THE BEST UK WINTER BREAKS

Looking for a UK Winter Break? We share the best weekend breaks in the UK, perfect for a trip away this Winter.

Winter is a magical time of the year and Britain offers some perfect UK winter break choices for those looking to explore during the colder weather. I asked travel experts where their favorite Winter break holidays in the UK were and this is what they had to share.

Best Winter Breaks in the UK

The Lake District

 Most people want to visit the Lake District through the Summer when they hope the weather is warmer and sunnier. However, winter in the Lake District is actually a lovely time to visit the area. There are far fewer vehicles on the narrow roads, and you can still see all of the same sites, albeit it will be a little chillier to do so!

If you’re lucky enough to have some snow, then the landscape becomes even more beautiful and after a day out exploring you can cozy up in one of the many traditional pubs with open fires or wood burners. The weather is more changeable in winter and there is a much higher chance of rain, so you’ll need to go prepared, but even then there are plenty of little villages to explore, the Lakes Distillery, and independent boutiques and shops to browse to keep you occupied. 

Sonja from Migrating Miss.

Budget your trip

Hostel/budget hotel – £15

Midrange hotel – £40 – £70

Luxury hotel – £90 –  £130

Dinner for two – £30

Street vendor – £5

Beer – £4+

Recommendations

Things to do: Walking, cycling, etc as well as Brave the Cave, a Winter Course and of course, afternoon tea!

Affordable, luxury hotels: Wateredge Inn, Daffodil Hotel and Spa, Burnside Hotel and Spa, Regent Hotel By The Lake and The Whitbarrow Hotel at Whitbarrow Village.

Inverness, Scotland

Inverness has something for everyone: castles, the mystery and magic of Loch Ness, whisky, the northern lights, and romantic tales. Come in winter and you’ll be marveled by the fairy tale scenery: white hills surrounding the city, the Inverness Castle covered in snow, take a stroll along the Caledonian Canal, considered to be one of the most impressive waterways in the world.

History lovers sharpen your cameras and explore the famous battlefield of Culloden, which is just right outside the city! Then relax and get cozy having a drink at Inverness’ first whisky bar, The Malt Room.

Budget your trip

Hostel/budget hotel – £14 – £ 25

Midrange hotel – £40+

Luxury hotel – £80+

Dinner for two – £30

Street vendor – £4 – £11

Beer – £3.50

Recommendations

Things to do: Inverness Farmers Market, Winter Wonderland, Eden Christmas Fair and the Aviemore Sled Dog Rally.

Affordable, luxury hotels: Highland Apartments by Mansley, An Grianan, Eildon Guest House and Dryburgh Town House.

York

York is a perfect winter destination, particularly over the Christmas period.  There are so many wonderful things to do in York from the fabulous York Christmas Market to the other many Christmas events in and around the city where you can sample festive afternoon teas or take the children to visit Santa.  The narrow Medieval streets in York feel wonderfully Dickensian, and you can feel like you have walked right into the pages of A Christmas Carol.  There are several theatres in York where you can see traditional pantomimes in all their kitsch glory!  Whatever you decide to do, a visit to York is like going back to a simpler, merrier time.

Nikki from Yorkshire Wonders

Budget your trip

Hostel/budget hotel – £13

Midrange hotel – £30 – £60

Luxury hotel – £80+

Dinner for two – £25 – £50

Street vendor – £2.50

Beer – £3 –  £5.50

Recommendations

Things to do: York Minister, The Shambles, National Railway Museum, York Castle Museum, Richard III Experience and the York City Walls.

Affordable, luxury hotels: The Mount Royale Hotel & Spa, The Grand Hotel & Spa, Hotel Indigo York and Grange Hotel.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Despite the chilly weather, spending two days in Edinburgh is a fantastic choice if you’re after a weekend city break in the UK during winter. The crowds in Edinburgh are considerably lower than peak months of July and August, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the Old Town and the Royal Mile without the swarming crowds.

Edinburgh also hosts a number of great events in winter including Hogmanay over the New Year, Burns’ Night celebrations in January and several Christmas Markets over November and December.

Michael from The World Was Here First

Budget your trip

Hostel/budget hotel – £25

Midrange hotel – £50+

Luxury hotel – £90 – £130

Dinner for two – £40 +

Street vendor – £4

Beer – £5 +

Recommendations

Things to do: Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets, Silent Light, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh Castle,  climb Arthur’s Seat and National Museum of Scotland.

Affordable, luxury hotels: Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square, The Balmoral Hotel, The Lane Hotel, The Inn Place and West Bow Edmonstone Close.

London

Christmas in London is very magical, and it is a great choice for a winter break.  There are a lot of events going on to get people in the festive spirit. You can watch Christmas movies on comfy beanbags in a lovely winter setting in the Backyard Cinema or see the beautiful lights on Oxford Street or at Covent Garden.

There are several ice skating rinks set up all over the city, where you can show off your skills. One of the most popular activities during this time of the year is visiting Christmas markets. Winter Wonderland is the biggest in London. It has several food stalls, roller coaster rides and shows, so don’t miss it if you are in London during the festive season! Don’t forget to treat yourself to an Afternoon Tea or delicious treats at Harrods.

Eniko from Travel Hacker Girl

Budget your trip

Hostel/budget hotel – £20+

Midrange hotel – £50 – £90

Luxury hotel – £100+

Dinner for two – £30

Street vendor – £3+

Beer – £4.50 – £7

Recommendations

Things to do: Winter Wonderland, Leicester Square Christmas Market, Covent Garden, Tower of London, Borough Market, the British Museum and one of the many Afternoon teas! We have a list of free things to do in London to help you plan the perfect trip.

Affordable, luxury hotels: Montcalm Royal London House, CitizenM Tower of London, Donatello Room Aldgate and The Distillery.

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