The Best Boxing Day Walks at Historic Houses
After the hustle and bustle of Christmas, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing Boxing Day walk to clear your head and extend the holiday cheer. Historic houses across the country offer the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll, with their picturesque landscapes, frosty gardens, and charming parklands. Remember to wrap up warm!
The Church of St Withburga
Enjoy your Boxing Day walk through the grounds of Holkham Hall, leading to the charming Church of St. Withburga. This peaceful route winds through the frosted parklands, offering stunning views, ancient trees, and the chance to spot the resident deer grazing nearby.The church is a perfect spot to pause and reflect amidst its timeless beauty. Pop by the cafe afterwards to get something to warm yourself up!
The Obelisk
For a slightly more leisurely walk, make your way to the Obelisk. This striking landmark, set within the expansive grounds of the estate, offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding parkland. The walk meanders through peaceful woodlands and across open fields, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of the winter landscape. Once at the obelisk, take a moment to admire the breathtaking vista. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty or a bit of history, this walk to Holkham’s obelisk is the perfect way to stretch your legs and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the estate on Boxing Day.
If you feel like a delicious meal or a drink to wrap your Boxing Day walk, pop into The Victoria and cosy up in front of their roaring fire and relax after a long festive season.
Open from 10am-4pm
The Marlborough Maze
This historic hedge maze offers a delightful challenge as you wind through its intricate paths, making it perfect for children to burn off some energy while enjoying the outdoors. As you make your way through the maze, take in the surrounding beauty of the palace grounds and the peaceful winter landscape. The Marlborough Maze is a wonderful spot for families to enjoy together, offering both a bit of adventure and the chance to soak in the fresh air on Boxing Day.
Park Perimeter Walk
For a peaceful and scenic Boxing Day stroll, take the 4.6-mile Park Perimeter Walk at Blenheim Palace. This beautiful route takes around two hours to complete, offering stunning views of the palace, lakes, and surrounding countryside. Perfect for those who want to enjoy the winter landscape at a relaxed pace, it’s an ideal way to unwind after the holiday festivities and immerse yourself in nature.
If you still have the energy after your walk why not try The Great Skate at Blenheim Palace and enjoy ice-skating across the stunning Great Court. Set against the palace’s breathtaking backdrop, it’s the perfect way to have fun with the family, whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and create lasting memories on the ice!
The Deer Park and Woodshed
For a refreshing Boxing Day walk, head to Eastnor Deer Park, just across from Eastnor Castle. This National Landscape and Site of Special Scientific Interest is home to a herd of Red Deer, offering an excellent chance for wildlife spotting. The park features tarmac paths of varying lengths, making it ideal for all types of walkers. For a more adventurous route, follow the path up to the Eastnor Obelisk, which joins the Worcestershire Way and the Malvern Hills. Signposted routes are available at the park entrance, so you can easily pick the walk that suits you best. After your walk, stop by The Woodshed for a warm drink and a relaxing break. Located at the entrance to the park, this cozy café is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
The Rose Garden
For a unique Boxing Day walk, visit Belvoir Castle and discover the Winter statue by Caius Gabriel Cibber in the castle’s rose garden. This beautiful, atmospheric sculpture captures the essence of the season, with its intricate details evoking the cold elegance of winter. As you stroll through the quiet garden, enjoy the contrast of the frosty landscape against the timeless artistry of the statue.The path around the rose garden offers peaceful views of the castle and surrounding countryside, with the statue standing as a striking focal point. This walk takes around 20 minutes, so is ideal for every age.
Duke’s Walk
This picturesque route takes about an hour to complete and offers stunning views of the estate and surrounding countryside. As you stroll through the peaceful woodlands, enjoy the winter air and the sight of the magnificent castle rising in the distance. After finishing the Duke’s Walk, head towards the Engine Yard, a charming courtyard transformed into a lively shopping and dining destination. After working up an appetite, head to the Pizza Bar which is open from 9am- 4pm for a well deserved treat.
