Discover Britain’s prettiest villages, towns and cities for a winter break, each packed with cosy pubs and hotels, festive activities and magical winter walks.
Winter holidays are all the more rewarding with a cosy base, somewhere to warm up and relax with friends and family after a cold day exploring the British countryside – and all the spectacular wildlife spectacles that can be found within it.
Here are some of our favourite cities, towns and villages to visit in the winter months, from the Scottish Highlands and Dorset hills to Northern Ireland’s spectacular coastline and the great mountains of Wales.
Each winter holiday idea has its own selection of warm, comfortable pubs and pretty places to stay, as well as suggested locations for nearby walks and activities.
Looking for more winter inspiration? Check out our guides to Britain’s most magical winter walks, the best places to go skiing in the UK and stunning winter beaches to visit.
Best winter holiday destinations in England
Ironbridge, Shropshire
The Iron Bridge, spanning the River Severn just south of Telford, appears frozen in time when covered in snow and ice. The town is a tribute to our industrial heritage. Visit the Ironbridge Gorge Museums for a lesson in local history, and a chance to escape from the cold.
Castle Combe, Wiltshire
In certain places, the centuries seem to pass by with barely a ripple of change. The Cotswold village of Castle Combe – a living antique adrift in the Wiltshire countryside – is one of them. It looks no less exquisite today than it did when its weavers played their part in the medieval wool industry: think narrow lanes, a meandering brook, and storybook cottages with tile-stone roofs. The last new house? Built in the 1600s. In winter, Castle Combe’s charm is accentuated, and the surrounding valley with its gorgeous woodland become a magical playground.
Shaftesbury, Dorset
At 215 metres above sea level, this is one of the highest towns in England. Snow on the steep cobbles of Gold Hill increases the dramatic effect of the street, still remembered for 1973’s romantic Hovis advert. The are lots of opportunities for walking in Dorset, and some 10 miles north of Shaftesbury are Stourhead’s spectacular winter gardens.
Bowness-on-Windemere, Lake District
Fuel up on coffee and cake in the town of Bowness-on-Windermere then make for the Cumbrian hills. There’s plenty to explore within a few minutes of the town, including a moderate-level walk to the Kennel Wood oak, and a mini mountain climb from Hawkshead – another ice town – to the summit of Latrigg.
Broadway, Worcestershire
The picturesque village of Broadway, with its warm, honey-hued cottages, is the perfect base for a wintry stroll. Take time to meander along the high street past pubs, cafés, tea rooms and shops – offering art and antiques, country clothing and gifts – then head into the Cotswold hills.
Settle, Yorkshire
From this small town in the south-west corner of the Yorkshire Dales follow the icy waters of the River Ribble northwards for about two miles to the glorious waterfall of Stainforth Force. Ye Olde Naked Man Café is a firm favourite for a daytime snack. There are lots of options for walking in the area, including an 8.5-mile circular walk from Settle to Stainforth.
Beer, Devon
The small village of Beer, sheltered by white chalky cliffs above a steep shingle beach, sits on the Jurassic Coast near Lyme Regis. Along this stretch of the Devon coastline, the rocks provide a haven for wildlife, even in winter, and it’s a site of geological and historical interest, too.
Despite its popularity in the summer months, Beer is a peaceful spot in winter, somewhere to while away the hours watching fishing boats boat and and foaming waves crashing onto the beach. Walk the coast from nearby Branscombe to Beer, then relax with a pint at the Anchor Inn, the Barrel of Beer or the Dolphin Hotel.
Best winter holiday destinations in Wales
Beddgelert, Snowdonia
The breathtaking village of Beddgelert is situated in the Snowdonia national park. Nestled in a valley dominated by mountains it sits at the convergence of two rivers, the Glaslyn and Colwyn. Attractive bridges cross the water and lead to many captivating walks in Snowdonia. If pure luxury is what you’re after to warm your sole on a snowy winter’s day, then the Sygun Fawr hotel is the place for you.
Best winter holiday destinations in Scotland
Stirling, Stirlingshire
Picture-postcard Stirling, built on the banks of the River Forth in central Scotland, is particularly magical in winter. The castle watches over the city, while the snow-covered summits of Stuc a’Chroin and Ben Vorlich dominate the landscape beyond. There are plenty of places to stay, including Willy Wallace Hostel and The Stirling Highland Hotel.
Lochinver, Highland
The rugged setting of this picturesque west-coast village 30 miles north of Ullapool contributes to its icy conditions. The mountain peak of Suilven provides the perfect snowy backdrop to the village. Hike up it, or simply marvel at it, then head to the harbourside, where Peet’s Restaurant serves locally produced food with bonus views across the loch.
Aviemore, Highland
Excitement abounds when looking out from the Highland town of Aviemore to the mighty Cairngorms mountains, beloved by snowboarders, skiers and winter climbers. It’s the visceral reaction to the size and rawness of these granite giants that makes this landscape such a compelling place for all nature lovers. Bustling Aviemore, with its choice of hip or traditional bars, a good Italian restaurant and swish, hotel-run wooden cabins, is the ideal base for a wintry foray around the northern fringes of the park and its most beautiful lochs.
Best winter holiday destinations in Northern Ireland
Newcastle, County Down
The coastal town of Newcastle in County Down offers a quiet escape on what is often a busy time of year for holidaying. To the norther of the town is Murlough National Nature Reserve, a wildlife-watchers’ dream, while behind it sits the mighty Mourne Mountains – a true winter playground after a night of snowfall.
Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
This historic market town, built on an island between Upper and Lower Lough Erne, is the ideal base for exploring Fermanagh in winter. It’s the county’s largest and most vibrant settlement, where pretty townhouses rub shoulders with traditional pubs and vivacious cafés. For beer, drop into traditional pub Blakes of the Hollow, then head downstairs for fine dining at Café Merlot.