Enchanting Christmas Family Walks

There are lots of sparkly, magical events happening around the UK at the moment. Why not get into the holiday spirit and walk off some of those yummy mince pies with one of these fabulous Christmas family walks?

1. Kew Gardens near London is hosting an illuminated trail from 22nd November until 1st January. Follow the sparkling trail of over one million twinkling lights, illuminating heritage trees and buildings through the Gardens. Fairy-tale meets fantasy in a world of singing trees, larger-than-life flora, ribbons of light, giant baubles, and a flickering Fire Garden. Little ones can catch a glimpse of Santa and his elves at the North Pole village and enjoy a vintage fairground ride. Not so little ones can warm up with some mulled wine or hot chocolate and toast marshmallows around the fire. Christmas at Kew Gardens 2. Stockeld Park near Leeds, Wetherby and Harrogate has a Christmas Adventure event until January 8th. There’s an ice rink, enchanted forest, magical maze and Nordic ski. After dark the whole park is magically lit by thousands of twinkling lights. The Nordic ski winds its way through ancient woodland and you can either walk or borrow a pair of Nordic skis to make your journey. They even do a breakfast with Santa which your children would love. forest 3. The Forestry Commission are putting on an illuminated tree trail at Westonbirt near Gloucestershire. The walk is 45 minutes of spectacular lighting design and wintery magic. After the trail you can visit the Christmas Village, where you’ll have the chance to meet Father and Mother Christmas, listen to local choirs perform festive classics, have a ride on our traditional carousel or enjoy a warming meal in our restaurant or merry marquee. 4. Why not help your kids get lost in Edinburgh’s Christmas Tree Maze! A joy for children and adults alike — can you make your way to the centre and back again? Inside you’ll also discover the Elves’ workshop, where Santa’s little helpers will be waiting for you with a wee treat. Tickets from £3.50. 5. If you are in Brighton on the 21st of December, check out Burning the Clocks when the locals make paper and willow lanterns to carry through the streets and burn on the beach. The lantern procession and spectacular bonfire at the end are really special. Free spectator event. 6. There is lots of Christmassy goodness happening at Cardiff Castle this year including Santa’s grotto and Christmas wreath making which would be fun for adults and little ones alike. 7. From the 24th November – 30th December Chester Zoo will be transformed into an enchanting world full of illumination and spellbinding theatrical adventure.  You can book your tickets for Lantern Magic at the zoo here.   kew

Get  there

If are planning to go to one of these events and need to travel far, here are our top tips on how to get there: – Children under 11 can travel free on London buses, tube, tram and overground. – Buy your return tickets online to save! Plus if you do it using KidStart your kids will get up to 2% back from TheTrainLine and up to 1.6% East Midlands Trains. – Most trains and the tube will stop running at midnight, make sure you check the timetables or alternatively, buses like National Express often still work during the night. – Alternatively you could rent a car for the day at Zipcar (up to £30 back) or Carrentals (3% back). Please do tell us about any other Christmas family walks around the country!