11 PLACES TO VISIT IN THE UK IN WINTER
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This post is about the best places to visit in the UK in the winter.
When you think of winter travel the UK maybe isn’t what pops up as a place to visit. But there are many places in the UK that really come into their own during the winter months.
Winter in the UK has a magical charm that transforms its towns, cities, and countryside into beautiful scenic wonderlands.
From the soft glow of festive lights to frost-covered landscapes and cozy retreats, winter is a great time to explore the UK.
Here’s my roundup of the 11 best places to visit in the UK during winter.
Planning your trip? Use my favourite resources!
🏨 Accommodation : I recommend Booking.com
✈️ Flights : for the cheapest flights, I use Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Car : I recommend Rental Cars
🛡️ Travel Insurance : for the best deals I rely on HeyMondo
UK WINTER CHECKLIST
✅ An excellent pair of walking shoes as you’ll probably do a lot of walking wherever you visit.
✅ A hoodie or warm sweater to stay warm in the cold UK winter weather.
✅ A good quality compact camera to record those winter memories.
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This post is about the top places to visit in the UK in the winter.
VISITING THE UK IN WINTER
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A great benefit to visiting the UK in winter is that not many people do. This means less people and fewer crowds which in turn leads to shorter wait times at attractions and cheaper deals including both hotels and flights.
You may be worried about visiting the UK in the winter due to the weather and as a Brit let me tell you you’re just as likely to be caught in terrible weather in June as you are January. The British weather is famously unpredictable so no weather is guaranteed at any time of year. Of course, it is generally much colder during the winter months than it is the summer months. It’s also colder the further north you travel as a general rule. For example, the Highlands of Scotland are much colder than Brighton on the south coast.
You should make sure to travel with the right clothes and you should be fine. My winter packing list for the UK can help you when it comes to packing.
There are often great deals and discounts to be had during the winter months although places tend to be busy on the lead up to the holiday season.
READ MORE : 10 Things to do in New York at Christmas
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
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Edinburgh is a must-visit in winter and is one of the top places to visit in the UK in winter. The Scottish capital is a wonderful place to wander around and soak up all the festive cheer.
The city’s medieval architecture and cobbled streets become even more enchanting under a dusting of snow whilst can happen quite often in Scotland in the winter.
The highlight of Edinburgh in winter is its famous Christmas markets, which transform the city into a festive wonderland. There are seasonal decorations all over the city including Princes Street Gardens, George Street and St Andrew Square.
Don’t miss the Hogmanay celebration, Scotland’s traditional New Year’s Eve party, which is one of the biggest in the world. With fireworks, concerts and torchlight processions, it's a spectacular way to welcome the new year.
READ MORE : Top Things to do in Edinburgh
BATH, ENGLAND
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Over to England now and Bath is one of the best places to visit in the UK in winter.
Bath is well-known for its natural hot springs and stunning Georgian architecture, but during the winter months, it offers something truly special.
The Christmas Market is one of the best in the UK, set against the backdrop of the iconic Bath Abbey. Explore the Roman Baths, then warm up in the modern Thermae Bath Spa, where you can enjoy a rooftop pool with views over the snow-covered city.
There are also a lot of independent shops, restaurants, and cafes in Bath that make perfect places to warm up when it’s cold outside.
READ MORE : Best Christmas markets in the UK
YORK, ENGLAND
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York is a wonderful place in the north of England. I remember as a kid going on school day trips to York and I absolutely loved it then and I still do.
York is a historical gem, and its medieval streets are simply magical in the winter. The charming city hosts a number of festive events and Christmas markets including the St Nicholas Fair, which features stalls, ice skating, and street entertainment.
The towering York Minster, covered in frost or snow, is an unforgettable sight.
You can explore the Shambles, an ancient street lined with quirky shops, and enjoy the city’s cozy pubs.
Walking the city walls, exploring the narrow Snickelways, and taking in York Minster are all easier to do in the winter when there are fewer people around.
THE LAKE DISTRICT
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I spend alot of time in the Lake District during the summer months but I often forget about it during the winter months which is a mistake as the odd time I’ve been in the winter has been an amazing experience.
The Lake District is definitely a year-round destination and it takes on a particularly serene beauty in winter. The snow-covered fells and frozen lakes make for stunning scenery.
Winter is also a great time if you enjoy quieter hiking trails, as the usual crowds disappear.
You can stay in a lakeside cottage and enjoy fireside warmth after a day of exploring. If you're lucky, you may experience the rare Lake District snowfall, transforming the region into a peaceful winter paradise.
READ MORE : Guide to the Lake District
SNOWDONIA, WALES
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Staying in nature and away from cities we head to Snowdonia for my next pick of the best places to visit in the UK in the winter.
Snowdonia National Park in North Wales has breathtaking winter scenery, especially if you love outdoor adventure.
In winter, the rugged mountain landscape is often snow-capped, and there’s a magical peacefulness in the air.
Hiking trails, such as the ascent to Mount Snowdon, offer a more challenging but rewarding experience during the colder months. I’ve climbed Mount Snowdon many times but I have to admit I’ve never braved it during the winter months. If you do try it you’ll have to let me know what it’s like.
You can also visit quaint villages like Betws-y-Coed, perfect for cozying up with a hot chocolate after a winter walk.
THE COTSWOLDS
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I simply love the Cotswolds at any time of year but this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the best places to visit in the UK in winter for many reasons.
The Cotswolds are famous for their idyllic villages, rolling hills, and charming stone cottages, and winter only enhances their beauty.
The Cotswolds are so busy on sunny summer days. Places like Arlington Row in Bibury get ridiciously busy in July and Augusy but during the winter months you’ll probably have the whole street to yourself.
Places like Bourton-on-the-Water and Castle Combe look like scenes from a Christmas card during the winter.
You can stroll through picturesque streets, explore local markets and then retreat to a warm pub with a roaring fireplace.
The region is perfect for a peaceful winter escape.
ISLE OF SKYE
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Next up is Scotland’s Isle of Skye. This island in the Hebrides is one of the best places to visit in the UK in winter for many reasons.
For a more rugged and remote winter getaway, the Isle of Skye offers dramatic landscapes that are even more striking under a winter sky.
The Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing mountain range become hauntingly beautiful in the colder months, with fewer tourists and snow-covered peaks.
Winter is also a good time for spotting wildlife, such as eagles and seals. Be sure to stop by Dunvegan Castle, which often looks like something from a fairy tale in the winter.
During the summer months the Isle of Skye suffers from insects like midges and issues like overtourism, so I really think winter is the time to visit this beautiful place.
LONDON
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No list about visiting the UK would be complete without mentioning London and some of the best things to do in London. The UK capital is a great place to visit in the winter.
Winter in the UK’s capital city is all about festive fun and the city really comes alive with festive cheer during Christmas. From the famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, which features rides, ice skating, and Christmas markets, to the twinkling Christmas lights of Oxford Street and Covent Garden.
You can visit the city's ice rinks, such as the one at the historic Somerset House, and explore iconic landmarks like the Tower of London or the British Museum during the quieter winter months.
If you’re visiting London during the holiday season be sure to read my London Christmas Itinerary for more information on what to do whilst you’re visiting the capital. You should also know the best things to do in London during the festive period.
There are so many advantages to visiting London in winter such as it being less crowded so getting things like theater tickets and booking restaurant reservations is much easier.
Hotels in London are also cheaper in the winter months which is always great news.
CAMBRIDGE
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Visiting Cambridge in the winter months is the perfect thing to do when in the UK in winter.
Winter in Cambridge offers a unique blend of historic charm and festive spirit. It is a stunning city and whenever I’ve visited I’ve not been quite sure where to look with it’s incredible architecture everywhere.
The city’s ancient colleges, such as King’s College, look even more magnificent covered in frost.
You can enjoy a winter punting experience on the River Cam, a quintessential Cambridge activity made even more magical with mist and cold air.
The city hosts a variety of winter markets and carol services, including the famous Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College Chapel.
MORE IN UNITED KINGDOM
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OXFORD
Like Cambridge, Oxford exudes a timeless, academic charm that is enhanced in winter.
My sister went to Oxford University and I’ve spent many a weekend there at every time of year.
The cobbled streets, historic colleges, and medieval architecture are simply beautiful when dusted with snow.
The Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera are particularly enchanting in the winter light.
You can enjoy a tour of the iconic Oxford University, visit one of its many museums, or simply relax in one of the city’s cozy cafes and pubs.
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SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
For a true winter wonderland experience, the Scottish Highlands are unbeatable. Make sure you take some warm clothes so you can wrap up warm as it will be cold in the Scottish Highlands in winter.
There are snow-covered mountains, frozen lochs, and vast wilderness which makes the Highlands feel like another world in winter.
If you’re a winter sports enthusiast can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Cairngorm Mountain or Glencoe.
The Northern Lights also make occasional appearances here in the winter months, adding to the region’s magical allure. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a quiet retreat, the Highlands are perfect.
I hope my list of the best places to visit in the UK in winter has inspired you to get out and see more of the country in the off-season.
I have loved visiting all of these places during the winter season and I hope you do too so wrap up warm and have fun exploring these amazing places in the UK.
More Information for your Trip to the UK
If you’re struggling to decide other places to visit in the UK read Best Cities to Visit in the UK
I also have many other UK city guides and which you can read by clicking on the links.
ENGLAND: How to visit Liverpool from London, visit best beaches near Liverpool and find out the best things to do in Liverpool, must sees in Manchester, make the most of your time in Brighton. Visit the Roman city of Chester or head to the stunning Lake District.
SCOTLAND: Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh
WALES: Llangollen
Read all of my articles about England in the United Kingdom Travel Guide.
UNITED KINGDOM ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip to the UK? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in the UK.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for wherever you’re going to and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfers from the airport.
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com.
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions on your travels on Viator or Get Your Guide.
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