Most people will not immediately think of the UK when they think of a holiday in winter. But even in winter, the landscape of England and Scotland is beautiful and the cities have a magical atmosphere. We have listed some places for you that are definitely worth a visit in winter. Read on quickly!
Scotland
Spotting the Northern Lights in Scotland
Did you know that you can see the Northern Lights (also known as the Aurora Borealis) in Scotland? Many people put this on their bucket list and travel to Iceland or Norway for this, but the north of Scotland is at the same latitude as Stavanger in Norway and Nunivak Island in Alaska. So there is a good chance that this beautiful natural phenomenon can also be seen in Scotland! The northern regions of Scotland offer the best chance of seeing the “Mirrie Dancers”, but the Aurora Borealis can be seen anywhere in Scotland in the right conditions. Some of the best places to spot the Northern Lights are: The Cairngorms, Galloway Forest Park, the northernmost peak of Skye or the far northwest of Scotland.
The Cairngorms, Scottish Highlands – best place for winter activities
The Scottish Highlands are worth visiting all year round, but in winter parts of it transform into a real winter wonderland! The Cairngorms National Park is an enchanting place in winter and due to its high altitude you can expect the area to be covered in snow and ice most winters. So visit the national park for great outdoor adventures including skiing, sledging and snowboarding.
The park offers both low and high level hiking and snow activities, so whatever your adventure desires or experience level, you will find plenty of outdoor fun here. In winter you can spot red deer, winter hare and lagopus birds.
Edinburgh – the Scottish capital in winter mood
A visit to Edinburgh in winter is a must on this list. There are many reasons to visit Edinburgh in winter – the beautiful and enchanting Christmas markets, the cozy lights and festive music in the charming streets. Every year from mid-November, the city transforms into a magical winter wonderland. There is plenty to do and see for young and old to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit for a few days.
Want to visit the city around New Year's Eve? Scotland's New Year's celebrations are a little different to ours and it is one of the most popular holidays of the year. The celebration starts on 29 December 2021 with a whole series of events, the enchanting torchlight procession, street parties and music. The festival ends on 31 January with a big fireworks display.
England
Lake District – worth a visit in winter too
The Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in the UK, and even more so in winter. Many people visit the Lake District for a spring or summer holiday and miss out on the true magic of winter in the national park. A winter holiday to the Lake District may be colder, but there is nothing quite like taking in the views of snow-capped mountains, wandering around the quaint shops in quaint English villages and finishing the evening with a delicious meal and a hot mulled wine in one of the cosy country pubs.
York – stroll through the charming streets and visit the historic sights
York is a beautiful city to visit at any time of year, but it really comes alive in the winter! This city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in England, and for good reason.
The city has a magical atmosphere during the Christmas season – the streets are festively decorated with Christmas markets and cosy lights. There are plenty of indoor attractions for all ages in York, so don’t let the winter weather put you off visiting this special city. Treat yourself to some delicious chocolate at the Chocolate Museum or browse the stalls at the Christmas Market. Fancy a bit more excitement? Visit the York Dungeons or hop on a vintage bus for a ghost tour of the city – there are plenty of places to hide from the weather.
The Cotswolds – an area of outstanding natural beauty
It’s hard to find a more enchanting place to be in the Cotswolds, especially when the tiny old villages are blanketed in snow. Grab a sled and race down the hills at Broadway Tower or put on your walking boots and explore the landscape of the Malvern Hills.
Popular villages like Castle Combe, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Painswick are always charming, but look even more spectacular without the hordes of tourists that usually flock there in spring and summer.
Looking for a unique activity for the whole family? Then book a husky tour with Arctic Quest. Based in Tewkesbury, this company offers dog sledding adventures that you won’t soon forget. Take a full mush experience (where you’re pulled along behind a team of huskies).
After the tour, warm up by the campfire with a delicious hot chocolate. Inspired to visit England or Scotland in winter? Then book a crossing from Calais or Dunkirk to Dover or from IJmuiden to Newcastle now.
