Best Winter Trips In The United Kingdom
So you’ve booked your flights, checked the weather and there’s no sign of that famous snowfall that the UK is known for. What now? If you find yourself in this predicament and you’re looking for that perfect winter escape to heat up those chilly days, we have some good news for you. There are plenty of beautiful places in the UK that don’t necessarily require a white Christmas to visit. From stunning coastal towns to picturesque valleys, these are the best places to visit in winter if you can’t get away from the big city and find yourself stuck indoors. Read on to discover eight amazing destinations with an abundance of things to do all year round…
1. Exmoor National Park, Devon
Exmoor National Park is the perfect place to head to if you’re looking for a quiet winter break. You’ll find wide open spaces of moorland, rolling hills, and bright blue lakes that are perfect for hiking and walking. You’ll also find the Exmoor Zoo, which is home to a wide variety of animals, including some very special penguins. No visit to Exmoor would be complete without a trip to the seaside town of Westward Ho! Visit during the Christmas period, and you’ll be able to enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Westward Ho! Exmoor Christmas Fair.
Highlight: Visit Comb House, a Bronze Age site that was used as a burial ground and a place where people would come together, perhaps to trade and exchange ideas.
2. Cornwall
Cornwall is a great winter destination if you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind. It has a wealth of beautiful beaches that are perfect for walking and sand which is warm enough to swim in. Visit the famous Lizard Peninsula, which is great for walking and cycling, or find your way to Cape Cornwall to find some of the most spectacular and untouched beaches in Cornwall. If you’re visiting during the Christmas and New Year period, you’ll be able to enjoy the traditional Cornish carols, food, and festivities.
Highlight: Visit Tintagel Castle, a stunning medieval fortress that is one of Cornwall’s most iconic landmarks.
3. Lake District
The Lake District is the perfect destination for a winter getaway. There is a wide variety of activities available all year round, so you can find something that suits you and your group members. Visit the museums and art galleries; take a mountain hike; or find your way to the coast to discover some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. Enjoy a day out at the famous and historic Legoland theme park or take the kids to the World of Wildlife at nearby How End. The Lake District is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year, but it’s particularly special during the winter months.
Highlight: Visit the Rydal Mount, home to famous poet William Wordsworth, who lived there from 1813 until his death in 1850.
4. Edinburgh
If you’re looking for something a little more lively, then head to Edinburgh and enjoy the city’s famous Christmas festival. It’s one of the most magical times to visit Scotland’s capital city and is an experience you’ll never forget. You’ll find an abundance of Christmas markets and events taking place, including the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is a must-see spectacle. There are also a wide variety of exhibitions and shows taking place, including the Royal Edinburgh People’s Theatre, which offers a selection of different shows throughout the year.
Highlight: See the Scottish capital city illuminated with festive lights and decorations and visit the famous penguin parade at Edinburgh Zoo.
5. Glasgow
If you’re looking for a less touristy destination to visit, then Glasgow is the place for you. Visit the stunning Botanic Gardens, which are open throughout the year, and find your way to the tropical conservatory, where you can escape the cold. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and discover some of the most famous artworks, including Salvador Dali’s famous The Persistence of Memory, or take the kids on a trip to the Transport Museum, where they can discover the history of transport and the impact it has had on Scottish life. Visit the Burrell Collection and discover an amazing insight into the private collections of wealthy industrialists and philanthropists.
Highlight: Visit the Glasgow Winter Gardens, where you’ll find a tropical paradise that is home to over 8,000 plants from all over the world.
6. Liverpool
Liverpool is a wonderful city to visit any time of year, but it’s especially magical during the winter months. Visit the famous Tate Liverpool to discover world-famous art and find your way to the Albert Dock to discover a wealth of historic sights, including the Blue Pig and the Chinese Trading Boat. Enjoy a trip to Sefton Park to find the world’s only Super Gardens. Capture the beauty of the changing seasons with beautiful art installations and gardens. Visit William Brown Street to find a beautiful Christmas market that is open from November through to December and enjoy a trip on one of the famous ferries to discover the city from the River Mersey.
Highlight: See the stunning city lit up at night and visit the Magical Lantern Festival, which changes its theme each year, so you’ll be able to find something new each time you visit.
7. Newcastle
If you’re looking for something a little different, then Newcastle is the perfect winter destination. Visit the many art galleries and museums to find out more about the city’s fascinating history, or head to the Great Northern Contemporary Art Gallery to find a more modern and contemporary collection. Explore the beautiful river and enjoy a trip on the famous riverboats. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens to find a floral paradise and discover some of the most beautiful plants in the world. There are also a wide variety of events taking place throughout the year, including the Lumiere Light Festival and the Northern Lights Festival.
Highlight: Visit the city’s iconic landmark, the Tyne Bridge, and take a trip across the bridge to discover Newcastle from a whole new perspective.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for somewhere warm and sunny to escape to during the winter, there are plenty of places in the UK that will be able to offer you the climate you’re hoping for. With so much to see and explore, you’re sure to find a place to visit that will suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind, or you are hoping to enjoy a more lively city atmosphere, you will be able to find the perfect winter escape.
