The 13 Best Places to Visit this Winter in the UK (with Things to Do)
Top Winter Destinations
As winter blankets the United Kingdom in its magical charm, countless destinations transform into enchanting wonderlands waiting to be explored. From historic cities adorned with twinkling lights to snow-dusted mountains and cosy countryside retreats, the UK offers something special for every winter traveller. Here's our curated guide to the 13 best places to visit this winter, complete with unmissable activities and perfect places to stay.
Historic Cities & Cultural Hubs
1. Bath
This UNESCO World Heritage city becomes even more magical in winter, with its honey-coloured Georgian architecture providing a stunning backdrop to seasonal festivities. As twilight descends, the city's elegant streets come alive with the warm glow of festive lights reflecting off the limestone buildings, creating an atmosphere that feels almost like stepping into a Jane Austen novel.
Things to do:
- Explore one of the UK’s best Christmas markets with over 200 chalets offering handmade gifts and seasonal treats
- Take a winter walk along the River Avon and through the frost-covered Royal Victoria Park
- Ice skate at Bath on Ice while enjoying festive music
- Indulge in a thermal spa experience at our spa in Bath
Stay at: Bath Spa Hotel, a luxurious 5-star retreat set within 7 acres of stunning gardens. This elegant Georgian mansion offers over 130 refined rooms, a spa with indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools, and the sophisticated Vellore Restaurant. Just a pleasant stroll from Bath's historic centre, it's the perfect base for exploring the city's winter charms while enjoying indulgent relaxation.
2. Birmingham
The UK's second city offers a perfect blend of shopping, culture, and winter entertainment. The city's industrial heritage provides a striking contrast to its modern Christmas markets and winter attractions.
Things to do:
- Visit the Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest authentic German market outside Germany
- Ice skate at Centenary Square
- Explore the decorated Birmingham Botanical Gardens
- Watch a show at the Birmingham Hippodrome
- Take the Polar Express train ride
- Visit the festively decorated Library of Birmingham
Stay at: The Macdonald Burlington Hotel, a historic four-star hotel in the heart of Birmingham. Located just steps from New Street Station, this Victorian hotel combines period features with modern comfort, offering elegant rooms, excellent dining, and 17 versatile meeting spaces. Its central location makes it perfect for exploring Birmingham's winter offerings.
3. Edinburgh
Scotland's capital is magical in winter, with its medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town creating an atmospheric backdrop for seasonal celebrations. The city's dramatic topography of castle, crags, and spires becomes even more spectacular when illuminated against the early winter dusk.
Things to do:
- Experience the famous Edinburgh Christmas Market
- Visit Edinburgh Castle illuminated by the Castle of Light show
- Ice skate in Princes Street Gardens
- Climb Arthur's Seat for winter city views
- Enjoy the Royal Botanic Garden's Christmas light trail
- Participate in the world-famous Hogmanay celebrations
Stay at: The Macdonald Houstoun House, a 16th-century tower house just 15 miles from Edinburgh. Set in 22 acres of woodlands, this historic hotel offers 73 rooms blending modern luxury with period features, the atmospheric Tower Restaurant, and a comprehensive health club and spa. Perfect for combining city exploration with countryside tranquillity.
4. Glasgow
Scotland's largest city comes alive in winter with cultural events and festive celebrations. The Victorian architecture takes on a gothic grandeur in the winter light, while the city's famous warmth and hospitality provide a perfect antidote to the cold weather. Glasgow's renowned music scene reaches new heights during the winter months, with Celtic Connections bringing traditional music to venues across the city.
Things to do:
- Visit the Glasgow Winterfest at George Square
- Experience Celtic Connections music festival
- Enjoy the IRN-BRU Carnival at the SEC
- Ice skate at Elfingrove
- Explore Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
- Celebrate Burns Night in January
Stay at: Macdonald Crutherland House & Spa, a luxurious 18th-century manor house set in 37 acres of grounds near Glasgow. Offering over 70 elegant rooms, a renowned spa featuring specialised treatments, and excellent dining options, it's an ideal retreat after exploring Glasgow's winter attractions.
Mountain & Lake Destinations
5. Aviemore
This Highland resort town transforms into a winter paradise, offering one of the best winter sports experiences in the UK. Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore combines the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands with world-class winter facilities. The surrounding ancient Caledonian pine forest, often laden with snow, creates a truly alpine atmosphere that feels more like Scandinavia than Scotland.
Things to do:
- Ski or snowboard at Cairngorm Mountain
- Visit Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd
- Experience the Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS at Landmark Forest Adventure Park
- Try night zipping through illuminated forests
- Take a scenic journey on the Strathspey Steam Railway
- Visit the Highland Wildlife Park to see snow-loving animals
Stay at: Macdonald Aviemore Resort, a premier Highland destination featuring four 4-star hotels and 2 self-catering resorts. With extensive festive and leisure activities for all the family, It's the perfect base for winter sports and Highland adventures.
6. Snowdonia (Eryri)
With its dramatic peaks and valleys, Snowdonia becomes a breathtaking winter wilderness, offering everything from gentle walks to serious mountaineering. The national park's rugged landscape takes on an almost otherworldly quality in winter, as mist weaves between the peaks and waterfalls freeze into spectacular ice formations.
Things to do:
- Explore frost-covered forests and hidden waterfalls
- Visit historic castles like Conwy and Caernarfon
- Try indoor climbing at local centres
- Visit the National Slate Museum
- Photograph snow-capped mountains reflected in crystal-clear lakes
Stay at: Macdonald Plas Talgarth Resort, set in 64 acres of parkland at the southern edge of Snowdonia National Park. This self-catering resort offers comfortable accommodations with access to both mountains and coast, plus leisure facilities including indoor and outdoor pools. It's an ideal base for exploring Snowdonia's winter landscapes.
7. Ullswater
One of the most beautiful of the Lake District's lakes becomes even more dramatic in winter, with snow-capped fells reflecting in its mirror-like waters. The quieter winter months reveal a more contemplative side to this magnificent landscape, where mist often clings to the water in the early morning, creating a mystical atmosphere that photographers and nature lovers dream about.
Things to do:
- Visit the spectacular Aira Force waterfall when it's in full winter flow
- Take a cruise on the Ullswater Steamers for dramatic winter views
- Explore sections of the Ullswater Way on crisp winter days
- Visit the Rheged Centre for indoor entertainment and shopping
- Try winter swimming (with proper guidance)
Stay at: Macdonald Leeming House, an elegant Georgian mansion set on 22 acres of gardens with direct lake access. This sophisticated retreat offers stunning views over Ullswater and the fells, exceptional local cuisine in the restaurant, and comfortable rooms that blend historical charm with modern luxury. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful lakeside escape.
8. Windermere
England's largest natural lake offers a perfect winter escape, combining outdoor adventure with cosy indoor retreats. The surrounding fells and woodlands take on a special beauty when dusted with frost or snow, while the lakeside towns buzz with seasonal cheer.
Things to do:
- Take a winter boat trip on Lake Windermere
- Climb Orrest Head for panoramic snowy views
- Visit The Lakes Aquarium at Newby Bridge
- Explore the festive charm of Bowness-on-Windermere
- Enjoy warming meals in historic lakeside pubs
Stay at: Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa, a historic lakeside hotel offering breathtaking views over Lake Windermere. Dating back to 1848, this elegant hotel features a luxury spa, the award-winning Lakeview Restaurant, and a private jetty. Its central location in Bowness-on-Windermere makes it ideal for exploring the Lake District's winter beauty.
Countryside & Rural Escapes
9. The Cotswolds
With its frost-dusted honey-stone villages and rolling hills, the Cotswolds epitomise winter charm. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty becomes even more picturesque when decorated with twinkling lights and a dusting of snow.
Things to do:
- Visit the enchanting Christmas markets in towns like Cheltenham and Cirencester
- Explore Broadway's fairy-lit high street and hidden courtyards
- Take a bracing walk along the Cotswold Way
- Visit Blenheim Palace's Spectacle of Light
- Warm up with afternoon tea at The Macdonald Bear Hotel
- Tour the Cotswold Distillery for a warming gin or whisky tasting
Stay at: Macdonald Bear Hotel, a charming 13th-century coaching inn in the heart of Woodstock. With 54 individually styled rooms featuring oak beams and period features, this historic hotel offers an authentic Cotswolds experience. The award-winning restaurant and cosy bar provide perfect winter retreats, while the hotel's location near Blenheim Palace makes it ideal for exploring the region.
10. The New Forest
This ancient woodland takes on a magical quality in winter, with frost-covered trees and wild ponies roaming freely. The forest's ancient traditions and customs come to life during the winter months, when the bare trees reveal centuries-old pathways and archaeological features.
Things to do:
- Take winter walks through ancient woodland
- Visit Beaulieu's Palace House decorated for Christmas
- Explore the winter farmers' markets
- Go wildlife spotting
- Enjoy cosy pub lunches in historic forest inns
- Visit the New Forest Wildlife Park
Stay at: Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel & Resort, a stunning Tudor-style manor set in 23 acres of beautiful grounds overlooking the Solent. Offering both hotel rooms and self-catering apartments, plus excellent leisure facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, it's perfectly positioned for exploring the New Forest's winter wonderland.
11. Northumberland
England's northernmost county offers dramatic coastlines, dark skies, and historic sites that are particularly atmospheric in winter. The region's wild beauty is amplified by winter storms and clear, star-filled nights, while its mighty castles stand as dramatic silhouettes against the winter sky.
Things to do:
- Stargaze in Europe's largest Dark Sky Park
- Visit Bamburgh Castle in its winter glory
- Explore Alnwick Garden's winter light trail
- Walk along the empty winter beaches
- Visit Holy Island (tide permitting)
- Spot seals along the coast
Stay at: Linden Hall Hotel, a magnificent Georgian country house hotel set in 450 acres of grounds. Featuring 50 luxurious rooms, a championship golf course, award-winning dining at the Dobson Restaurant, and comprehensive spa facilities, it's the perfect base for discovering Northumberland's winter beauty.
Traditional Market Towns
12. Windsor
This royal town becomes especially enchanting in winter, with the castle providing a magnificent backdrop to seasonal celebrations. The presence of the world's oldest and largest inhabited castle creates an atmosphere of timeless grandeur that's enhanced by winter's soft light and seasonal decorations.
Things to do:
- Visit Windsor Castle decorated for Christmas
- Ice skate at Windsor on Ice
- Enjoy winter walks in Windsor Great Park
- Experience LEGOLAND at Christmas
- Take a winter boat trip on the Thames
- Attend events at Ascot Racecourse
Stay at: Macdonald Windsor Hotel, a sophisticated four-star boutique hotel opposite Windsor Castle. With 120 luxury bedrooms, Caleys restaurant, and elegant meeting spaces, this Georgian property combines modern comfort with historic charm in a prime location for exploring Windsor's winter attractions.
13. Cheshire
With its mix of historic towns, countryside, and family attractions, Cheshire offers diverse winter experiences. The county's Tudor architecture and medieval streets provide a perfect setting for winter festivities, while its rolling countryside offers peaceful winter walks.
Things to do:
- Visit Chester's Christmas Market
- Explore Tatton Park's winter gardens
- Experience Christmas at Dunham Massey
- Tour the Cheshire Distillery
- Walk the frost-covered Sandstone Trail
- Visit Chester Zoo's lantern festival
Stay at: Choose from three properties: Macdonald Portal Hotel with its championship golf courses and spa, Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa set in 27 acres of woodland, or the New Blossoms Hotel in the heart of historic Chester. Each offers unique charm and luxury for your winter stay.
Whether you're seeking festive charm, outdoor adventure, or cultural experiences, these destinations offer the very best of British winter. Remember to check opening times and book accommodation in advance, as many places get particularly busy during the festive season.
