Britain's winter experiences

Twinkling lights and decorations galore: Britain is dressed to impress this winter, and there’s no better place to create magical memories with loved ones.

Take a wintery walk through illuminated woodland trails or marvel at twinkling lights in London. Go shopping for gifts at Selfridges or Fenwick, or visit a winter craft fair where local artisans are proud to share handmade gifts.

Want to take things up a gear? Enjoy a spin on an ice rink or whizz down a Scottish mountain on skis. Discover authentic local traditions, from flaming barrel parades in Northumberland to teeth-chattering New Year’s Day dips in south Wales. Escape the everyday with these atmospheric winter experiences in 2025.

Location: Cairngorms

Our heritage railways come alive in winter with seasonal experiences. Fancy chowing down on a festive lunch or carol singing on a train? Here’s your chance. Or simply sit back and enjoy the snowy scenery from the comfort of your carriage.

Explore breathtaking railways in Britain

Photo by: Christmas at Bute Park

Location: Image lights

Colourful light installation at Christmas at Bute Park festival

Bright and beautiful light trails

See Britain in a dazzlingly different way this winter with a festive light trail. In Cardiff’s Bute Park, a mesmerising journey of light and sound awaits in the shadow of the city’s castle. This award-winning trail was crafted by some of the world’s leading lighting designers and incorporates 15 distinct zones for a multi-sensory and accessible experience. Elsewhere in the city, sip hot chocolate at the Christmas Market, ice skate around the open-air rink or cosy up in the Alpine Village.

Discover Cardiff at Christmas

Photo by: Blenheim Palace/Sony Music

Location: Oxfordshire, England

Festive Christmas lights shining onto Blenheim Palace

Deck the halls of Britain’s heritage buildings

‘Tis the season of celebration, and Britain’s castles and stately homes know how to dress for the occasion. In Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace always puts on a festive show: this year, you’ll journey to the Land of Oz along a yellow brick road that’s dusted with wintery magic. Or, head into a tropical paradise at Northumberland’s Bamburgh Castle as part of its spectacular new Treasured Tales theme.

Photo by: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London The Making of Harry Potter

Location: Watford, England

Christmas tree in Gryffindor common room with casual student clothes on dummies

A bewitching winter at Hogwarts

If you thought the Wizarding World couldn’t be any more magical, just wait until you’ve experienced it under a sprinkling of snow. ‘Hogwarts in the Snow’ transforms the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London into a winter wonderland, complete with towering Christmas trees, festive wreaths and decorations galore. The tour’s iconic Hogwarts model will even be given an icy makeover – look out for the tiny snowman figures hidden around the castle.

Discover Hogwarts in the Snow at The Making of Harry Potter

Winter sports in Britain

No snow? No problem. Skate past London landmarks or learn the ropes on the slopes in Manchester.

Bath on Ice

Bath, England 14th November 2025 - 4th January 2026

Test out your best balancing skills this winter in Bath as you embark on an ice-skating adventure at the Royal Pavilion.

Photo by: VisitBath

Iceskaters gliding across the ice in the evening at Bath on Ice

Ski Cairngorms

Cairngorm Mountain, Scotland

Whether you’re a skiing beginner or a total pro, hit the slopes at Cairngorm Mountain Resort.

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Cairngorms

Chill Factore

Manchester, England

From pros to absolute beginners, there's room for everyone on the slopes at Chill Factore.

Photo by: Chill Factore

Location: Manchester, England

Two men skiing and snowboarding on an indoor snowslope at Chill Factore in Manchester

Brighton Royal Pavilion Ice Rink

Brighton, England 25th October 2025 - 4th January 2026

Glide across the ice at this family-friendly festive experience, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Royal Pavilion.

Photo by: royalpavillionicerink

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Hampton, England 21st November 2025 - 4th January 2026

Put on your skates and glide into Christmas with an extravagant Tudor building in the background, then relax with a warming sweet hot chocolate.

Photo by: Leftfield Images

Location: Hampton Court Palace, London

An ice rink set within the grounds of Hampton Court Palace in London.

Birmingham Ice Rink

Birmingham, England December 2025

Glide into the festive season at Birmingham’s undercover ice rink at Centenary Square.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Storyman

People posing for selfie in front of the Birmingham Library

Bath on Ice
Bath, England 14th November 2025 - 4th January 2026
Test out your best balancing skills this winter in Bath as you embark on an ice-skating adventure at the Royal Pavilion.

Photo by: VisitBath
Ski Cairngorms
Cairngorm Mountain, Scotland
Whether you’re a skiing beginner or a total pro, hit the slopes at Cairngorm Mountain Resort.

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Cairngorms
Chill Factore
Manchester, England
From pros to absolute beginners, there's room for everyone on the slopes at Chill Factore.

Photo by: Chill Factore

Location: Manchester, England
Brighton Royal Pavilion Ice Rink
Brighton, England 25th October 2025 - 4th January 2026
Glide across the ice at this family-friendly festive experience, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Royal Pavilion.

Photo by: royalpavillionicerink
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Hampton, England 21st November 2025 - 4th January 2026
Put on your skates and glide into Christmas with an extravagant Tudor building in the background, then relax with a warming sweet hot chocolate.

Photo by: Leftfield Images

Location: Hampton Court Palace, London
Birmingham Ice Rink
Birmingham, England December 2025
Glide into the festive season at Birmingham’s undercover ice rink at Centenary Square.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Storyman

Ice Rink Canary Wharf, London, England
London’s longest-running ice rink, with its spectacular Christmas tree and mirrorball, returns to Canary Wharf’s Canada Square Park from 25 October 2025 until 23 February 2026.
Glide at Battersea Power Station, London, England
Framed by Battersea’s iconic towers, Glide at Battersea (7 November 2025 – 4 January 2026) has not one but three interconnected rinks to whizz around, with glorious views of the River Thames. New for 2025 is London’s only Skate Trail.
Skate Manchester, north-west England
Make a beeline to Skate Manchester for a magical skating experience in Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens, from 25 October 2025 until 4 January 2026.

More sporting adventures in Britain

Winter food and drink experiences in Britain

‘Tis the season for hearty grub and indulgent treats. Munch your way through the season with local winter dishes and experiences, or tuck into a warming pudding after a snowy stroll.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Hand holding Bakewell tart in front of bakery

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

Sink your spoon into a traditional Bakewell pudding at this famous bakery and tea room – not to mention its tempting array of scones, cakes, tarts, breads and muffins. And that’s not all: look out for pudding-flavoured gins, cherry Bakewell vodka, and a huge array of locally made chutneys, jams and preserves. The restaurant sits above the shop, serving breakfast, lunch and snacks every day of the week.

Visit The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

Location: Cairngorms

Festive meal on the Strathspey Railway

Celebrate Christmas with a fabulous afternoon tea on the Strathspey Railway – featuring festive cakes, sparkling wine, and scones baked on-board. The trains have been running through the Cairngorms National Park for over 40 years, pulled by vintage steam-powered and diesel locomotives. It runs year-round: other themed events include ghost stories at Halloween, and family-friendly festivals during summer.

Enjoy a festive meal on the Strathspey Railway

Photo by: grasmeregingerbread

Location: Lake District

Closeup of Grasmere Gingerbread on a rock by a lakeside

The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

Get your fill at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop - the site where Victorian cook Sarah Nelson created the treat. Back in 1854, Nelson cooked up this famous sweet and spicy treat and it’s still being made there today. It’s freshly baked every day in this small shop, alongside rum butter, toffee, Kendal Mint Cake, fudge and much more. For gingerbread fans, there’s an online shop too.

Treat yourself at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

Photo by: The Haggis Experience

The Haggis Experience

Haggis is a curious dish and with The Haggis Experience’s Haggis Making Masterclass, you can learn to make it at their working sheep farm outside of Stirling. You’ll get an education on the flavours and ingredients that make up this Burns Night favourite, as well as how to prepare the classic accompaniments, before sitting down to a three-course meal packed full of local produce. Expect banter, history and folklore – vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.

Discover more about The Haggis Experience

Meet Britain's winter film stars

If romcoms are your winter watch of choice, make like Bridget Jones and head to Snowshill in the Cotswolds. It’s this quaint Gloucestershire village where Bridget visits her parents’ home at Christmas in Bridget Jones’s Diary. Bring your hiking boots to tackle the Snowshill to Littleworth Wood circular walk to see the Cotswolds in its winter glory. Or discover the Surrey filming locations of The Holiday on a set-jetting day trip from London. Cameron Diaz’s character moves into a cosy cottage in the town of Shere, with teashops, pubs and a small museum to explore.

Mad about period dramas? Then Downton Abbey’s Christmas specials may be a staple of your festive viewing. Relive the show’s magic with a trip to Inveraray Castle in Argyll and Bute, which starred in the first Christmas special. The estate welcomes walkers all year round to enjoy woodland strolls and views over Loch Fyne.

If Nativity! is a must-watch for you at Christmas, head to Coventry, which provided the sparkling backdrop to the film. Go Christmas shopping at FarGo Village for unusual gifts.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sarah Eichhorn

A woman exits a red telephone box with a church in the background

Fantastic festive shopping experiences

From sparkling Christmas window displays to Santa’s Grottos and wintery shopping villages, Britain’s shopping scene is in its element this season.

Santa on the Roof, Fenwick Newcastle, north-east England
Find Santa in his cosy cabin on the Fenwick rooftop in this festive tradition from 3 November to 24 December 2025. And don’t miss the store’s spellbinding Christmas window display – well worth stopping off at if you’re nearby this winter.
The Grotto Trafford Centre, Manchester, north-west England
Take an enchanting journey to Santa’s Grotto in this immersive adventure at Manchester’s Trafford Centre. Outside, there’s the Christmas Trail to explore, a dazzling light display in the woodlands next to the mall.
Winterland at Bluewater, Kent, south-east England
Combine a winter trip to Bluewater Shopping Centre with fun-filled family rides and traditional fairground games at Winterland from 8 November 2025 until 11 January 2026. There’ll be Christmassy food and drink stalls too, including a German swing grill – delicious.

Christmas at Selfridges

London, England

Lavish window displays and endless shopping in the capital’s longest-established department store.

Photo by: Alamy/Robert Harding/Mark Mawson

Location: London, England

Selfridges at Christmas, Oxford Street, London, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Cotswold Christmas Shop

Lechlade, England

Every day is Christmas Day at this year-round Christmas shop.

Photo by: cotswoldchristmasshop

Fortnum and Mason

London, England

A part of London’s high couture stores for more than 300 years, step into luxury at Fortnum and Mason.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Location: London

A crowd of people on the street outside Fortnum & Mason in London at night

Christmas at Selfridges
London, England
Lavish window displays and endless shopping in the capital’s longest-established department store.

Photo by: Alamy/Robert Harding/Mark Mawson

Location: London, England
Cotswold Christmas Shop
Lechlade, England
Every day is Christmas Day at this year-round Christmas shop.

Photo by: cotswoldchristmasshop
Fortnum and Mason
London, England
A part of London’s high couture stores for more than 300 years, step into luxury at Fortnum and Mason.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Location: London

More iconic shopping experiences in Britain

Festive shows and spectacles in Britain

Sing your heart out at a carol concert, or watch the professionals shine at a festive ballet.

Hallé Christmas Concerts, Manchester, north-west England
The sounds of winter come to the Bridgewater Hall from 4 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, with Christmas Concerts set to bring the festive spirit. Highlights include the Hallé Christmas Family Concert and the iconic story of The Snowman.
The Nutcracker, Birmingham Hippodrome, The Midlands, England
Be wowed by the flash footwork of the Birmingham Royal Ballet as they perform their stunning Christmas show, The Nutcracker, that is set to delight audiences young and old alike at the Birmingham Hippodrome (21 November – 13 December 2025).
The Snow Queen, Glasgow, western Scotland
Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale is brought to the stage by the Scottish Ballet at Theatre Royal Glasgow from 3 – 17 January 2026. Be swept away by the beautiful choreography and Rimsky-Korsakov’s timeless music.
Christmas at the Glasshouse, Gateshead, north-east England
Don your Christmas jumper for a night of incredible festive tunes, played by the Royal Northern Sinfonia and accompanied by the Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia, on 17 December 2025 for Christmas at the Glasshouse.

Christmas trees and carols in Trafalgar Square

London, England

Marvel at the absolutely enormous tree that fills Trafalgar Square each year, attend the tree lighting ceremony or stay for the carol singers.

Photo by: Getty Images/Betsie Van Der Meer

Location: Trafalgar square, London, England

Advent and Christmas at St Paul's Cathedral

London, England

All are welcome to experience the Christmas spirit at this iconic location through concerts and services, with Christmas carols, Midnight Mass and more.

Photo by: Graham Westley Lacdao

St Paul's Choristers lighting candles at Christmas

Christmas trees and carols in Trafalgar Square
London, England
Marvel at the absolutely enormous tree that fills Trafalgar Square each year, attend the tree lighting ceremony or stay for the carol singers.

Photo by: Getty Images/Betsie Van Der Meer

Location: Trafalgar square, London, England
Advent and Christmas at St Paul's Cathedral
London, England
All are welcome to experience the Christmas spirit at this iconic location through concerts and services, with Christmas carols, Midnight Mass and more.

Photo by: Graham Westley Lacdao

More theatre shows and exhibitions in Britain

Christmas and winter experiences in Britain

From light trails to silent discos – and everything in between. Meet local artisans, pick up an unusual present or get crafty at a festive workshop with friends old and new.

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Most popular things to do

What to do in 2025

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VisitBritain Shop

Visas and entry

Explore

Nations

Most popular things to do

What to do in 2025

Themes

Film and TV

Regional Britain

Need to know

VisitBritain Shop

Visas and entry

Britain's winter experiences

Bright and beautiful light trails

Deck the halls of Britain’s heritage buildings

A bewitching winter at Hogwarts

Winter sports in Britain

Ice Rink Canary Wharf, London, England

Glide at Battersea Power Station, London, England

Skate Manchester, north-west England

Winter food and drink experiences in Britain

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

Festive meal on the Strathspey Railway

The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

The Haggis Experience

Meet Britain's winter film stars

Fantastic festive shopping experiences

Santa on the Roof, Fenwick Newcastle, north-east England

The Grotto Trafford Centre, Manchester, north-west England

Winterland at Bluewater, Kent, south-east England

Festive shows and spectacles in Britain

Hallé Christmas Concerts, Manchester, north-west England

The Nutcracker, Birmingham Hippodrome, The Midlands, England

The Snow Queen, Glasgow, western Scotland

Christmas at the Glasshouse, Gateshead, north-east England

Christmas and winter experiences in Britain

Northern Lights Newcastle, north-east England

Christmas Tree Festival, Chester, north-west England

Once Upon A Christmas at the Mansion, Tatton Park, north-west England

Castle of Light, Edinburgh, south-east Scotland

A Magical Night Before Christmas, Belvoir Castle, Midlands, England

Winter Lights, The Alnwick Garden, north-east England

Portmeirion Christmas Food and Craft Fair, north Wales

The Great Christmas Feast, The Lost Estate, London, England

Glasgow festive silent disco, west Scotland

Winter Funland, Midlands, England

Boxing Day strolls in Britain

Get to know Britain's Boxing Day

What is Boxing Day and how is it celebrated?

When is Boxing Day?

Are shops open on Boxing Day in Britain?

Are there football matches on Boxing Day?

Traditional winter and New Year events in Britain

Other winter celebrations in Britain

Discover more winter experiences at the VisitBritain Shop

Discover more winter experiences at the VisitBritain Shop

More festive fun

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