But after all the feasting, what better way to welcome the New Year than with a refreshing walk?
A stroll outdoors not only helps burn off those extra calories but also allows quality time with loved ones – something many of us have come to treasure even more.
If you’re seeking inspiration for a New Year’s Day outing, here are some of the best walking routes in and around Salisbury and the New Forest.
1. Cathedral Close – 1.25 miles
This walk around a historic area of Salisbury takes around 40 minutes, according to the National Trust, with flat terrain to suit the entire family.
Start at Mompesson House on Chorister’s Square and follow West Walk, past The Salisbury Museum, before heading through Harnham Gate and into De Vaux Place.
Turns right onto St Nicholas Road towards the Ayleswade Bridge, taking in views across the River Avon towards Harnham Hill, before turning back and heading for Exeter Street to walk towards the city centre.
Go through St Ann’s Gate to re-enter Cathedral Close, passing Malmesbury House and Sarum College to follow North Walk and arrive back at Mompesson House.
2. Landford and Hamptworth – 4.7 miles
Explore the northern tip of the New Forest on this walk, which follows a wooded path to a river ford and then takes you through woods and fields to Hamptworth Farm.
The route then follows the edge of a golf course to Langley Wood and the hamlet of Hamptworth before returning back over the ford to Landford.
The walk, which is on the New Forest National Park Association website, starts and finishes on Lyndhurst Road in Landford, accessible on the X7 bus.
It is described as a fairly easy route with gentle gradients – but it has gates, five stiles and a ford crossing as you pass former Royal Forests.
Take a public footpath running near the iconic stones (Image: Leanne Davies)
3. Stonehenge – 2.2 miles
For a prehistoric twist, head to Stonehenge for a walk steeped in ancient history.
To avoid ticketed entry, take the public footpath running near the iconic stones. Begin at Larkhill, following Willoughby Road southward.
As the road transitions into a track, you’ll pass through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with views of the Stonehenge cursus and barrows.
A gate near the site allows walkers to skirt the perimeter of the stones for a spectacular view before retracing their steps back.
4. Old Sarum – 4 miles
This route, courtesy of Connecting Wiltshire, starts and finishes at Salisbury’s Guildhall.
Cross the Market Square to the library then walk through Market Walk, then turn right to follow the Riverside Park and aim for Five Rivers Leisure Centre.
Stay beside the river, within the Avon Valley Nature Reserve, until you reach a paved path. Cross the road and head up a gravel road leading to The Portway.
Continue along the path until it bears right, then go through a gap in the hedge and turn left towards Old Sarum Castle.
Connecting Wiltshire says “it is possible to walk round the earth works with extensive views over the city and surrounding countryside”.
You can head back into the city via Castle Road and Victoria Park.
5. Queen Elizabeth Gardens and Harnham Bridge – 2.2 miles
This “easy” hike from Komoot starts and finishes in Queen Elizabeth Gardens, next to the Lush House car park off Crane Street.
Walk through the park and then join Town Path, passing the Old Mill Hotel before heading through a wooden gate to follow the River Avon, or follow Lower Street to Harnham Road.
Follow Harnham Road until you reach St Nicholas Road, then enter Cathedral Close through Harnham Gate, reaching High Street and its pubs and cafes.
Then you can return to Queen Elizabeth Park via Crane Street.