Bolton Abbey 12 Days of Christmas Trail
Festive Woodland Walk Through Strid Wood.

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Posted on 16th October 2026

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Wrap up warm and explore the ancient Strid Wood this winter for the Bolton Abbey 12 Days of Christmas Trail. Running throughout the festive season, this outdoor trail brings the iconic Christmas carol to life with handcrafted wooden scenes hidden among the trees alongside the River Wharfe.

The 2026 trail runs from Saturday 21st November 2026 through to Sunday 3rd January 2027. Designed for families and walkers of all ages, it offers a fresh-air winter walk through one of North Yorkshire's most famous natural estates.

What to Expect Along the Trail 🎄🦆

As you make your way along the woodland paths, keep an eye out for 12 custom wooden installations celebrating each verse of the famous song:

• 12 Handcrafted Stations: From partridges in pear trees to calling birds, French hens, and drummers drumming, each station is carved and built by local artisans.
• Free Activity Sheets: Trail sheets can be collected at the Riverside or Cavendish Pavilion entrances to help children count down the installations along the route.
• River Wharfe Scenery: Walk alongside the rushing waters of the River Wharfe and pass near the historic Cavendish Pavilion.
• Dog-Friendly Walking: Dogs are welcome on leads throughout Strid Wood and along the main trail paths.

Trail Route & Terrain 🥾

The trail follows the main woodland path through Strid Wood, offering a manageable scenic route:

• Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles (one-way) between the Riverside Car Park and the Strid, making a comfortable 3-mile round trip.
• Terrain: Compacted gravel woodland paths with some gentle inclines. Suitable for sturdy pushchairs, though footwear with good grip is recommended during winter months.
• Warm Drinks & Treats: The Cavendish Pavilion and Riverside Kiosk offer warm hot chocolates, coffee, and seasonal snacks before or after your walk.

Photo Gallery

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Plan Your Visit 📅

Essential visitor details for the 12 Days of Christmas Trail at Bolton Abbey:

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Admission & Parking

Trail entry is included with estate car parking. Estate parking must be booked in advance online via Bolton Abbey Official Website.

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2026–2027 Dates

• Running: Sat 21st Nov 2026 – Sun 3rd Jan 2027
• Daily Opening: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Estate grounds close at dusk)

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Dog Friendly

Dogs are welcome on leads throughout Strid Wood and around the Cavendish Pavilion seating areas.

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Accessibility

The main Strid Wood path from Riverside to Cavendish Pavilion is compacted gravel and suitable for all-terrain pushchairs and wheelchairs in good weather.

Getting There 🗺️

📍 Estate Location:

Bolton Abbey Estate, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6AL

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🚗 Driving & Recommended Parking

Located off the B6160 near Skipton. Riverside Car Park or Strid Car Park offer the closest access to Strid Wood and the trail start point.

🚆 Rail & Public Transport

Skipton Rail Station is 6 miles away. Local bus connections run between Skipton and Ilkley via Bolton Abbey.