WINTER WALKS TO STROLL INTO 2026

Days out at some of the National Trust's most stunning locations will help get your New Year off to a healthy, mindful and sparkling start...

- Matt Nixson

THERE’S nothing nicer than stepping out into the fresh air on a crisp winter's day — especially after Christmas excesses. And across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the National Trust has something for all the family. There are fragrant winter gardens, acres of frost-sprinkled deer parks, winding coastal paths and ancient woodland trails dusted by snow. So pull on your gloves and hat, wrap up warm and enjoy stunning scenery and the sights and sounds of the outdoors. You'll be doing mind and body a big favour.

DUNHAM MASSEY, GREATER MANCHESTER

The meandering paths of one of the UK’s largest winter gardens form the stunning backdrop to Dunham Massey’s historic Georgian house and gardens. Where better to start than the 300-acre deer park? The roaming fallow deer are easier to spot through the leafless trees and the estate’s historic buildings take on a new beauty at this time of year.

Dunham Massey’s winter gardens feature more than 1,600 winter shrubs, trees and evergreens, chosen for their scent, colour and texture. One of the National Trust’s most accessible locations, with miles of flat, wide paths in the parkland and gardens, with personal mobility scooters and wheelchairs available for hire.

SIZERGH, CUMBRIA

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Lakeland Fells, the Pennines and Morecambe Bay, the Sizergh estate boasts interlinked family garden areas developed over 800 years, including the Stumpery, the Dutch Garden and Kitchen Garden.

Seasonal highlights at this gateway to the Lake District include the sweet smell of winter flowering honeysuckle along the Herbaceous Border and hedgehog holly on the south terrace, plus winter is the only time you can see the skeletons of the acers and the bare bones of the Rock Garden.