English winters might be famously picturesque, but constant drizzle and temperatures that often reach below freezing mean that many locals wouldn’t choose a trip here during the winter off-season.
In truth, though, winter travels around the UK are both affordable and surprisingly comforting in many cases. The question is, how can you ensure an enjoyable UK-based winter break without letting the season’s bleakness creep in?
Choose the Best Locations
As luck would have it, some of England’s top destinations are perfectly suited to winter travel, and choosing one of these gems means that the view will be well worth any cold you have to suffer.
The scenic snow-capped peaks of locations like the Lake District and Brecon Beacons National Park are top options for many visitors. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay on the beaten track for winter travel, destinations like Edinburgh and Bath host world-renowned Christmas markets during November-December.
Other top UK-based winter destinations include the Cotswolds, York, Haworth (home to sweeping moors and the Bronte sisters), and coastal Cornwall.
Opt for Cosy Accommodations
Accommodation can have a huge impact on how much you enjoy your winter break in the UK. After all, this is hardly the season for roughing it in a converted camper or tackling a tent where you’re exposed to all the elements. Instead, you need a fully heated, comfortable space for coming in out of the warm.
An Airbnb equipped with a ready-to-go fire or log burner is a great option here, as it can feel like a true winter oasis. A hotel room is another great choice that will be kept heated and ready for your return, hopefully with the addition of a cooked meal to warm your cockles. Equally, if you prefer road-based UK trips, then you could always compromise and hire a motorhome that’s fully equipped with heating to keep you cosy even while you explore.
Make sure, too, that your accommodation includes plenty of warm blankets, and make things even more comfortable by taking along (or requesting) some hot water bottles!
Be Prepared to Stay in
While you might enjoy heading out every day during your hot-weather travels, the same probably won’t be true during a UK-based winter trip. Even if the cold doesn’t stop you, the rain most likely will!
This doesn’t mean you’ll need to stay tucked away for your whole trip, but it does mean you’ll need to be prepared to stay in sometimes along the way.
Admittedly, even a slight bit of rain during the day shouldn’t stop you. However, if there are weather warnings for heavy rain, wind, or snow, you’ll probably struggle to enjoy any time you spend outside. Embrace this fact by packing plenty of books, puzzles, games, and streaming content, and accept that, for at least one or two days, you may simply need to stay in and get cosy.
Travelling the UK in the winter months is a uniquely magical experience which you can warm up to by following these top tips.