Hopping on a plane and jetting off to somewhere warm and sunny is amazing and all, but the UK certainly isn’t short of gem-like locations to enjoy a bit closer to home. Boasting varying landscapes and quaint little villages; our country is actually a mecca for culture, with tons of stunning sights and historical landmarks to uncover. Here are our picks of the best winter staycations in the UK.
1. The Cairngorms
One of the most beautiful parts of the Scottish Highlands, the Cairngorms not only offers an unbeatable landscape, but sometimes in the winter, you can catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, too. Home to rugged snow-topped mountains and vast lakes, the idyllic national park is the perfect place to book a cabin and get cosy for the winter, with tons of fantastic walks and ample peace and quiet to lap up during your visit. Who needs Iceland when you have Scotland, hey?
2. The Cotswolds
The kind of quintessentially British getaway you’d expect from an American rom-com, The Cotswolds are pretty much as quaint as towns in England come – setting the bar when it comes to storybook-style architecture, beautiful scenery, and cosy country pubs. Opt for a cosy cottage or a comfy inn as your accommodation, and enjoy the jaw-droppingly scenic walks right on your doorstep, finishing off with a nice cuppa, proper British style – obviously.
3. Bath
One of the prettiest places in the whole of England, Bath has garnered quite a reputation for its beauty thanks to its sand-toned 18th-century architecture. Perfect to visit all year round, with the Roman Baths in particular, well worth a visit. For those who enjoy a cosmopolitan touch, Bath has tons to offer, including plenty of cool coffee shops, stunning wine bar and an endless array of restaurants.
4. Dartmoor
One of the UK’s most beautiful national parks, Dartmoor offers a wonderfully wild landscape in the winter months, offering sanctuary to ponies, cuckoos, otters and plenty of other species of wildlife. A tranquil retreat that nature lovers can revel in, Dartmoor offers a splendid array of winter walks and activities – including the likes of horse riding, cycling, watersports and more.
5. Brecon Beacons
Situated in the South of Wales, the Brecon Beacons are the perfect place for forest views and snow-topped mountains – quite different to the landscape we’re used to in our concrete jungle. Filled with homely places to stay such as barns, lodges and cottages, the beautiful national park is sure to help shake off the winter blues with its breathtaking sights, peaceful walks, and unbelievable waterfalls.
6. York
A historic city found nestled in North Yorkshire, York has essentially become the UK’s very own Hogsmeade, thanks to its Tudor architecture and quirky buildings that loom over streets such as the famous Shambles. Home to a number of Harry Potter-themed shops, quaint markets, and tons of gorgeous bars, York offers a fantastic staycation – whatever the season. It’s also reported to be incredibly haunted too – yikes!
7. Oxford
Another of the UK’s most beautiful and decadent cities, Oxford offers a gorgeous glimpse into the past, with much of the city boasting sand-toned architecture dating back to the 12th century. Packed full of history and home to one of the world’s most prestigious universities (where Stephen Hawking himself studied), Oxford is sure to thrill all who are lucky enough to potter through its streets.
8. Durham
We’ve got a humdinger of a winter staycation here, folks. It might be chilly up North in the winter, but Durham’s beauty somehow makes it easier to bear. Picturesque, historic and slightly Medieval; the city has plenty to do if history is your thing – with its very own castle, beautiful stately homes and plenty more to explore. If that wasn’t enough already, there are tons of wonderful bars and restaurants to try, too, making it a city break with the best of both worlds.
9. Windsor
Home to a ravishing royal residence, the largest doll’s house in the world, and a whole host of things to do in the winter, Windsor was recently voted the best Christmas staycation spot in England – and it’s not hard to see why. With something gorgeous to gaze at in every direction and a whole host of pubs, bars, and restaurants; Windsor should be immediately added to you must-visit-in-this-winter list.
10. Canterbury
Last (but by no means least) on our list of the best Winter staycations, we have Canterbury. This historic market town is set against the backdrop of Canterbury Cathedral (A UNESCO World Heritage Site) and its charm is unmatched. Just a short journey from the capital, Canterbury has plenty of things to do and see during the winter months.
So there you have it – a roundup of the best places to enjoy winter staycations in the UK. From Medieval Durham to the stark beauty of the Cairngorms; the UK has plenty of spots where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life this winter. So, where will you be heading too first?