Top UK winter holiday destinations

The UK isn’t exactly the most obvious choice for a winter break. Many of us plan foreign holidays in an attempt to escape our unpredictable weather forecasts. It can be a time when many of us feel the dread of the shorter days, darker mornings and colder evenings, but it doesn’t have to be an endurance test until springtime. 

The UK can be a beautiful place to explore during this season. Whether you're planning Christmas getaways, New Year's Eve celebrations or a special seasonal retreat; our country is a wonderful place to celebrate winter. Read on to discover our favourite UK winter holiday destinations. 

Why not stay with us at one of our self-catering holiday cottages this winter? Fit for a scene straight out of the festive film The Holiday, we have properties in beautiful locations all across the British Isles. 

Discover our winter cottages

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Edinburgh

Edinburgh in Scotland is very lively in the winter months with bustling German Christmas markets, glittering lights, fairground rides, Europe’s largest open-air ice rink, and of course the world-famous Hogmanay New Year celebrations. Banish the winter blues with Christmas shopping and fabulous festive food and drink in world-class restaurants, and listen to the choirs of St Giles' Cathedral as you explore the city’s cheerful atmosphere. 

Climb up to Arthur’s Seat or Holyrood Park in the heart of Edinburgh for a blustery and refreshing walk on a chilly winter’s day. Your reward: magical views of the city.

Only half an hour from Edinburgh by train, you’ll reach North Berwick. Home to the Scottish Seabird Centre, this is the place to be for witnessing the world’s largest single-rock gannet colony returning to the famous Bass Rock in January. There are many delightful coastal walks to enjoy around the area, so wrap up warm, get out there and plan some days out.

Edinburgh cottages

Lake District

A favoured holiday destination all year round, the Lake District is magical whatever month you choose to visit. In the winter months, enjoy the undisturbed wilderness of the hills and lakes in the quieter season – the same beauty but without the crowds.

Among the most popular spots are Lake Windermere, Coniston Water, Derwentwater and Ullswater – each lake is surrounded by a variety of walks suitable for various abilities, from flat lakeside strolls to hikes up the surrounding fells. Check out our guide to discovering the Lake District for more winter holiday destinations in England's largest national park. If that 

Lake District cottages

Peak District

Known for its dramatic landscapes of deep valleys and rugged moorland, the Peak District changes every year into a winter wonderland of snow-capped hills and glistening villages. Like a scene from a film, a winter’s stay in the Peak District promises days of crisp air and tranquillity, making it the perfect UK winter holiday destination. Whether you plan to retreat to the warmth of local pubs or take on the many frosty walking trails, there is so much to do this winter across the Peak District.

As a national park, the region’s natural beauty blends seamlessly with historic towns and villages such as Ashford-in-the-Water, the market town of Bakewell, and the village of Castleton. And with attractions such as the historic Chatsworth House, the Monsal Trail and endless cave networks to explore, you’re never short of days out. For more local inspiration this winter, check out our guide to the top 10 things to do in the Peak District.

Peak District cottages

Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales becomes a winter wonderland in the cold grasp of late autumn and winter, and it's a lovely place to visit even on the greyest of days. Just over an hour away from the attractions of Cardiff, there are plenty of crisp walks to take in the charming landscapes around, making the region a UK winter holiday destination that lovers of the outdoors will embrace. 

Bordering the Beacons, the stunning Wye Valley is also worth visiting in the winter months. We recommend taking a walk around Abergavenny, a historic market town sheltered by the breathtaking scenery of the Black Mountains. Pick up a traditional love spoon from the indoor market for your loved one in time for St Dwynwen’s Day on 25 January. If you need even more reasons to come to Wales this winter, read our guide to the Brecon Beacons.

Brecon Beacons cottages

Norfolk

Head to Norfolk for great festive markets, delicious traditional food and magnificent winter wildlife displays. The spectacular flight of thousands of pink-footed geese leaving their night-time roost on The Wash and heading inland to feed is just one of the region’s special winter sights. Norfolk boasts 90 miles of coastline to explore, so there are plenty of opportunities for brisk beach walks with clear sea views. Norfolk Snowsports in Trowse is fantastic for active visitors, and the artificial slopes provide the perfect venue for skiers and snowboarders.

This time of year is perfect for walking and lapping up the region's scenery. Head to Thetford Forest to see the wild horses, or perhaps to the coast of North Norfolk for unspoilt views. You also shouldn't miss the boat trips heading out from Blakeney Point – your chance to see over a thousand grey seals and their pups. If you're on the hunt for UK winter holiday destinations and Norfolk has caught your eye, then check out our guide to discovering Norfolk for more inspiration.

Norfolk cottages

New Forest

Thriving with rare wildlife and incredible scenery, the New Forest is a haven for lovers of the great outdoors. But if the only thing you love more than nature is a charming winter holiday destination in the UK, then we’ve got a feeling you’ll love New Forest even more.

Discover the many scenic walks through the charming woodlands that were once proclaimed a Royal Forest by William the Conqueror, and along the way spot some of the country’s rarest species of birds. Any lovers of history might already know of New Forest’s mention in the Domesday Book, meaning there’s a wide range of medieval sites to discover such as the famous Beaulieu Abbey. If you’re visiting as a family, why not check out our guide to the best days out with kids in the New Forest?

New Forest cottages

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds charm with rolling hills peppered with quaint villages of golden-hued stone buildings. As stunning as the region is throughout the year, come wintertime it transforms into a serene, frost-kissed landscape of warm glimmering lights. It’s quintessentially English and packed full of natural beauty, making it an excellent choice for a UK winter holiday destination.

If you’re on the hunt for the region’s world-famous architecture, then the unspoilt village of Blockley, Bourton-on-the-Water (known as the Venice of the Cotswolds), and the historic town of Chipping Campden are perfect examples. Make sure to visit the historic inns and independent shops found in each town and village for an authentic local experience. 

When it comes to attractions in the Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace tops the list with its stunning architecture, but more importantly its popular Christmas Lights Trail that brings the palace to life in the festive period. For more Cotswolds inspiration, read our guide to discovering The Cotswolds. 

Cotswolds cottages

Bath

The city of Bath in Somerset offers a romantic and picturesque setting for a UK winter break thanks to its rich Roman history and narrow, cobbled streets lined with Georgian architecture. Under a blanket of snow, this beautiful destination resembles a scene from a festive film, offering the perfect ingredients for Christmas shopping, carol services and plenty more winter festivities. 

To escape the cold, visit Thermae Bath Spa to warm your muscles and relax into your UK winter getaway. To embrace the cold and the festive spirit, visitors to Bath are treated to the famous Bath Christmas Market – one of the most popular of its kind in the UK. Here, follow the seasonal stalls that meander through the city’s winding streets, picking up mementoes as you amble through. 

Beyond the Christmas markets, Bath’s eclectic range of shops push their opening hours back for late-night shopping, giving you all the time needed to find that perfect gift. For a dose of festive heritage, the city’s historic sites come to life with a sparkle in winter, and we recommend a visit to the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and Pulteney Bridge.

Bath cottages

Devon

Although famed for its climate in the summer months, the county of Devon makes for a fantastic winter holiday destination thanks to the region's picturesque thatched cottages and market squares glistening with morning frost. Lovers of the outdoors can enjoy the spectacular wilderness of Exmoor and Dartmoor on a fine and crisp winter’s day, with plenty of scenery and wildlife waiting to be discovered. There are plenty of warm and welcoming country pubs to stop in along the way for a hearty lunch or hot drink. Devon is beautiful all year round, but it has a special magic about it during winter. 

South Devon is renowned for its warmer temperatures, so if the thought of a frosty holiday in the countryside gives you the shivers, head to the palm tree-lined shores of the English Riviera and enjoy the natural suntrap of Torbay. We recommend catching the train on the Tarka Line and heading down the coast to Plymouth for some essential Christmas shopping in the annual Christmas markets. Drake Circus is a great venue to pick up January sale bargains too. 

For even more inspiration for your winter holiday, read our guide to discovering Devon. 

Devon cottages

Cornwall

If you’re on the hunt for UK places to visit in winter, the coast may not spring to mind, but we’re here to challenge that stereotype. Cornwall’s mild climate, rugged coastlines and age-old festive traditions combine to offer a haven for a winter staycation – and one with a seaside twist. 

Whether you’re seeking chilly coastal walks, frosty Cornish beach days or some classic Kernow fare; Cornwall is ready and waiting. Charming harbour towns and fishing villages line the county’s coastlines, each springing to life with a festive sparkle through winter. We recommend visits to St Ives, popular Newquay, pretty Looe and lesser-known Mousehole to soak up the Cornish winter spirit. 

Away from the coast, Cornwall’s Eden Project offers an escape from the UK winter cold, whisking you away to humid rainforests, towering tropical gardens and Mediterranean vineyards. Beyond the biodomes, in winter the Eden Project embraces festivities with ice skating, light displays and plenty of special events.

Cornwall cottages

Stay at a self-catering cottage this winter

One of the best ways to get to know a place is to book a break at a holiday cottage. We have properties up and down the country for everybody, from young families to couples, and large groups of friends. Browse our collection today and see which of these winter holiday destinations are your favourite. 

Discover our winter cottages