Save on heating bills and find an alternative way to warm up this winter with the National Trust. Take a brisk walk, find a winter warmer or simply enjoy time together; we’ve got great days out to warm up the coldest of days.
Here are some of our suggestions for the best activities to do during winter:
Wrap up warm and take a walk
Dig out the scarf to stay cosy outdoors while taking in some wonderful winter landscapes. Discover the exotic array of plants and shrubs at Mount Stewart, County Down, or the glorious garden at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire; both look spectacular in the winter months.
Join the crowds at a Christmas market
Get into that friendly, festive spirit with a visit with a visit to one of our Christmas markets; take in the atmosphere or pick up some gifts for the big day. Erddig in Wrexham is a seasonal spectacular with over 50 chalets and stalls, plus live music, food, drink and a winter wonderland.
Sup on soup
A hearty bowl of soup is perfect for a winter afternoon, especially made with fresh, local, seasonal produce. Visit Nymans, West Sussex, in January for a walk in the woods, followed by samples of delicious, homemade soups!
Winter wildlife
Warm the heart this season and witness fantastic displays of wildlife. Why not take a stroll in one of our Deer Parks – our medieval park at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, North Yorkshire, has three varieties of roaming deer to watch for.
Winter food
Pick up some warming winter delights at one of our restaurants or tea rooms, making great meals from fresh, local produce. Pick up your own ingredients at one of our farm shops such as Wallington, Northumberland, packed full of meat and fresh products straight from the Wallington Estate.
Get your skates on
For a traditional winter activity guaranteed to get the kids on the move, get on the ice with one of our skating rinks – take the little ones to Sizergh Castle in Cumbria before Christmas, and Knightshayes Court, Devon, to keep the Christmas spirit alive after the big day (booking essential).
Make something
If you do want to stay inside, stave off the cold and keep busy with some arts and crafts? Killerton in Devon is hosting workshops on making your own Christmas decorations and wreaths this December; it’s a great chance to meet people and learn something new.
Head to a traditional pub
Enjoy an afternoon relaxing and watching the world go by at a traditional pub. The Fleece Inn, Worcestershire, is a converted farmhouse, ideally situation for warming up after a stroll in the gardens of Hidcote, just across the border in Gloucestershire.
Have a roast dinner
There’s no better time to enjoy a Sunday Roast than indoors on a cold, winter afternoon, but why not build up an appetite first? Petworth House and Park in West Sussex is running Ramble & Roast events in December and January, featuring a guided walk on the estate and a warming roast lunch.
Get outdoors and work up a sweat!
Warm up by doing something a bit more active! Stourhead is hosting its 2nd Annual 10km Reindeer Run, Jog or Walk on 5 December; or you could hire a bike and explore Clumber Park‘s 20km of cycle paths (fees apply).