Yorkshire isn’t short of beautiful places to explore, with the likes of reservoirs, lakes, waterfalls and historic estates providing a wonderful outdoor playground. It may be a little nippy, but if you dress for the weather, you can still make the most of what the county has to offer - with these 10 trails providing the perfect landscape for a Christmas walk.
1. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Ripon
Tucked away in a secluded valley, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal offers paths, open parkland, impressive Cistercian ruins, a Georgian water garden, and a medieval deer park to explore. This winter there are three different breeds of deer on the estate, including Red, Sika and Fallow, which you can spot along the way. Photo: AFP Contributor
2. Lotherton Hall, Aberford
The 12 Days of Christmas Woodland Walk is open to explore until 9 January 2021 and follows a magical route along lit paths through the Captains Wood, with a secret fairy hideaway to discover as you go. Photo: Staff
3. Rotunda Festive Walk, Scarborough
This bracing walk begins at the Rotunda Museum on Scarborough’s South Bay and continues along the unique Dinosaur Coast where you can explore the remains of Jurassic Scarborough and breathe in that fresh sea air. Photo: Ian Forsyth
4. Bronte Waterfall, Haworth
The pretty village of Haworth will be beautifully decorated this Christmas, with plenty of trees and twinkly lights. Footpaths from the village will take you on a three mile route along the Bronte Waterfall, while a further 1.25 miles will see you arrive at Top Withens, the ruined farmhouse said to be the inspiration for Wuthering Heights. Photo: Shutterstock
5. Harewood House, Leeds
There are more than 100 acres of gardens to explore in the grounds of this attractive stately home, including the Bird Gardens, where you can see exotic species including penguins, owls, flamingos and parrots. Photo: Tony Johnson
6. Bolton Abbey, Skipton
The Bolton Abbey estate offers a wealth of walking opportunities for visitors, including along the river wharfe, across heather moorland, or down woodland nature trails. For a longer walk, follow the 7.2 mile circular route along the River Wharfe and the Strid, which will take around three hours to complete. Photo: PAUL ELLIS