Winter holidays are a great opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, parties, and the hectic period of trying to get all your work done before the holidays begin. There are so many beautiful spots to explore in the UK during the festive period, and they’ve proven to be very popular on TikTok too!
We had a look at the top 10 most popular UK beauty spots that are trending on TikTok to bring you the best places to stay this festive season! With plenty of fun ideas of things to do while you’re there, as well as the best-rated pubs in each area, you’ll be feeling well-rested and ready for the Christmas season in no time.
Following location hashtags on TikTok, we were able to find some of the most popular locations to stay in during the winter if you’re looking for a festive staycation. Check out our top 10 list!
Christmas cottages
1. Lake District, England
Coming in first place on our list, with 295,200,000 TikTok views, is the iconic Lake District, a beautifully scenic area in the north of England just south of the border with Scotland. Packed with snowy peaks and serene lakes, the views from every corner of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are sure to spark the Christmas spirit within you!
If the Lake District is sounding very appealing to you right now, then we can tempt you even more with our beautiful holiday cottages located in Keswick, Ambleside and Windermere – perfect for the whole family or an intimate trip for two, we’ve got a cottage to suit every kind of winter holiday in the Lakes.
Where to stay: Birkett House - Ambleside | Sleeps 6
This beautifully restored cottage is the perfect winter retreat for families looking to explore the Lake District this festive season. Set in the picturesque village of Troutbeck, this quaint cottage will have you feeling relaxed in no time.
Lake District cottages
2. St Ives, Cornwall
St Ives is a fishing village that sits on the stunning coastline of Cornwall, soaking up all the views of clear, blue waters and sandy beaches as far as the eye can see. Its spectacular views have garnered over 117,000,000 views on TikTok. There is a list of attractions to visit longer than your arm, with delicately tended gardens, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and sleepy fishing villages to while away your afternoons looking at local artists’ work and eating fish and chips.
Another fun possibility for entertainment is to crack open a bottle of bubbly and jump into the hot tub at your holiday cottage – and luckily, we’ve got plenty of those! Whether you stay in Newquay, Porthleven, or idyllic Fowey, you’re sure to find a little magic and wonder in Cornwall this Christmas.
Where to stay: 2 Channel View | Sleeps 7
This beautiful townhouse in the heart of St Ives does exactly what it says on the tin with its panoramic, far-reaching ocean views. With sea views from the airy living spaces and sumptuous bedrooms, this is the perfect base for crisp winter walks through the town's buzzing streets and along its golden beaches.
St Ives cottages
3. The Cotswolds, England
There’s a reason that pictures of the Cotswolds coated in snow, with warmly glowing lights lining the cobbled streets, often adorn the front of traditional Christmas cards – this place is Christmas made real! Located in the south of England, near the Regency city of Bath, the Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with over 78 million TikTok views, and its charm is only heightened during the wintery months.
Pay a visit to The Ebrington Arms for an organically brewed ale, or The Royal Oak at Whatcote for Michelin-star food. And once you’ve eaten and drunk your fill, wrap up warm to wander back to your charming holiday cottage - one that you picked straight from our collection of Cotswolds cottages!
Where to stay: The Old House - Longborough | Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
This Grade II-listed Cotswold cottage is every Christmas-lovers dream come true. The beautiful property is surrounded by a wealth of walking and cycling exploration opportunities, and you’ll love nothing more than returning to this quaint and cosy cottage after your adventures.
Cotswolds cottages
4. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
With 71 million views on TikTok, West Ireland will captivate you with its epic landscapes, and charm you with its quiet moments, from the wind-whipped Malin Head in County Donegal to Kinsale town in County Cork. A landscape dotted with dry-stone walls, thatched cottages, brooding mountains and deserted beaches has inspired countless artists over the years, and makes welcome all visitors who wish to share a moment of solitude or peace on its shores.
Why not try the Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder in Killarney for an incredible range of Irish and Scottish whiskeys to accompany a sizzling steak, or perhaps you’d prefer the homely vibe of The Rusty Nail in Clonmany, Donegal. Local seafood caught straight from the Atlantic and cooked to perfection by the Rusty Nail's local head chef are among the highlights of the restaurant's fine Irish cuisine.
5. Glencoe, Scotland
Glencoe is one of the most iconic locations in the Scottish Highlands and features in many famous films, from the Hogwarts Express traversing the hills to make it up to Hogwarts in Harry Potter, and James Bond’s final fight to defend Dame Judi Dench’s, M. The towering hills and striking colours in every season make this area a favourite with locals and tourists alike, and this is clear on TikTok too, where it's had almost 60 million views.
After an adventure-packed day on the slopes or wandering the rugged hills, you’ll want to snuggle down with a chilled glass of Scotch and a good book somewhere calming and private – perhaps in one of our deluxe cottages? From Aviemore to Fort William, we have a holiday home to suit every party size and guest requirement you could need.
Where to stay: Glencoe Retreat – Glencoe | Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
An ideal location for exploring the Glencoe Mountain Resort, Glencoe Retreat is a charming and stylish property that makes for an ideal resting spot for families looking for an active holiday this winter, surrounded by beautiful countryside views.
Scotland cottages
6. Dartmoor, Devon
With 58 million views on TikTok, Dartmoor is most famously known as the location of Sherlock Holmes' adventure with the Hound of the Baskervilles, and has been featured in many films and TV shows for its craggy beauty. Devon stretches from coast to coast just above Cornwall at the base of Britain, with forests, rivers, tors, and ancient villages dotted all around.
Although surfing may seem like a crazy idea during the colder months, there’s nothing quite like seeing a surfing Santa off the Devonshire coastline. Another activity that will really get the blood moving around your body is taking a wander around Dartmoor National Park, exploring all the thickets and rocky outcrops.
Where to stay: Widecombe Longhouse | Sleeps 6 + 3 dogs
Looking for a unique and relaxing couples’ retreat this festive season? Look no further than this beautifully restored shepherd’s hut, nestled on a 100-acre sheep farm and close to a range of stunning walking trails.
Dartmoor cottages
7. Pembrokeshire, Wales
Pembrokeshire is home to the UK's only coastal national park and has 57.8 million views on TikTok. Looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean and making the most of it, Pembrokeshire has plenty of quaint fishing villages, dolphin-watching boat tours and delicious fish and chip shops for a non-traditional Christmas meal.
If you love flora and fauna, then this is one of the best places for birdwatchers to set up camp this winter. Head out to Skomer Island to see the puffins, guillemots, storm petrels and the world's largest Manx shearwater breeding colonies. If you prefer to keep moving, follow the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for soaring cliff sights, gentle hikes, and plenty of rewards with pubs at every stop.
Where to stay: Llety Wen - Narberth | Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Tucked away in a peaceful countryside courtyard, this idyllic cottage is the perfect place to experience the best of the coast and countryside in Pembrokeshire this Christmas.
Pembrokeshire cottages
8. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Although the Highlands have already featured on our list, if you venture even further west, you’ll find yourself on the beautiful Hebrides islands, including the iconic Isle of Skye, which has 39 million views on TikTok. With staggering views across to mainland Scotland and gravity-defying sights like the Old Man of Storr, you’re sure to find plenty to keep you entertained and busy on this wild island.
It's a great place for wildlife watching, with the white-tailed sea eagle being at the top of birdwatchers' lists - and it's not just birds that you can spot; seals, whales, dolphins, otters, and red deer also live on the biggest island of the Outer Hebrides.
Where to stay: Caroy View Cottage | Sleeps 4
Enjoying an elevated and secluded position with expansive views over Loch Caroy and the Cuillin Mountains, Caroy View Cottage is a wonderful retreat in which to hunker down for a cosy Christmas with loved ones.
Isle of Skye cottages
9. Orkney Islands, Scotland
If you want to take your family most of the way to the North Pole to make present delivery much easier for Santa, then the Orkney Islands are the perfect destination for you! Located north of the mainland of Scotland, the Orkney Islands have over 33 million views on TikTok, and are one of the best places in Scotland to see the Northern Lights. You’ll be charmed by the friendliness of the locals, the serene beauty of the archipelago, and the centuries-old history of the place.
Orkney is made up of 70 different islands, 20 of which are inhabited, and we have some beautiful homes you can stay in this Christmas.
Where to stay: The Peedie End - Westray | Sleeps 2
Situated in an incredibly remote location, The Peedie End is a fantastically designed wing of a property in Westray. It’s a romantic retreat for those looking to experience something a little different this festive season.
Orkney cottages
10. Yorkshire Dales, England
The picturesque Yorkshire Dales have 23.4 million views on TikTok. One of the best things to do during winter in the Yorkshire Dales is to go on a hike up one of the region’s biggest hills to work up some rosy cheeks, or you could opt for a calmer stroll around one of the many reservoirs dotted around the national park.
You can also pick from any of the quaint villages nearby to visit the pub for local delicacies and a good pint. Once you’ve finished with all your sweet treats, you can wander back through the cobbled streets of Settle or Skipton and hunker down in one of our extra cosy cottages.
Where to stay: Owl House | Sleeps 8 + 3 dogs
There’s nothing more quintessentially British than cosying up next to a wood burner on a chilly winter’s eve and this delightful property will have you doing just that. Gather your loved ones together for a beautiful break in the Yorkshire countryside this Christmas.
Yorkshire Dales cottages
Take your Christmas holiday on the road
Above: Trem Troed
From one end of the nation to the other – Cornwall to the Highlands – browse our collection of festive cottages to make special memories this Christmas. Perhaps a weekend on the coast would be ideal, or maybe you’d like to get cosy with a stay in a countryside cabin or lodge?
You can easily contact our team to chat through the options available, or click the button below to be inspired by our wonderful winter escapes.
Christmas cottages