Festive Walks & Trails for Winter 2023

Today's post is a list of festive walks and trails you can try across Winter 2023 

There's not one, not two but three Ice Sculpture Trails taking place in the North East this Winter: 

Saltburn Ice Sculpture Trail (FREE)

Taking place on 17 December, this FREE drop in trail includes 9 Ice Sculptures to find - each revealing a secret you will need to complete the trail.

There will be plenty of festive entertainment across the day including free drop-in letter writing workshops (and a special ice postbox), walk about acts and live ice sculpting. Dogs on leads welcome.  Find out more here. 



Darlington Ice Sculpture Trail (FREE)

At time of publishing, there is minimal info available but Enjoy Darlington have mentioned to save the 3rd and 10th December for the return of their ice trail. More details should be announced soon. Dogs on leads welcome.  Find out more here. 

Sunderland Ice Sculpture Trail (FREE)

Magical Music Trail in Hexham (FREE) 

Beamish Circular / Elf Woods (included with admission) 

The walk around Beamish Museum is around 2 miles circular (a little longer if you take detours to the different areas) and a nice way to take in the festive sights and sounds of the past and get into the Christmas mood.

Alternatively, for a shorter walk, why not wander though Elf Woods and look out for all of the elves who are hiding there. Christmas Daytimes at Beamish run from 26 Nov - 24 Dec and visits no longer need to be booked in advance. Dogs on leads welcome in the grounds.  Find out more here. 

An Elf for Christmas Trail at Land of Oak and Iron (suggested donation of £3 per child) 

From 5 Dec - 3 Jan, visitors can collect an Elf for Christmas Trail Sheet. Find and name all of the elves and you will be rewarded with an 'Elf for Christmas' finger puppet activity to take home.

Once at home, you can create your own finger puppet and enter their competition to win a prize. Dogs on leads welcome. Find out more here. 


12 Days of Christmas at Raby Castle Deer Park (included with admission) 

We love a walk around Raby Castle Deer Park and this year they are hosting a 12 Days of Christmas Trail in their grounds from 26 Nov - 24 Dec. Included with admission, visitors can follow the clues using lyrics from the famous song in a natural winter wonderland. Dogs on leads welcome. Find out more here.


Winter Wanderers' Trail at Seaton Delaval Hall (included with NT membership / admission) 

Take a stroll around the gardens, find all of the festive stars and become a winter nature detective with this drop in trail available between 3 Dec and 8 Jan during normal opening hours (do check for seasonal opening times online before heading out). Dogs on leads welcome. Find out more here. 


Festive Snowflake Trail at Northumberlandia (£3 per trail) 

There is a self-led Festive Snowflake Trail at Northumberlandia on 10&11 / 17&18 December. Download the trail to your phone and hunt for the snowflakes in the woodland whilst solving the wildlife clues. On completion of the trail, you can collect a small chocolate treat from the cafe as your reward. Dogs on leads welcome. Find out more here. 


Christmas Present Hunt in Cragside's Formal Gardens (included with NT membership / admission) 

Head to Cragside's Formal Gardens and search for six Christmas gifts which have accidentally fallen from Santa's Sleigh as he was practicing his loop-de-loops over Cragside. Drop in from 3 Dec - 2 Jan during opening hours (Cragside is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Dogs on leads welcome. Find out more here. 


Ollie Owl's Winter Trail at Wallington (included with NT membership / admission) 

Follow 10 trail boards around East Woods and discover what different animals get up to in Winter time. Available on a drop in basis from 1 Dec - 8 Jan during opening hours (check seasonal opening hours online before you visit). Dogs on leads welcome. Find out more here. 



Wild Welly Walks at WWT Washington (included with admission) 

From 2 Dec - 29 Jan, you can take part in a Wild Welly Walk at WWT Washington. Pick up a guide on arrival and complete the challenges as you go including spotting wild birds and making a stick person. Once complete, you can show your guide to the cafe team and collect a complimentary cookie as your reward. No pet dogs permitted. Find out more here. 


Cullercoats Community Advent (free) 

Each evening from 1 - 24 December, a new Christmas window will be unveiled in Cullercoats. You can follow the community advent trail through the village and enjoy the festive displays. This event is free and drop in. Dogs on leads welcome.  Find out more here. 


Elf Trail at Hamsterley Forest (£3 per trail) 

An Elf Trail will be available at Hamsterley Forest as part of their Christmas Festival Weekend on 10 & 11 December. Trails cost £3 per person and everyone who completes the trail will receive a complimentary Hot Chocolate at the end. Dogs on leads welcome.  Find out more here. 


Christmas in Sunderland AR Trail (free / charity donations) 

Hunt for several charity stockings across the city and watch as they are brought to life with augmented reality technology. Dogs on leads welcome. Find out more here.