Summer may be long gone, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your travel plans on hold. Whilst the great British weather may not be so great, the UK has many exciting destinations to explore, hotspots that are even more beautiful come winter.
Whether you’re looking to escape for the weekend or a little longer, the following rundown provides plenty of inspiration for a beautiful staycation this winter.
Skye
Discover an idyllic winter wonderland by travelling to the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The Isle of Skye is the largest and northernmost Scottish island, and winter is a great time to visit.
Enjoy stunning sunrises and the most magical landscape lit by the most beautiful winter light in Skye. Many people compare the island to the fictional land of Narnia, and during low season, you’ll pretty much feel like you’ve got the entire island to yourself! By night, the Isle of Skye is transformed further as blogger Roving Jo explains:
“Skye in winter is the perfect opportunity for romance and star gazing. With the sun setting earlier and the nights being so dark, there is no better time to see the Milky Way. The stars shine bright and twinkle like diamonds. And if you are lucky you might see the skies come to life with the dancing ribbons of colour: the Northern Lights.”
Don’t forget to pay a visit to Skye’s famous Fairy Pools, an enchanting, crystal-clear rock pool that’s renowned around the world. You could even take a dip in its cold waters if you’re brave enough!
Bath
You don’t have to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind on your quest for the perfect winter staycation. Bath, a city in the county of Somerset, is the perfect place to relax and indulge and has been since Roman times.
The city is a World Heritage Site thanks to its ancient Roman Baths. Enjoy them just as the Romans did by booking into the Thermae Bath Spa, which is England’s only natural thermal hot spring that you can bathe in.
As well as relaxing in its thermal spa, Bath is filled with great eateries and bars. Its theatre scene is also legendary, with the Theatre Royal Bath hosting a range of productions – including many touring West End shows.
A visit to Bath is a great way to wind down in preparation for the busy festive season. Alternatively, you can beat those January blues by indulging in a Bath stay in the New Year.
Lincoln
Enjoy the best of both worlds by visiting the city of Lincoln. This historic city is a great destination for so many reasons. Explore its heritage by visiting Lincoln Castle, home to the original 1215 Magna Carta, before admiring Lincoln Cathedral, a building that was once the tallest in the world.
Once you’ve enjoyed the city, head out of town by visiting the Lincolnshire Wolds. The Donna Nook National Nature Reserve is a must-visit. The reserve, which stretches across some six miles of stunning coastline, is the site of a very special event during the winter months. In November and December, grey seals migrate here to give birth. Check out their weekly seal update to see how they’re getting on this winter.
Devon
Devon isn’t just a great destination to enjoy during the summer months. The area is stunning all year round, especially during the winter. From the wildernesses of Exmoor and Dartmoor to its picturesque and welcoming towns and villages, Devon is a great place to countdown to Christmas or start the New Year.
Explore these winter destinations in pure comfort by mastering the art of layering just in time for your trip. Check out our guide to layering to get started.