If you are someone who likes to be active in the outdoors there’s no reason why you can’t continue this activity during the winter months too. The United Kingdom offers some spectacular winter travel opportunities. Misty lakes, snow-covered hills, dramatic seascapes, the UK has it all. If you’re considering a Christmas trip or are looking to make the most of the time between Christmas and New Year, read on. We highlight some of the most interesting areas in the depths of the UK winter that you might want to add to your “must see” list.
Winter travel in Scotland
Scotland has a broad range of activities on offer during the winter whether you are interested in a city escape or want to get back to nature. Edinburgh comes alive and Hogmanay is a particularly good time to be there to be part of one of the best New Year’s Eve experiences on offer.
If you prefer to welcome the new year getting sporty, the Cairngorm Mountains, Nevis Range, Glenshee and the Lecht, and Glenco all offer the chance to perfect your skiing and snowboarding techniques.
Wildlife lovers may prefer to visit Moray Firth to see dolphins along the winter seascape. Or why not head to the highlands, for a glimpse of some red deer or the chance of spotting the Loch Ness monster?
Winter travel in England
What could be more quintessentially English than a Cotswold Village? Add in a dusting of snow and you have a perfect quaint Christmas card scene. Why not experience it for yourself in villages such as Bourton on the Water, Bibury, Lower Slaughter and Bredon?
Alternatively, Cumbria and the Lake District are among the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. This region is particularly stunning in winter too. If you’re a hiker, this area should be top of your list of must-visit UK destinations. It’s also an area to consider if you like fishing or boating.
Many people associate Cornwall with summer beach holidays, but the area is fantastic in the winter too. If you’re a Poldark fan then hiking along the Lizard Peninsula will not disappoint. For hardy types, the cold-water surfing available at St Agnes is the only experience of its kind in the world.
Winter travel in Wales
If you could do with a bit of winter sun, why not head to Pembrokeshire? It’s considered to be one of the sunniest parts of the country and hiking the coastal paths is simply stunning at that time of year.
If you’re more adventurous and want to develop some mountaineering skills, you could visit the Snowdonia National Park.
For those who love to splash in a controlled environment, rafting in Cardiff Bay’s purpose-built center gives a taste for what to expect in real river rapids.
Or if you want to get your pins moving after too much Christmas pudding, why not go trail running in the Brecon Beacons?
Winter travel in Northern Ireland
The popular series Game of Thrones has really sparked the imaginations of many tourists and put Northern Ireland on the radar for their travels. Winter is a great time to visit the area and there are many interesting options to cater to many different interests.
If you’ve always wanted to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, you have a good chance of doing so on the Inishowen Peninsula.
For the hikers among you, a trip to Giant’s Causeway could be just the ticket.
Or why not imagine yourself in Narnia as described by CS Lewis? It’s easily done with a visit to the snow-dusted Mourne Mountains in County Down.
We hope we’ve been able to tempt you to travel around this lovely country whatever the season. Got your own favourite place to visit during the winter? We’d love to hear about it.
