Many gardens, parks, coast and countryside sites in the South East remain open for local people to exercise. Please book your visit in advance using the website, and follow government guidance and tier restrictions.
What’s closed?
In the South East, houses and other indoor areas are closed. Some cafes remain open to offer takeaway refreshments. Check property opening times and facilities online before visiting us for a local walk.
Despite winter being a time of hibernation, it’s the best season to witness flocks of colourful visiting birds like fieldfares and waxwings. Our Hampshire landscapes are managed to provide shelter and food for birds over the winter months, including much-loved native species like the blackbird and Dartford warbler.
Winter landscapes are exciting places to explore. Littered with trails, our fields and woods are perfect places for kids to run off steam. There’s lots of wildlife to spot too, as birds and small mammals hunt for food. Our ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities will keep little ones busy, and there are warm takeaway treats on offer too – just bring wellies and waterproofs.
Mottisfont's winter garden provides colour during the shortest days of the yearNational Trust Images/Carole Drake
Explore the beauty and tranquillity a garden can offer in winter. At Mottisfont, the winter garden is full of colour and scent from rich red dogwood, silvery ornamental bramble, and sweet-scented honeysuckles. From late January, snowdrops litter the ground. Frost-covered topiary sparkles in low winter sun at Hinton Ampner, and at The Vyne you can take in historic vistas across its magnificent lake.
With its huge lawns and riverside setting, Mottisfont is a wonderful place to enjoy a winter’s day out. Tree-lined paths take you along the famous river Test and into meadows beyond. The winter garden, now in its tenth year, is full of scent, richly-coloured barks and winter flowers.
Tucked away in a sleepy corner of Hampshire, these intimate gardens take in panoramic views over rolling countryside. Discover sculptured topiary, a pretty walled garden, and parkland dotted with ancient trees. Estate walks take you further afield to beech woodlands, farmland and hamlets.
There are acres of ancient country estate to explore at this former Tudor power-house, turned 18th-century family home, visited several times by King Henry VIII. A winter stroll takes in glorious views across The Vyne’s magnificent lake, peaceful woodlands, and an expanse of wetlands teeming with colourful migrant birds.
You can find lots of different types of birds in the UK at any time of the year. Find out how you can spot these feathered friends in your garden or on a walk and learn how to help the birds, whether you're in a town, city or the countryside.
Our ecologist and bird-watching expert Pete Brash, picks his top six birds to see in the garden this winter. From the rosy-hued long-tailed tit to starlings that may have travelled from as far as Russia, find out what to look for in chillier months.
If you've got some spare pine cones lying around at home from previous autumn adventures, then why not put them to use as bird feeders? It's something easy, fun and slightly messy for the kids to do - plus you'll be helping the local birds.
Social media in the South East
Keep up to date with all that's happening in the South East by following us on social media
