All of the walks we’ve listed below have plenty of activities or things for children to spot along the way to keep them entertained. So why not get wrapped up warm and enjoy a family winter walk together.
There is a magical surprise around every corner at Stockeld Park in the Enchanted Forest.
Add some sparkle to your visit by entering the Enchanted Forest at dusk, when it will be transformed with colours and lights, projections and music to create a magical immersive experience.
As you enjoy a walk through Strid Wood, clues connected to the ’12 Days of Christmas’ will help you to solve the baking mystery on the trail sheet.
The trail will begin at the Cavendish Shop and lead you up to the Strid, it is a linear trail. Families are encouraged to follow a different route back to the car park to avoid the green trail becoming overcrowded.
Activity sheets will be issued from the car park kiosks on arrival. We recommend pre-booking your Estate entry and advise choosing the Riverside car park to join the trail at the beginning.
You can pick up a trail sheet from the carpark kiosks.
Come and take a stroll on our magical woodland walk. Follow our twinkling lights, down winding paths and you’ll discover the enchanting installations of the Christmas traditions.
Explore all of the interactive stations, offering something for each family member to enjoy. Each station will be cleaned regularly but please use the hand sanitiser stations provided before and after use.
After your walk if you need to warm up, come on in to our Yuletide Yurts and have a festive drink whilst enjoying the beautiful setting. Snacks will also be on sale alongside your favourite Christmas tipple!
The Hall will be dressed up in all of its Edwardian festive finery, the Fairy Dell will be twinkling and Wildlife World will be open during the day for a full day out experience.
A timed entry Christmas Experience estate ticket is required to access these areas.
Additional costs and booking required for Santa’s Elf Village-Under The Wishing Tree, Santa’s Cabin, Gingerbread decorating with Mrs Claus, Elf Crafts, and Yuletide Yurt Magic Show.
Let it Glow! Enjoy an unmissable after dark spectacle of lights at RHS Garden Harlow Carr this festive season.
Bring all the family for a magical evening at RHS Garden Harlow Carr. See the garden in breathtaking beauty as amazing illuminations light your way on our spectacular Glow trail.
Take an enchanting walk at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, marvelling at spectacular light displays along your way. See iconic features such as Streamside, the Queen Mother’s Lake, Winter Walk, Doric Columns and Kitchen Garden light up winter nights with festive sparkle and magic.
Discover the garden in a whole new light as you follow the magical trail around magnificent trees and shrubs awash with colour. New for 2022, enjoy ambient sounds around the Queen Mother’s Lake and be wowed by a ‘pixel lawn’ with hundreds of synchronised, dancing lights.
Looking for something to keep you aglow? Take a break along the way and tuck into tasty festive treats and warming drinks available to buy from Bettys Tea House.
ℹ️ For more information see Harlow Carr’s website.
Christmas is seeing the abbey glow here at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
You’ve finished the Christmas shopping, explored the family trail and been revived by a warming mug of hot chocolate. Now it’s time for Music and Lights. As twilight falls see the abbey aglow with all the colours of the rainbow. Walk beneath the cellarium’s vaulted ceilings, under the grand columns of the nave and stop to watch the live choirs and bands fill the ruins with festive music. Join in if you know the tune!
Choirs and bands will be performing in the cellarium 2-3pm on Saturday 3rd, Saturday 10th, Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th and Saturday 31st December. You don’t need to book a ticket to visit as Music and Lights is part of normal admission.
The creatures that live at Nostell are preparing for winter in their own way by getting ready for their big winter sleep.
Explore the gardens and spot all the preparations the animals are making for their hibernation this winter. Follow the trail to learn about how they are getting ready to tuck themselves in for good long sleep over the cold months.
If you’re feeling a bit chilly, call into the cafe for a warming hot chocolate and a slice of cake to refuel. Or why not explore the house, which will be decorated to the nines in the finest foliage from Nostell’s landscape (open December).
Cost: Trail is FREE.Normal admission applies (Adults £7.50, Child £3.75 for gardens and play area. Adults £12, Child £6 for whole property. National Trust members free).
Buggy friendly: Yes
Dog-friendly: No
Location: Nostell, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 1QE
Driving distance from Leeds: 20 miles/40 minutes
ℹ️ For more information see the National Trust website.
Saturday 11 November 2023 to Friday 5 January 2024
Join us for our annual Merry Mouse Children’s Christmas Trail. The creatures of the wood are feeling sleepy as it is time for them to hibernate through the winter. Help Merry Mouse discover the story that will put the woodland to sleep.
No booking required, please check visitor centre opening hours.
Children to be accompanied by an adult.
Sorry no dogs, wheelchair accessible.
Price from £5.00
Danby Lodge Visitor Centre, Lodge Lane, Whitby, YO21 2NB
Sutton Bank National Park Centre, Sutton Bank, Thirsk, YO7 2EH
Celebrate your inner Robin on a Robin Robin adventure trail at RSPB Fairburn Ings!
Every year, Robin joins her family on a big sneak to find food to survive the winter. Join us on the great RSPB sneak and celebrate your inner robin!
Our exclusive activity packs will help you complete all the fun challenges along the trail as well as give robin-related activities to do at home, a certificate (for when you become a brilliant robin) and much more!
We’ve also provided an audio trail. Scan the QR codes as you complete the sneak, to hear Robin herself guide you along the way. Voiced by Bronte Carmichael, the voice actor for Robin Robin.
There’s no need to book, just turn up and start sneaking! This self-led family trail is designed for children aged 3-11 years old and their families but you can join in whatever age you are!
Cost: Event is free (car parking required).Trail packs from the Welcome Hut and the Visitor Center cost £3 each.
Buggy friendly: Yes, the trail is relatively flat and should be manageable for most buggies
Dog-friendly: Dogs are allowed on leads at other times
Location: Newton Lane Castleford, WF10 2BH
Driving distance from Leeds: 13 miles/30 minutes
If you want to escape the festive fun, then a trip to Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a great place to let off some steam and get plenty of fresh air.
With 80 sculptures around the grounds, there is plenty of children to look at and find. Plus unlike many traditional galleries you can touch some of the artwork.
Why not walk around the lake and woodland where you can discover bridges and stepping stones.
Cost: All visitors need to book and pay for a ticket in advance. This includes if you travel by car, cycle or on foot. Tickets cost £6 per person. Under 18s are free.
Buggy friendly: Yes, but not the whole site as there are some hills and it can get muddy!
Dog-friendly: Yes but on leads and dogs are not allowed inside
Location: West Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4JX
Driving distance from Leeds: 20 miles/30 minutes
ℹ️ For more information see YSP’s website.
10. The Roundhay Rudolf Trail
Use a tracking map (Eg Strava) to draw your very own Rudolf with a walk around Roundhay!
19-21 December
Our annual winter fundraising event is a magical celebration of light in our darkest month. Wander along a candlelit trail in the woods and gardens at Skelton Grange and get a sneak peek at the illuminated miniature village around the grounds. At the end of the trail, there will be campfires and activities in the woods. The event is often described as magical and awe inspiring, with many people returning year after year. We hope you will be one of them!
TCV Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Leeds
For other suggestions of nice family walks this festive season (unturned!), you may like these blogs;
