How to make the most of a snow day

After a night of snowfall, you will probably be feeling one of two urges: grab the sledge and get outside, or wrap up warm and stay indoors.

To help with your decision, we've gathered our pick of fun snow-day activities for children of all ages.

Snow-day activities

After something less adrenaline-fuelled? Take up your camera and capture some snow-covered landscapes or frosty close-ups. Nothing creates a beautiful picture like an untouched blanket of snow on the ground, or on the treetops and rooftops. Or get close-up instead and take macro shots of the small details of the natural world, from laden branches to icicles, spider’s webs and frostbitten leaves.

Feeling a little chilly? Embrace the snow from the comfort of the kitchen with some snow inspired recipes such as biscuits, warming winter soups, and marshmallow snowmen to dip into your hot chocolate.

Wrap up warm, venture out into the snow and get creative. Once you have mastered the classic snowman, you could try snow angels, castles, igloos and other sculptures. Or split the family into two teams and build forts for an epic snowball fight!

Head off on a chilly ramble, then return to the warmth of your kitchen and rustle up a hearty soup. Here is our pick of the best wholesome, delicious soup recipes – plus easy bread recipes to make too

Go sledging with family and friends. Don your snow boots and dust off a sledge from the cellar, or improvise one from a tray or even a plastic bag filled with flat cardboard. Head out into the snowy hills and test your mettle down a steep slope.

Top 10 snow-sledging hills

1. The reservoir at Osmotherley in Yorkshire has a long, steep slope – one of the key factors for a good sledge.
2. Darley Park, Derby, with a long sloping hill – the climb might be long, but the ensuing lengthy sledge is worth it!
3. The Great Knoll not only sounds the part but delivers a good speedy sledge with its steep bank. Find the Great Knoll just off Foxwood Lane in York.
4. Mickey’s Bank in Nottingham is a steep hill with a hawthorn hedge at the bottom to cushion your finish.
5. The Stiperstones in Shropshire is a local beauty spot with a good choice of slopes to privately commandeer.
6. North Londoners flock to Primrose Hill when the snow descends. This location offers long slopes as well as the chance to do a bit of celebrity spotting.
7. South Londoners, however, opt for the accommodating lofty Brockwell Park with a good wide starting base and speedy dip.
8. Holyrood Park in Edinburgh has something for everyone – gentle and sloping, fast and long, short and steep.
9. Wales’ Storey Arms in the Brecon Beacons is also a good all-rounder, with beginner slopes and steeper slopes nearer the peak that might make you feel you’re living on the sledge.
10. Ashton Court Estate in Bristol is popular for facilitating a good sledge, and the deer herd that live here add to the festive feel.