Winter is the most wonderful time of the year. Crisp winter mornings, frost on the trees and those cosy evenings by the fire. Is there a better time to visit some of the UK’s most beautiful places?
Whether you’re hoping for snow as you look out onto wintry landscapes from a Christmas cottage or just want to enjoy the most popular spots without the summer crowds, our guide is here to help. Read on for nine of the best places to visit in the UK in winter…
1. The Lake District
The Lake District is no stranger to being in the top spot for UK holidays. But, in winter, there’s a magical feel to the atmosphere. During this season, it’s naturally quieter than in summer, which makes for a tranquil stay. Head out for hikes on its miles of pathways and trails with stunning views along the way – but there’s more…
In December, there are a variety of events to enjoy in the run-up to Christmas. The Father Christmas Tea Party and Santa Saves Christmas show run by The World of Beatrix Potter are popular attractions for families. Additionally, Muncaster Castle, Tullie House and the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway are also running festivities. In February, Keswick is home to the annual film festival. Plus, Great Broughton plays hosts to the Punch Bowl Beer Festival for a taste of local ales.
Above all else, the Lake District national park stands out for its natural beauty in the wintry conditions. Whether it’s the early-morning frost on rolling hills or spectacular views of the ice-cold lakes to warm your heart, the Lakes turn into a winter wonderland that’s just waiting to be explored. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places to visit in the UK in winter.
2. Devon
The variety of destinations in Devon makes it a perfect UK place to visit in winter. It boasts not one but two stretches of stunning coastline – North Devon and South Devon. Plus, you get two National Parks with spectacular scenery as far as the eye can see.
Exmoor is a top spot to enjoy crisp winter walks and admire the park’s wild ponies. The national park also joins the North Devon coastline. Here, the pretty villages of Lynton and Lynmouth have a backdrop of luscious emerald woodland and rocky walking routes alongside quaint shops and eateries overlooking the sea.
In South Devon, you’ll find Dartmoor national park, which looks even more beautiful in the festive season. Forget varied terrain – Dartmoor provides acre upon acre of gorgeous moorland, perfect for the most gentle winter walks. A thin layer of snow is the ideal accompaniment, coating the landscapes in glistening white without impacting your route!
At the heart of Devon, the city of Exeter is the top winter city break – just a short drive away from Dartmoor national park. The annual Christmas markets bring people from far and wide. The cathedral also delights with festive cheer and carol services.
3. Yorkshire
Yorkshire is often said to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in the UK in winter, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only does it have stunning landscapes that look outstanding in a flurry of snow, but the medieval city of York also has a magical feel in the frosty air.
If you fancy a frosty walk, the North York Moors offers breathtaking landscapes with miles of pathways to explore. Aysgarth Falls in the Yorkshire Dales is also a spectacular wintry sight. Don’t forget to wrap up warm when you’re heading out, especially along the Yorkshire coastline, as the wind can be rather bracing.
Heading to York provides you with an array of boutique shops and medieval streets winding throughout. The Shambles is a must-see and the perfect spot for a hot chocolate in a cosy café. Plus, visiting the annual Christmas market is a favourite for lovers of food and drink.
As well as the magical Christmas atmosphere, the city comes alive on New Year’s Eve with themed parties and lively pubs and bars wherever you look. If you fancy something quieter, head to a cosy pub in your choice of charming villages for festive cheer in the most welcoming of places.
4. Norfolk
While nature typically retreats for the winter months, Norfolk sees its mudflats and marshes come alive in the cooler months. Nature lovers flock to the area (pun intended!) to see a haven of birds, particularly pink-footed geese that have made the region their home for the season after migrating from Iceland and Greenland.
Another delight for visitors is the arrival of grey seal pups. Of course, the best way to see them is via boat. So, head to Morston Quay for a unique and memorable experience. Your boat trip will take you to Blakeney Point, home to the country’s largest seal colony – easily one of the best places to visit in the UK in winter.
Cromer is another top place to visit in winter if you’re eager to get a taste of a traditional UK seaside location. Its pier is home to the Pavilion Theatre, which has a variety of events and shows throughout the year. This winter, catch the Cromer Christmas Show alongside live music and comedy events. It boasts West End production values for an unforgettable show, held in the early winter months from mid-November to the end of December.
5. Wales
Another top place to visit in winter is Wales. The country really has everything to suit all ages and preferences. The snow-capped peak of Snowdonia is a must-see for anyone that loves hiking. You can also take the train, so it’s ideal for those that want to see a spectacular view over the landscape without actually making the climb.
It’s not just about the main mountain though. The entire Snowdonia mountain range is the perfect place for a magical winter trip. In the shadows of the striking fells, you’ll find character-packed towns and villages with independent shops and festive markets. Betws-y-Coed, in particular, is a gorgeous chocolate box village that’s one of the best places to visit in the UK in winter.
Fans of literature are welcomed to a special festival in Hay-on-Wye in November. The newly converted Hay Castle hosts the Hay Festival Winter Weekend, and you can immerse yourself in a full programme of workshops, talks and screenings. The Christmas light switch on is also open to everyone.
In March, the whole of Wales comes alive with festivities and events for the celebration of St David’s Day. Many locations have parades, concerts and festivals, including beautiful spots such as Colwyn Bay, Carmarthen and Aberystwyth. So, don your daffodil and join in with the cultural celebrations on your stay.
6. The Cotswolds
When the villages of the Cotswolds get a dusting of snow during the winter, it really is a sight to behold. The honey-coloured cottages and picturesque heritage sites dotted throughout the landscape make it the perfect setting to cosy up with family and friends. While a large part of the Cotswolds is in Gloucestershire, it includes five counties in total and stretches all the way down to the Avon River near Bath.
Expect a different atmosphere to the summer months. When winter comes around, the Cotswolds is calm and peaceful, allowing you to enjoy a hot chocolate or mulled cider as you stroll through the winding streets. There’s a chance you’ll wake to see snow atop the pretty thatched roofs, looking like something off a Christmas card you’ve seen a thousand times before.
A draw to the area during the festive period is Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. This vast country estate twinkles throughout December with its illuminated trail around the grounds and woodland. A laser show and spectacular Tunnel of Light display with over 100,000 bulbs also light up the dark skies. So, grab a mulled wine and wander this beautiful display to get you in the festive spirit.
7. Hampshire
If you’re looking for places to visit in the UK in winter, Hampshire is another great choice. The region is especially popular for people in London, as one of the home counties on the outskirts of the city. Despite being such a short trip from your local area, you’ll feel transported into a world of serenity and natural beauty.
One of the highlights has to be New Forest – a stunning national park with vast expanses of heathland, forest and pasture land. Winter activities include bird watching, with short-eared owls and peregrine falcons known to roam the national park. Another favourite is spotting tracks for the local fauna, such as deer, ponies and cattle. Keep your eyes peeled for the animals themselves, with deer known to be most active at dawn and dusk.
You can also visit the city of Winchester, where the Christmas markets are held right next to the historic cathedral. There’s something so special about seeing the winter wonderland of a Christmas market backed by the architectural beauty of a cathedral. Once you’ve sampled the festive foods, drank a mulled wine or two and shopped for unique gifts, you can head inside to see Winchester Cathedral up close and even listen to the carol singers on select days.
8. Northumberland
What makes Northumberland one of the top places to visit in the UK in winter? It’s all about the deep, dark skies. Northumberland has the darkest skies in England, making it a great spot for stargazing all through the year. Kielder Observatory, in particular, is Europe’s largest gold-tier dark sky park.
With the longer nights in December, you might even be lucky enough to spot the Northern Lights dancing in the sky. There’s no need to go all the way up to Scotland and the Scottish highlands to get a glimpse – the northernmost county in England gets some stunning sights of the Aurora Borealis.
There’s plenty more to see and do in Northumberland when the weather is cold too. Highlights on the east coast include the town of Alnwick with its castle famous for Harry Potter, Bamburgh with a coastal castle for peaceful walks on the beach, and Lindisfarne island, which you can only visit when the tide is low.
9. Cornwall
No list of the best places to visit in the UK in winter would be complete without the glorious county of Cornwall in South West England. As one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the world, Cornwall looks even more beautiful in the winter light, with the soft glow of coastal villages paired with the twinkling of Christmas markets everywhere you go.
The dramatic cliffs are the perfect place for a winter walk, especially for families bringing their dogs along on a Christmas trip or a holiday later in winter. Wrap up warm and enjoy some of the most breathtaking sea views, without the same crowds you get in summer.
Feeling brave? Take part in one of many Boxing Day swims, which have become a tradition in the south west. Top picks include Porthminster beach, Coverack harbour and Charlestown beach. The sea gets pretty arctic in the colder months, so this certainly isn’t one for the faint-hearted.
Book a luxury winter break with kate & tom’s
Who says winter escapes need to be anything other than luxurious? With roaring log fires, warming hot tubs and plush living spaces, you can see the most beautiful UK places in style this winter with kate & tom’s selection of cosy cottages. Browse our collection to start making wintertime memories with your loved ones and email [email protected] if you need any help planning your getaway. Don’t forget to look out for our stunning new houses!
