Hey there travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my 5 best winter destinations in the UK for some nice hot tea this year. Winter in the UK can be a magical time, with snow-capped mountains, cozy villages and festive holiday markets.
From the bustling city of Edinburgh to the picturesque countryside of Cornwall, there are plenty of places to explore during the colder months. Winter in the United Kingdom is a great mixture of long walks on the beach (yes, I am serious haha), exploring ancient ruins or simply relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book.
Let’s check it all out…
- London
- Edinburgh
- Lake District
- Bath
- York
Map Of Best Places to Visit in UK in Winter
Here is a map with locations of the best winter destinations UK has to offer as per below.
Best Winter Destinations in the UK
Now, let’s check out the best things that Great Britain has to offer in the colder months.
1. London
London is a bustling city that has plenty of activities to keep you entertained during the winter months. From festive markets to ice skating, there’s something for everyone. This includes:
Winter Wonderland
Located in Hyde Park, this festive market has everything from ice skating to fairground rides and is a must-visit attraction during the winter season. You can also enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate while browsing the various stalls selling gifts and treats.
The market is free to enter, but some of the attractions require tickets.
Ice Skating at Somerset House
If you’re looking for a unique ice skating experience, head to Somerset House. This stunning neoclassical building hosts an ice rink during the winter months, providing a picturesque backdrop for your skating session.
The rink also offers skate lessons and themed skating events, making it a fun activity for all ages. After your skate, warm up with a hot drink at the rink-side bar.
Check out my : Things to Do in London in Winter
2. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a beautiful city to visit in the winter with plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Here are some of the top things to do in Edinburgh during the winter season.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is a must-see attraction during the winter season. Located in the heart of the city, this market offers a variety of festive treats including mulled wine, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts.
You can also find unique gifts and crafts from local vendors. The market is open from November to January, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Hogmanay Festival
Hogmanay is the Scottish word for New Year’s Eve, and Edinburgh celebrates it in style with a three-day festival. The festival includes a torchlight procession, live music, fireworks and more.
On New Year’s Day, you can participate in the Loony Dook, a tradition where people jump into the freezing waters of the River Forth. All in all, the festival is a great way to ring in the new year and experience Scottish culture.
Check out these: 10 Best Golf Courses in the United Kingdom
3. Lake District
If you love winter hiking, the Lake District is the perfect destination for you. With its snowy mountain tops and crisp winter walks, you’ll be able to enjoy the dramatic landscapes of the Lake District without the crowds. Popular options here include:
Winter Hiking
The Lake District has a wide range of winter hiking trails from low-level walks to challenging mountain routes. Whatever your level of experience, there is a winter hiking trail to suit you. Make sure you pack appropriate hiking boots and clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable.
Basic map reading skills with OS Maps are also recommended and if you’re new to winter hiking, consider taking a winter skills course with the Fell Top Assessors to learn how to summit safely as well.
Christmas Markets
The Lake District has a variety of Christmas markets throughout the winter season where you can find locally made food and drink as well as handmade gifts and crafts.
Some of the best Christmas markets include the Keswick Christmas Market and the Kendal Christmas Fair. Make sure to sample some of the local produce along the way and get cosy in country pubs serving seasonal classics too.
Book your trip to the UK here!
4. Bath
If you’re looking for a picturesque winter destination, Bath is a great choice. This historic city in Somerset is known for its stunning Georgian architecture and natural hot springs. Here are two must-visit attractions in Bath during the winter season:
Bath Christmas Market
The Bath Christmas Market is one of the most popular events in the city during the winter months and features over 150 chalets selling a wide range of festive gifts, food and drink. From handmade decorations to mulled wine, you’ll find everything you need to get into the holiday spirit. The market is held in the city center and is open from late November until mid-December.
Thermae Bath Spa
If you’re looking for a way to warm up during the winter, head to the Thermae Bath Spa. This spa is located in the heart of the city and is fed by natural hot springs. You can soak in the warm waters while enjoying views of the city’s skyline.
The spa also offers a range of treatments, including massages and facials making it the perfect way to relax and unwind during your winter getaway.
5. York
If you’re looking for a charming winter destination in the UK, York is definitely worth considering. This historic city has plenty to offer from its stunning architecture to its rich cultural heritage. Here are a couple of things you can do in York during the winter:
York Ice Trail
One of the most popular winter events in York is the annual Ice Trail. This event sees the city’s streets transformed into a magical winter wonderland complete with ice sculptures and other festive decorations. The sculptures are created by talented ice artists from around the world and they’re truly a sight to behold.
If you’re planning on attending the York Ice Trail, make sure to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. The event can get quite crowded, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to avoid the crowds. You can also pick up a map of the trail at the tourist information center, which will help you navigate your way around the city.
Jorvik Viking Centre
Another must-visit attraction in York is the Jorvik Viking Centre. This interactive museum takes you on a journey back in time to the days of the Vikings, when York was known as Jorvik. You’ll get to see what life was like in the city during this period and you can even ride on a reconstructed Viking ship.
The Jorvik Viking Centre is a great place to visit during the winter as it’s warm and cozy inside. You can easily spend a few hours here, learning about the city’s fascinating history and immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of Viking life.
Why Visit Great Britain in The Winter?
While many tourists flock to the UK in the summer months, there are plenty of reasons to visit during the winter season. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider planning a winter trip to the UK.
- Festive Atmosphere – The UK is known for its festive atmosphere during the winter months. Christmas markets, ice skating rinks and holiday lights can be found in cities and towns throughout the country. You can enjoy a warm cup of mulled wine while browsing unique gifts and crafts at the markets or take a spin on the ice rink while surrounded by beautiful holiday decorations.
- Fewer Crowds – One of the biggest advantages of visiting the UK in winter is that there are fewer crowds. You won’t have to worry about long lines at popular tourist attractions or struggling to find a spot to take a photo. This means you can take your time and really enjoy the sights and sounds of the country without feeling rushed or crowded.
- Winter Sports – If you’re a fan of winter sports, the UK has plenty to offer. From skiing and snowboarding in the Scottish Highlands to ice climbing in Wales, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the winter weather. You can also try your hand at ice skating or take a scenic winter hike through one of the country’s national parks.
- Wildlife – Winter is a great time to spot wildlife in the UK. From deer and foxes to birds and seals, there are plenty of animals to see during the winter months. You can take a wildlife tour or simply explore the countryside on your own to see what you can spot.
- Beautiful Scenery – The UK is known for its stunning scenery, and winter is no exception. Snow-capped mountains, frost-covered fields and icy lakes can be found throughout the country. You can take a scenic drive or hike to enjoy the winter landscapes or simply relax with a cup of tea and enjoy the view from your accommodation.
Check out these: 9 Best Hiking Trails in the United Kingdom
Conclusion
There you have it, my 5 best UK winter destinations. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences here or if there are any other must do activities that I need to add.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
Traveling further? Check out these best winter destination in Ireland and France as well.
