The National Trust has revealed some of the best places for wintry walks and included Birling Gap in its list.
Following the excitement of Christmas Day, it’s the perfect time to burn off some festive calories, catch up with friends and family, or plan New Year’s resolutions while enjoying an walk.
Many of the gardens and countryside spaces the National Trust cares for in East Sussex are open from Boxing Day onwards, offering the perfect opportunity for winter walks in picture-postcard landscapes.
With special guided walks on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, walking trails throughout winter and a whole host of special places open in January.
Birling Gap has been listed.
A National Trust spokesperson said, “Stunning winter light dances over the sea at sunrise and sunset, whilst winter visiting birds, peregrines and fulmars can be spotted during a bracing daytime cliff top walk, over the Seven Sisters downland or along the beach.
“There are excellent photo opportunities of sea birds, wildlife and winter seascapes all along the Seven Sisters and in particular from the viewing platform next to the café.”
The countryside and coast is open daily dawn until dusk throughout winter. Cafe and shop open 10am to 4pm, except Boxing Day and New Year’s Day when the opening times are 10am to 3pm.
Bateman’s, near Burwash is also listed.
The spokesperson said, “With whirls of rolling mist and frost glistening on the neatly clipped hedges, Rudyard Kipling’s English country garden is transformed in winter. “
Visitors can pick up an estate walking leaflet to take in the spirit of this place on three walks – Puck’s Walk follows famous characters from Kipling’s Puck of Pook’s Hill published in 1906, ironmaster’s walk takes in the local history of iron production in the area and the Dudwell Farm walk winds through Bateman’s estate and the local village of Burwash.
The spokesperson added, “Follow in Kipling’s footsteps with either a guided Boxing Day or New Year’s Day walk.
“Start the day with a hearty English breakfast before a gentle walk through the fields, hills and woodlands of the Bateman’s estate on Boxing Day or a more invigorating ramble on New Year’s Day around the beautiful Wealden landscape, with the head gardener highlighting some of the best views.”
Indoors in January, the exhibition Books for Boys celebrates the golden age of children’s literature during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Books from some of the period’s best-loved authors are displayed alongside toys and games.
Garden, tea room and shop open 11am to 4pm daily, house open 11.30am to 3.30pm between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Boxing Day walk and breakfast 10am to 12pm, New Year’s Day walk and breakfast 11am-1pm.
All tickets £17.50 per person, booking essential on 01435 882302.
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