The best Boxing Day walks in the nation’s forests

26 December 2025

The best Boxing Day walks in the nation’s forests

Make the nation’s forests part of your Boxing Day tradition this year and enjoy a wonderful, winter walk with friends and loved ones. After the busy rush of Christmas Day, give your loved ones the gift of time as you enjoy a peaceful stroll together.

Forests are peaceful, magical places in the winter and being amongst the trees gives us an incredible boost to our health and wellbeing. A Boxing Day walk is the perfect way to recharge ready for the next round of boardgames, Christmas films and festive gatherings.

With everyone in England living within an hour’s drive of one of the nation’s 1,500 forests, there are plenty of woodlands to choose from. Forestry England’s list of top walks from around the country will inspire you to get out and explore. So, pack a mince pie and a flask of tea or hot chocolate for a woodland treat along the way! 

Wellbeing trails

Forestry England Thames Chase, Essex

The 3km trail begins overlooking the meadow and follows a mixture of hard surfaced path and narrow woodland trails. The panels along the trail will prompt you to stop, notice and connect with the wellbeing benefits of the forest environment. Take your time to stop at each of them to enjoy the moment. The trail begins and ends close to the visitor centre, where there is a cafe and toilets.

Green Walk at Great Hockham, Forestry England Thetford, Norfolk/Suffolk

Wander amongst Scots and Corsican pine plantations that are blended with mature oak trees for a perfect winter walk. This quiet and relaxing place is the perfect place to enjoy nature and notice the sights and sounds of winter wildlife.

Pinetum Trail, Forestry England Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest, Kent

Enjoy a walk in the National Pinetum on a waymarked trail amongst extraordinary trees which look beautiful throughout the winter months. This route is suitable for all ages and abilities. Be inspired by stunning vistas of majestic and unusual conifers, ancient oaks and a huge variety of remarkable trees all nestled in the rolling hills of the Kent High Weald.

Family-friendly walks

Crosscliff View Trail, Forestry England Dalby, North Yorkshire

A short, easy-access trail on a flat, even surface that is perfect for families with younger children. From the viewpoint, families can enjoy outstanding panorama of an ice-age sculpted landscape. Whilst visiting Dalby Forest you will also be able to uncover many magical things to keep children entertained such as The Gruffalo orienteering course and exciting adventure play equipment. 

Ridding Wood Trail, Forestry England Grizedale, Cumbria

This short 1.5-kilometre trail is an accessible woodland walk for ages. It offers a great introduction to the forest and the sculptures and passes through beautiful oak woodland as well as some unusual and ornate trees.

Easy Access Trail, Forestry England Alice Holt, Surrey

The Easy Access Trail is suitable for most wheelchairs and pushchairs, and has an optional shortcut.  Pink markers will show you the way and you’ll be surrounded by some wonderful winter sights. Enjoy the mature Scots pines and oak trees which line the path. And if you follow the long route, you’ll walk on a carpet of fallen larch needles as you pass beneath these stunning trees – the only deciduous conifer species. 

Riverside Trail, Forestry England Hamsterley, County Durham

This short walking trail is pushchair-friendly and winds alongside the banks of Bedburn Beck. As well as having fun exploring the woodland, children can discover the Gruffalo sculptures, adding excitement about what they’ll discover around the next corner.

Tall Trees Trail, New Forest, Hampshire

This walk takes you past majestic conifers planted in the 1850s, some of the oldest Douglas fir trees in Britain and includes views of two enormous redwoods. Believed to have been planted in the 1850s or 1860s, today they stand at over 50 metres tall. Towering above the rest of the woodland they are thought to be amongst the tallest trees in the New Forest. The trail covers 2.5 kilometres and is flat with a smooth, gravelled surface.

Sculpture Trail, Beechenhurst, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

This is a beautiful, circular art walk in the Forest of Dean with sculptures inspired by the forest - its trees, wildlife, and industrial past. The full trail is around eight kilometres long, but there are shortcut options along the way. 

Forestry England Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire

A Boxing Day walk through Silk Wood will immerse you in nature's winter beauty. Head to the Treetop Walkway on arrival to start your walk in this dog friendly area. For something different, why not follow the Go Jauntly free digital walking trail to discover more about Silk Wood, its history, wildlife and woodland. Download ‘Westonbirt Arboretum’s Silk Wood’ free digital walk before you set off, by searching ‘Westonbirt’ in the Go Jauntly app.

Lidcutt Loop, Forestry England Cardinham, Cornwall

Strike out up forested valley slopes for an invigorating three-mile walk with stunning views. Bring good food and great company to catch your breath at the scenic picnic area halfway round, then enjoy the downhill return to the beautiful streamside path. The whole family can enjoy the Lidcutt Loop with mobility hire available on site (pre-booking recommended).

White Horse Trail, Forestry England Kilburn, North Yorkshire

From the white horse car park, after an initial climb up alongside the horse, you will be rewarded with fantastic views over the Vale of York on a clear winter’s day. The iconic White Horse is visible for many miles and has been overlooking the village of Kilburn since the late 1850s.

WOW Trail, Forestry England Whinlatter, Cumbria

This immersive and engaging trail showcases the story of England’s only mountain forest and highlights what makes the Lake District World Heritage site one of the most special places on the planet. Whether you want to soak up the stunning views along the seven-kilometre route, try some forest bathing in the wellbeing area among the trees or find out more about the living landscape of the Lake District, this is one experience not to miss.

The Ancient Oaks of Forestry England Salcey, Northamptonshire

This ancient woodland boasts a rich and colourful history, but did you know it’s home to some of the oldest oak trees in the area? Pick up a guide and head out to find the favoured resting place of William Henry, 6th Duke of Grafton. You can also discover the Milking Oak and find out how it got its unusual name and spot the centenary oak, planted to celebrate 100 years of the Forestry Commission.

Ranger’s Path, Forestry England Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire

For those seeking a longer hike to burn off those Christmas day calories, head for the Ranger’s Path. At just over seven kilometres, it allows walkers to explore the outer, quieter areas of this pine and broadleaf woodland as well as see how Sherwood Pines operates as a working forest. The walk offers a real chance to get some woodland solitude amongst the rich historical and natural features of the area.