Know Before You Go: Guidance for travel in Great Britain and Northern Ireland
There’s so much more to the season than eating a full English breakfast holed up in a hotel. Plan something different this winter!
Stay in a woodland lodge
Book a log cabin or lodge where you can cuddle up in front of the fire in the evenings and wake up to birds chirping in the trees. During the day, enjoy long walks through the forest, feeling the satisfying crunch as you step on twigs and frosty fallen leaves. You can find family friendly resorts with lots of activities, rustic treehouses and romantic cabins made just for 2, or 1 if you’re looking for some quiet time. Check out Canopy & Stars, Cool Places and Forest Holidays for inspiration.
Watch a film at an independent cinema
Winter evenings were made for curling up and watching movies. But, no need to go to a boring old multiplex when you’re in Britain! Get a feel for our film heritage somewhere like The Electric in Birmingham, one of the oldest working cinemas in the country. The theatre has old-school waiter service to match – order a deli platter and a nice glass of fizz. The Prince Charles Cinema in London is famed for screening sing-a-longs and cult classics at bargain prices.
See the sights at night
Embrace the dark and see some of the UK’s most historic sites in an atmospheric low light. The Tower of London offers Twilight Tours, adding extra spook-factor to the ‘Bloody Tower’. During the Christmas season, you’ll also be able to take festive candlelit tours of historic houses that once belonged to famous figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Charles Dickens. And, of course, there’s nothing quite like taking in the splendour of one of the country’s cathedrals for candlelit carols – Wells Cathedral in Somerset, is one of the most popular.
Warm up in a secret spa
You don’t have to splurge on a hotel stay to enjoy a lovely day at the spa. Center Parcs is a woodland resort for active family holidays, but what some don’t realise is you can drop into one of the 5 locations around the country to indulge in their amazing spa facilities for just a day. Few spas boast such a range of therapeutic experiences, from the glittering Indian blossom steam room to the Japanese salt steam bath. For a more intimate experience, head to one of the tented treatment rooms at The Scarlet Spa in Cornwall. They have many luxurious amenities for you to choose from including clifftop hot tubs, indoor and outdoor pools, and heavenly relaxation spaces.
Feed some real reindeer
Follow an expert reindeer herder through the mountain enclosure at The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, in the Highlands of Scotland, to experience the magic of these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. Take the time to pet and feed the animals and engage in thoughtful discussions with the reindeer herder as you travel along.
Check into a castle
Magnificent to visit, yes, but can you imagine what it would be like to sleep in one? In Britain, it’s a lot easier than you might expect. The Landmark Trust rent out all sorts of interesting historic buildings, with castle stays ranging from Forte Clonque in the Channel Islands, reachable by drawbridge, to Astley Castle in Warwickshire, which combines modern architecture with a 13th-century site owned by 3 queens of England.
Eat in an igloo
No need to leave London for this one. Just for the winter season, Coppa Club has constructed some highly sought-after dining igloos fitted out with fairy lights, blankets and private sound systems. You and your group will truly be in your own little bubble while eating your festive dinner and enjoying amazing views of Tower Bridge.
Hear live music in the countryside
Everybody knows you can find world-class music in cities like Liverpool and London, but music in the countryside is absolutely worth seeking out. Find the right local pub or village venue and you’re in for a foot-tapping night of fun, especially if you like folk music or sea shanties. The towns and villages of Pembrokeshire, Wales, boast some particular hot spots, including Burnett's Hill Chapel – a church by day with thigh-slapping bluegrass bands by night.
Watch the Northern Lights
If you thought you had to go to Iceland to see the Northern Lights, think again! If you visit Scotland at the right time with optimum conditions, you could see the dazzling dance of the aurora in the Shetland Islands, Orkney, Galloway Forest Park, The Cairngorms, and even from Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh if the lights are particularly strong. Take a look at Visit Scotland’s guide for some top tips.
Go for a picnic
Despite the ongoing joke about Britain’s bad weather, the truth is it’s pretty mild year-round in most places. Wrap up warm, pack a hamper (no need for a cool box), a flask of hot tea, and head out to enjoy the most spectacular view you can find. Chances are, there’ll be no one else there to get in the way of all those perfect Instagram shots. Discover Carmarthenshire have even put together a handy Picnic Guide for you.