National Trust Walks Near Me – Head to the coast for dramatic grey skies and thundering waves, blow away the cobwebs with invigorating countryside walks or follow inviting paths through frost-sprinkled parkland and historic gardens.
Immerse yourself in striking winter scenery; the stark beauty of frost-gilded trees, new vistas of wide landscapes and dramatic winter sunsets.
Winter is a great time to go outdoors and see wildlife. Birds arrive for the winter months and woodland residents can be seen more easily in the bare trees, so why not combine your winter walk with some great nature-spotting opportunities?
the National Trust tea rooms and cafes make the perfect pit-stop after your winter ramble to warm up and refuel with a hot drink, comforting warm lunch or a well-earned sweet treat.
Here are some of the best National Trust Suffolk trails near you to enjoy during the cold winter months:
Best National Trust Winter Walks in Suffolk
Flatford
Flatford lies in the heart of the beautiful Dedham Vale along the Suffolk-Essex border. This charming hamlet was the inspiration for some of John Constable’s most famous pictures, for example, the Hay Wain or Boatbuilding near Flatford Mill among many others.
Follow in Constable’s footsteps visiting Flatford, East Bergholt and Dedham. Wandering beside the River Stour or looking at Flatford Mill and Willy Lott’s House you can feel as if you are walking through one of his paintings. It’s even more magical if you’re visiting on a crisp and frosty morning.
Dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a short lead at all times as there is livestock grazing. If you ever feel threatened in a situation with your dog with livestock close by, it is advised to release the lead, and reach safety separately.
Accessible countryside trail suitable for off road mobility vehicles.
Find out more information about Flatford HERE
Ickworth Estate
An Italianate Palace in the heart of Suffolk with over 1800 acres of beautiful parkland, woodland, Italianate Gardens and an all-weather trail to enjoy, Ickworth is the perfect place to get back to nature.
The Monument Walk makes a great winter walk. The circular route weaves through the historic estate and offers breath-taking views across the landscape. Explore a mixture of open parkland and woodland glades, and take in the church and obelisk monument.
While the river walk has firm footing and is suitable for those using wheelchairs and mobility aids, as well as for buggies and young children.
Dogs welcome on short leads (except for Italianate Garden)
Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available for loan
Find out more information about Ickworth house HERE
Sutton Hoo
Set in the picturesque Suffolk countryside with the atmospheric Royal Burial Ground at its heart, Sutton Hoo is the perfect spot for a scenic winter stroll.
There are miles of walking trails to discover the wider estate. The Ferry Cliff walk explores woodlands, fields and river on a 3-mile trail route, and you’ll be rewarded with far reaching views over the River Deben.
Take a moment to rest and enjoy the stunning views from the 17m viewing tower across the burial ground.
Dogs are welcome on short leads.
Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available for loan
Find out more information about Sutton Hoo HERE
Dunwich Heath and Beach
Enjoy a bracing winter walk along Dunwich Beach, surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the crashing waves and imposing clifftop.
Explore the heath on a cool, crisp day and spot winter migrating birds such as hen harriers, merlins, bramblings, redwings and fieldfares.
The sites waymarked pink and orange routes take in steady 2- and 3-mile routes that traverse heathland and clifftop paths, taking in coastal views and nature spotting opportunities.
Dogs are welcome off lead under close control across the site during winter, and on a short lead in the tearoom.
Mobility scooters are available for loan.
Find out more information about Dunwich Beach and Heath HERE
Best National Trust Winter Walks in Norfolk
Blickling Estate
Blickling’s breath taking Jacobean mansion and ancient yew hedges sit at the heart of a magnificent garden and historic park in the beautiful Bure meadows.
The lake walk at Blickling is particularly atmospheric on a frosty winter’s morning, with the reflections and big open Norfolk skies providing plenty of opportunities for budding photographers.
For budding birdwatchers, barn owls are regularly seen hunting across the park and groups of tits and finches can be found marauding through the trees and undergrowth, scavenging for morsels of food.
Alternatively, try the four mile multi-use trail, which goes around the perimeter of the park and is accessible for people with buggies and young children, as well as those using wheelchairs and mobility aids, and will take you through woodland and across farmland.
Dogs welcome under close control in the park.
Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available to hire.
Find out more information about Blickling Estate HERE
Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate
One of the most elegant 17th century country houses in East Anglia, Felbrigg’s estate comprises 520 acres of woods, with rolling parkland, a lake and waymarked paths.
One of the most popular winter walks is the Church and ice house walk. This easy 2.5 mile circular walk passes historic buildings dating back to the 1700s, notable trees, a hidden lake and an imaginatively planted arrangement of beech trees.
Dogs on leads welcome on the wider estate and in the tearoom.
Find out more information about Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate HERE
Blakeney National Nature Reserve
At the heart of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Blakeney National Nature Reserve boasts wide open spaces and uninterrupted views of the beautiful North Norfolk coastline.
The four mile long shingle spit of Blakeney Point offers protection for Blakeney Harbour and the surrounding saltmarshes, providing a perfect habitat for the vast array of residential and migratory wildlife, including England’s largest colony of grey seals.
The nature reserve can be explored on foot, and the family friendly Blakeney Freshes coastal walk is a popular route in winter. Following a 3-mile route, this trail is ideal for spotting wildlife and birdwatching.
Dogs are welcome on short leads.
The best way to see the grey seal colony is by taking a boat trip from Morston Quay, you can find further information on our website.
Find out more information about Blakeney National Nature Reserve HERE
Horsey Windpump
Horsey, where the Broads meet the coast, is a remote location, famed for its internationally important wildlife, including the over-wintering wildfowl frequenting Horsey Mere.
Horsey Windpump stands sentinel over the mere and surrounding Broadland landscape. Experience this captivating scene on the Horsey Windpump and beach walk.
Following grassy paths and tracks, encompassing low-lying grazing marshes, sand dunes and a narrow sandy beach, with the chance of seeing grey seals and their pups in early winter.
During wet weather and the colder months, paths can become muddy and slippery underfoot, so please take care and wear appropriate footwear.
Dogs welcome under close control.
Please check the website for the café opening times.
The windpump will re-open in April 2023.
Find out more information about Horsey Windpump HERE