Top winter walks

Winter is the perfect time to wrap up warm, throw on some wellies and go for an invigorating walk. Blow away the cobwebs along blustery coastal paths for a Christmas walk, or take a frosty New Year's Day stroll. We look after lots of places where you can feel refreshed on crisp winter walks in your local area.

Local walks for wellbeing

It can sometimes be hard to get out and about when the days get shorter. But the colder seasons can surprise you with some refreshing local walks. With hundreds of special woodlands and parks in our care, there's plenty of space to find a new route this winter.

Even walks you do every day can be opportunities for mindfulness. Any time spent outside can provide a chance to try out walking meditations and focus on how your body and mind work together.

Winter walks near me
Family crossing a footbridge at Stiffkey Marshes, Norfolk

Winter walks in the East of England 

There’s something magical about winter walks – from hearing the frosty grass crunch under your boots to seeing low-lying mists sweeping along the ground. Whether you’re seeking out winter wildlife at Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire for a Christmas walk, scaling the heights of Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire or wandering along Norfolk’s coastline, this is the perfect time to wrap up warm and get outside on a winter walk.

Escape outside in the East of England
Family walking towards Mam Tor in the mist, Edale, Derbyshire

Winter walks in the Midlands 

When it comes to wintery walks, the Midlands have plenty to offer. The Peak District is great for anyone in search of slightly more rugged terrain for a winter hike. Don’t worry if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground though, as there are also plenty of gentle routes through countryside and parklands, such as Attingham Park in Shropshire, to enjoy on a winter walk.

Take a frosty stroll in the Midlands
A walker enjoys the view from Castle Crag in the Lake District

Winter walks in the North of England 

Find a walk to refresh your senses in the North of England. Set your own pace at Lyme, Cheshire when you explore longer walking trails, or venture out in the Lake District – you're sure to find peace and quiet as you take in wide-stretching views on a walk, stroll or winter hike.

Explore the North this winter
Dog walkers under the Temple at Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Winter walks in Northern Ireland 

Searching for a winter, Boxing Day or Christmas walk? It might be cold outside, but there are still plenty of reasons to head out for a wintery stroll in Northern Ireland. Enjoy a fresh lakside stroll at Mount Stewart in County Down, walk on the wild side at Crom in County Fermanagh, or find splashes of colour in the garden at Florence Court in County Fermanagh.

Take in the beauty of Northern Ireland
Visitors walking in Morden Hall Park, London, in the winter

Winter walks in the South East 

There’s no better way to stave off the winter blues than escaping outside for a winter hike. We’ve got plenty of routes to explore in the South East, so you can wander over the rolling hills of the Chilterns in Berkshire, or wind your way through the trees at Hinton Ampner in Hampshire for a Boxing Day walk. There are lots of walks to explore near London too, including places such as the ancient woodlands of Runnymede in Surrey.

Find a winter walk near you in the South East
Visitors in the north garden at Montacute, Somerset

Winter walks in the South West 

From the windswept clifftops of Salcombe Hill in Devon, wildlife-rich Cotehele in Cornwall to the rolling fields of the Bath Skyline in Somerset, you’ll never be short of new landscapes to explore in the South West. Winter walks are often quieter, so why not pull on your walking boots and head out to explore in the crisp fresh air?

Explore the South West on a winter walk
National trust walks in Wales

Winter walks in Wales 

Winter is the best time to see Welsh landscapes at their most dramatic. Adventurous souls can hike their way through mountainous terrain of the Brecon Beacons in Powys. You can take a gentler stroll along the sandy bays of Rhosili and the South Gower Coast in Swansea for far-reaching views and time to unwind on a winter walk.

Plan a winter walk in Wales
Visitors sitting on a bench at Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire in autumn

Latest visiting update 

Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops, countryside locations and many houses are open. You no longer need to pre-book at many places. Some still require booking ahead, so please check the property webpage before you travel.​

Visiting and booking changes
Help nature during winter

A frosty winter walk wouldn't be complete without parklands and countryside covered in gnarled, twisting trees, hearing birdsong or getting a glimpse of a woodland creature. At lots of the places in our care, we look after nature and the homes it creates for many animals, whether they're hibernating or out and about. You can help protect these natural wonders for future generations by giving back to nature today.

Red squirrel with a nut

Give back to nature 

More than ever before, nature has been our source of comfort during difficult times. But climate change is accelerating the decline of these green spaces. Nature gives us so much, donate today and help us protect these precious places and the wildlife that live there.