16 Best Places to Visit in Winter in the UK

The UK is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year, but there’s something about winter that brings out its true magic. Thatched roofs loaded with snow, frost-laden meadows, and outdoor skating rinks make everything feel festive and fun in winter.

Climb the snow-covered tors in Devon’s Dartmoor National Park, browse London’s Christmas markets, or sled through the Scottish Highlands. There are so many great places to visit in winter in the UK. Plus, you won’t have to fight the spring crowds or balk at summer’s high prices.

While it would be nice if the UK was all fluffy white flakes and bright blue skies during winter, that’s not always the case. More often than not, its famously rainy countries will be plagued by cold drizzle, so pack an umbrella, waterproof boots (a.k.a. wellies), and a few extra layers of clothing.

Now that you know what to pack, plan your chilly but fun journey with our list of the best places to visit in winter in the UK.

1. Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s capital is majestic in every season. Add a sprinkling of snow and festive lights to the mix of ancient buildings and cobbled streets, and you’ve got yourself some romance. Did we mention the towering Edinburgh Castle perched atop a hill? Told you it was a magical setting, especially in winter.

Visit before the holidays and you’ll be treated to the adorable Christmas markets, extravagant lights, and festive music on offer as part of the Edinburgh Winter Festival. This multi-day extravaganza lights up the city’s already charming streets and boasts a fair-like festive atmosphere that draws crowds from across the UK. Lace-up a pair of rental skates and swirl your way around an outdoor ice rink, with St. Andrew Square and Murrayfield Ice Rink top of the list.

Those who visit for New Year’s (a.k.a. Hogmanay), one of the most popular holidays in the country, are in for a treat. Edinburgh celebrates the first of January with a three-day event. We’re talking street parties, torchlight processions, and concerts. It ends with a bang fireworks style on the 31^st.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Edinburgh

2. York, England

Like Edinburgh, York also plays host to festive Christmas markets. The famous and award-winning St. Nicholas Fair takes up most of the city’s streets, runs from mid-November through to Christmas, and regularly attracts upwards of a million visitors each season. An outdoor ice rink, carol singers, a giant lighted tree, and a vast market featuring 100 wooden chalets line Parliament Street and St. Sampson’s Square.

Grab a hot chocolate and wander around the historic Shambles, where you’ll be transported to the 13^th century. A narrow street lined by medieval buildings made of timber, it is perfectly captivating and boasts a wide selection of eclectic shops and a Yuletide Village featuring local arts and crafts.

When you’ve had enough festive cheer, head to the town’s crown jewel: the Gothic York Minster. You won’t have to jostle through crowds to enjoy the hallowed walls of this top attraction. If you can, try to make it one of the Minster’s wonderful Christmas Carol Concerts, as well as the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival.

Another fun thing to do in York in winter is to walk atop the city’s ancient walls to enjoy unbeatable vistas without the foot traffic that plagues warmer months.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in York

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in York, England

3. Isle of Skye, Scotland

Scotland’s Isle of Skye is one of the most enchanting places in the UK, and possibly the world. This star of the inner Hebrides region has everything you’d hope for in a Scottish vacation, including castles, mountains, and fairy glens. As long as you dress warmly, you can enjoy them all.

Slip on a warm coat and waterproofs for a trip to the Fairy Pools. While you won’t want to jump in for a swim (even in summer they’re freezing), these lovely pools are worthy of a visit.

Bring your camera, as you’ll want to snap a zillion photos of the warm winter light reflecting off the pools and the snowcapped Black Cuillin Mountains towering above them. Speaking of light, winter visitors get an added bonus: it’s much easier to catch a sunrise at this time of year.

During summer, the sun makes an appearance at 4am (talk about early!). In winter, it doesn’t rise until a more acceptable 9am. The sun begins to set around 3:30pm, showering the sky with remarkable pink hues and sometimes rainbows. If you’re lucky, you may spot the northern lights.

While winter may not be the most popular or best time to visit Scotland, it is the cheapest, so you’ll be saving a pretty penny when traveling at this time.

Accommodation: Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye

Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in the Isle of Skye

4. The Cotswolds, England

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more entrancingly beautiful place than the Cotswolds, especially when the region’s tiny ancient towns are blanketed with snow. Grab a sled and hurl yourself down the hills near Broadway Tower or don hiking boots to marvel at the shimmering meadows of the Malvern Hills.

Then, head to the area’s real showstoppers: its storybook villages. Cobblestone laneways, honey-colored stone buildings, and quaint thatched-roof cottages pepper each town, upping the charm factor dramatically. You won’t be able to stop yourself from taking photographs and uttering an audible “ahh” (or 20) over its overt loveliness.

Popular towns like Castle Combe, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Painswick are charming at all times but look even more phenomenal without the hordes of tourists that bombard their tiny streets in spring and summer.

Book a husky ride with Arctic Quest Sled Dog Adventures. Based in Tewkesbury, this creative company offers exciting sled dog adventures you won’t forget. No snow? No problem. Arctic Quest also has unique sleds with wheels, so you’ll get a full “mush” experience (where you’re pulled behind a team of huskies) whatever the weather. After your ride, warm up at the campfire with a hot chocolate.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in the Cotswolds

5. London, England

There are many reasons to visit London in winter. The city is adorned with festiveness, stretching from the banks of the Thames River to the vibrant streets near Trafalgar Square. Once it snows, which happens rarely, the city becomes a unique utopia made even more beautiful by the recent dusting.

Take the opportunity to enjoy an empty Tower of London, and snap selfies on the now much quieter streets near Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. Then, skate outside the Natural History Museum or book tickets to a pantomime (a.k.a. “panto”) for extra fun.

London’s biggest (and busiest) celebration of the season is the spectacular Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Set in the city’s largest green space, this unique take on a Christmas Market runs for six weeks from mid-November through to New Year’s Day and features everything from fairground rides to entertainment, shopping, and countless food experiences.

Shoppers unite at Covent Garden, which is peppered with local artisans selling their unique wares. Stick around for one of the impromptu concerts and prepare to be entertained (whether you want to or not) by the numerous buskers.

Those hoping for more highbrow finds head to the city’s most celebrated and impressively decorated shopping district found along Regent and Oxford Streets. Snap photos of the adorable window decorations on Carnaby Street (just east of Regent Street) on your way to Hamley’s, the city’s best toy shop.

6. Canterbury, England

The county of Kent is so attractive it was dubbed the “Garden of England” by Henry VIII. Rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and medieval towns make this an unmissable locale, even in winter. Of all the region’s beautiful cities, Canterbury is the most captivating.

Like most large English cities, Canterbury plays host to Christmas markets in late November through December and boasts festive lights that stay up much longer to enhance the charming cobblestone streets.

A trip to Canterbury Cathedral is a must. Gothic towers adorn this UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretching so high above the streets that they’re impossible to miss. In its shadow lies King’s Mile, a collection of winding streets spotted with independent shops and eateries selling everything from cheese to art.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Canterbury

7. Bath, England

Arguably one of England’s most elegant and gorgeous cities, Bath thrives during the winter months. The town’s Christmas Market has been voted one of the best in the country and features over 170 chalets selling unique gifts and tasty treats set within ancient streets lined by Georgian buildings.

Every November, the city hosts the annual Bath Mozartfest, a nine-day festival honoring the famed composer as well as his contemporaries like Beethoven and Schubert. Over 16 concerts are performed by world-class musicians in some of the town’s most beautiful venues.

Bath’s main attraction is over 2,000 years old and a perfect place to warm up. Established in 75 BCE, the award-winning Roman Baths boast ancient hot springs and an enviable spa. They also stay open for twilight hours and offer special three-course holiday meals in the on-site Pump Room Restaurant.

Bath Abbey is particularly enchanting when draped with snow. Head inside for some warmth, and admire the stained-glass windows (the King Edgar Window is incredibly intricate) and carved angels found throughout the building.

Visiting nearby Longleat (a stately home with its own safari park) is a must. Each winter, they decorate the home and park with dazzling outdoor exhibits, including an amazing display of Chinese lanterns as part of the Festival of Light.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bath

8. Dartmoor National Park, England

Moody and romantic, England’s moors are the stuff of dreams and fairy tales: just read a novel by Emily Brontë!

A sprinkling of snow on Dartmoor National Park transforms this beautiful landscape into a magical winter wonderland. Add roaming ponies, sheep, and cows to the scenery, and you’ve got a wonderfully bucolic setting.

Located in Devon, a beautiful county on England’s west coast, Dartmoor is beloved by outdoor adventurists. Deep river valleys, towering tors, and golden heaths mark this rugged landscape, inviting visitors to bike, hike, raft, or climb its granite boulders. Some even pack a sled (or sledge, as it’s known in the UK).

Pack warm, waterproof layers and be prepared to encounter all types of precipitation during your winter visit. Everything from heavy mist to pounding rain to sleet to snow to ice can envelop the area within a day.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Dartmoor National Park

9. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

Sometimes you come upon a place so beautiful, it takes your breath away. Cairngorms National Park is one of these places. While beautiful in all seasons, there’s something about winter that ups the picturesque qualities, not to mention the tranquillity, of this Scottish gem.

Located in the Scottish Highlands, Cairngorms National Park presents visitors with a slew of things to do. Its high elevation almost ensures enough snow to ski, sled, or snowshoe during the winter months. Plus, the lack of leaves at this time makes it easier to spot the incredible wildlife.

Enjoy skiing? Hit the slopes at one of the area’s three ski resorts: CairnGorm Mountain, Lecht, or Glenshee.

Accommodation: Where to Stay near Cairngorms National Park

10. Oxford, England

Oxford is one of the oldest and most majestic cities in England. History seeps from every crevice of this famed university town, which is spotted with some of the country’s most impressive architecture.

It’s best to visit the spectacular medieval buildings on foot. Walking tours of all types, including sightseeing tours and those aimed at fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and Harry Potter movie buffs, are available to book at the Visitor Information Center on Broad Street.

On your journey, you’ll pass iconic structures like the Bodleian Library and Christ Church Cathedral, which are made even more stunning when sprinkled with snow. For a bird’s-eye view, visit Carfax Tower in the center of town before being tempted by the shops and restaurants lining the pretty High Street.

Or climb the tower at the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin. It boasts impressive city and countryside vistas. At night, catch a concert or play at the Sheldonian Theater on Broad Street.

• Read More: Top-Rated Places to Visit in Oxford

11. The Lake District, England

Cumbria is home to a truly phenomenal area of natural beauty: The Lake District. In addition to the 16 lakes that inspired the region’s name, there are majestic mountains, the tallest of which is Scafell Pike; verdant valleys; and romantic moors. But the fun doesn’t stop there.

The towns of the Lake District put on a wonderful show at this time of year. Christmas markets filled with independent booths selling unique gifts spring up all over, including the towns of Windermere, Ambleside, Hawkshead, and Cockermouth.

Ulverston brings life to the classic Charles Dicken’s holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. Each year, this historic market town transforms its streets into Dickensian-era markets featuring street performances and residents roaming the area in period costumes at the Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in the Lake District

12. Brecon Beacons, Wales

Winter really is the best season to see a mountain range, and the Brecon Beacons are more than worthy of a visit during the coldest months. One of the best tourist attractions in South Wales, this dramatic range is breathtakingly beautiful, and it covers over 46,000 hectares.

If you’re hoping to hike (which is the best way to experience these peaks), we suggest gearing up properly and pre-planning your route. Don’t head out if the weather is bad, tell a friend where you’re going, and be aware of the tide schedule so you don’t get caught.

Now that you’re ready, head to the Begwyns. An easy 3.2-kilometer walking trail offers unsurpassable views without the need to hike up mountains. Plus, it only takes about an hour, so you won’t get too cold.

Hoping for a more difficult trek? The Cwm Llwch from Cwm Gwdi Walk is a challenging way to summit Britain’s highest mountain, Pen y Fan. It’s almost 13 kilometers long, involves a climb of 576 meters, and will take about five hours to complete.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Brecon Beacons National Park

13. Cambridge, England

Wonderful things happen in Cambridge, and we’re not just talking about the discoveries made by the city’s talented university scholars. Punting along the River Cam is one of the most popular activities in Cambridge, even during the winter.

Each year, the city hosts the Big Christmas Lights Switch On, which happens in mid-November. A couple of weeks later, visitors are presented with the Mill Road Winter Fair. Here, they are treated to festive music, tasty treats, and even dancing in the streets.

Join in the fun in Parker’s Piece Park, where you can show off your skating skills on the covered outdoor ice rink. When you’ve had enough, warm up at a cozy cafe with a hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Cambridge

14. The New Forest National Park, Hampshire, England

England’s New Forest National Park is a magical place filled with wild ponies, winding nature trails, and vast fields. The best thing to do in the New Forest is wander, exploring this natural wonderland either on foot or on a bicycle.

Set aside three hours (or two if you prefer walking at a faster pace) and head to Brockenhurst. From here, pick up the Buckland Rings Trail. It will guide you through the dense Roydon Woods nature reserve and over Setley Plain. Finally, you’ll arrive at Buckland Rings, a historic site that served as a hill fort during the Iron Age.

Who says you can’t enjoy water-based activities in the winter? Certainly not the New Forest Activities center. They boast kayaking, canoeing, and other fun adventures (including land-based activities) throughout the year. No matter what activities you choose, you’ll be in awe of the winter landscape in the New Forest.

When it’s time to warm your toes by a fire and enjoy a toasty stew, head to Lyndhurst. One of the best small towns in England, this little charmer lies in the heart of the New Forest.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in the New Forest National Park

15. Isle of Rona, Scotland

A winter vacation to the Isle of Rona is about as cozy and romantic as you can get in the UK. A small and remote island located between the Isle of Skye and western Scotland, this teeny isle (it’s only five miles long) is home to only two permanent residents and four cottages; three of which can be rented.

The cottages are lovely, fronted with stone and topped with slate. They boast underfloor heating and wood burners, so you’ll easily beat the chill of a Scottish winter. With no shops or even roads on the island, be prepared to go off grid. You’ll have to bring your food and drink with you. Think of it like camping but in luxurious accommodations.

The island itself is what people gravitate towards. It’s peppered with varied terrain so beautiful that you’ll forget about feeling wet and cold. Secret lochs and coves, rocky outcroppings, mossy woodlands, and of course, the dramatic Sound of Raasay. Wild animals like the red deer, otter, and seals populate the island, and various species of birds can be spotted.

Getting here isn’t easy. You’ll have to board a boat in Portree, and it only runs once a week. The trip takes about an hour and the walk to your cottage is about a kilometer away.

16. St. Ives, Cornwall

The charming seaside town of St. Ives in Cornwall is not only one of the best places to visit in winter in the UK for its stunning scenery, but it’s also one of the mildest spots in the country at this time of year. Temperatures in this most south-westerly corner of the UK are generally a few degrees warmer, with snow a rarity. It also experiences less rainfall, too, which makes getting outdoors and exploring this lovely coastal town a pleasure at any time of year.

If you can visit in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year, so much the better. December brings with it a wide array of fun things to do in St. Ives, from a lovely lantern parade to a Christmas Market showcasing gifts and crafts made by local artisans. You’ll also want to attend a pantomime. These family-friendly sendups of famous fairy tales are held at St. Ives Theatre and are a hoot for all ages, with plenty of jeering and booing expected from the audience.

The post-Christmas period is another good time to visit, with polar dips on Boxing Day for hardy types not averse to a cold swim. New Year’s Eve is also fun, with a carnival and parade attracting residents and visitors dressed up in colorful costumes.

Even if you miss the festive season, the stunning coastline around St. Ives offers up memorable experiences of its own. Coastal walks, especially around the South West Coast Path, can be exceptionally atmospheric and beautiful during the winter months.

Map of Places to Visit in Winter in the UK

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More Places to Visit in Winter: The UK isn’t the only spectacular spot to visit at the end of the year. If you’re looking to ski, skate, or have a snowball fight, check out these awesome winter holidays with snow. Want a winter romance? Head to Prague between December and February.

Other Places to See in the UK: Whether you’re hoping to soak up history in York, luxuriate at a spa in Bath, or spy the King in Windsor, you’ll love these fun weekend getaways in England. For more of an outdoor adventure, head to these gorgeous tourist attractions in Wales.