Best UK Winter Breaks

Winter breaks aren’t exclusively for tropical vacations. Not when so many UK destinations are ideal for a winter getaway. There’s something for everyone, whether you want to cozy up by a crackling fire in a Cotswold pub.

Clear your head on a scenic stroll, or have some festive fun with the kids at your favorite theme park. Sublime Stays Apartments has put together a list of the finest UK winter break locations. Also, things to do there to make planning your next winter holiday easier. You could fall in love with winter.

 

Scotland

 

Scotland’s winter vacations? The Cairngorms, in the Scottish Highlands, is the UK’s biggest national park (twice the area of the Lake District).  Home to majestic mountains, deep blue lochs, and medieval castles. Classic Scottish distilleries, and untamed watersports. The Cairngorms in winter is magical.

Winter walks seem like Narnia. Popular excursions, particularly when there’s a magnificent covering of snow. Include exploring Loch an Eilein, hidden in Rothiemurchus’ woodland, with its water-locked castle. Or walking past old Caledonian pines to An Lochan Uaine (the “Green Loch”). Winter wonderland vistas over the lake and beyond are unforgettable.

Reindeer. Britain’s lone reindeer herd roams the Cairngorms. The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre lets you stroll among the 150-strong herd and learn about them. They like caring and taking selfies! Visit Cairngorms National Park for additional information about the park, activities, and lodging.

 

London

 

London is beautiful in summer and winter! Christmas markets, ice skating, cozy pop-up cafés, and bars. West End performances, free museums, and galleries, sumptuous afternoon teas. May more brighten even the greatest days. If you want a luxurious winter city trip, don’t ignore the capital.

December brings Christmas happiness. London is magical over the holidays. From Christmas markets like the Southbank Centre Winter Market, filled with festive foods and unique gifts. Dazzling Christmas lights, especially on Oxford Street and Regent Street, will make you “ooh” and “ahh” uncontrollably. Famous annual events like Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park and the Natural History Museum Ice Rink.

West End shows. What better place to unwind after a day of city exploration than at the theater? Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, and Dear Evan Hansen provide something for everyone.  Greatest concerts with an overnight stay at a top London accommodation to save you money and simplify things.

Deals start at £99pp*! Browse our Theatre Break Packages for a spectacular winter trip. Our guide to UK  getaways this year offers additional intriguing alternatives to spending the festive season in London.

 

Cotswolds

 

Cotswold winters are lovely. Chocolate box towns, cozy country pubs, and gorgeous rolling countryside. They are yours to explore throughout the day sans summer crowds. Relax in a Cotswolds cottage with a fire and a book in the evening. Couples’ UK winter getaway In December, the region’s sparkling Christmas festivities will get you in the holiday mood. If it snows during your vacation, you’ll feel like you’re in a Christmas card.

Enter Blenheim Palace’s annual illuminated trail. Blenheim Palace becomes a winter paradise with lights, lasers, and projections throughout the holidays. Every day from November to January, people can walk through tunnels of light. Dancing lakeside reflections, and brightly colored trees.

Country pub stroll. Walk the Cotswolds in your most comfortable footwear. Admire the scenery, take in the cool air, and then treat yourself to a delicious dinner and a log fire at a cozy tavern. The Cotswold Way Circular Walk 1, through picturesque Chipping Campden. Sheltered forests, and breathtaking vistas, is one of our favorite hikes. The walking route provides specifics. There are several excellent places to have your festive feast, including two award-winning pubs.

 

Norfolk

 

North Norfolk offers gorgeous sandy beaches and spectacular wildlife for UK coastal winter vacations. From Wells-next-the-Candy-Colored-Sea’s beach cottages to Cromer’s Banksy’s “Great British Spraycation” artwork. Boat rides on the Norfolk Broads, and Norwich’s Christmas shopping, there’s something for everyone.

Seal-watching via boat England’s biggest Grey Seal colony, Blakeney Point, has around 3,000 pups each winter. Grey puppies are lovely, with fluffy white coats and large black eyes. A local ferry from Morston Quay is the best way to observe this nature show.

The National Trust has further information. Mallards, Widgeons, Teal, Pintails, and Pink-footed Geese are common winter visitors. Along with seal pups. cameras and binoculars! Award-winning Holkham and Well-next-to-Sea beaches are 15–20 minutes apart. They’re worth adding to your day’s agenda, with many places to dine and unspoiled sand for lovely walks!

Float the Norfolk Broads Winter on the Broads is peaceful. It’s calmer than summer, wildlife is prospering, mornings are fresh, and lakes are motionless. Local pubs provide warming campfire meals and hot cocoa. Broads Tours offers day boats and cruisers with heaters to explore the Norfolk Broads at your own pace. Winter day boats are only available on weekdays. Watch for water voles, weasels, marsh harriers, and cranes as you float.

 

Shetland, Scotland

 

In winter, the Shetland Islands, which are closer to Norway than Scotland, are stunning. From their stunning vistas to their famed tiny ponies. Winter days may be spent exploring the island’s Viking heritage or relaxing on one of its beautiful beaches.

Stargaze and see the Northern Lights. Shetland is the finest site in the UK to observe the Northern Lights, even though it’s a natural phenomenon. Seeing the Mirrie Dancers (as Shetlanders call them) in person will be a bucket-list event you’ll never forget. See our best Northern Lights suggestions below:

• Travel between mid-October and mid-March. want a clear, black winter night. Avoid light pollution. This includes street lights, automobiles, buildings, and even a full moon.
• Wait and watch. Aurora-watching may take you outdoors for many hours on frigid evenings, so be careful to bundle up comfortably. Keep an eye out since displays may only last a few minutes. A decent show may last up to 15–30 minutes.
• Plan a multi-night itinerary. If you don’t notice them the first time, keep trying. You’ll see! Bookmark AuroraWatch UK, a helpful, free tool that warns you when the Northern Lights may be seen in Shetland.

Go nature viewing. Calling all wildlife enthusiasts! Winter in Shetland is a great time to see nature, with Shetland ponies grazing on hillsides. Otters hunting and raising cubs, semi-resident orca pods hunting close to the shore. Humpback whales off the south coast, and huge flocks of wildfowl.