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Winter walks in the British countryside,...

22 January 2025

Winter walks in the British countryside, with listed buildings and landmarks along the way

By Joanne Townsend Administration Assistant

Snow-covered path in a forest with bare trees and sunlight filtering through branches on a clear winter day.

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Now the new year is here, and winter is in full swing, there is no better time to wrap up warm and get outside to enjoy some fresh air and visit some historic, listed gems along the way.

From castle and estate gardens to parks with listed status, we have handpicked just a few options that you could explore this winter to see the best of Britain’s historic charm.

A brick tower with a clock stands at the end of a pathway, flanked by manicured bushes and a neatly trimmed lawn under cloudy skies.

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens

Nestled in the Weald of Kent in England, this Grade I listed Castle boasts some truly beautiful gardens, Created by Vita Sackville-West, the poet and writer and her author husband, Harold Nicolson in the early 1930’s, the garden was designed in a series of ‘rooms’ including the Rose Garden and the White Garden.

When you visit, you can also walk around the wider estate which is 450-acres and a working farm, or take in the amazing panoramic views of the formal garden from the top of the tower.

For more information about visiting Sissinghurst Castle click here Sissinghurst Castle Garden | Kent | National Trust

Castle Fraser Estate

Castle Fraser is a category A listed building and is situated in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It has one of the largest tower houses in Scotland with a core that dates from as early as 1450.

The traditional walled garden is perfect to wander throughout all seasons, or the extensive parkland that surrounds this magnificent castle is perfect for a winter walk with two trails on offer. Take a walk around the flight pond and there is always a chance that you might spot some roe deer or red squirrels and many other wildlife that call this estate home.

To find out more check out their website by clicking here Castle Fraser | National Trust for Scotland

A medieval castle with stone walls, a large cylindrical tower, and conical rooftops, set against a cloudy sky and green grass.

Stone tower with crenellated top on a hill, overlooking a vast landscape; a wooden fence is nearby under a partly cloudy sky.

Rivington Pike

Rivington Pike Tower is a Grade II listed building which stands at the top of Rivington Pike hill on Winter Hill and is part of the West Pennine Moors in Lancashire.

The Pike Tower is a prominent local landmark and is part of Lever Park which is perfect for walkers or a bike ride. With breathtaking views that will never disappoint where better to take a nice brisk walk on your own or with your family and dogs.

For more information click here Rivington Pike – Viewpoint in Chorley – Visit Lancashire

Godolphin Estate

Godolphin House is a Grade I listed house built in the late 1400s with some later additions, the house is open to the public for the first week of every month except January.

This atmospheric estate is perfect for a winter’s walk around its grounds. Discover all that Godolphin has to offer with a wander around the 16^th-century garden or explore the wider estate which is over 500 acres of countryside.

On the south westerly reaches of the estate, you will find Godolphin Hill. This is where you will experience some of the best views in Cornwall and you can see over St Ives Bay if you look to the north.

Venture through the beautiful woodland with its breathtaking landscape and you will stumble upon riverbanks and wildlife.

For more details click here Godolphin | Cornwall | National Trust

Old wooden door set in a moss-covered stone archway with weathered pillars and steps.

Stone ruins of a castle sit atop a grassy hill, surrounded by trees and a few small houses in the foreground.

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle is a large enclosure castle which stands above a village of the same name in Dorset.

Built by William the Conqueror, the castle dates back to the 11^th century and this protected Grade I listed building is now owned and managed by the National Trust and is open to the public.

Perfect for walks, whether it be a wander around the castle ruins or wildlife spotting in the surrounding hills, this is a great place to get out with the whole family.

For more information click here Corfe Castle | Dorset | National Trust

Calderstones Park

This public park in the Allerton area of Liverpool is located around 4 miles southeast of the city centre. This is a great walk for family’s as within its 126 acres there is a playground, a botanical garden and many places of historical interest.

There is a lake in the park which is home to many geese and ducks. The Calderstones Mansion House is a Grade II listed building. It is nestled among the acres of beautiful parkland and is now used as a public space for reading groups and a programme of weekly groups and activities as well as having a café for you to stop off at.

Calderstones Park is a walk that you will want to take over and over again and the magnificent Allerton Oak is a must see along your way, which is thought to be around 1000 years old and won the 2019 tree of the year.

For more details about visiting Calderstones Park click here Calderstones Park

A large grassy park area covered with fallen leaves, surrounded by trees. A distant building is visible under a cloudy sky.

A red and white gazebo stands in a snow-covered park with bare trees and a wrought iron fence in the foreground.

Sefton Park

This is one of Liverpool’s best loved spaces and this Grade I listed park is perfect for a wintery walk to blow the cobwebs away as there are so many pathways to explore.

Take in all the breathtaking views of the Palm House and the boating lake and search for the Eros and Peter Pan statues which can give your walk a sense of magic.

For further information on visiting Sefton Park click here Sefton Park

Knole Park

Knole House is a Grade I listed country House located in Sevenoaks Kent and is a great place to visit for a winter walk to take in some beautiful countryside views. Covering around 1000 acres of trees, woodland, valleys, ponds and open parkland, Knole Park has lots to offer and brings a sense of tranquillity.

This is the perfect walk to spot some of the wild deer that have roamed the grounds and parkland since the 1400’s. Originally built as an archbishop’s palace, Knole passed through royalty to the Sackville family, who still live there today.

For more information on visiting Knole Park click here Knole | Kent | National Trust

Large historic stone building with towers and chimneys, covered in snow, set against a cloudy winter sky.

If there’s not a winter walk near you listed above, there’s no doubt history not far from your doorstep. Why not take a walk this winter and see what historic, listed gems your local area has to offer.

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