10 Magical Christmas Walks in Yorkshire 2024

We love a good family walk (especially if there’s also a cafe involved). More layers may be needed to get outdoors in the winter, but it’s well worth the effort with so many fantastic Christmas walks here in Yorkshire.

Here are ten magical winter walks in Yorkshire to choose from!

Fairy Doors at Nostell Priory | 2024 Information Coming Soon

boy standing in front of Fairy Doors at Nostell Priory

Location: Nostell Priory, Doncaster Road, Wakefield

Cost: Free for National Trust members; regular admission applies for non-members. During December, when non-members buy a ticket for garden entry, they will get into the house for FREE.

Pram Friendly: Yes

Dog friendly: No

Read our review for 2023 here.

Enjoy a festive walk in the gardens at Nostell Priory this holiday season, where you hunt for magical fairy doors in the ancient woodland and spot ethereal nymphs and fairy sculptures. You can enjoy the fabulous woodland adventure play area along the way!

You can pop into the house for more fairies to find, and you may even get the chance to see Santa himself.

Don’t forget to visit the café afterwards for a warm drink and a treat to replenish all that energy you’ve burned off. This year, you can also enjoy the new wood-fired pizza trailer & treat yourself to a freshly fired pizza with a range of tasty toppings.

Walk to Bronte Waterfalls in Haworth

Location: Haworth, BD22 8DU

Cost: Free

Dog friendly: Yes

Pram friendly: No

Christmas in beautiful Haworth is magical! The village is decked out with twinkling lights and pretty shop windows, and each weekend, there is a festive theme.

After visiting the village, families can make their way through the village to the Bronte Waterfall Walk, which is just under 3 miles long on footpaths. Be advised parking can be very busy on the weekends.

Festive Woodland Walk at Lotherton Hall, Leeds | 23 Nov – Jan 5

Lotherton Hall Christmas Experience fairy dell

Location: Collier Lane, Aberford, LS25 3EB Leeds

Dog friendly: Yes (dogs allowed on the grounds but not in the house or in the Wildlife World)

Pram friendly: Yes (Prams not allowed in the hall, but there is covered pram parking outside)

Cost: Adult £11.00, Child 5-16 £6.75

The Christmas Trail at Lotherton Hall is best done at night when the 12 interactive displays really shine. They include games, interactive displays and lots of festive fun!

Winter Walks at Mother Shipton’s, Knaresborough | Weekends from 25 Nov, Daily 14-24 Dec

Location: Prophecy House, High Bridge, Harrogate Road, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire HG5 8DD

Dog friendly: No

Pram friendly: Yes

Cost: Starting at £36 for entry for up to 5 people.

Read our 2023 review here.

Let the twinkling lights draw you into the wonder of Mother Shipton’s magical, memory-making Christmas experience.

Wander through the gorgeous winter woodland to see the enchanted Christmas Village, festooned with festive delights and merry displays to marvel at along the way.

You can also venture deeper into the woodland to visit the incredible Petrifying Well and see the Cave where the famous prophetess Mother Shipton was born. Make a Christmas wish in the Wishing Well or hammer a coin into the Wishing Logs as you explore the historic site.

Glow at RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate | 21 Nov – 28 Dec

Location: RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 1QB

Cost: Non-member prices start at Adult: £13.95 (£7.95 ticket + £6 entry)
Child (5–16): £7.45 (£3.95 ticket + £3.50 entry), Children under 5 free

Dog friendly: No

Pram friendly: Yes

See RHS Garden Harlow Carr in a different light this winter, as special lighting effects bring a touch of magic to the most northerly RHS garden in Harrogate. Wander the enchanting trail around the garden and see some of RHS Harlow Carr’s iconic features in a new and dazzling light. From magnificent trees bathed in brilliant colour to shimmering shrubs and water feature wow moments, there are captivating views and magical effects to discover at every turn.

Music and Lights at National Trust, Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire | Weekends 30 Nov – 29 Dec

girl with dog at Music and Lights at National Trust, Fountains Abbey

Location: Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Visitor Centre, Ripon, HG4 3DY.

Dog friendly: Yes

Pram friendly: Yes

Cost: Free for National Trust members; regular admission applies for non-members

Read our 2023 review here.

As twilight falls, see the abbey aglow with all the colours of the rainbow. Walk beneath the cellarium’s vaulted ceilings, under the grand columns of the nave and stop to watch the live choirs and bands fill the ruins with festive music. Join in if you know the tune! Choirs and bands will be performing in the cellarium 2-3pm on selected dates.

Peasholm Park Winter Light Trail, Scarborough | 2024 Information Coming Soon

Location: North Bay, Scarborough YO12 7TR

Cost: From £7.50

Peasholm Park will glow with beautiful light artwork by internationally renowned artists this holiday season as part of the new Scarborough Lights Festival. Stroll through this fabulous park surrounded by a variety of light installations.

Winter Illuminations Walk at Stockeld Park, Wetherby | 16 Nov – 6 Jan

Location: Stockeld Park, off the A661 Wetherby Road, North Yorkshire

Dog friendly: No

Pram friendly: Yes

Cost: Normal admission applies; costs vary

A walk through the Enchanted Forest for the annual Illuminated Light Show at Stockeld Park is a magical mile through a woodland wonderland of dazzling light effects, a captivating soundscape and creative installations.

Families can also visit Santa, ice skate and ski for an additional charge.

Winter Illuminations at Yorkshire Wildlife Park | 15 Nov – 3 Jan

Location: Branton, Doncaster DN4 6TB

Dog friendly: No

Pram friendly: Yes

Cost: Winter Illuminations ONLY from £19 per person

The Winter Illumination Trail at Yorkshire Wildlife Park will feature over 2,400 metres of illuminated trails, giant lanterns themed as animals, mystical creatures, Jurassic dinosaurs and more!

12 Days of Christmas Walk at Bolton Abbey | Nov 30 – Jan 6

Location: Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 6EX

Dog Friendly: Yes

Pram Friendly: Yes

Cost: Pre-booked tickets for car parking for £12.50, Tickets on the day for £15. You do not need to purchase any additional tickets for the trial.

You can enjoy the 12 Days of Christmas trail through Strid Wood this winter. Families can find clues connected to the ’12 Days of Christmas’ to solve the baking mystery on the trail sheet. The clues will lead you to discover missing ingredients to reveal the recipe and method to create your very own gingerbread Priory!

To attend the trail, it is recommended to book the Riverside car park to join the trail at the beginning.