The Top 5 UK Winter Walks

We know that Winter isn’t exactly the most ideal time of year, but what if we said that there’s more to it than wet, damp, icy conditions and the inevitable dark, early nights?

Picture the scene – you’re wrapped up warm, walking along a picturesque setting, the birds are chirping and the wind is making the leaves fall from the trees. There’s no better scenery in the world!

That’s right, we’re talking about the gorgeous British countryside!

From frosty trees and fabulous foliage to tranquil lakes and icy paths, you’ll be in absolute awe of the stunning scenery. The cold weather will be stuck firmly at the back of your mind in no time!

So, if you’re up for grabbing the wellies and bobble hat, but you’re not sure where this beautiful scenery is actually situated, then fear not, because we’ve scoured the length and breadth of the country in order to offer a solution.

Read on for more information.

Stourhead, Wiltshire    Image Credit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

With hills, water and classical architecture overlaid by a fabulous collection of trees and shrubs, Stourhead was described as ‘a living work of art’ when first opened in the 1740s.

Meandering paths offer vistas through trees to classical temples and surprises at every turn.

Stourhead is breath-taking in any season but on sunny spring and autumn days, the flowering spring shrubs and the flaming autumnal colours of the trees reflected in the magnificent lake are breath-taking.

It also offers seasonal family fun, a dog walking trail, and some fantastic Christmas events.

Stowe House, Buckingham    Image Credit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

If you had power and riches, how would you use them? In the eighteenth century, the powerful Temple-Grenville family chose to create an idyllic landscape filled with temples.

Amidst these large gardens, they built the most lavish temple of all, Stowe House. This temple was so grand that even Queen Victoria was bewildered by its interiors.

Today, gardening is all about growing flowers in every colour, but eighteenth-century landscape gardens such as Stowe dealt in shades of green.

Rolling expanses of grass were framed by artfully placed belts of trees and shrubs and reflected in tranquil stretches of water. This area of Buckinghamshire is truly stunning.

Mottisfont Abbey, Hampshire    Image Credit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Carpets of spring bulbs, a stunning walled rose garden, rich autumn leaves and a colourful winter garden make Mottisfont a feast for the senses all year round.

What’s more, the abundant spring that encouraged settlement at Mottisfont hundreds of years ago is now an ornamental of feature of the garden.

The font and River Test have also enabled gardeners over the centuries to make a landscape that is both beautiful and productive.

Their friendly team also offer guided walks along various routes, so should you want to return, you’ll know it like the back of your hand!

Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire  Image Credit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The gardens of Anglesey Abbey offer an abundance of interest and colour throughout the year.

In Spring, massed drifts of daffodils flourish throughout the gardens, while the heady scent of over 4000 blue and white hyacinths fills the air in the Formal Garden.

Oh, and be sure not to miss the breath-taking ‘sea of tulips’ which carpet the beautiful Himalayan Silver Birch Grove in the Winter Garden. Your jaw will drop instantly.

To their own admission, ‘The Winter Garden can brighten even the coldest of days’, and we agree.

The shrubs and trees have also been specially selected to provide vivid colour, unique textures and an amazing scent. This garden simply must be visited.

Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire    Image Credit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Often described as ‘the jewel in the crown of North Nottinghamshire’, Clumber Park was once the stately home of the Dukes of Newcastle. Today, it comprises 3,800 acres of parkland with a stunning array of historic features and natural habitats which are of national importance.

Clumber Park has been loved by literally hundreds of thousands of visitors over the decades and even though it is one of the most beautiful parks in the North, parts of its route have been damaged.

Fear not though, because the National Trust are pumping a lot of money in to conserving this beautiful landscape.

A spokesperson said; ‘‘Since the National Trust first started caring for Clumber Park in 1946 our visitor numbers have grown considerably and this has taken its toll across the property.’’

‘‘We need to ensure that Clumber Park remains a special place for future generations to enjoy and this means that over the next ten years we need to change how parts of it are used and cared for.’’

‘‘We’ll be planning what those changes look like over the coming months and years and are focused on ensuring that they will make visiting Clumber Park a better experience for all of our visitors whilst conserving the things we love about the property.’’

But don’t let this put you off, because Clumber Park is still an absolutely stunning attraction.

With thanks to the National Trust