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, or take a frosty New Year's Day stroll. We look after lots of places where you can feel refreshed on a crisp winter walk in your local area.

Visiting this winter 

In England and Northern Ireland, our gardens, parks and countryside sites remain open for local people to exercise. Shops, houses and other indoor areas are closed, and cafés are takeaway only. The safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors from the nearby community remains our priority and we urge you to book your visits in advance and stay local. All places in Wales are currently closed. Please check the property webpage before you travel.

More information on what’s open
National trust walks in Cumbria

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.

Please note, some car parks may not be open and some walking trails may be subject to change. To check if a place is open, always check its webpage before planning your local visit.

Winter walks near me
National trust walks

Winter walks in the East of England 

There’s something magical about walking in winter – 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, 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 walk near to you.

Escape outside in the East of England
Mother and child walking outdoors wrapped up for winter

Winter walks in the Midlands 

When it comes to wintery walks, the Midlands have plenty to offer. The Peak District is the perfect playground for anyone in search of slightly more rugged terrain, or the reward of breathtaking views after climbing up a big hill. Don’t worry if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground though, as there are also plenty of gentle routes through historic gardens and countryside to enjoy that's local to you.

Take a frosty stroll in the Midlands
National trust walks. Walking at Blea Tarn in Little Langdale, Cumbria

Winter walks in the North of England 

Winter is the time to pull on your boots, wrap up warm and head out on a walk that's right on your doorstep. Maybe you’ll get to see the crisp morning mists lying over Derwent Water in the Lake District, spot wildlife on a leisurely stroll around Malham Tarn or breathe in the sea air on the rugged Northumberland coastline.

Find a walk near you
National trust walks in Northern Ireland

Winter walks in Northern Ireland 

It might be cold outside, but there are still plenty of reasons to head out for a wintery stroll in Northern Ireland. Enjoy the salty tang of sea air at Portstewart Strand, clamber to the top of Divis and the Black Mountain or find splashes of colour in the garden at Florence Court. Find a walk near you to feel revived after a good walk in the fresh air.

Take in the beauty of Northern Ireland
Visitors walk in Stowe in winter

Winter walks in the South East 

There’s no better way to stave off the winter blues than escaping outside for a walk near to where you live. We’ve got plenty of routes to explore in the South East, so you can wander beside frost-rimmed rivers in London, roam high across the Downs on the Isle of Wight, or wend your way through the trees in the New Forest.

Find a winter walk near you in the South East
National trust walks. Walking in the parkland in winter at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

Winter walks in the South West 

From the windswept clifftops and high moors of Devon and Cornwall to the rolling fields of Somerset, you’ll never be short of new landscapes to explore in the South West. Local walks are often quieter in winter too, 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
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.

Robin at Quarry Bank Mill, Cheshire

Give back to nature 

This year, more than ever before, nature has been our source of comfort. 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.

Donate now