The winter months in England can provide an amazing opportunity to get away and experience beautiful parts of the UK away from tourists and crowds. England has so many amazing destinations that are perfect to escape the Christmas rush or the New Year sales.
These are our top five destinations for winter getaways in England.
The Cotswolds
Why Is This A Perfect Winter Getaway In The UK?
Imagine drinking hot chocolate by an open fire looking out of a window on to beautiful open fields and rolling hills as far as the eye can see. This is somewhere to leave your phone on silent and enjoy life’s simple pleasures!
The Cotswolds is the perfect winter getaway. For us, the Cotswolds provided the perfect place to relax and escape everyday routine, we highly recommend it for a winter getaway.
Take the time to explore the beautiful villages in the Cotswolds like Castle Combe and Painswick. You can spend hours walking around these picture-perfect villages and towns and discover hidden gems and more beauty.
There are some incredible gardens in the Cotswolds that are among some of the most beautiful we have ever seen. The Rococo gardens in Painswick and the private gardens in Badminton are both incredibly beautiful and quaint capturing everything that is essentially British.
Think the Cotswolds is the perfect winter getaway? Read our Things to do in the Cotswolds post!
What To Do In The Cotswolds
Tetbury Town
A historic wool town is well known for its unique independently run shops. An ideal place for shopping.
We came here after a trip from Castle Combe we sat in a sunbathed terrace garden and drank ciders in the sun and ate some great food at The Ormand Hotel. It’s a village with slightly more hustle and bustle than the smaller quaint Cotswolds villages and we loved it.
Explore The Beautiful Gardens
The Cotswolds is home to so many beautiful Gardens, such as the Rocco Gardens in Painswick, the Royal Gardens at Highbury and the Badminton Estate. Each garden has its own individual history, steeped in English Heritage and make for such a beautiful day out.
For an even more magical experience, the Royal Gardens at Highbury offer a Champagne tea tour. Perfect for a romantic getaway or girls weekend away!
Castle Combe
The fairy tale village of Castle Combe was our favourite of all the villages we visited. This village is known as one of the prettiest villages in the UK.
It is easy to see why with its perfect chocolate box cottages, cosy tea rooms and winding stream.
The Lake District
Why Is This A Perfect Winter Getaway In The UK?
The Lake District in winter can be summed up with one word, magic. With the warming scent of mulled wine in the air, this is home to the worlds best gingerbread, Christmas markets, snow-dusted mountain tops; it’s such a magical place to experience in the winter.
Heading to the Lake District in January will also give you the opportunity to ski! There are around 60 days when skiing is permitted and the weather conditions are good enough, the slopes are normally pretty quiet.
Although it might be tempting to sit in by the fire with a hot chocolate and a slice of gingerbread, make sure to get out and enjoy the amazing walks around the area.
What To Do In The Lake District
Catch A Movie At Keswick Alhambra Cinema
This oldy worldly cinema is such an incredible experience. When you are watching your movie the people working in the cinema come over and offer you cups of tea! And in a china cup! Could anything be more perfect?
Buttermere Walk In The Lake District
Walking around Buttermere Lake is simply beautiful. The most photographed lake in the National Park.
There are two walks you can do, one that is only 1-2 hours around the lake and fairly flat, and one that will take you up into the mountains.
Although this lake is incredible all year round, in winter this lake appears even more dramatic, its mountain backdrop covered in snow makes it such an incredible experience.
There is a lovely tea room as you leave the Lake, perfect for that well-deserved cup of tea or refreshing ice cream. Join the queue!
Devon
Why Is This A Perfect Winter Getaways In The UK?
You get to experience the beauty of Devon without the rush of tourists. With the rugged cliff edges and powerful waves on the beach, it creates a perfect get away from the Christmas rush to connect you to nature.
We love Devon and have visited at many different seasons, every season gives you something new to experience.
You can take long relaxing walks along the cliff edges on or the beach. Get a cup of coffee in one of the many independent cafes you will find. Devon gives you the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life.
For more about what to do in Devon, read our guide to the best towns and villages to visit in Devon.
What To Do In Devon
Walks
There are some incredible walks around Devon, wrap up warm and take on the rugged cliffs and beaches. Devon is home to some of the best beaches in the UK.
Although you might not be able to soak up the sun in the winter, you can enjoy invigorating winter walks and enjoy these beautiful beaches to yourself.
Explore The Beautiful Towns And Villages
Clovelly, a harbour village in the north of Devon.
Situated on the cliff edge with a pedestrianised cobbled main street, donkeys, a waterfall and views over the Bristol Channel. This seaside town attracts plenty of tourists.
Ilfracombe is a seaside town on the North Devon coast. Ilfracombe has a harbour surrounded by cliffs and amazing walking paths.
Lynton is a small town on the Exmoor coast in the North of Devon. Known as Little Switzerland, it’s such a beautiful place to explore.
Dartmoor Otters And Buckfast Butterflies Sanctuary
This animal rescue service is known for its otter viewings, humid butterfly house and resident terrapins.
Entry Times And Prices
Tickets include access to Otter feedings, there are normally two a day so check out the timings before you head here. Prices for each adult is £8.00.
Dorset
Why Is This A Perfect Winter Getaway?
Winter in Dorset can be defined by crisp misty mornings, frosty fields and cosy cute cottages. With dramatic coastlines and iconic arches, Dorset in winter is the perfect mix of drama and peace it offers something very different from what you will find in summer.
Wrap up warm, get a hot chocolate and go out for scenic walks and enjoy the strikingly beautiful yet rugged scenes.
Dorset sits on the Jurassic coastline and therefore it’s beaches are drop-dead gorgeous and completely swoon-worthy.
What To Do In Dorset
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch at the end of a beautiful pristine beach. The beach itself is beautiful and the arch is just awe-inspiring.
Also a great spot for swimming, you can swim under the ancient archway just be warned the water underneath this arch is deep!
It’s a pretty awesome experience and a sense of wonder only the Jurassic Coast could inspire.
Lulworth Cove
A distinctively cove shaped beach completed secluded with beautiful rock pools teeming with life that reveals themselves at low tide. This cave is near the village of West Lulworth.
City Of Bath
Why Is This A Perfect Winter Getaway?
What could be a better getaway than relaxing in a warm, roman bath looking over this beautiful city!
Visiting Bath in winter provides a chance to see the city in a different light than the warmer months. There’s plenty to do whether you want to stay inside or brave the cold and head outside.
What To Do In The City Of Bath
Visit The Therme Spa
Take a trip to the Therme bath spa. When it’s cold outside the rooftop is an extra special treat. See the rooftops of Bath from the open-air mineral-rich naturally.
Admire The Royal Crescent
A stunning row of Georgian terraced houses designed in a sweeping crescent. One of the best examples of Georgian architecture to be found in England.
The Georgian stone facades remain the same as when it was first built between 1767 and 1774.
Watch A Movie At The Little Theatre
Catch a movie at the Little Theatre. Check the listings for this family-run old gem of a cinema that continues to be creative in delivering art-house, classic, and one-off film experiences in central Bath. Provides ultimate winter cosiness.
Abbey Tower
Climb Bath Abbey Tower, 212 steps to the top but worth it for the unique view over the city. This Abbey stands at 49 meters high and is recognised by many as a landmark at the heart of the city centre.
We hope you enjoyed our guide to our five top places for a winter escape in England. The winter provides such an incredible opportunity to experience beautiful parts of the UK without tourists. Although the weather can not be guaranteed there is so much to experience away from the cold.
We hope that this article has helped inspire you to take a winter getaways in England. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.
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Read More About England
- A Guide To Adventurous Activities In Cornwall
- A Complete Guide To Hiking Mount Snowdon
- Hiking The Pap Of Glencoe In The Scottish Highlands
- The Seven Sisters Day Trip From London
- 72 Hours In Ireland
We Are Travel Girls Contributor Katie Black YouMeUnderThePalmTree.com
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