Here in the UK, we may not get the extremes of weather that allow for ice hotels and off-piste skiing in winter, but there are plenty of winter activities available here which you may never have thought possible.
We’ve scoured the country for the very best winter experiences and after much consideration, here is our top five. And if you need somewhere warm and cosy to stay after your adventures, just click the button below to browse our collection of holiday cottages for winter in the UK.
Holiday cottages for winter
1. Skiing and snowboarding
Yes, right here in the Heart of England, known more for its beautiful historic houses than its abundance of snow, skiing is now a happy reality. Complete with ski lifts and a ‘mountain’ layered with real snow, the Snow Centre in Hertfordshire and the SnowDome in Tamworth both offer you the chance to slalom down the slopes without the hassle of airports, flight delays and extra baggage! No wonder this is one of the best winter activities in the UK.
However, if an artificial environment just isn’t real enough for you, head for the nation’s ski capital, Aviemore in the Cairngorms, which comes alive as the winter snow drapes over Scotland’s mountainous peaks. Much more affordable than the alps, you can combine a ski trip with a cultural getaway to enjoy the rest of the Scottish Highlands.
Discover more of the best places for snow sports in the UK with our informative guide.
2. Snowshoeing
Never heard of it? Well, snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore the wintry landscapes of the UK. Book yourself onto a full-day or half-day guided tour with Eden Outdoor Adventures in the Lake District, North Pennines or Scotland and enjoy taking in scenery, wildlife and heritage along the way. Promising to be one of the top outdoor winter activities, your snowshoes will help you walk across deep snow, accessing areas which those in ordinary footwear just can’t reach.
3. Christmassy reindeer safari
Not only is there a whole herd of reindeer to meet at Reindeer Lodge in Wales, but their special winter drive-through safari offers a host of festive experiences for the whole family to enjoy. There’s a drive-in theatre show plus an illuminated lakeside and woodland trail to explore.
The magic continues for little ones who can visit the hidden Elf Village, Santa's Grotto, and Toy Workshop. There’s even a present for every child, fairground rides, Christmas stalls selling a range of gifts, and festive hot food and drinks too!
Browse our cottages in Wales
4. Dog sledding
While dog sledding is somewhat more popular in Scandinavian countries, that doesn’t mean that here in the UK you have to miss out on what has to be one of the most exhilarating outdoor winter activities.
There are several places that offer dog sledding across the UK, including Arctic Quest in Gloucestershire, Mynydd Sleddog Adventures in Wales, UK9 in Leicestershire, and Horse and Husky in Cumbria, all of whom offer a memorable experience, snow or no snow.
5. Natural hot springs
Did you know that the spas in Bath, Somerset, are fed by the only hot springs in the UK? Enjoy a morning wandering around the ancient city, finding out about how people used them to unwind and bathe in centuries gone by.
In the afternoon, escape the cold and book yourself into Thermae Bath Spa for an indulgent few hours relaxing in the open-air rooftop pool, drifting lazily in the warm waters of the Minerva Bath, and breathing in the soothing aromatic vapours of the steam rooms. This has surely got to be one of the most therapeutic winter activities in the UK.
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Winter holidays in the UK
At the end of a frosty day in the great outdoors, why not treat yourself to a stay in one of our cosy holiday cottages for winter in the UK? Play board games beside the fire in one of our family-friendly properties or sink beneath the warm bubbles of a hot tub in one of our romantic retreats, the choice is yours! Click the button below to browse our full collection of winter holiday cottages.
Holiday cottages for winter