{"id":119,"date":"2021-11-06T11:44:23","date_gmt":"2021-11-06T10:44:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=33822"},"modified":"2021-11-11T10:38:20","modified_gmt":"2021-11-11T09:38:20","slug":"best-cities-towns-and-villages-to-visit-this-winter","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/best-cities-towns-and-villages-to-visit-this-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Best cities, towns and villages to visit this winter"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Paul Richardson\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Saturday, 06 November 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Winter holidays are all the more rewarding with a cosy base \u2013 somewhere to warm up after a cold day exploring the British countryside.<\/p>\n

Here are some of our favourite cities, towns and villages to visit in the winter months, from Scottish Highlands towns and Dorset villages to Northern Ireland\u2019s seaside settlements and Wales\u2019 mountain towns.<\/p>\n

Each winter holiday idea has its own selection of warm, comfortable pubs and pretty accommodations, as well as suggested locations for nearby walks and activities.<\/p>\n

Best winter holiday destinations in England<\/h2>\n

Ironbridge, Shropshire<\/span><\/h3>\n
\""Village\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
IIronbridge reflects its winter lights in the River Severn \/Credit: Golders, Alamy Stock Photo<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

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<\/a> for a lesson in local history, and a chance to escape from the cold.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaftesbury, Dorset<\/h3>\n
\""Village\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Shaftesbury was made famous by the 1973 Hovis advert\/ Credit: Alan Morgan Photography, Alamy<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

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\u2019s romantic Hovis advert. The are lots of opportunities for walking in Dorset<\/a>, and some 10 miles north of Shaftesbury are\u00a0Stourhead<\/a>\u2019s spectacular winter gardens.<\/p>\n

Matlock Bath, Derbyshire<\/h3>\n
\""Old\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Matlock Bath envelope in winter frost and snow\/ Credit: Robert Morris, Alamy<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Things begin to feel distinctly alpine when the snow comes to Matlock Bath on the southern edge of the Peak District<\/a>. Winter walking routes lead up the nearby hills: High Tor, Masson Hill and the Heights of Abraham. The High Tor Hotel<\/a> offers beds and a restaurant (Tues\u2013Sat).<\/p>\n

Bowness-on-Windemere, Cumbria<\/h3>\n
\""Boat\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The ferry at Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District\/Credit: Geoff Eccles, Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Fuel up on coffee and cake in the town of Bowness-on-Windermere then make for the Cumbrian hills<\/a>. There\u2019s plenty to explore within a few minutes of the town, including a moderate-level walk to the Kennel Wood oak<\/a>, and a mini mountain climb from Hawkshead \u2013 another ice town \u2013 to the summit of Latrigg<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Broadway, Worcestershire<\/h3>\n
\""Snowy\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Broadway is a classic Cotswold village\/Credit: Andy Roland, Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The picturesque village of Broadway<\/a>, with its warm, honey-hued cottages, is the perfect base for a wintry stroll.\u00a0Take time to meander along the high street past pubs, caf\u00e9s, tea rooms and shops \u2013 offering art and antiques, country clothing and gifts \u2013 then head into the Cotswold hills.<\/p>\n

Settle, Yorkshire<\/h3>\n
\""Yorkshire\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Walk the streets of Settle this winter\/Credit: John Bentley, Alamy<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

From this small town in the south-west corner of the Yorkshire Dales<\/a> follow the icy waters of the River Ribble northwards for about two miles to the glorious waterfall of Stainforth Force. Ye Olde Naked Man Caf\u00e9<\/a> is a firm favourite for\u00a0a daytime snack. There are lots of option for walk in the area, including an 8.5-mile circular walk from\u00a0Settle to Stainforth<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Best winter holiday destinations in Wales<\/h2>\n

Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd<\/h3>\n
\""Blaenau\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Blaenau Ffestiniog blanketed in winter snow\/Credit: delveintowales.com Alamy<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

In winter, the rugged mountains surrounding this Snowdonia town become buried in snow. Walk around nearby Tanygrisiau Reservoir beside dramatic hilly terrain. Accommodation and dining are available at The Oakley Arms Hotel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Beddgelert, Gwynedd<\/span><\/h3>\n
\""river\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Beddgelert covered in winter snow\/Credit: Gary Davies, Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The breathtaking village of Beddgelert is situated in the Snowdonia national park<\/a>. Nestled in a valley dominated by mountains it sits at the convergence of two rivers, the Glaslyn and Colwyn. <\/span>Attractive bridges cross the water and lead to many captivating walks in Snowdonia<\/a>. If pure luxury is what you\u2019re after to warm your sole on a snowy winter\u2019s day, then the Sygun Fawr<\/a> hotel is the place for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best winter holiday destinations in Scotland<\/h2>\n

Stirling, Stirlingshire<\/h3>\n
\""Stirling,\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Stirling is surrounded by rivers and mountains\/Credit: Iain Masterton, Alamy<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

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\u2019Chroin and Ben Vorlich dominate the landscape beyond. There are plenty of places to stay, including Willy Wallace Hostel<\/a> and The Stirling Highland Hotel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lochinver, Highland<\/h3>\n
\""The\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The village of Lochinver, on the shore beneath the west face of Quinag (808 metres)\/Credit: Duncan Shaw,\u00a0<\/span>Alamy<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The rugged setting of this picturesque west-coast village 30 miles north of Ullapool contributes to its icy conditions. The mountain peak of Suilven<\/a> provides the perfect snowy backdrop to the village. Hike up it, or simply marvel at it, then head to the harbourside, where Peet\u2019s Restaurant<\/a> serves locally produced food with bonus views across the loch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Aviemore, Highland<\/h3>\n
\""The\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Strathspey steam train prepares for the nostalgic day, travelling from Aviemore to Broomhill in Highland\/Credit: DouglasMcGilviray,\u00a0Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Excitement abounds when looking out from the Highland town of Aviemore to the mighty Cairngorms<\/a> mountains, beloved by snowboarders, skiers and winter climbers.\u00a0It\u2019s the visceral reaction to the size and rawness of these granite giants that makes this landscape such a compelling place for all nature lovers.\u00a0Bustling 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Best winter holiday destinations in Northern Ireland<\/h2>\n

Newcastle, County Down<\/h3>\n
\""Silhouettes\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Enjoy a winter walk on Murlough Beach with the Mourne Mountains as a backdrop\/Credit: Niall Majury,\u00a0Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

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>,\u00a0a wildlife-watchers\u2019 dream, while behind it sits the mighty Mourne Mountains \u2013 a true winter playground after a night of snowfall.<\/p>\n

Enniskillen, County Fermanagh<\/h3>\n
\""Town\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The snow-covered winter hills of Fermanagh can be explored from the county town of Enniskillen\/Credit: p-pix, Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

This historic market town, built on an island between Upper and Lower Lough Erne, is the ideal base for exploring Fermanagh in winter. It\u2019s the county\u2019s largest and most vibrant settlement, where pretty townhouses rub shoulders with traditional pubs and vivacious caf\u00e9s. For beer, drop into traditional pub Blakes of the Hollow<\/a>, then head downstairs for fine dining at Caf\u00e9 Merlot.<\/p><\/body><\/html>\n

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