You are usually able to take your own dog along but please make sure they stay on a lead and are unable to slip their collars otherwise it might be difficult to relocate them among the crowds. If they aren't used to large numbers of people including children, other dogs and of course horses, then it is suggested they're left at home on this occasion.

It is advisable to wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear - you are likely to be standing around at the meet for a while and most meets are in fields rather than on hard-standing so the chances are it will be muddy or wet underfoot.

Boxing Day meets are rarely cancelled because of inclement weather. Even if it’s frosty or snowy, hounds tend to meet at the scheduled time, although it is more likely it will be without people mounted on horses. If the ground conditions are unsuitable for hunting after the meet, hounds will be loaded up and return to kennels afterwards.

Each year the Countryside Alliance shares an interactive Boxing Day meet map which holds details - including location and meet times - for hunts across the country. Whether you're looking for the details of your local meet, or you're away for Christmas and want to support a meet near you, check out our map.

Boxing Day tends to be a very sociable day and the meets can last up to about half an hour. During this time, you may be offered a warm drink or some nibbles to keep you going.

Some of the more inquisitive hounds may mingle amongst the crowd but generally they're all kept together with the huntsman and a member of staff known as the whipper-in. You are welcome to stroke the hounds and horses, although it's a good idea to approach horses from the front rather than from behind so as not to spook them and for obvious safety reasons.