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Post-Christmas escapes with the National Trust

publication date: Dec 27, 2011
Stone Circle

Avebury, Wiltshire


Take a winter walk amidst the largest stone circle in the world. The unique onsite museum, shop and Circles Restaurant are open all year round; so discovering this World Heritage Site is a great way to spend an afternoon out in the fresh air.

Stone Circle open dawn to dusk all year, shop and restaurant 10.30am to 4pm.

Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire

Discover 3,800 acres of green space to relax in and enjoy. Walk the length of the longest lime tree avenue in Europe (nearly three miles) or make the most of over 20 miles of cycle routes that cross the park. If relaxation is more your interest, or you've worked up an appetite, get out of the cold and stop by our recently refurbished restaurant.

Park open all year, visitor facilities 10am to 4pm. Cycle hire at weekends from 16 January.

Dinefwr Park and Castle, Carmarthenshire

Experience Dinefwr's magic on waymarked walks through this historic park. Enjoy a hot drink in the tea room, sample the views or watch the children let off steam in the play area.

Open 7 days a week, 11.30am to 4pm.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Yorkshire

This stunning World Heritage Site is a great day out whatever the season. Explore the magnificent abbey ruins, walk in the beautiful landscaped water garden or seek the three breeds of wild deer in the medieval deer park.

Open Saturday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm (deer park all year round 7am to 9pm).

Gibside, Tyne & Wear

Escape to this tranquil nature reserve; a grand forest garden and landscape park created by one of the richest men in Georgian England. There's plenty to discover and lots of eating temptation on the way. Savour breakfast butties, homemade lunches and afternoon teas, or pick up something for the walk or journey home at the Gibside Larder food shop.

Open seven days a week, 10am to 4pm.

Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village, Wiltshire

Winter is a magnificent time to discover the magic of Lacock for yourself. Experience the atmosphere of the abbey and gain a sense of its historic past or enjoy a relaxed shopping experience away from the sales within the picturesque streets.

Cloisters, museum and grounds open 11am to 4pm every day, Abbey rooms 12pm to 4pm weekends only.

Nymans, West Sussex

Looking to start the New Year in a healthy way? Take the Nymans exercise trail around the garden all month; grab a skipping rope from reception, ask about our walks in the woods, or try a personal training taster session every Thursday during January. You can also try our healthy eating menu in the restaurant and locally produced health foods in the shop.

House closed, grounds open seven days a week 10am to 4pm.

Polesden Lacey, Surrey

The beautiful walled gardens at this magnificent Edwardian estate are open all year round, with the extensive grounds a wonderful place to take a walk in the winter air. Visit at weekends for a guided tour of a setting built to entice royalty, politicians and the very best of society.

House open weekends by guided tour only 11am to 4pm, grounds open seven days a week 10am to 4pm.

Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate, Cheshire

Discover the compelling story of mill workers, entrepreneurs and the Industrial Revolution all year round at Quarry Bank Mill. Learn more about the growth of industry, or enjoy the garden and its terraced paths, spectacular views and cave.

Mill and apprentice house open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am- to 3.30pm.

Rowallane Garden, Co. Down

Be inspired by this enchanting garden's dazzling array of exotic species from the four corners of the globe. Follow the farmland trail to the summit of Trio Hill or escape into the Rock Garden Wood to enjoy the shade-loving plants and seek tranquillity.

Open seven days a week, 10am to 4pm.

Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland

Play a part in the unfolding story of the National Trust's recent acquisition. The Hall has survived terrible fires, military occupation and potential ruin. For 900 years, the estate has been a stage for drama, intrigue and romance, while the surrounding landscape has fuelled industrial revolution. It now provides an amazing space for arts, heritage and the community to come together.

Open Friday to Monday, 11am to 3pm.

Stowe, Buckinghamshire

An ambitious programme of restoration has ensured that over 40 temples and monuments remain in this historic landscape garden; one of the most remarkable creations of Georgian England. Explore an inspiring backdrop of lakes and valleys with an endless variety of walks and trails; a delight any time of year.

Open weekends only, 10.30am to 4pm.