enjoy spectacular views across to Manchester and the Peak District.    

Meet a giant Mr Jeremy Fisher
Beatrix Potter fans can enjoy Lyme Park’s ‘Beatrix Potter in Winter’ exhibition (open weekends 1 Jan – 19 Feb) where you can see 16 of her watercolours, the original manuscript of The Taylor of Gloucester, and her secret notebook written in code.

Outside follow the garden trail to a giant Jeremy Fisher on his lilly pad in the lake, see if you can find Peter Rabbit’s blue jacket in Mr McGregor’s Garden and spot Mrs Tiggywinkle’s clothes line. Lots of children’s activities with a Beatrix Potter theme are also on offer in the library. Please note majority of house is closed – only the exhibition room, Stag Parlour and library are open for the exhibition.

Woodland and coastal wanders
Wander through the woodlands at Alderley Edge with their wonderful views across the Cheshire Plain. At Formby on Merseyside, you can enjoy this wonderful stretch of coastline bordered by pine woodlands. It is a great place for a winter walk with family or friends.

Stroll at Styal
Take the opportunity to visit 18th-century Quarry Bank Mill and its Victorian Apprentice House at a quieter time of year. Step out on a winter stroll through the Styal Estate along the valley of the River Bollin and check out the wildlife.
Open daily from 25 Jan. Please note Quarry Bank Gardens are closed until 25 Feb).
 
Opening the garden at Sizergh
Parts of Sizergh’s lovely garden (terrace, kitchen garden and largest limestone rock garden in the care of the National Trust) are open weekends through till March for the first time. The golds and evergreens of dwarf conifers in the rock garden contrast with the delicate architecture of Japanese maples and the surrounding garden landscape. A real opportunity to see the garden in a totally different light at a different time of the year.

Get blown away at Fell Foot Park
A great place to blow away the cobwebs, Fell Foot Park on the shores of Windermere offers spectacular scenery with the Lakeland hills beyond.

Walk the walk
Don’t forget the Lake District and Cumbria offer wonderful places to see and enjoy in the great outdoors. Check out our outdoor experiences at: www.ntlakesoutdoors.org.uk

For a great selection of downloadable walks to try out go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks