The most beautiful places in the UK in winter: Nine locations to visit

Whether you are looking for stunning vistas and fresh crispy walks or you would prefer to explore pretty towns, cultural delights and cosy tea rooms, the winter is a great time to pack your bags and visit a new corner of the UK. Blow the cobwebs away with an outdoor extravaganza in the Cairngorms, be wowed by the wild and romantic moors in Devon, Yorkshire, Scotland and Wales, or explore the natural beauty of the Cotswolds. 

1. Cairngorms

Not only does the Cairngorms National Park provide the ultimate adventure playground for all winter thrill seekers but it is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the UK in winter. It’s hard to beat the snow-capped mountains and incredible wildlife if you are searching for your perfect winter wonderland. 

Sitting within the Scottish Highlands and home to three ski resorts at Glenshee, Lecht and CairnGorm Mountain, as well as numerous walking and biking trails, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and about to explore this stunning spot. And with several distilleries to visit, it is easy to warm up at the end of the day with a wee dram of whiskey – or two. 

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2. Cotswolds

The picture-perfect honey-coloured towns and villages of the Cotswolds are stunning at any time of the year, but add in frosty mornings, Christmas lights and cosy village inns and it’s hard not to fall in love with this charming spot. Browse the Christmas markets at the quintessentially beautiful town of Bourton-on-the-Water, treat yourself to a trip to the theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon or delight at the majestic Blenheim Palace in Woodstock. Other pretty market towns to visit include Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford and Moreton-in-Marsh. 

Keen walkers can explore the network of footpaths linking pretty villages or enjoy a section of the Cotswold Way National Trail. Whether you are looking for a winter holiday cottage with a roaring open fire or something with a touch of luxury and charm, we have a wide selection for you to choose from.

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3. Dartmoor

If you are craving wild open spaces then look no further than the Dartmoor National Park. The raw beauty of the landscape is peppered with historical sites and fabulous wildlife ensuring there is something for everyone whatever time of the year you visit. Wrap up warm and enjoy a winter walk, hire a holiday cottage with a hot tub and spend a romantic evening stargazing or hardy souls can enjoy a spot of wild swimming on the stunning empty beaches. 

Make sure you don’t go home without at least one delicious Devon cream tea. We will leave you to decide whether the cream or jam goes on first! 

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4. Lake District 

It is no wonder that the Lake District is such a popular destination to visit in the UK. The majestic mountains, glistening lakes and huge selection of attractions to visit and activities to do mean that a trip to the Lakes should be on everyone’s bucket list. Whilst a dip in the water won’t be everyone’s cup of tea during the winter months, you can still enjoy being on the water and the magical scenery and quiet footpaths will be enough to woo even the most reluctant walkers to the great outdoors. 

Make sure you visit the Chocolate Factory Hawkshead or Grasmere Gingerbread for your sugar fix or for those seeking some history and heritage you can visit Abbot Hall in Kendal, Keswick Museum and Art Gallery or Lowther Castle and Gardens. Peter Rabbit fans will love a day out at the World of Beatrix Potter whilst you might simply choose to while away an afternoon browsing the boutiques and Independent Shops in the market towns of Ambleside, Keswick, Windermere and Grasmere. 

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5. North Wales

Despite what you might have been led to believe, there is far more to Wales than sheep and Bara Brith! The stunning national parks, long sandy beaches and plethora of castles, national trust properties and mining heritage to explore have put Wales firmly on the tourist map. Located in the northwest corner, the Snowdonia National Park is a fantastic place to visit in winter. Explore the endless miles of footpaths, test your metal on one of the mountain biking trails or don your wetsuit and catch some waves. 

For those who prefer to avoid the weather, you can take a gentle train ride through the mountains on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway. No trip to north Wales would be complete without at least one visit to an impressive castle. Choose from Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech, Beaumaris, Criccieth or Penrhyn. 

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6. Yorkshire Dales

The beauty of the Yorkshire Dales is unrivalled whatever time of year you choose to visit but the wild landscape is especially mesmerising in winter. The waterfalls are at their most spectacular, the ancient woodlands are empty apart from the squirrels and the pretty villages and market towns are always a joy to visit. 

If you are keen to lace up those walking boots and explore the Dales (which you absolutely should) there are plenty of walks to choose from. Take a trip to Aysgarth Falls, explore the route from Gordale Scar to Malham or take a leisurely stroll around Strid Wood. Cheese lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes whilst those with an interest in history will love exploring Bolton Abbey and Skipton Castle. To top off the magical winter wonderland, big and little kids alike will love a trip on The Polar Express Train or delve deep underground at the impressive caves at Ingleborough. 

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7. Isle of Skye

Located off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Skye is well known for its majestic mountains, dramatic coastline, fairy glens and pretty fishing villages. Whilst the island has a much quieter vibe during the winter months, the iconic landscape is arguably better suited to the moody winter weather. Sitting in the middle of the island, at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains, it is hard to beat the stunning views surrounding Sligachan. Keen mountaineers can head out onto the snow-capped Cuillin Ridge from here, whilst less adventurous souls will be equally impressed by the island’s beautiful landscape with a lower-level riverside stroll.  

Watching the sunrise over the sea, with the dramatic backdrop of the mountains is always a spectacular site. The good news for those who don’t like early rises is that during the middle of the winter, you’ll get a good few extra hours in bed with the sun not poking its head over the horizon until 9 am. Just make sure you don’t forget your camera!

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8. Brecon Beacons

There is no better way to banish the winter blues than getting out and about and surrounding yourself with stunning scenery, bracing walks and cosy inns. The Brecon Beacons has one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the UK, and with so many walks to choose from it is easy to immerse yourself in this beautiful spot. Blow the cobwebs away with a hike to the top of Sugar Loaf or Pen y Fan mountain or enjoy a lower level stroll through one of the ancient woodlands or riverside footpaths. Whatever route you choose there is nearly always a friendly pub or cafe nearby to refuel and warm up after the day’s activities.

The Brecon Beacons is also one of the best places to go stargazing in the UK and the skies are at their clearest in the winter. There are lots of places you can lay down your rug and set up your telescope but perhaps the best of all is at the National Park Visitor Centre in the village of Libabus. If you are lucky you will see meteor showers, star constellations, planets and even the Northern Lights. 

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9. Wiltshire

Packed full of timeless wonders, ancient history and charming market towns, it is always a good time of year to visit the charming county of Wiltshire. The world-famous Stonehenge is even more magical if you visit on a frosty morning. Or coincide your visit with Winter solstice and watch the sunrise over the stones on the shortest day of the year. Alternatively, you might prefer to visit the pretty village of Avebury. Owned by the National Trust, you will not only find the world’s largest stone circle but important Neolithic and Bronze age monuments, ancient tombs, a manor house and a museum. 

When are you done exploring the history and heritage of Wiltshire, head to one of the market towns for some Christmas shopping and a large mug of hot chocolate. The charming town of Corsham, with its array of independent shops, winding streets and free-roaming peacocks is always a delight, or get yourself into the festive spirit browsing the evening market stalls in the cathedral city of Salisbury. 

Find holiday cottages in Wiltshire

We have a huge selection of holiday cottages to choose from. Find a cosy retreat with a roaring log fire, indulge in a weekend away with a few extra luxuries, or simply find a last-minute break for the family and your four-legged friends. Just remember to pack your woolly hat!