Where to go for a winter holiday in the UK
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Once the picnic hampers and swimwear from our summer beach breaks have been safely stowed away and we’re fairly sure that all the sand has drained from our suitcase, we can finally let our minds drift to the cosiest of all getaways: a UK winter holiday. Cashmere blankets, hot chocolates and Hunter wellies at the ready, when it comes to a break in the cooler climes, we’re all in for as much mud as we can get outside and as many logs as we can get on the fire inside. In short, ramp up the cottagecore atmosphere (a world of slow living, thatched roofs and bliss in domesticity), and we’re on our way.
And to help you work out where to hang your hat (and your coat, scarf and gloves), we’ve rounded up the best places to visit, and to stay, for a UK winter holiday, whether you’re after bracing walks on crisp and frosty mornings, icy lakes that glisten in the sun or picturesque snow-covered mountain peaks. Vive l'escapade cosy, right?
Getty ImagesBroadway, Worcestershire
Best for: a fairytale winter escape
Perfectly placed among the Cotswolds' prettiest villages, Broadway is a storybook setting for a festive holiday. Come for cottagecore to the extreme – thatched roofs glistening with frost, chimneys puffing out the excess of roaring fires and endless rolling hills covered in a blanket of thick, soft snow. Spend mornings hiking along the Cotswolds Way walking route, and afternoons cosying up in some of England's best country pubs where roasts are piled high with all the trimmings and strolls home are best accompanied by a takeaway mulled wine while watching the festive lights twinkle away on the high street.
Where to stay: Right in the middle of the high street sits the Lygon Arms, a classic Cotswold getaway. James Martin has just opened two restaurants inside (the Grill and the Tavern), and the afternoon tea is a welcome warm-up routine post-walk. There is a spa, too, with a selection of treatments to choose from (the Warm Oil massage sounds like a perfect winter treat) and a sauna, steam room and 14-metre swimming pool.
Getty ImagesBraemar, Scotland
Best for: your nature fix
In Scotland's Cairngorms National Park, Braemar is a cutesy village surrounded by endless greenery waiting to be explored. There are plenty of walking routes which are magical in the winter – think frosted branches, icy lochs and snow-heaped munros. Nearby, the royal castle of Balmoral is a must, while Braemar Castle is also a point of interest for history buffs. Out in the sticks, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife: red squirrels, deer, mountain hares and pine martens roam the grounds, while eagles and ospreys soar through the skies.
Where to stay: Since art dealers Ivan and Manuela Wirth opened The Fife Arms in 2018, the hotel quickly became one of Scotland's most iconic stays. Huddle up by the fire to gaze at the art adorning the wall (there's pieces by Picasso, Man Ray, Louise Bourgeois, Lucian Freud and Pieter Brueghel the Younger strewn around the place), or hunker down in the Clunie Dining Room where wood-fired cooking is the only thing that could tear eyes away from the bespoke wall paintings by artist Guillermo Kuitca.
Getty ImagesCastle Combe, Wiltshire
Best for: scenes straight out of a Christmas movie
This sleepy town is no stranger to the limelight. It's been used for a host of different film and TV projects from Doctor Dolittle and War Horse to Stardust, Downton Abbey and Bridgerton. And the 16th-century hamlet isn't one to hunker down for the cold season – the village takes on a new leading role come winter. Amble through winding streets sprinkled with a thin layer of snow, stop by the village hall to see if there are any Christmas markets popping up and go on long, mucky walks through the surrounding hillsides.
Where to stay: Lucknam Park is a country-house hotel just a 10-minute drive from Castle Combe. After a day spent exploring the village, pull up to this grand estate where you'll be swept away by the perfectly pretty gardens, stunning bedrooms and old-school dining areas.
Anthony Brown / Alamy Stock PhotoBath, Somerset
Best for: leisurely cobblestone strolls
Positioned at the heart of the Somerset countryside and surrounded by the Avon river, Bath is one of England’s most well-known and well-loved city breaks all year round, though in the winter it really comes into its own. For among the grand Regency façades and scores of honey-hued streets lined with independent shops and delis, lie many opportunities to warm up in true Bath-style: in the thermae spas that it’s so famed for. Convalescing in the steaming waters here is a must-do experience that has enchanted humans through the ages, from the Romans to the petticoat-clad women of the Regency era and now, the solace-seeking visitors of the 21st century.
Where to stay: From its regal perch in the middle of the Royal Crescent arc, the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is one of the most famous hotels in Bath, fronted by manicured green gardens and boasting views down and over the city. For an authentic taste of Bath life, the handsome villa – enchantingly named ‘Georgian Blushes’ by Plum Guide sits in the well-heeled residential district of Bathwick. Commanding incredible views of the city of Bath, just a 20-minute walk away, it's easy to see why this neighbourhood is so sought-after. For more private stays, see our pick of the best Airbnbs in Bath.
Getty ImagesBeaulieu, New Forest
Best for: kayaking in a private estuary
Beaulieu River is the idyllic location for invigorating two-hour guided ‘winter paddling’ sessions with New Forest Activities: choose from either open-top Canadian canoes or typical stable touring kayaks and push off from Baileys Hard. Large sections of the river are part of the North Solent Nature Reserve, which means plenty of birds flitting along the reed-covered banks to distract from any aching arms. Just remember to bring a flask of steaming hot chocolate to help you warm up afterwards.
Where to stay: One of our favourite hotels in the New Forest, The Montagu Arms Hotel, is idyllically placed on a corner in Beaulieu, sandwiched between the high street and the river. Another option is Chewton Glen, a classic English country hotel with a brilliant spa.
Getty ImagesUllswater, Lake District
Best for: scenic hikes
The setting for William Wordsworth’s famous poem Daffodils has much more to recommend than just that which would entice literary buffs. Ullswater - the second largest lake in the Lake District - ripples on the border between the historic counties of Cumberland and Westmorland, and is encircled by moor-covered fells and off-grid Airbnbs and guest houses that invite cosy nightcaps after a day’s thermal-clad explorations. The lake itself was scooped out by a glacier in the Last Ice Age and so it’s an area already au-fait with cold and so it will come as little surprise that chilly staycations here are well-catered for, with enchanting hiking trails matched by equally as enchanting stately homes and gardens for anyone wanting a respite from the crisp climate.
Where to stay: Another Place, with its infinity pool basking in the imposing shadow of the mountain range beyond, is an 18th-century lakeside home turned upmarket hotel & spa, while this traditional boathouse on the shore of the lake itself offers a romantic hideaway for those wanting a front-row seat to the action. See our pick of the best Airbnbs in the Lake District for more options.
Getty ImagesSalisbury, Wiltshire
Best for: a cultural fix
The medieval cathedral city of Salisbury in Wiltshire sprawls out from the ornate, 13th-century cathedral (which holds the original copy of the Magna Carta from 1215 A.D) and along the banks of the River Avon. Its rich and storied history never fails to enchant and delight those who visit, with the centre notable for its checkerboard layout, with enclosed gardens squeezed between the houses. Stonehenge on the Salisbury Plains is just nine miles from the middle of the city, though closer to its nucleus, a clutch of boutiques, first-rate eateries and museums are enough to keep those who visit well-entertained, both indoors and out.
Where to stay: for self-catering, this newly converted barn with breathtaking views over the picturesque Chalke Valley is dog-friendly and has a farm shop on-site, or the country-chic quarters of Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa feature a glass-fronted restaurant and a spa.
AlamyWoodstock, The Cotswolds
Best for: fabulously festive illuminations
The illuminated light trail is always a highlight of the Christmas celebrations at Blenheim Palace, from the vaulted Tunnel of Light that twinkles with more than 100,000 white bulbs to the futuristic woodland Laser Garden and the Water Terrace pièce de résistance, where coloured lights are projected onto the palace’s façade. Sip a cup of mulled cider as you explore the grounds, and afterwards toast marshmallows around the fire pit.
Where to stay: The Swan Inn, a smart pub with rooms in Chipping Norton, or take over one of our favourite Airbnbs in the Cotswolds.
Getty ImagesYork, North Yorkshire
Best for: exploring the medieval streets
There is something distinctively special about York in the winter, its grand cathedrals, ramshackle labyrinth of shopping streets and Bohemian spirit wrapped in a quilt of frost, the Great Bundled-up milling within its ancient walls. Originally a Roman and then Viking settlement, history is woven into every structure and street within its old centre, though the outskirts are now peppered with quirky boutiques, lively student haunts and an inventive foodie scene. Ghost tours are a hot ticket here, as is any sort of tour that affords a slightly off-beat take on the culture, and the Viking museum of Jorvik is a hit with visitors young and old.
Where to stay: Part of a convent that is still in operation, historic The Bar Convent (inventive, we know) is one of Britain's more unusual guest-houses and offers a thoughtful antidote to the pricier properties that well-heeled travellers tend to opt for. Sleeping four, The Grand Old Duchess sits on the right-hand side of the River Ouse close to the locally loved Bishopthorpe Road – a street given the nickname 'The Notting Hill of the North'.
Getty ImagesCley Marshes, Norfolk
Best for: bird spotting and boat trips
You know winter is on its way when thousands of pink-footed geese migrate to the UK. Each year these pink-grey birds swap their breeding grounds in Greenland and Iceland for the mudflats and salt marshes of Norfolk (most arrive by the end of November), where they spend their days feeding on the tops and tails of sugar beet left in the fields by farmers. The sight, as the flocks fly back to their roosts at dusk, is extraordinary. December and January are also peak months for grey seals to give birth to their pups: head out on boat trips from Morston Quay for an up-close look at these inquisitive creatures swimming in the water and lolling on the beaches.
Where to stay: The Victoria Inn, Holkham, a 19th-century hotel surrounded by acres of parkland. See our edit of the best hotels in Norfolk for more options.
AlamyHay-on-Wye, Wales
Best for: a bookish weekend break in the UK
In normal years, the main difference between the annual Winter Weekend festival in Hay-on-Wye and its longer literary counterpart in May is that while the talks – by writers, artists, academics, thinkers – still take place in a tent, there’s a real focus on events in the town too. In 2020, the event will be streamed digitally – but visiting the town in winter to leaf through the many bookshops is still a wonderful low-key day trip.
Where to stay: Cheese Market Flats, which occupy a splendid vantage point in the historic market opposite the castle.
Getty ImagesNewquay, Cornwall
Best for: surfing big breaks without the crowds
The water might be icy but there’s no need to hang up your wetsuit: winter surfing in Cornwall is mercifully crowd free apart from a handful of hardcore locals who turn out in all weathers to make the most of the swells (during the colder months, low-pressure systems build up in the Atlantic, driving surf towards the west coast). And there are plenty of sweet spots to choose from, whether it’s Newquay’s legendary Fistral beach or protected Praa Sands, an hour’s drive away near Porthleven, where the northwest to northeast winds create hollow, fast waves.
Where to stay: Watergate Bay, a renowned beachside hotel with eco-friendly self-catering accommodation. For more options, see our edit of the best hotels in Cornwall.
Getty ImagesLode, Cambridgeshire
Best for: a mindful meander in winter gardens
There’s something rather wonderful about crunching along the frosty narrow path at Anglesey Abbey, just outside Cambridge, on a freezing sunny morning. Here, the Winter Garden has been specially designed with plants that are at their most vibrant in the colder months: flaming scarlet willow and red-barked dogwood, the Killarney strawberry tree, which bears fruit just before Christmas, and the grove of Himalayan silver birch trees with their stark white trunks. Snowdrops bloom in January and February, and the scent of winter–flowering honeysuckle and Christmas box fills the air. Those who want to make it more of a ‘mindful meander’ can pick up a sensory trail map from reception, which marks the most peaceful spots for contemplation.
Where to stay: The University Arms, a Victorian hotel transformed by Royal Family-approved classical architect John Simpson.
Getty ImagesThe Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Best for: a glimpse of the northern lights
Instead of hopping on a plane to the Arctic Circle to see the northern lights, rent a car and drive a section of the Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches 1,500 miles along the west coast of Ireland. With secluded bays, rocky headlands and sheep-dotted hills, it’s pretty magical at any time of year but brave the changeable weather and there’s a chance of witnessing the Aurora Borealis too. The unpolluted skies of the unspoilt Northern Headlands at the tip of the route are your best bet for a clear sighting.
Where to stay: The Wild Honey Inn, an old-school restaurant with rooms.
Getty ImagesThe Lake District, Cumbria
Best for: wild walking in the hills
Whether strolling the length of the seven-mile Borrowdale Valley or yomping up the steep path to Tarn Hows, through woodland and past gushing waterfalls, the possibilities for wild winter walking in the Lake District are endless. Yes it’s glorious in the summer sun but it’s equally atmospheric in the off-season mist and drizzle, when there are far fewer walkers and the solitude of the mountains acts like a soulful reset. Pack waterproofs and sturdy boots, and plot your path so there’s a rewarding tea shop or cosy pub at the end.
Where to stay: The Kirkstile Inn, a handsome, traditional 16th-century inn.
Getty ImagesCairngorms, The Scottish Highlands
Best for: all-action winter sports (and reindeer)
Forget Switzerland, Scotland has skiing much closer to home. The varied terrain at Glenshee, in the Cairngorms National Park, makes it one of the best options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Runs extend across three valleys and several mountains, including Glas Maol, which offers access to some of the best off-piste slopes. While you’re in the Highlands, don’t miss the chance to visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd that roams the mountains.
Where to stay: Killiehuntly Farmhouse, an impeccably renovated 17th-century farmhouse.
Getty ImagesCanterbury, Kent
Best for: a button-busting foodie break
From Michelin-starred gastropubs – think chef-owner Daniel Smith’s refurbished riverside pub The Fordwich Arms in Fordwich and Stephen Harris’ The Sportsman in Seasalter – to the Goods Shed farmers market and food hall in Canterbury, the foodie buzz about this corner of the UK has been growing for some time. Plan a weekend around a list of must-try restaurants and, in between meal times, cycle off what you eat along the Viking Coastal Trail, which takes in of-the-moment seaside towns such as Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.
Where to stay: The Pig at Bridge Place, a foodie hideaway set in a 17th-century manor.