10. Norfolk Broads, East Anglia (Places To Visit This December in UK)
Perfect for: Winter boating
Looking for UK winter getaways? The 125-mile Norfolk Broads national park has fishing-friendly waters. You can fish all winter long if you have a license. Pike, roach, and bream swim in the Broads’ waters in the winter.
Or, cruise the River Yare. The Broads provide both birdwatching and Dutch-style windmills. Mistle thrushes, marsh harriers, lapwings?
9. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Perfect for: Sights of the Northern Lights
The UK and Ireland offer magical places to visit any time of year, however, winter is an exceptionally special time! There are so many UK winter holiday destinations waiting to be discovered, from those tucked away in the great outdoors to bustling cities packed with festive things to do.
Our guide to the best places to visit in the UK in winter outlines the most magical places to enjoy a memorable getaway. Whether you want to enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping or a quiet boating getaway, there’s bound to be somewhere on this list you’ll want to visit!
8. Dartmoor National Park, Devon (Places To Visit This December in UK)
Perfect for: Wintry walks
Dartmoor National Park is a great winter destination in the UK. Most of these sights are hikeable.
Wistman’s Wood is a must-try winter trek. The ancient forest dates to 7000 BCE and is a fantastic trekking destination. Explore Dartmoor’s moors and tors to see wild ponies.
Due to little light pollution, the national park is perfect for winter stargazing. Haytor Car Park is a great place for stargazing. After, warm up in a local town’s pub, such as Newton Abbot.
7. Bath, Somerset
Perfect for: Festive events
Bath’s architecture, unique shops, and welcoming bars are reasons to visit this winter.
Winter events are the city’s biggest draw. There’s a bustling Christmas market and an ice rink in Royal Victoria Park near The American Museum’s Enchanted Garden of Light.
After browsing the city’s stores, have a hearty pub meal or mulled wine in a quiet tavern. Hike the Bath Skyline to see the beautiful rooftop lights.
6. Peak District National Park, Derbyshire (Places To Visit This December in UK)
Perfect for: Lengthy hikes with panoramic vistas
If you like long walks with beautiful views, explore the Peak District in winter. The park has many paths for pleasant walks.
The six-mile walk between Chatsworth House and Bakewell is beautiful in winter. During the hike, check for Chatsworth Deer and the old house’s architecture.
Unmissable winter walk: Kinder Scout. This climb will feel like the Antarctic after snowfall. Stunning views and strange rock formations abound.
After a walk through the park, stop in one of its towns or villages for a treat. Buxton is a wonderful Christmas destination.
5. Cairngorms National Park, Scottish Highlands
Perfect for: Winter wildlife
In the winter, Cairngorms National Park has less visitors, making it ideal for exploring. Moose, red squirrels, Scottish wildcats, and otters are easily spotted in Scotland during the winter. Osprey and white-tailed eagles provide excellent birdwatching in the Cairngorms.
The Cairngorms offer plenty of winter activities. Cairngorm Mountain offers hiking and skiing/snowboarding. After skiing, why not take a distillery tour?
4. Lake District National Park, Cumbria (Places To Visit This December in UK)
Perfect for: Snow-topped mountains
The Lake District National Park is fourth on this list. The park is beautiful, but its snow-capped mountains are especially stunning in winter.
The Lake District fells are great for photos and walking in winter. Helvellyn is for experts, while Wansfell Pike is for beginners.
The park’s old houses, beautifully decorated for the holidays, are another pleasure. Hill Top and Dove Cottage are must-sees for Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth fans.
3. Cotswolds AONB, Heart of England
Perfect for: Festive towns and villages
The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers many English villages and towns to visit.
Bourton-on-the-Water? This picturesque town’s alleys are adorned with lights and Christmas market booths in winter. A winter walk along the town’s river is lovely with its tree in the center.
Blenheim Palace’s Festival of Lights is great for the holidays. Between November and January, enjoy a hot chocolate while following a path of lights. The Cotswolds Way is a long, crisp stroll with winter views.
2. Edinburgh, Scotland
Perfect for: Christmas shopping
Edinburgh ranks second for UK winter vacations. During the winter holidays, there’s shopping and Hogmanay.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets take over Princes Street Gardens in December. German-style markets offer delicious cuisine and exhilarating attractions.
Visit one of the city’s retail complexes for holiday shopping. These will be decorated with Christmas lights to get you in the holiday spirit. Christmas Lights are turned on in November. There are choirs, fireworks, and Santa’s “flight.”
1. York, North Yorkshire (Places To Visit This December in UK)
Perfect for: Christmas markets
York is first. If you love Christmas, this should be your top UK winter holiday destination. St. Nicholas Fair and Christmas Markets should be at the top of your list. Enjoy an ice rink, visit Santa, and taste Scandinavian delights here.
After, go through the city to see the lovely lights. Shambles is a street with festively decorated stores offering handmade goods. York has plenty of spooky winter activities. You may take a ghost tour or visit the interactive York Dungeon.
