The idyllic surroundings of one of the North East's most popular country houses have made it the top spot for a walk this winter, according to a survey.
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens near Morpeth in Northumberland is already a first choice for many people planning a day out or weekend stroll and it seems it has again come to the attention of outdoor experts who are highlighting the benefits of the great outdoors for our wellbeing. The company Garden Buildings Direct has drawn up a list of the 10 best 'winter parks' to enjoy a walk and the grounds at Belsay rank top.
The hope is to encourage families to wrap up warm and take to the great outdoors over the winter months to boost them physically and mentally. The company's research into public gardens follows its similar study last year which had Belsay in second place - but it has now nudged into first.
Read more: Five beautiful North East winter walks
The list references the English Heritage site's winter garden and flowers to look out for as the seasons change, saying: "Belsay Hall Gardens have been carefully crafted into a well-loved beauty spot. They have several formal gardens for visitors to wander around, including a winter garden."
It mentions yellow-berried hollies and in the run-up to spring the emergence of three types of snowdrops and then red rhododendrons. With Belsay Hall Gardens in first place in the list of top winter gardens to visit, it next features Anglesey Abbey in Cambridge in second - which apparently has a garden designed specifically for the snowy season - then comes Cambo Gardens in Fife followed by Dyffryn Gardens in Cardiff and then Ardgillan Castle and Demesne in Ireland.
Making up the rest of the top 10 are The Eden Project in Cornwall; Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire; Dunham Massey Garden, Cheshire; Flatford Wildlife Garden, Suffolk, and Antrim Castle Grounds in Northern Ireland.
A spokesperson for Garden Buildings Direct said: “The winter months can be hard for many of us with a lack of daylight hours and dropping temperatures. But it’s still really important to get outside to improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
“Luckily, there are some truly stunning spots for those wanting to take a stroll this winter. These gardens boast gorgeous flowers, plants and wildlife down their scenic paths.
Best of all, taking a look around a winter garden is a cheap activity for the whole family and will keep everyone active while improving your mood." For more information about Belsay Hall see here. The property itself is currently open from 10am until 4pm at weekends ahead of daily opening in the week starting on Boxing Day.
Read Next
