In summer, I like a walk with an ice cream at the end. In winter, it’s all about the hot chocolate.
When I’m choosing somewhere for a winter walk with Arlo, I want somewhere we can drive to easily, have a wander and then warm up. A café, toilets and somewhere to shelter make a big difference, especially when the weather turns halfway through your afternoon.
When it snows I always head to our nearest park for sledging, never going to risk driving my car out because Brum always seems to come to a standstill, and I guess I’m lucky that we live near one with a fabulous hill for sledging, but sometimes, you just want to get outside after a big Christmas dinner. Other times, someone has a new bike from Santa and is desperate to try it out. These are the places near Birmingham I’d look at for a winter afternoon, with a few things I’d check before leaving home.
Lickey Hills for a winter afternoon
The Lickey Hills is one of the first places I think of when I fancy a winter walk. There’s lovely scenery, woodland to explore and space to spend an afternoon outside without having to plan a whole day around it.
I always choose how far to walk once we were there, depending on the weather and how everyone is feeling. You can head for the views over near the castle or keep your visit shorter and spend some time around the visitor centre and brand new play area.
There’s now a Grounds Café at the visitor centre, so you can finish with something warm to drink. Check its holiday opening times if you’re visiting over Christmas.
The hills are part of the appeal, but they also mean you need to choose your route carefully with a pushchair. I’d look at the park’s route information before deciding where to go, particularly after heavy rain.
Sutton Park and a stop by Bracebridge Pool
Sutton Park is another lovely option when you want scenery and somewhere to eat afterwards. I like the area around Bracebridge Pool, where you can combine a walk with a stop at The Bracebridge.
The park is huge, so I’d decide which entrance and part of the park you want before setting off. Otherwise, you can find yourself parked a long way from the café or route you had in mind.
There are maintained paths as well as woodland routes, so you can choose the kind of afternoon you want. With younger children, I’d keep the walk manageable and make time to watch the ducks. With a new bike, I’d check the permitted cycling routes and choose somewhere that suits the child’s confidence.
My winter rule is to work out the café plan first. The Bracebridge’s different food outlets have seasonal opening arrangements, so check what’s serving before promising everyone lunch.
Waseley Hills for beautiful views
Waseley Hills is beautiful on a clear winter day. It’s somewhere I’d go when we fancy getting outside and enjoying the scenery, with the Windmill Café there for a warm drink afterwards.
There’s also an adventure play area, which gives the children something to look forward to alongside the walk.
For pushchairs, this is one where the route matters. The areas around the visitor centre and play area are accessible across rolled stone and grass, but the wider park is hilly. The short Skylark Trail has steep sections and grass surfaces, while the longer Rabbit Trail includes steps.
I’d check the ground conditions and route description before taking a pushchair. If you’re just coming for a short outing, you can spend time near the play area and café.
The café is listed as closed on Christmas Day, so save this particular walk-and-hot-chocolate combination for another day over the holidays.
Cannon Hill Park and a visit to MAC
I love Cannon Hill Park in winter. It’s easy to make an afternoon of it because you’ve got the park and MAC together, so you can have a walk and then go inside for a hot drink.
Around Christmas, I like to look out for MAC’s arts markets. It’s lovely to browse gifts from independent makers and small businesses, do a bit of Christmas shopping and then spend some time in the park.
You can decide how long to stay as you go. If it’s cold, have a shorter walk and head inside. If everyone’s happy outside, you can keep exploring.
Cannon Hill is a little south of Birmingham city centre, so check your parking or bus route before you leave. If you’re hoping to combine your visit with a market, look at MAC’s Christmas calendar for the actual dates.
Kings Heath Park and a bit of Pokémon hunting
Kings Heath Park is another place I enjoy for a simple outing. It’s a good one for a wander, a play and some Pokémon catching, which can be a very effective way of keeping Arlo interested in walking.
There’s Cartlands Tea Rooms in the park for something to eat or drink. I’d also check whether there’s a market or event happening in Kings Heath that day, because it can be nice to combine the two.
Sometimes giving the walk a little purpose is enough. Finding Pokémon, visiting the playground or watching the ducks can turn “shall we go for a walk?” into something the children actually want to do.
Trying out a new Christmas bike
If a bike has appeared under the Christmas tree, I’d plan the first outing around somewhere familiar with a suitable cycling route.
Check where cycling is allowed, then think about the surface, hills and how busy it’s likely to be. A child trying a new bike may need plenty of space to stop, turn around and build confidence.
I’d keep that first trip short, especially in cold weather. You can always go further next time, and it’s much nicer to finish while everyone’s still enjoying themselves. Cannock Chase is the place to go for a full day out with its Gruffalo trail and cycle paths perfect for kids.
What I check before a winter walk
A few minutes checking the practical bits makes these afternoons much easier.
- Parking and gates. Check which car park serves your chosen route, how you pay and when the gates close.
- Café and toilet opening times. Holiday hours can differ from the usual timetable. An open park doesn’t necessarily mean its facilities are open.
- Sunset. Give yourself enough daylight to get back to the car, particularly if you’re somewhere unfamiliar.
- Paths and accessibility. Look at the specific route before choosing a park for a pushchair walk.
- Phone signal. Save the route and parking details before you go, and download a map if you’ll need one.
- Events. Christmas markets, light trails and other events can affect parking, traffic or access to parts of a park.
I also check for parkrun on Saturday mornings. If we’re going for a relaxed walk or taking a pushchair, I’d usually choose a different time so we’re not arriving during the busiest part of the morning.
Stratford-upon-Avon is a good example of why I check the wider area too. I love going there, but driving in when the Christmas market is on can be hard work. If all you want is a simple winter walk, knowing the market dates can save you a frustrating journey.
My Christmas markets in the West Midlands guide is a useful place to check what’s happening before you decide where to go.
More ideas for getting outside
For more places to explore throughout the year, have a look at my parks in and around Birmingham for nature walks.
And if the weather really isn’t playing along, there’s my guide to indoor activities for kids on rainy days in Birmingham.
For us, a winter outing can be quite simple. Somewhere lovely to walk, something for Arlo to enjoy along the way and a hot chocolate before we head home.
If you’re planning a few more outings over the holidays, have a look at my Christmas days out in Birmingham and the Midlands for light trails, Santa visits and family days out.
Last Updated on Thursday, November 12, 2026 by Lavania Oluban