Where to go in Norfolk for a Boxing Day Walk

Published date: December 2018

There is nothing better than a long winter walk on Boxing Day after a day of Christmas indulgence. The Boxing Day walk is a tradition honoured by many UK families and is perfect for working off all that Christmas pudding, sausage rolls and booze. After days of feasting and gorging on all manner of calorific delights, nothing feels more invigorating than a bracing walk. Choose from stunning coastal walks, country trails, National Trust Parks and the Norfolk Broads, Norfolk has them all.

Throughout the year it’s almost impossible to get the whole family together, but at Christmas time it’s one of those rare occasions when families unite. Make the most of all being together and enjoy a walk with the people you love at this festive time. The only thing better than an exhilarating walk in the December air is arriving back home to warm your fingers and toes by the fire, having worked up an appetite for yet another feast.

So, put on your new winter woollies and welly boots and showcase your latest walking gear and enjoy a walk in Norfolk this coming Boxing Day.

Blickling Hall – National Trust

Blickling Estate consists of 4,600 acres with 950 acres of woodland and parkland, and 3,500 acres of farmland. The perfect Boxing Day location, Blickling Estate is great for the whole family, including four-legged members, wheelchair users and buggies.

To find out more and plan your visit, go to the following website:

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate/features/explore-the-estate-at-blickling

Sheringham Park – National Trust

At Sheringham Park you can spend the day or a few hours and enjoy beautiful coastal views and an abundance of wildlife. Mobility scooters are available at the visitor centre and dogs on leads are welcome. Explore the 1000 acres of varied habitat from woodland areas to coastal cliff tops.

Plan your visit by going to the following website:

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheringham-park

Felbrigg Hall – National Trust

Explore the Felbrigg estate which comprises of 520 acres of woods, rolling parkland, a lake and buggy and wheelchair friendly paths. The perfect place to let off steam – dogs on leads welcome.

To find out more about visiting Felbrigg Hall, go to their website:

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/felbrigg-hall-gardens-and-estate/features/the-estate-at-felbrigg-hall

Oxburgh Hall – National Trust

Oxburgh Hall has over 70 acres of beautiful estate and walking routes to suit all abilities. Dogs on leads are welcome and there are pram and wheelchair friendly pathways.

To plan your visit to Oxburgh Hall, go to the following website:

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburgh-hall

Blakeney National Nature Reserve – National Trust

There are a variety of walks that start at Blakeney – the coastal walk that follows Blakeney Point’s 4 mile-long shingle spit to the sand dunes, near the Lifeboat House. There is also the Blakeney to Stiffkey coastal walk along the coast path beside pristine saltmarsh. You can also walk through Blakeney village and around Blakeney Freshes.

Further details can be found on the following website:

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blakeney-national-nature-reserve

Whitlingham Country Park

Located just outside Norwich, in Trowse, Whitlingham Country Park has lovely walks, with a wheelchair accessible path around the Great Broad that is approx. 2 miles long. All-terrain wheelchairs are available to book from the visitor centre. Dogs are welcome.

To find out more, visit the following website:

www.visitthebroads.co.uk

Thetford Forest

Thetford Forest is a patchwork of pines, heathland and broadleaf trees that provide the ideal setting for a lovely Boxing Day walk. Dogs are welcome.

Go to the following website to plan your visit:

www.forestryengland.uk/thetford-forest

Norfolk Coastal Walks

There are so many beautiful costal walks to enjoy in Norfolk all year round. Here are some of the best

Gorleston

Gorleston beach stretches for 3 sandy miles and is just down the coast from Great Yarmouth. Considerably quieter than its famous neighbour, Gorleston beach is a great sandy beach and an ideal destination for a Boxing Day stroll.

Cromer

At Cromer you can walk along the promenade, up to the lighthouse, to East Runton, Overstrand or Sheringham, depending on how long you want to be out.

Sheringham

Take a walk along the promenade at Sheringham and on the beach when the tide is out. For those looking for a longer walk, they may like to walk to Sheringham Park from the town, into Cromer, Weybourne or maybe Salthouse.

Wells-next-the-Sea

The beach walk at Wells-next-the-Sea takes in a soft sandy beach, pine woods and sand dunes. A very popular coastal destination to visit in summer and winter and it is especially busy on a bright Boxing Day. The walk from Wells to Holkham is approx. 6 miles and is very pleasant.

Mundesley

A lovely sandy beach backed by cliffs makes Mundesley a good choice for a Boxing Day jaunt. Be mindful of high tide times though, you won’t be able to climb the cliffs if the tide starts to come in.

Sea Palling

The beach at Sea Palling is vast and those who wish can have quite a considerable walk. There are also circular walks to be had, making Sea Palling a popular Boxing Day destination.

Winterton

The Winterton dunes walk is a 4.75 mile (7.6 kilometre) circular walk starting at Beach Road public car park in Winterton.

Happisburgh

Start your walk at Happisburgh car park, which is located at the end of Beach Road. Follow the signs for the Norfolk Coast Path and follow the path for around one mile to Cart Gap beach and then back again.

Norfolk Broad Walks

If you would rather have a walk inland and avoid the often bitter sea winds, you may like to walk at one of Norfolk’s broads. Here are some of the best walks to be had on the Norfolk Broads:

Salhouse Broad

This is a great place for walking the dog and popular with families as there’s a children’s play area. Not a long walk, it is however very picturesque and an ideal destination if time is limited.

Hickling Broad - Norfolk Wildlife Trust

If you are looking for expansive landscapes, wide skies, plenty of wildlife and open spaces, a walk at Norfolk’s largest broad, Hickling Broad, is a must. Please note that dogs are not permitted here.

Barton Broad - Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Barton Broad is the second largest of the Norfolk Broads and was dug out in the Middle Ages for peat extraction. Enjoy peace and tranquillity here and see an abundance of wildlife such as common terns, kingfishers, otters and herons.

Ranworth Broad - Norfolk Wildlife Trust

There is a lovely boardwalk here, just around the corner from Ranworth Staithe moorings. Extend the walk by taking a look around the village and go to the top of Ranworth Church, if it is open.

Ted Ellis Nature Reserve - Wheatfen

Wheatfen Reserve is the family home of the Ellis family, with the management of the area in the memory of writer, broadcaster and naturalist Ted Ellis. A lovely spot for a Boxing Day walk, but please note dogs are not permitted here.

Strumpshaw Fen - RSPB Reserve

This is a beautiful reserve with plenty of bird hides and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Situated on the River Yare, Strumpshaw Fen is around six miles east of Norwich. Dogs are not permitted on the reserve.