There are many reasons to choose to stay in the UK for a winter holiday destination because of the array of beautiful locations the UK has to offer.
Also, choosing the UK for a staycation is much likely to be a cheaper option than visiting abroad, so, if you have a large family, booking a big cottage somewhere in the countryside might be a great option for you. Think board games, winter walks and a log burning fire. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it?
From the stunning waters in the Lake District, to the idyllic villages of the Cotswolds and the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, the UK has something for everyone. Whether you want a fun filled family get together, or a relaxing break with your partner, this guide will take you through the best options out there.
For such a small group of islands, the UK has many diverse landscapes, ranging from the neat farmlands of the south to the remote mountains of the far north, with several stunning national parks in between.
Slow travel is the best way to take your time to enjoy the moment and discover the lesser-taken path, and leading tour operators that specialise in slow holidays like Inntravel can certainly help you do that.
Here are a few ideas for holidays below embody this message and are great for those of you who like to slow down on holiday to enjoy what’s around you, from nature to the local sites.
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Seascapes of North Norfolk
The North Norfolk coast is an effortlessly alluring place. With a stunning coastline, marsh land and rolling hills, North Norfolk has a little bit of something for everyone.
The wildlife it has to offer is vast, particularly birds. Birds you are likely to spot in the Winter months are Wildfowl and Waders, that flock to the marshes. So, if you are bird lover, don’t forget to take your binoculars!
The accommodation here is also charming, with gorgeous brick cottages, inns, guest houses and hotels offering warmth, character, and comfort.
The Tweed and the Scottish Borders
Filled to the brim with salmon, the waters of the Tweed flow through the Scottish Borders, and travel through the extraordinary valleys and rolling hills.
The Tweed and Scottish Borders are also filled with history at every corner. When exploring, you will find masses of tower houses that were built to keep out the raiders, and you will also spot Melrose Abbey, one of Scotland’s most important medieval buildings.
The three towns that find here pride themselves in giving their visitors warm and welcoming hospitality, which is showcased in every accommodation type.
Secret Suffolk
Riverside paths, bridleways and quiet country lanes, Suffolk offers the most glorious green landscapes with hills and woods of plenty. Suffolk is also packed with unspoiled historic sites and peaceful villages.
Suffolk isn’t short of wildlife either, with the riverbanks providing homes for water voles, moles, kingfishers and coots. On your wintery walks around the riverbanks and quaint villages, you will spot numerous medieval wall painting and crumbling Norman castles.
There are a few charming market towns within the area that offer high-quality accommodation and an array of restaurants, which are perfect to sample the local produce.
Hills & Dales of Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Dales boast some of the most glorious valleys in the UK. With rivers, rolling hills, castle ruins, traditional stone villages and pretty market towns, there is always something to discover here.
Wrap up warm and get your walking boots on to discover the historic towns of Middleham and Richmond, both market towns known as the ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’.
Yorkshire is well-known for its friendly people, and this is no exception when staying in the welcoming guesthouses and country innsthe dales have to offer.
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The Hardy Way
Situated in Dorset, The Hardy Way is renowned for its scenery, but probably most known for its mentions in the novels and poems of Thomas Hardy, an English novelist and poet. Some of his work you might recognise is Far from the Madding Crows and Jude the Obscure.
Think green hills, ancient woodland, thatched cottages and Norman churches.
The Hardy Way will take you though idyllic landscapes that are filled with natural beauty. Whether you have read Hardy or not, walking through this part of Dorset will bring you a feeling of contentment that is illustrated throughout his work.
The accommodation here is as charming as the scenery around is, and the warm welcome you receive at the hotels and inns here will make you want to visit time and time again.
And while you’re in Dorset, why not continue exploring the South West of England? Here are some great ideas for days out in Devon and hidden gems in Cornwall. And why not stay in a traditional Cornish cottage too?
Landscape of the Peak District
The Peak District national park offers manicured gardens, rocky hills and heather-clad moors, making it one of the most beautiful places in the UK to explore, so don’t forget your winter coat and woolly hat.
There are a few lovely market towns offering pleasant and friendly accommodation for families, couples or those who like to explore alone. Like all over the UK, the weather in the Peak District is unpredictable, so if visiting here, pack for all possibilities.
As you might have guessed, the holidays above are great if you enjoy walking and cycling.
In all of these locations, you will be able to uncover thousands of years of history as your follow tranquil riverside footpaths, panoramic moorland trails and spectacular coastal routes through the UK’s most beautiful and contrasting landscapes.
Everyone knows that the UK is incredibly beautiful, but one thing that can be unforeseeable is the weather. If you live in the UK you are probably used to this, and you will be prepared to deal with whatever the weather throws your way.
But if you are not, I would recommend you pack plenty of layers and thermals, warm gloves, a hat, a scarf, hand warmers, wellies, walking boots, a big coat, and a waterproof jacket. Oh, and an umbrella!
If you like the sound of any of the destinations above, you can find out more in the Inntravel website. They’d be more than happy to help you with any enquiry.
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Disclosure: This post has been created as a partnership with Inntravel. As always, all views are my own.