Wrap up warm and enjoy some of the best walking trails at a National Trust place near you this winter.
Adventure into the countryside for invigorating cold-weather walks and soak up the beauty of crisp landscapes, cool air, and glowing sunsets. Meander along frosty paths in historic gardens, jump over puddles in parklands, or blow away the cobwebs exploring the hills and valleys of some of our most spectacular places.
Winter is the best time to notice nature and wildlife around you on your walk. Look for pawprints in mud and snow, listen for crisp notes of bird song and spot woodland residents foraging in the silhouette of bare trees.
Warm up after your winter adventure in a National Trust café or tearoom. Thaw out with a hot drink, shrug off the cold with a hearty soup or simply enjoy a well-earned sweet treat.
Put a spring in your step during the colder months with top winter walking trails near you:
Nottinghamshire & Lincolnshire
Belton House
From crisp, bright, frosty days to atmospheric, misty mornings, Belton is a delight in winter. On these quiet days, Belton deer are often very close to the house and make for great photo opportunities. At this time of year, one of the best views is from top of the slope to the Old Wood, which is best reached on the three-mile, three-hour Belton Park walk. Here you’ll find a bench where you can sit and gather your thoughts as you look across the park to the house.
There are often sheep grazing across the parkland, and the deer never leave, so please always keep your dog on a short lead.
Carved out of the ancient forests of Sherwood, Clumber Park is a beautiful expanse of parkland, heath and woods covering more than 3,800 acres. Once the country estate of the Dukes of Newcastle, there are many glimpses of its grand past to explore. Walking routes around the magnificent lake are extra special in winter, especially on misty mornings when fog surrounds the Gothic chapel. Jays and Green Woodpeckers are often spotted searching for bugs on these scenic paths too. Afterwards, reward yourself with a warming meal in the Turning Yard café, with produce grown in the walled kitchen garden.
Dogs welcome.
Mobility scooters can be hired (subject to availability)
Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens
Nestled in north Lincolnshire, not too far from the coast, the Gunby estate is a great scenic spot to look for winter wildlife. Visitors can explore the estate with a stroll to and around the renovated ice house pond. Look out for beautiful winter flowers like aconites and snowdrops emerging later in January and into February.
Posted on 15 December 2023
