20 ways to enjoy a day out at Holkham for £5 this winter
November 2, 2022 | Things to do | 9 minute read
These colder months are an opportune time to discover and embrace the nature and wildlife within the 9-mile wall around Holkham Park, as well as admiring the architecture of the buildings and follies. Below, we share twenty of our favourite ways to enjoy a day out at Holkham Park this winter, while Holkham Hall, Holkham Stories and the Walled Garden are closed. And the best part? You can enjoy all of this for just the £5 parking charge in Holkham Park!
1. Children can go wild in the Woodland Play Area
The Woodland Play Area has plenty of space to swing, slide, climb and zip around, the little ones are bound to enjoy their time running wild and free.
2. Take a gentle stroll
Are there many things better than a lovely long walk snuggled up in a warm coat in the breeze? We’re not sure there are! The sprawling parkland offers the ideal space to take a casual wander, or to get your blood pumping with a power walk. Dogs are always welcome too, but please keep them on a lead.
3. Run like the wind (though hopefully it won’t be too blustery!)
There are seven waymarked trails ranging from 2 ¼ miles (around 3.6km) to 6 miles (almost 10km), enjoy a gentle jog or a pacier run. These trails cover various terrains, from woodland and grassland to gravel tracks and tarmac. Find out more about the routes, or simply see where your feet take you.
Parkrun takes place at 9am most Saturdays, and is a free, volunteer-led 5km run, jog or walk. Find out more on the parkrun website.
4. Follow the nature trail around Holkham Lake
Our lakeside nature trail provides an informative circular walk with stunning views over the water, park and Hall. With 28 stops offering facts, ideas for what to spot, and prompting discussions and activities on your way.
5. Jump in the leaves
With plenty of golden leaves still on the ground, listen to the crunch, shuffle through them, and jump in a huge pile! Head to the woodland area by the Coke Monument for leaves galore.
6. Bring your bikes and explore even more
There’s only so far you can walk in the daylight hours, so why not bring your bicycles and travel further? Check out the seven trails you can follow here, or simply head off and explore.
Plus, if you travel here by bike then you can enjoy this list for free!
7. Identify trees
Do you know your Holm Oak from your Hawthorn? Can you spot a Sycamore or a Sweet Chestnut? Test your skills or learn the recognisable characteristics of different trees as you observe them in the park. Try an app which identifies trees and plants like Leafsnap or the Woodland Trust’s Tree ID.
8. Look out for buildings nestled within the park
Holkham Hall is the 18th century Palladian-style home we can all recognise, but have you ever taken the time to look for some of the smaller follies and buildings around the parkland? Take a look at our interactive map and head to the Ice House, Great Barn, Temple or one of the lodges. Each is architecturally unique to the others, so well worth seeing.
9. Cloud-spotting
As much as we love a clear blue sky, spotting shapes in the clouds is a lovely way to spend a few minutes. Look out for clouds forming to create the shapes of animals or even everyday objects. Try to distinguish between different cloud types too. Let’s just hope you don’t spot too many dark ones when out and about on your walk!
10. Watch the rutting deer
The deer are always a talking point at Holkham, with many visitors stopping to admire the creatures. Rutting season takes place around now, and it’s always an exciting time for deer watchers. Velvet is shed from antlers, and bucks might be sparring in a mating battle. Remember to keep your distance while watching the deer.
11. Birdwatching
Holkham is a wonderful place to enjoy wildlife all year round. In the winter, look and listen out for Pink-footed geese flying over the park to the National Nature Reserve where they’ll spend the colder months. You’ll likely spot Red Kites swooping to roost near New Holkham and Buzzards gliding over the parkland.
12. Go conker collecting
Conkers are the glossy brown seeds which fall from Horse Chestnut trees. They’ll be scattered around, so you can search for the shiniest ones before a game or two of Conkers.
13. See which fungi you can find
Last year, we shared a journal post about the fantastic fungi you might spot during the winter months at Holkham, including Tiny Earthstar, Bay Cup, Dune Stinkhorn. See which you can find next time you visit, and enjoy reading another previous journal: What have fungi ever done for us?
14. Visit the church of St Withburga
St Withburga’s stands on the opposite side of the lake to Holkham Hall. It’s usually open daily, though the flint and stone exterior is just as beautiful as the inside. Visiting the church can be combined with the nature trail walk around the lake.
15. Relax with a coffee and picnic
Why not bring a flask and some sandwiches, find a bench with a view and sit back and relax within the glorious landscapes of the park? My personal favourite overlooks the lake, but you might prefer the picnic benches near the courtyard. Alternatively, bring a blanket and find your perfect lunchtime spot!
Please note, the Courtyard Café reopens on 11th February.
16. Bring your camera or phone and get snapping
Head off on a photo walk gathering images of whatever interests you. Perhaps you’ll focus on the angles and architecture of Holkham Hall and the other buildings around us, or maybe you’re more inspired by the changing colours within nature and wildlife. Whatever you photograph, we’d love to see them! Remember to tag us on Instagram or Facebook and we’ll share our favourites.
17. Get creative!
Creativity is key for mental health, as is spending time in nature. Combine the two by taking some time to sit and sketch or paint on your visit to Holkham Park. Being present, in the moment, observing your surroundings and depicting them on a page is a form of mindfulness, helping you to relax no matter how good you are at art. You could draw your view, a section of Holkham Hall, different leaves you find or the wildlife you see.
18. Collect fallen leaves
Nature’s red carpet is rolled out each autumn, with scattered and falling leaves providing a beautiful colour palette. With leaves of various shapes, sizes and types, there are plenty to enjoy. Give children (or yourselves!) the challenges to see which are the largest, smallest, and crunchiest leaves they can find.
@d.j.photography83
19. Put pen to paper
Why not bring a notebook and pen and take some time out to write? Journaling is becoming more and more popular as a means of self-expression, but if you don’t wish you write about your feelings, you could write a poem inspired by your day at Holkham. Try a Holkham haiku or a limerick or two. If you’re here with friends or family, write a line each and see what you end up with!
20. Catch the sunset
One benefit of the nights drawing in is that you’ll be able to enjoy sunsets within Holkham Park before the car park closes at 4pm. Whether the hues are orange, pink or purple, sunsets can be a beautiful way to end the day (even if it is only 3:30pm). Just remember a torch so that you can find your way back to your car or exit!
@young_sundays
