Top 10 Boxing Day Walks Near London
Top 10 Boxing Day Walks Near London
The Boxing Day walk is a tradition many of us hold dear, so we’ve rounded up some of the best walks near London that are perfect for shaking off the mince pies and spending quality time with family.
By Charli West
Main image: Hatchlands Park, credit National Trust Image, Arnhel de Serra
Rallying the family together for a Boxing Day walk is one of the best British traditions we have. Breathing in fresh air, and letting any Christmas Day stress drift away is a perfect tonic for the festive season.
We’ve rounded up some of the best Boxing Day walks near London, all with pretty wintery scenery and toasty cafes or pubs to help you warm up afterwards! Choose between easy strolls for the whole family or we’ve got more challenging hikes for those that want a full day affair.
Richmond Park, London
There’s something magical about Richmond Park. No matter how many times you walk through its winding paths, it always evokes a special feeling. The wide open spaces, its mystical deer herds, and extensive history dating back to the 17th century – there’s nowhere else quite like it. Of course, you can wander your own way around, but if you’re looking for some guidance, there’s an easy, flat 1.5 mile Beverley Brook walk that starts from the large Roehampton gate car park and follows the river bank, offering frosty picturesque views.
Warm Up: Roehampton Cafe has indoor seating to cosy up inside with hot refreshments and seasonal, local produce to fill up on afterwards. It has announced it’s closed on Christmas Day, so we assume it’ll reopen as usual on Boxing Day.
Hatchlands Park, Surrey
Hatchlands Park in Guildford is a beautiful country estate surrounded by sweeping parkland and ancient woods – a picture-perfect winter scene. The ‘Wix Wood’ walk is an easy, flat route that takes about an hour to complete. Just follow the purple arrows and you’ll catch some beautiful views of the estate’s magnificent house. There’s also a natural children’s adventure area featuring balance beams, willow tunnels and wooden sculptures for the little ones to explore.
Warm Up: The Coach House Cafe is located in the lower courtyard of the estate and serves hot drinks and tasty cakes. It will be open from 10am until 3:30pm on Boxing Day.
Teston River, Kent
This Teston River walk in Maidstone leads you along the tranquil banks of the River Medway through lofty woodlands and expansive fields where you can spot farm animals and wildlife. This circular trail is typically quiet and easy to follow, with beautiful views of the winding river and the historic Teston bridge.
Warm Up: The Chef & Brewer in Wateringbury is a charming, country pub and is open as usual on Boxing Day. They regularly welcome walkers into their cosy interiors, with a roaring fire and seasonal dishes to indulge in.
Petworth, West Sussex
A bit further afield, this beautiful National Trust spot is well-worth the journey. The historic Petworth House is a 17th-century Grade I listed country property that is stunning to behold. With 700-acres of magical woodland and lush lawn to explore, it’s perfect for a wintery stroll. You’ll find hundreds of deer milling about and a number of glistening ponds that are sure to look beautiful in the frosty air.
Warm Up: The decadent and charming Audit Room Cafe can be found in the Servants’ Quarters of the House. With options for lunch and hot drinks, it’s open from 10:30am until 4:30pm on Boxing Day.
Kingston Station to Ham House, London
Want to keep things simple this Boxing Day? Sometimes a gentle stroll along the River Thames where you can switch-off and breathe in the crisp air is all you need. Start at Kingston station and follow the river the whole way to finish at the beautiful 17th century mansion, Ham House, in Richmond.
Warm Up: The Orangey Cafe in Ham House will be open on Boxing Day from 10:30am until 3:30pm, serving seasonal treats and hot drinks.
Box Hill Natural Play Trail, Surrey
The ever-so-popular Box Hill in Surrey has plenty of walks of varying lengths and terrains, but this is an easy-going family-and-dog-friendly trail that allows the little ones to get adventurous on a winter’s day. Delve into the woods and explore stepping stones, tunnel archways, and a log bridge. Box Hill offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside that are spectacular to behold.
Warm Up: The Box Hill cafe hasn’t released its Christmas opening hours, but usually serves food and drinks daily. If not, Box Hill has great picnic spots for any leftover turkey sandwiches.
Hampton Court and Bushy Park, London
Hampton Court Park and Bushy Park are both lovely spots to wander around, but link them together with this five mile circular walk starting and ending at Hampton Court station for a longer parkland trail. You might even spot deer and skylarks in Bushy Park to really make for a magical winter scene.
Warm Up: The Bushy Park Coffee Kiosk offers hot drinks and cakes that you can take on your walk. It’s not clear whether it’s open on Boxing Day, but if not, The Mute Swan is a fantastic characterful pub in Hampton Court that will be open from 12pm until 6pm.
Ramsgate to Broadstairs, Kent
If you’re after a brisk coastal walk to give you that wild at-one-with-the-weather feeling, this might be the one for you. Starting in the quirky seaside town of Ramsgate, follow the Thanet Coastal Path for an easy amble to Broadstairs before looping back. Taking about two hours, with a number of bays along the way, it will be a spectacular – if biting – walk to really embrace the season.
Warm Up: There are a number of cafes in Ramsgate, but we would recommend The Hive for delicious food, including hot tasty soups, and friendly service.
Ashdown Forest, Sussex
Ashdown Forest is the woodland that inspired the Hundred Acres Wood in the Winnie the Pooh stories giving it a magical quality. A beautiful part of Sussex, this forest has streams, small waterfalls, and winding trails that make you feel completely immersed in nature. Breathe in the frosty air as you wander your way around a small part, or if you want something more substantial, this four-hour circular route passes ‘Roo’s Sandpit’ and offers captivating views of the surrounding woodland.
Warm Up: Ashdown Coffee Huts are located in Gills Lap Car Park and Friends Car Park offering snacks and hot drinks including freshly ground coffee, so you can keep toasty on your walk.
South Downs ridge and Seaford Head, Sussex
If you’ve already checked off the popular Seven Sisters walk in Sussex, then this is a great alternative in the South Downs Way. It offers a variety of scenery from farmland to fields, towns and villages, and the spectacular coastline to finish. It’s a long, all-day affair, but if you’re really wanting to get out this Boxing Day then it’s a great choice to feel the warmth in your cheeks and countryside air in your lungs.
Warm Up: The George Inn in Alfriston is a medieval pub offering hearty meals and a cosy spot to huddle up in about halfway through the walk before continuing your way to Seaford.
