If you are feeling sluggish after the Christmas holidays, you are not alone.  You need to get outside! Outside is rarely more beautiful than the peace of Paxton House grounds in the winter. The river Tweed is glassy, still and reflective; the bare tree branches are silhouetted against the low sun and frost and snow just add a sparkle. Doesn’t that path look tempting?

There are so many health benefits to a walk at this time of year. We all know that walking is good for your fitness but if it is cold outside you need to burn more calories than usual to keep you warm – it’s an easy win.  It is muddy everywhere at this time of year and even the weight of those walking boots is adding to the effectiveness of your walk as you take our paths uphill through the woods from the river. Walking in the cold boosts your brain function so if you are working from home, it might be just what you need to up your levels of inspiration and make you feel more cheerful.

As the month progresses, you will se our gardens beginning to wake up. Already hellebores and the very first snowdrops are making an appearance. Spring won’t be far away so enjoy the winter while it’s here.

We are promoting our annual passes at Paxton at the moment so make your new year’s resolution one to visit Paxton House more often. An annual pass gives you free access to the grounds all year or a Friends’ pass gives you all sorts of discounts and free access to the house as well. It’s an easy way to support our charitable activities and get to know Paxton House better. You could take a walk here everyday. Now that would make you feel better!

Single entry grounds passes available here. Please be aware that the Stables Tearoom will not be open in January and February and the toilets are not open at weekends.