Reasons to get your walking boots on in Winter...
December is the time of year for hiding under the duvet and starting on the Christmas chocolates, right? Tempting, however it’s also a perfect time to explore the outdoors (when it’s not raining), with studies showing there’s a plethora of physical and mental benefits to getting out in the fresh air and putting one foot in-front of the other. Fortunately, our lovely UK coastline has so many beautiful places to do so in, so take a look below and plan your next winter walk! All the walks below are close to our holiday parks - holiday homes are not just for the summer!
Sheringham Park, Norfolk
Coastal views are central to landscape gardener Humphry Reptons 1812 design, with the winter light often showing them off at their best at this time of year. Climb to the top of the gazebo tower perched on the top of the oak wood hill for a panoramic view of the North Norfolk coastline
Dunwich Heath - Nick Rowland / CC BY-ND 2.0
Dunwich Heath, Suffolk
Dunwich Heath is a rare and precious habitat, home to special species such as Dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark and ant-lion. This walk takes you around the perimeter of the heath, and afterwards you can cosy up by the log burner in the Old Coastguard Cottages tea room.
Constable Country
Explore the picturesque Stour Valley and Dedham Vale made famous by the 18th-century paintings of John Constable, England’s foremost landscape artist of the time. Take a walk along the river and through the meadows, returning to the cosy tearoom for a warming treat and mug of hot chocolate.
Lincolnshire Wolds
The Wolds are an ancient place where roads follow the lines of Roman Roads. Before the Romans came there were Vikings here; they gave their name to the wonderful long distance walk known as The Viking Way, which very popular with hikers. You can walk it all if you like - from the Humber Bridge to Oakham is 147 miles. Featuring lots of lovely little market towns, woodlands and hills, walking anywhere within the Wolds will really put a spring in your step.
Invest in a UK holiday home this winter
There's more beautiful wintery walks to see on the National Trust website, as well as breathtaking images and guides for even more things to do across the UK. With a holiday home in Suffolk, Lincolnshire or Essex, you could sample the sights of the UK’s coastline whenever you wanted, it'd be right on your doorstep. Plus, you could earn an income when you’re not using it!
A report from the National Trust found that taking a walk along the shore can result in increased feelings of wellbeing, as well as helping you sleep better!
The report found that strolling along the coast can result in walkers spending, on average, 47 minutes longer asleep. The research was carried out as part of the National Trust’s Great British Walk campaign, which explores how walking along the coast impacts the wellbeing of people, and encourage more people to explore the British coastline.
Of the people surveyed, 83 per cent said that a coastal walk left them feeling calmer, 82 per cent said it made them feel happier, and 62 per cent felt a sense of escapism. These feelings result in you feeling more relaxed overall, which contribute to a better night’s sleep.
Many of the people surveyed under the research stated that they associated their walks with childhood memories, spending time with their family, and even the anticipation of going on holiday.