Where To Go For A UK Winter Holiday?

When the clouds roll in and the weather turns cold, lots of Britons head for sunnier shores – at least for a week or two. But taking your winter vacation within the UK can be just as rejuvenating, if not quite as sunny. 

With the ongoing uncertainty around Covid-19 and rising travel prices, it’s no surprise that domestic tourism within the UK is becoming more popular;  after all, it’s more reliable and comfortable than worrying about what you’ll do if your flight to the Caribbean is cancelled. City breaks and country travel are also spiking in popularity, as are experience-based trips centering around artisanal food, outdoor activities, and other themes. Let’s look at some UK winter holiday destinations that are somewhat closer to home than the Costa del Sol and similar destinations.

Places To Go In The UK In Winter

You don’t necessarily have to choose between a country escape and a city break – there are many places where you can do day excursions into the countryside from an urban centre. But if your idea of UK travel in November, December, and beyond is specifically one or the other, you’re in luck; we’ve divided our wintertime travel picks into indoor and outdoor options. Enjoy!

Note: Because of Covid-19 restrictions, not all activities may be available. Please check before you go!

Wintertime City Breaks

Liverpool

Liverpool is always a fun and dynamic city to visit, no matter the season. Visiting Liverpool in winter, however, gives you the chance to sample a whole range of unique and festive activities. The annual Christmas Market is always a favourite amongst visitors. Here, guests have the opportunity to eat, drink and simply enjoy the festive atmosphere to their heart's content.

This year another winter favourite also returns - the Liverpool Ice Festival, held at the Pier Head. Open from November to January, this wonderland includes ice skating, rides, and a cornucopia of food and drink.

London

Even if you’ve visited London many times before, we’re betting there are area’s you haven’t explored yet. Greater London stretches over 1,500 square kilometres, so chances are there is something you’ve yet to experience: going on a river tour or the Taste of London festival, seeing a show in the West End, checking out a  fashion exhibition or a mime festival, visiting one of the two dozen or so free world-class museums, celebrating Pancake Day (it’s March 1, if you’re wondering) ... the list goes on. Between November and January, you can also see all kinds of light displays, festive/wintertime/holiday special events, and exhibitions. It’s really not hyperbole to say there’s something for everyone.  

Newcastle 

Newcastle is famed for it’s amazing bridges, football adoration, scenery, divine food and nightlife. Over the festive season it’s a magical city to visit. Newcastle Christmas market at Grey’s monument is fun for the whole family. You will find Santa’s grotto, ice skating and the quayside market jostling to get you in a jolly mood. If you can’t get enough of seasonal markets head over to the discovery museum where you will find the Nutcracker Christmas market. Don’t miss the grand lantern parade at Alnwick garden, a truly spectacular light show experience. Stick around over new year to see the Tar Bar’l where 45 local men carry whiskey barrels filled with burning hot tar through the town!

Dundee

Is there anywhere more authentic than Scotland for Christmas? Visit Dundee and experience a truly Scottish Christmas. The anticipated winter festival is kitted out with an ice rink, big wheel and more. The lights this year promise to thrill as they have been completely revamped and are inspired by Dundee’s heritage. Between the 3rd and 24th of December, Dundee’s city square will take part with a 3D Christmas card for all your festive selfies! There will be opportunities to make wishes at the wishing fountains and enjoy the nightly projections lighting up city chambers as you become acquainted with this great city. 

Bath

Every year, Bath hosts a massive Christmas party. But people have been flocking to this city since well before Christmas was a thing, drawn by its elegant architecture and interesting cultural activities. And did we mention Bath’s literary figures? While you’ll miss the Jane Austen Festival (held from 9-18 September 2022), you can still visit the Jane Austen Centre or take a Jane Austen-centric tour featuring the Pump Room, Assembly Rooms, and other places mentioned in her books. 

Returning to the 21st  century, families might want to visit the Enchanted Garden of Light, skate on the city’s 1,000-square-meter outdoor ice rink, play glow golf, or check out the Museum of the Moon.

Cardiff

If you’re torn between the great indoors and the great outdoors, you might want to head to Cardiff for your winter break. Whether your idea of the great outdoors is attending Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland (held in the grounds of Cardiff Castle and the City Hall lawns), travelling through Welsh history at the outdoor St. Fagan’s National History Museum, or exploring the nearby valleys and coastline, there’s a lot to do nearby. And if you’d rather stay inside, you can do some shopping, visit a gallery or show, catch a concert, and then head to one of the city’s many cafes for a cuppa or to a pub for a pint. We’re betting you’ll probably find time for both the indoors and the outdoors when you visit Cardiff. 

Outdoor Winter Breaks

Cold-Water Surfing in Cornwall

Cornwall is famous for its beaches and surfing – and just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy both. With the right wetsuit, surfers still ride the swells (although it’s mostly locals, with far fewer tourists). And dog lovers will appreciate the many dog-friendly beaches where, outside of tourist season, pets are free to run and play. 

Because of its southerly location, winter weather in Cornwall tends to be mild, if rather wet; you can see some of the area’s best views and scenic spots without navigating a crowd.

Flowers and Storms in the Isles of Scilly

For the UK’s warmest winters, head to the Isles of Scilly, located off the Cornish coast. They’re the nation’s southernmost point and – thanks to warm ocean currents – snow is very rare. 

While winter is the isles’ wettest months, there’s no shortage of things to do. You can visit a flower farm (cut flowers are one of the biggest industries in this area) or enjoy a scenic walk free of the summertime peak crowds. If you’re of a particularly adventurous and meteorological nature, you can watch storms roll in off the Atlantic – just make sure you do so from a safe distance. Scilly is also home to the darkest night skies in the UK, so a little stargazing on a clear night might be in order.

Birdwatching in the Cley and Salthouse Marshes, Norfolk

The words “North Sea” and “winter break” may seem like an odd pairing unless the words “getting away from” are in there somewhere. But for birdwatchers, this is a must-visit wintertime destination. Not only are these marshes a protected 300-hectare bird breeding sanctuary, they’re one of the most popular birding sites in the country. By the end of November, you can see pink-footed geese make their way from Greenland and Iceland to their winter homes in Norfolk. Wigeons, brent geese, tufted ducks, bitterns, marsh harrier, and teal are also common visitors during the winter months. 

Winter Sports in the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

If you want to fully embrace winter, head north and bring your skis (or your snowboard). Cairngorms National Park hosts three of Scotland’s ski resorts, boasting 30 kilometres of ski trails and providing for a variety of skill levels. And that’s not all winter sports enthusiasts can do; you can take snow-holing, mountaineering, winter skills, and ice-climbing classes. Or try your hand at ski joring, snowshoeing, or sledging.  There’s even a sled dog rally at the end of January.