Whenever the sun’s out, even in winter, we always try to get outdoors and go for a walk. I love wrapping up warm and finding somewhere new to explore. Here are some walks that the we have found around the country.
St James’ Park, London
If you are in the capital for Christmas why not take a walk around St James’ Park? It’s officially the warmest place in the UK with an average temperature of 11.43°C. You can also take a nice route starting at from the park then walk down The Mall, along Victoria Embankment and return via Birdcage Walk and Buckingham Palace. Find out more.
New Forest National Park, Hampshire
The New Forest has many, many walks where the family can explore the stunning landscape. There are a range of different routes that you can choose from that vary in length and difficulty. The children can try to spot some of the adorable New Forest ponies as you walk along. One walk that I have completed is the walk from Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard and back, a nice gentle walk that follows the Beaulieu River. Find out more.
Heaton Park, Manchester
Heaton Park is a great place for a family walk, with many paths zigzagging around the park and a number of attractions to entertain the kids. There are 644 acres of rolling green space so there’s lots to see including the Animal Centre where you can meet an assortment of farm animals. Below is a link to a walk that should take you around 2 1/2hrs following paths with gentle climbs and descents. Find out more.
Horsey Beach, Norfolk
During the winter months this unspoilt beach is home to hundreds of seals. Depending on where you park it’s about a 1 mile walk to find them. The kids will adore seeing the seals and on a nice day this is an enjoyable walk along the sandy beach. Find out more.
Calton Hill, Edinburgh
If you haven’t been for a walk to Calton Hill yet you must! Once you’ve reached the top there are stunning views over the city for you to enjoy and number of monuments and buildings to see. The hill is easy to reach and takes just 5 minutes to climb the stairs to the top and from there you can explore the park. Find out more.
Windermere, Cumbria
The Lake District offers an incredible number of different walks from multi-day hikes to walks suitable for pushchairs. The walk that I have found below is an easy walk for the family to try and takes in some of the beautiful scenery around Lake Windermere. Find out more.
Bute Park, Cardiff
Going for a walk around Bute Park is enjoyable all year with plenty to see all around the park. Follow the sculpture trail to find all the hidden pieces all over the park and the children will enjoy the woodland play trail with its interpretive sculptures, seats and fallen trees that are waiting to be clambered over and under. Find out more.
Morden Hall Park, London
Put on your wellies and explore the various paths around Morden Hall Park. Many of the paths follow the River Wandle with lots to see along the way, including the statues of Venus and Neptune and there is a natural play area where the kids can burn off all that post-Christmas energy. Find out more.
Brimham Rocks, Ripon, Yorkshire
This natural playground makes for a great walk for the family. The area with its unusual rock formations, is a place to let the imagination run wild as some of the rocks resemble different shapes such as a dancing bear, an eagle and a gorilla. The link below is a walk by the National Trust and has information on these amazing rock formations. Find out more.
Exmoor National Park, Somerset
Crisscrossing across Exmoor National Park there’s an incredible 1,000km of footpaths. There are walks of varying difficulty to enjoy and a number of landmarks such as the ancient Tarr Steps, a clapper bridge across the River Barle. In previous years the bridge has been damaged by heavy flooding. If there hasn’t been heavy rainfall a visit to the bridge makes for a pleasant stroll for the family. Find out more.
Ashdown Forest, East Sussex
This forest is famous for being the area that inspired the Winnie the Pooh books by AA Milne. There are a couple of walks that you can take where you can take in the sites of some of Pooh’s adventures one walk is 1km long and the other is 3.25km. Find out more.
Fingers crossed that the weather will be nice enough that we can get outdoors!
If you have any suggestions of fun winter walk anywhere in the UK, let us know by sharing on Facebook, Twitter or by tagging us on Instagram!