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Family Life

Winter Walks the Whole Family Can Enjoy

Enjoy a winter walk that all the family will enjoy

So, Christmas is over and the New Year is here! After the busy festive period, these winter months can sometimes feel a little long and drawn out. Instead of waiting for spring to arrive, why not put a family weekend break in the calendar to look forward to this season?

Whether you’re looking for somewhere the kids can run around, or a place to take the dog off the lead, the UK has some great spots to explore. 

Need inspiration? Grab your wellies and don your cosy scarves, because we’re bringing you some of our favourite winter walks which the whole family can enjoy this season, and even better – some of our beautiful pet-friendly hotels nearby.

Image: Stanley Howe - Creative Commons

First on our list is Hazlehead Park, which is on the outskirts of Aberdeen. With over 180 hectares of grassy lawns, beautiful flower gardens, sculptures and extensive woodland areas to explore, this park has it all. 

An ideal day out for the kids, Hazlehead Park boasts a large children’s play area, Scotland’s oldest maze and even Pets Corner, which is home to a whole range of animals, from tropical birds and fish to alpacas and miniature donkeys. Surrounding the park’s borders are football pitches and golf and pitch-and-putt courses to explore, so there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied! 

With so much to see and do, this park is perfect for a family weekend break in the UK. And with dog-friendly hotels like our Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel on the doorstep, why not bring your four-legged companion along for fun, too?

Next on our list is the Peak District National Park, which is near Sheffield in Yorkshire. With everything from flat valleys, wildflower moors and steep hill climbs, the Peak District is one of the best places in the UK to enjoy stunning natural scenery. 

There are so many things to do and walks to explore in the Peak District that cater to all ages and abilities. Bonus? Once you’ve finished your winter walk, you can find a cosy British country pub to warm up! 

The Peaks are a natural playground for kids and couldn’t be better for bringing the dog along too. Because of Peak District’s location on Sheffield’s doorstep, the city is an excellent base for your adventure. Our pet-friendly Sheffield hotel, Mercure Sheffield St Paul's Hotel & Spa, is the ideal location for winter walks and for exploring all the northern city has to offer as well.

Image: Pip Rolls - Creative Commons Attribution

Situated in the heart of the Forest of Dean, amongst the towering trees, this sculpture trail offers something different for the whole family. With 4.5 miles of trail, a children’s playground, and miles of natural woodland to explore, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a fantastic place for a winter walk. 

There are 16 sculptures to discover, each of which offers a fun and educational experience for all ages. The trail is signposted, simply follow the purple ringed posts and arrows through the trees! Dogs are welcome on the trail too, so it’s the perfect place to let yours roam.

Looking for the ideal hotel near The Forest of Dean? The Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel is beautiful, conveniently located, and dogs are welcome. 

Whether you’re looking for wooded trails, beautiful park grounds, countryside valleys or hilled moorland climbs, you can find something for all the family at any one of these idyllic winter walks this season. 

Here at Accor, we know that your dog is an important member of the family, so we’ve made sure you can find the perfect pet-friendly hotels to stay at along the way.

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