If you’re planning a winter break this year, you might be interested to learn that many Brits are shunning the winter sun in favour of cosy staycations. As consumers look to make the most of their holiday budgets, many parts of the UK are seeing a boost to their winter season. From country walks in the Lake District to cosy pubs in the Welsh valleys, Britain has plenty to offer for a winter holiday. “The UK is the destination of choice now for many people”, according to travel-industry expert Simon Gardner, of Wirral spa hotel Thornton Hall.
If you’re looking for some seasonal spirit, then visit one of the UK’s Christmas markets. Towns and cities up and down the country now hold their own markets packed with stalls from across Europe, selling everything from gifts and decorations to food and drink. There are plenty to choose from, including Lincoln (now in its 26th year), Manchester (one of the largest in the country), Birmingham, Leeds, Oxford, Edinburgh and Portsmouth.
To experience some true wintery conditions you should head to the north of Scotland. The mountains in the Cairngorms and Grampians offer some of the most extreme winter temperatures in the UK. They’re excellent places to take to the slopes or hike through a winter wonderland where you can see a huge variety of wildlife, including reindeer, red squirrels, ospreys and golden eagles.
For a winter seaside break, Cornwall offers some of the mildest temperatures. There’s the opportunity to take an exhilarating walk along the beach before curling up in front of a roaring fire with a mug of hot chocolate. If you’re looking for even warmer temperatures then pay a visit to the Eden Project, where you can see a wealth of tropical plants and flowers.
Wherever you choose to spend your winter staycation you won’t be disappointed. There’s no long flight, different currencies or time zones and you’ll return home feeling much more relaxed.
