7 reasons to visit Britain in winter

Britain may not be the most obvious choice for a winter break, yet it has a great deal to offer the more adventurous visitor. Of course, our weather is 'challenging' but as long as you come prepared for rain, drizzle, wind, hail, sleet, snow and even the occasional burst of sunshine, you'll be fine. Assuming you have the right gear, here are some of the reasons you should suit up and visit our green and pleasant land during the 'challenging' weather. 

Fewer visitors

There are far fewer visitors, so you can easily get into places that have big queues in the summer months. This is especially relevant in London, which has many fascinating museums, art galleries, historic houses, theatres, and major attractions. Imagine being able to visit Madame Tussauds without waiting in line half way down Marylebone Road, or getting a spectacular view from London Eye within minutes of arriving. While the idea of 'fewer visitors' tends to be relevant in London, it also applies to places all over Britain. Edinburgh and Belfast, York and Cardiff are all much quieter and more pleasant to get around in the winter.

Cheaper accommodation

Accommodation is cheaper. You can score excellent deals at this time of year on lots of hotels, B&B, holiday homes, caravans and camp sites. Some of these options are also open to a bit of negotiating if you call and ask what their best price is! Be sure to check school holidays, such as half-term and Easter, to make sure your trip won't coincide with an influx of tourism. Accommodation rates can often be up to 50% less than in July or August.

Reduced rates

Many attractions have 'out-of-season'  reduced rates and often lay on special events to encourage people to visit and see what they have to offer. Why not take a train ride through the stunning Yorkshire Dales, over the Ribblehead Viaduct and into the Cumbria countryside on the famous Settle-Carlisle Railway - if you're lucky you may even get a seat on one of the iconic steam trains.

Scenery

Nature is beautiful in the winter months. During this time, you're able to observe the glorious scenery through the absence of our trees' leaves, enabling you to see through impressively skeletal trees to views that you usually can't see once those branches are in full bloom. Check out our National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a selection of stunning outdoor destinations throughout the United Kingdom.

Light

Outdoor light is very different from other seasons of the year. You can get incredibly clear skies, giving an amazing clarity to your photos of those mountains in the Lake District. A misty fog swirls evocatively across a Scottish river, the low-lying sun filters through bleached-out clouds above a deserted moor, and rosy dawn breaks over a the pier in a tranquil seaside town. 

Cozy pubs

Of course some days you just don't want to venture far due to heavy rain or strong winds, or one of our infrequent but curiously immobilising snow storms. But, then you've got a great excuse to duck into one of our welcoming country pubs or cosy tea shops! Britain is made for 'changeable' weather and some of our most traditional attractions come in the form of an oak-beamed inn or a quaint cottage art gallery.

Time to chat

People have more time to chat, to help and show you around. Travel and tourism businesses that are open in the winter rely on visitors like you and really appreciate that you have taken the time to visit their establishment. The important thing to remember is that you need to plan in advance. For example, many National Trust properties are closed in the winter months but their gardens are open, so do check websites or contact the regional Tourist Office for the latest information.

Lake Windermere in winter by Zoë Dawes

As one of our most famous walkers, Alfred Wainwright, said, "There's not such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes." Pack a waterproof umbrella, sturdy shoes, and some warm jumpers and make the most of your visit to Britain this winter. 

You can read more of Zoë Dawes‘ entertaining articles on her travels around the UK and abroad in her award-winning blog Quirky Traveller’s Tales where she shares secret places off-the beaten track and travels in mind, body and spirit. Follow her on Twitter and ‘like’ her page on Facebook!