Winter walks the whole family will love

This winter, treat your little ones to a world of adventures on the Percy the Park Keeper's winter wander trail at National Trust properties throughout the UK. Join in the fun with Percy and his animal friends and give nature a helping hand. Pick up your Percy The Park Keeper pack (£2) and set off on a wonderful winter adventure. Trails are available at Osterley, Penrhyn Castle, Berrington Hall, Nymans, Cliveden and more.
When: 4 Dec 21-30 Jan 22
Where: various National Trust venues

Formerly an Edwardian water supply reservoir, Sywell is now a beautiful country park. Call in at the Pump House cafe after your walk for a warming treat.
Where: Sywell Country Park, Washbrook Lane, Ecton, Northampton, NN6 0QX

Blakeney Point's famous grey seals usually give birth to their new babies between November and January, making this a wonderful place to enjoy a family winter walk. The 4-mile long route along the shingle spit to the sand dunes near the Lifeboat House is home to a huge variety of unusual plants and wildlife, including lots of sea birds.
Where: Blakeney National Nature Reserve, Morston Quay, Quay Road, Morston, Norfolk, NR25 7BH

The Forest of Dean has been a royal hunting ground and the source of timber for Tudor warships before industry took claim to the landscape. Pick up a trail leaflet and look out for the sculptures inspired by the forest's past.
Where: Beechenhurst Lodge, Speech House Road, Broadwell, Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 7EG

Beverley Westwood is unspoilt common pasture land that can be enjoyed in all seasons. There are lots of woods to explore and it's a great place for sledging if we get snow.
Where: Beverley Westwood, 67 Walkington Road, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 8LY

Head to Bolam Lake in Northumberland to enjoy a short, pushchair-friendly magical woodland walk this winter. The accessible, circular route around the lake is just over a mile long, and takes you through woodland filled with wildlife. Plus, there's a cafe halfway round, perfect for refuelling tired parents!
Where: Bolam Lake Country Park, Bolam, Northumberland, NE20 0HE

Take the little ones on an adventure they won't forget at Angler's Country Park this winter. Buy an Adventure Trail Activity Pack from the Woodland Café and follow the mysterious footprints along the Room on the Broom Trail to hunt out the well-known characters from the story. There's also an adventure playground for burning off any excess energy after your walk; and a cafe should you need to refuel.
Where: Anglers Country Park, Haw Park Lane, Wintersett, Wakefield, WF4 2EB

There's lots to do at this waterside park – plenty of surfaced pathways for a stroll around the lakes and with two play areas, everyone will have a great time.
Where: Kingsbury Water Park, Bodymoor Heath Lane, Bodymoor Heath, Sutton Coldfield B76 0DY

Blow away the cobwebs with a walk along the remote heathland and sandy cliffs. If you're good at puzzles, have a go at the Smugglers' Trail.
Where: Dunwich Heath and Beach, Coastguard Cottages, Minsmere Road, Saxmundham IP17 3DJ

The Look Out Discovery Centre in Swinley Forest in Berkshire is the starting point for a variety of signposted walks of varying lengths – perfect for families of all ages and abilities.
Where: The Look Out Discovery Centre in Swinley Forest, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

There's a sculpture trail, fairy doors, and a magical giant's chair to discover at the wonderful, dog-friendly nature haven of Rushmere Country Park in Bedfordshire. After searching for fairies and spotting herons, you can enjoy the children's playground or take a pit-stop at the Tree Tops Restaurant and Deck.
Where: Rushmere Country Park, Linslade Rd, Heath and Reach, Leighton Buzzard LU7 0EB

With easy, accessible paths, you can take your buggies on The Gruffalo Trail around Alice Holt Forest in Hampshire. Look out for the giant Gruffalo and Stick Man statues … along with the Gruffalo's Child. And when you’ve finished the free Gruffalo Trail, head back to one of two adventure playgrounds or older kids will love the Go Ape tree top adventure.
Where: Alice Holt, Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LS

Love The Gruffalo? Find even more Gruffalo Trails across the UK here.

Take the family highlights trail around the Gibside National Trust estate. Seek out the Nature Playscape for some fun and then take a stroll down the beautiful tree-lined avenue.
Where: Gibside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE16 6BG

There are two wonderful walks around Ashdown Forest, taking in the sights made famous by AA Milne's classic bear, Winnie the Pooh. The short walk is just 1 km, but can be extended to a longer distance of 3.25 km, making it suitable for different abilities. Look out for the Heffalump Trap, Roo's Sandy Pit and the Enchanted Place as you go.
Where: Start from Gills Lap Car Park, Ashdown Forest, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3JD

Follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen's Mr Darcy in the grounds of this fine stately home. Walk up to the hilltop folly known as The Cage and enjoy views of both city and countryside. Then treat yourselves to delicious hot and cold snacks and cakes from the Timber Yard Cafe.
Where: Lyme, Disley, Stockport, Cheshire SK12 2NR

Don your wellies and head off on a walk through The Magical Wood at Heartwood Forest in Hertfordshire. The easy 2.5km route is perfect for families. See if you can spot any woodland characters along the way.
Where: Heartwood Forest, Sandridge, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 9DQ

Choose one of the coloured waymarked trails at Rising Sun Country Park, or for more of a challenge, pick up an orienteering pack from the visitor centre.
When: Rising Sun Country Park, Whitley Road, Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 9SS

Just a short drive from Liverpool, and with a National Trust carpark, in Formby village, Formby Beach is a great place to enjoy a winter walk. It's all here: giant sand dunes, coastal pinewoods, glorious expanses of sand and the ever-changing Irish Sea. Look out for Formby's striking red squirrels as you go.
Where: Formby Beach, Victoria Road, Formby, Liverpool, L37 1LJ

Explore Stockeld Park this winter – you'll be amazed how many different things there are to see and do. Visit the playground in the Enchanted Forest hidden in ancient woodland; take on the climbing challenges in the Spider's Lair; invade the Teepee Encampment; and let you imaginations set sail at Woodsands Cove, where a pirate ship and Viking swings offer all kinds of chances to play.
Where: Stockeld Park, Wetherby Road, Wetherby LS22 4AN

Explore the many, varied gardens at RHS Harlow Carr and enjoy a winter ramble through the well-loved attraction. The woodland is wonderful in wintertime; dig out a map and hunt out the natural play areas; and don't miss the Alpine House – a warm retreat on cold or wet days where you can spot bright blooms that defy the seasons.
Where: RHS Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB

Choose between the Lake Walk, the Kestrel Walk, or the Dragonfly Walk at RSPB Saltholme, all of which are around 1km long – perfect for little legs, and they're also buggy friendly for the tiniest visitors. Look out for Kestrels hunting in the winter months; on the Dragonfly Walk winter brings spectacular views of ducks, geese, swans and wading birds as they gather in their thousands. The popular playground offers den building and a mud kitchen; the cafe offers stunning views over the nature reserve.
Where: RSPB Saltholme, Seaton Carew Road, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough TS2 1TU

Stanwick Lakes has a network of more than 7 miles of wheelchair and buggy accessible footpaths, perfect for a winter walk. Take the Wildlife and Heritage Trail to find the nature reserve's Mini Beast Hotel, discover Roman remains and try a bit of bird spotting. Or grab an orienteering pack, with map, compass and all essential items from the shop and try a longer route. Finish your day with a scramble over the adventure playgrounds and a pitstop at Cafe Solar for some warming treats.
Where: Stanwick Lakes, Stanwick, Wellingborough NN9 6GY

Explore a criss-cross of trails through Barry Sidings Country Park, and alongside the banks of the River Rhondda. Choose between feeding the ducks around the lake or maybe venture up into the surrounding mountains and forests for a more challenging ramble. Don't miss the adventure playground and the cafe if you need a warming snack.
Where: Barry Sidings Country Park, Trehafod, Pontypridd CF37 2PE

How about a 'calorie mapped' walk to burn off that Christmas dinner? The magnificent views of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the arches of the Cefn Viaduct will be your reward.
Where: Tŷ Mawr Country Park, Cae-Gwilym Lane, Cefn-mawr, Wrexham LL14 3PE

Pick a trail through the woodland or around the loch. The area is a fantastic place to spot wildlife. Look out for red squirrels, woodpeckers, roe deer and waterfowl as you explore. How about a spot of geocaching along the way? There are more than 30 caches hidden in the park.
Where: Crombie Country Park, Monikie, DD5 3QL

See how the reindeer are doing after their busy night on Christmas Eve. Don your walking boots and join the daily visit to hand-feed and stroke the free-ranging animals.
Where: Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Reindeer House, Glenmore, Aviemore PH22 1QU

Part of the Drumchapel woods maintained by Forestry and Land Scotland, Cleddans Burn can be found on the north western edge of Glasgow. Follow the 1k Drumry Trail up onto the open hilltops for panoramic views over the Kilpatrick Hills. If you're feeling more adventurous, challenge yourselves to the 7km circular walk along the Drumchapel Way, taking in Garscadden Burn Park and Garscadden Woods.
Where: Cleddans Burn, Achamore Road, Drumchapel, Glasgow, G15 8HF

Take in the breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains on the family-friendly Bunkers Hill trail. Then play on the lookout tower, amphitheatre or the storyteller's chair at the Natural Play Trail.
Where: Castlewellan Forest Park, Forest Park View, Castlewellan, Co Down BT31 9BU