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Winter events in Britain

Immerse yourself in Britain’s centuries-old traditions, like the Lake District’s Winter Droving festival and the Olney Pancake Race (yes, you read that right). Cheer on your favourite team at the Six Nations Rugby, or get lost in the stars at the Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival.

Things to do in Britain in winter

  • 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.

    Photo by: Ian Woolcock / Alamy Stock Photo

    Location: Mousehole, England

    A beautiful evening display of Christmas lights reflecting over a quaint English village & harbour.
  • Christmas markets in Britain in 2026 will have you feeling festive in no time. For the best British Christmas markets and winter fairs you're in the right place.

    Photo by: Getty Images/SolStock

    Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

    Group of young friends sharing a bag of cotton candy at the Christmas market.

Indoor winter activities in Britain

We've got plenty to keep you busy this winter, come rain or shine. Learn a new skill or get your heart pumping with these hands-on indoors activities in Britain, from crazy golf to chocolate making.
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Create one-of-a-kind souvenirs at this sociable ceramics studio, with classes and workshops galore.

Get arty at Cardiff Pottery Workshops (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Getty Images / 10000 Hours

Location: Grayshott, England

Woman making pottery bowl on a pottery wheel.
Cardiff Pottery Workshops

See expert chocolatiers at work, and have a go at creating your own cocoa masterpieces too!

Discover York's Chocolate Story (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Location: York, England

Person decorating dark chocolate with white chocolate piping
York's Chocolate Story

Get a hold for bouldering at this indoor climbing experience. Navigate your way up dedicated climbing routes as you get a thrill for this exciting sport.

Visit LancasterWall Climbing (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Lancaster Wall

Location: Lancaster, England

People climbing an indoor bouldering wall in Lancashire
LancasterWall Climbing Experience

A caving experience like no other! You can bounce, leap and jump through this extraordinary subterranean playground.

Explore Bounce Below, Zip World Slate Caverns (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Crown Copyright/Visit Wales

Location: Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales

Group of people bouncing on net trampolines suspended in deep caverns
Bounce Below, Zip World Slate Caverns

Calling all chocoholics! Every inch of this museum and experience is dedicated to our favourite treat.

Discover Cadbury World (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: West Midlands Growth Company

Location: Birmingham, England

A boy, with curly hair, squeezing chocolate out of a bottle
Cadbury World

Part whisky distillery, part heritage museum – Ad Gefrin offers a fascinating taste of Northumberland life.

Discover the spirit of Northumberland at Ad Gefrin (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu

Location: Wooler, England

Three women having a tasting session at a whisky distillery
Ad Gefrin

Come for the golf, stay for the party – a riotous mash-up of crazy golf, drinks and music.

Tee off at Junkyard Golf Club (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Junkyard Golf Oxford

Location: Oxford, England

Two people posing with golf clubs at Junkyard Golf in Oxford
Junkyard Golf Club

A thrill seeker’s dream, enter this tropical paradise with more than 18 waterslides and attractions for all the family.

Hours of fun at Sandcastle Waterpark (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Sandcastle Waterpark

Location: Blackpool, England

People riding slides at an indoor water park.
Sandcastle Waterpark

Churn the cheese scene up with a hands-on Cheese Making Day. Led by experts in all things dairy, you’ll learn the basics of making your own cheese.

Visit Teesdale Cheesemakers (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Teesdale Cheesemakers

Location: Durham, England

A tour of Teesdale Cheesemakers, looking at the creation of local cheeses
Teesdale Cheesemakers

With bowling, American pool, beer pong and more, this adults-only playground is full of competitive fun.

Visit Roxy Ball Room (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: The Roxy Ballroom

Location: Birmingham, England

A row of Crazy Pool tables in Roxy Ballroom in Birmingham, a mash-up of crazy golf and pool
Roxy Ball Room

From pros to absolute beginners, there's room for everyone on the slopes at The Snow Centre.

Enjoy a snow session at The Snow Centre (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Chill Factore

Location: Manchester, England

Two men skiing and snowboarding on an indoor snowslope at Chill Factore in Manchester
The Snow Centre, Manchester

With shows for younger audiences and adults alike, enjoy a puppet show or get the kids involved in puppet making.

Pick up a puppet at Norwich Puppet Theatre (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Andi Sapey

Location: Norwich, England

A performer on stage at Norwich Puppet Theatre
Norwich Puppet Theatre

Slip into a world free of distractions, where not even light, sound or gravity can interrupt your me-time.

Plan your visit to Float Planet (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Float Planet Liverpool

Location: Liverpool, England

A woman in a flotation tank
Float Planet

A throw of the dice can win it all at this board gaming cafe. There are over 350 games to choose from – who will reign supreme?

Challenge your friends at Board (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Exeter City Council

Location: Exeter, England

A family playing a board game while eating food at a cafe while playing board games
Board – board games cafe

Take a spin on an Olympic-sized ice rink, at the home of the Nottingham Panthers ice hockey team.

Discover the National Ice Centre (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: National Ice Centre, Nottingham

Location: Nottingham, England

People skating at the National Ice Centre, Nottingham
National Ice Centre

Get crafting with a sewing and craft class at Made and Making in the South Downs Heritage and Garden Centre, near Brighton.

Get crafting at Made and Making (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo/Maksim Kostenko

Location: South Downs

Close-up of hands doing embroidery with a needle and thread on fabric featuring a partially completed pattern.
Made and Making

The history of the tower comes to life at the 4D cinema experience, before heading 380-feet up where panoramic views and daring glass walkway await.

Visit The Blackpool Tower Eye (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Sean Conboy, Visit Blackpool

Location: Blackpool, England

Top of Blackpool Tower with Blackpool Eye.
The Blackpool Tower Eye and 4D Experience

Try paintballing, go-karting and escape games, and make a splash in bumper boats and inflatable zorbs.

Visit Heatherton World of Activities (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Visit Pembrokeshire

Location: St Florence, Wales

A boy doing archery at Heatherton World of Activities
Heatherton World of Activities

Take a bite out of Glasgow’s food, culture and history on these fun, informative walking tours.

Discover The Wee Food Tour (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Norman Pogson / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Scotland

Scottish Haggis Table Setting For A Burns Night Dinner With A Royal Stuart Tartan Napkin Celebrating The Birthday Of Robert Burns The Scottish Poet
The Wee Food Tour

Filled with original props, sets and costumes from the Harry Potter films, this is a must-visit for all fans.

More about the Harry Potter Studio Tour (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Warner Bros. Studio Tours, The Making of Harry Potter/Marc Sethi

Location: London, England

Hagrids Hut, Warner Bros Studio Tours, Harry Potter World
Warner Bros. Studio Tour - Harry Potter

Get hands-on with glassblowing, cutting, colouring and sculpting, to create your own unique pieces.

Go Glassblowing with Gift of Glass (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Gift of Glass

Location: Tenby, Wales

Glassblowing with Gift of Glass
Glassblowing with Gift of Glass

Photo by: spiritofthespey

Location: Ballindalloch, Scotland

A man tasting whisky at the Ballindalloch Distillery in northern Scotland
Ballindalloch Distillery

Featuring zip lines, climbing walls, abseiling and caving ladders, this is a totally epic adventure.

Brave the Underground Adventurer Extreme (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitCornwall/Cornwall Underground Adventures

Location: Hayle, England

A man exploring through a cave system at Cornwall Underground Adventures
Underground Adventurer Extreme

The Bayeux Tapestry

10th September 2026 - 11th July 2027

For the first time since it was made, this medieval masterpiece lands back on British shores, chronicling the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Get your tickets to see the Bayeux Tapestry (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: La Fabrique de patrimoines en Normandie / Antoine Cazin

Location: London, England

Medieval tapestry showing armored horse riders in battle, with animals and Latin text above and below the main scene.
The Bayeux Tapestry

Meet Britain’s favourite bear at this new immersive experience, as you help the Brown family prepare for ‘Marmalade Day’.

Step into the Paddington Bear Experience (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: The Path Entertainment Group/Paddington Bear Experience/Alex Brenner

Location: London, England

Character actors talking to a young child.
The Paddington Bear Experience

Have a go at stone carving at Burngate Purbeck Stone Centre and take home a Jurassic Coast souvenir with a difference.

Get creative at Burngate Stone Carving Centre (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Burngate Stone Carving Centre

Location: Swanage, England

Groups of people taking a class at Burngate Stone Carving Centre
Burngate Stone Carving Centre

Bathe in Buxton mineral water, unwind in the infrared sauna and breathe deep in the salt cave.

Relax at Champneys Buxton Crescent (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: @thesophiew/Buxton Crescent & Thermal Spa

Location: Buxton (Derbyshire), England

View of outdoor thermal spa with buildings in the background
Champneys Buxton Crescent

This city retreat offers state-of-the-art floatation tanks, to ease away the stresses of everyday life.

Enjoy The Floating Spa (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Video by Rob Abdul from My Love Photography

Location: Birmingham, England

A floatation tank being prepared for a spa treatment at The Floating Spa in Birmingham
The Floating Spa

Photo by: British Pullman, Marisa Davies @tea.from.above

Location: England

View looking into one of the carriages of Belmont British Pullman train
The Belmond British Pullman

Calling all Game of Thrones fans! Enter the world of The Seven Kingdoms, complete with original costumes, props and weapons.

More on the Game of Thrones Studio Tour (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Linen Mill Studios/WarnerMedia/Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Location: Banbridge, Northern Ireland

Costume Gallery at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour
Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Create one-of-a-kind souvenirs at this sociable ceramics studio, with classes and workshops galore.

Get arty at Cardiff Pottery Workshops (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Getty Images / 10000 Hours

Location: Grayshott, England

Woman making pottery bowl on a pottery wheel.
Cardiff Pottery Workshops

See expert chocolatiers at work, and have a go at creating your own cocoa masterpieces too!

Discover York's Chocolate Story (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Location: York, England

Person decorating dark chocolate with white chocolate piping
York's Chocolate Story

Get a hold for bouldering at this indoor climbing experience. Navigate your way up dedicated climbing routes as you get a thrill for this exciting sport.

Visit LancasterWall Climbing (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Lancaster Wall

Location: Lancaster, England

People climbing an indoor bouldering wall in Lancashire
LancasterWall Climbing Experience

A caving experience like no other! You can bounce, leap and jump through this extraordinary subterranean playground.

Explore Bounce Below, Zip World Slate Caverns (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Crown Copyright/Visit Wales

Location: Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales

Group of people bouncing on net trampolines suspended in deep caverns
Bounce Below, Zip World Slate Caverns

Calling all chocoholics! Every inch of this museum and experience is dedicated to our favourite treat.

Discover Cadbury World (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: West Midlands Growth Company

Location: Birmingham, England

A boy, with curly hair, squeezing chocolate out of a bottle
Cadbury World

Part whisky distillery, part heritage museum – Ad Gefrin offers a fascinating taste of Northumberland life.

Discover the spirit of Northumberland at Ad Gefrin (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu

Location: Wooler, England

Three women having a tasting session at a whisky distillery
Ad Gefrin

Come for the golf, stay for the party – a riotous mash-up of crazy golf, drinks and music.

Tee off at Junkyard Golf Club (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Junkyard Golf Oxford

Location: Oxford, England

Two people posing with golf clubs at Junkyard Golf in Oxford
Junkyard Golf Club

A thrill seeker’s dream, enter this tropical paradise with more than 18 waterslides and attractions for all the family.

Hours of fun at Sandcastle Waterpark (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Sandcastle Waterpark

Location: Blackpool, England

People riding slides at an indoor water park.
Sandcastle Waterpark

Churn the cheese scene up with a hands-on Cheese Making Day. Led by experts in all things dairy, you’ll learn the basics of making your own cheese.

Visit Teesdale Cheesemakers (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Teesdale Cheesemakers

Location: Durham, England

A tour of Teesdale Cheesemakers, looking at the creation of local cheeses
Teesdale Cheesemakers

With bowling, American pool, beer pong and more, this adults-only playground is full of competitive fun.

Visit Roxy Ball Room (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: The Roxy Ballroom

Location: Birmingham, England

A row of Crazy Pool tables in Roxy Ballroom in Birmingham, a mash-up of crazy golf and pool
Roxy Ball Room

From pros to absolute beginners, there's room for everyone on the slopes at The Snow Centre.

Enjoy a snow session at The Snow Centre (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Chill Factore

Location: Manchester, England

Two men skiing and snowboarding on an indoor snowslope at Chill Factore in Manchester
The Snow Centre, Manchester

With shows for younger audiences and adults alike, enjoy a puppet show or get the kids involved in puppet making.

Pick up a puppet at Norwich Puppet Theatre (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Andi Sapey

Location: Norwich, England

A performer on stage at Norwich Puppet Theatre
Norwich Puppet Theatre

Slip into a world free of distractions, where not even light, sound or gravity can interrupt your me-time.

Plan your visit to Float Planet (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Float Planet Liverpool

Location: Liverpool, England

A woman in a flotation tank
Float Planet

A throw of the dice can win it all at this board gaming cafe. There are over 350 games to choose from – who will reign supreme?

Challenge your friends at Board (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Exeter City Council

Location: Exeter, England

A family playing a board game while eating food at a cafe while playing board games
Board – board games cafe

Take a spin on an Olympic-sized ice rink, at the home of the Nottingham Panthers ice hockey team.

Discover the National Ice Centre (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: National Ice Centre, Nottingham

Location: Nottingham, England

People skating at the National Ice Centre, Nottingham
National Ice Centre

Get crafting with a sewing and craft class at Made and Making in the South Downs Heritage and Garden Centre, near Brighton.

Get crafting at Made and Making (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo/Maksim Kostenko

Location: South Downs

Close-up of hands doing embroidery with a needle and thread on fabric featuring a partially completed pattern.
Made and Making

The history of the tower comes to life at the 4D cinema experience, before heading 380-feet up where panoramic views and daring glass walkway await.

Visit The Blackpool Tower Eye (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Sean Conboy, Visit Blackpool

Location: Blackpool, England

Top of Blackpool Tower with Blackpool Eye.
The Blackpool Tower Eye and 4D Experience

Try paintballing, go-karting and escape games, and make a splash in bumper boats and inflatable zorbs.

Visit Heatherton World of Activities (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Visit Pembrokeshire

Location: St Florence, Wales

A boy doing archery at Heatherton World of Activities
Heatherton World of Activities

Take a bite out of Glasgow’s food, culture and history on these fun, informative walking tours.

Discover The Wee Food Tour (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Norman Pogson / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Scotland

Scottish Haggis Table Setting For A Burns Night Dinner With A Royal Stuart Tartan Napkin Celebrating The Birthday Of Robert Burns The Scottish Poet
The Wee Food Tour

Filled with original props, sets and costumes from the Harry Potter films, this is a must-visit for all fans.

More about the Harry Potter Studio Tour (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Warner Bros. Studio Tours, The Making of Harry Potter/Marc Sethi

Location: London, England

Hagrids Hut, Warner Bros Studio Tours, Harry Potter World
Warner Bros. Studio Tour - Harry Potter

Get hands-on with glassblowing, cutting, colouring and sculpting, to create your own unique pieces.

Go Glassblowing with Gift of Glass (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Gift of Glass

Location: Tenby, Wales

Glassblowing with Gift of Glass
Glassblowing with Gift of Glass

Photo by: spiritofthespey

Location: Ballindalloch, Scotland

A man tasting whisky at the Ballindalloch Distillery in northern Scotland
Ballindalloch Distillery

Featuring zip lines, climbing walls, abseiling and caving ladders, this is a totally epic adventure.

Brave the Underground Adventurer Extreme (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitCornwall/Cornwall Underground Adventures

Location: Hayle, England

A man exploring through a cave system at Cornwall Underground Adventures
Underground Adventurer Extreme

The Bayeux Tapestry

10th September 2026 - 11th July 2027

For the first time since it was made, this medieval masterpiece lands back on British shores, chronicling the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Get your tickets to see the Bayeux Tapestry (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: La Fabrique de patrimoines en Normandie / Antoine Cazin

Location: London, England

Medieval tapestry showing armored horse riders in battle, with animals and Latin text above and below the main scene.
The Bayeux Tapestry

Meet Britain’s favourite bear at this new immersive experience, as you help the Brown family prepare for ‘Marmalade Day’.

Step into the Paddington Bear Experience (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: The Path Entertainment Group/Paddington Bear Experience/Alex Brenner

Location: London, England

Character actors talking to a young child.
The Paddington Bear Experience

Have a go at stone carving at Burngate Purbeck Stone Centre and take home a Jurassic Coast souvenir with a difference.

Get creative at Burngate Stone Carving Centre (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Burngate Stone Carving Centre

Location: Swanage, England

Groups of people taking a class at Burngate Stone Carving Centre
Burngate Stone Carving Centre

Bathe in Buxton mineral water, unwind in the infrared sauna and breathe deep in the salt cave.

Relax at Champneys Buxton Crescent (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: @thesophiew/Buxton Crescent & Thermal Spa

Location: Buxton (Derbyshire), England

View of outdoor thermal spa with buildings in the background
Champneys Buxton Crescent

This city retreat offers state-of-the-art floatation tanks, to ease away the stresses of everyday life.

Enjoy The Floating Spa (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Video by Rob Abdul from My Love Photography

Location: Birmingham, England

A floatation tank being prepared for a spa treatment at The Floating Spa in Birmingham
The Floating Spa

Photo by: British Pullman, Marisa Davies @tea.from.above

Location: England

View looking into one of the carriages of Belmont British Pullman train
The Belmond British Pullman

Calling all Game of Thrones fans! Enter the world of The Seven Kingdoms, complete with original costumes, props and weapons.

More on the Game of Thrones Studio Tour (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Linen Mill Studios/WarnerMedia/Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Location: Banbridge, Northern Ireland

Costume Gallery at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour
Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Winter sports in Britain

Whether you’re out on the slopes in Scotland or whizzing around an ice rink in Nottingham, there are so many active things to do in Britain this winter.

Explore Britain’s light trails

Get your glow on at these immersive light trails and displays, bringing magic to those chilly winter evenings.

Photo by: Dimitris Legakis/Athena Pictures

Location: Port Talbot, Wales

Two women walking together through a lit walkway covered in plants.
  • Luminate Wales 

    Margam Country Park, south Wales 

    As darkness falls, explore Margam Country Park’s historic gardens guided by the glow of fairy lights. Stop for a sweet treat halfway round and toast marshmallows over the firepits.

  • Christmas at the Botanics 

    Edinburgh, Scotland 

    The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh promises the return of fan-favourite displays like the Christmas Cathedral and Fire Garden plus some special new features in its 2026 light trail.   

  • Northern Lights Leicester 

    East Midlands, England 

    Leicester’s Abbey Park is transformed into an award-winning kingdom of light to enchant the whole family. There are also two neuro-inclusive evenings for guests with accessibility needs.  

  • Lanterns & Light, Chester Zoo 

    Cheshire, north-west England 

    Come face-to-fur with illuminated animal puppets at this stunning display of colour, light and sound at Chester Zoo. Look out for exclusive adults-only nights too.  

  • Trentham Winter Light Trail 

    West Midlands, England 

    Festive surprises await around every corner at this Staffordshire light trail, with new displays and soundscapes for 2026. Plus, enjoy the après bar, local food, kids’ rides and more. 

  • RHS Glow 

    RHS Gardens across England 

    See England’s five RHS Gardens in all their beautifully lit winter glory. Join in the fun at RHS Wisley, Surrey; RHS Bridgewater, Salford; RHS Harlow Carr, North Yorkshire; RHS Hyde Hall, Essex; and RHS Rosemoor, North Devon.  

Like that winter film? Love this winter destination

After-dark nightlife and culture in Britain

Make the most of the longer nights with after-hours fun in Britain’s museums and galleries. Or how about a candlelight concert, or a spot of shopping?

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu

Location: Bristol, England

Three friends standing and laughing under a red illuminated canopy
  • Art After Dark at the National Museum Cardiff 

    Pick up a paintbrush and create your interpretation of iconic artwork at the National Museum Cardiff’s regular Art After Dark sessions. Hosted by local artist Rachel Rasmussen, the sessions aim to unleash your inner creative – with no prior experience needed. 

  • Comedy at the Museum, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery 

    Comedy at the Museum puts the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s Tearoom centre stage for a night of belly laughs. Before the show, you can explore the museum’s galleries and relax with a drink, before watching some of Britain’s top comedians in action.  

  • Glasgow Science Lates 

    Leave the kids at home for these adults-only events at Glasgow Science Centre, where you can experience hundreds of interactive exhibits, meet experts and enjoy talks with a drink in hand. Look out for ‘Illuminate’, on 12 December 2026, and ‘Amplify’, on 12 March 2027.  

  • Candlelight concerts at Manchester Cathedral

    Swap hymns for the music of Adele and Fleetwood Mac at Manchester Cathedral’s eclectic line-up of candlelight tribute concerts. The medieval church provides a suitably atmospheric setting for an evening of top tunes – visit during the day to take a guided tour. Look out for candlelit shows in other iconic city venues too, like Hallé St Peter’s in Ancoats.

  • The Night Market UK, across Britain

    Love late-night shopping? Uncover vintage finds and handmade makes at The Night Market UK, which supports local creatives. Plus, there’ll be live music and street food stalls to keep you fuelled all evening long. Recent markets have popped up in Birmingham, Newcastle and Manchester – keep an eye on their socials for more locations. 

  • After Hours at Wake The Tiger, Bristol 

    Britain’s largest immersive art experience, Wake The Tiger is a Bristol family favourite – but its adults-only After Hours are a must for big kids too. Explore more than 40 surreal spaces, meeting robots and whizzing down slides along the way, and don’t miss the on-site bar dishing out pizzas and drinks. 

  • Dino Snores at the Natural History Museum, London 

    Sleep beneath the skeleton of an enormous blue whale at the Natural History Museum’s Dino Snores for Grown Ups events, throughout winter 2026/27. Enjoy free access to selected galleries, an ethical live animal workshop, dino bingo, a science show, stand-up comedy and more, plus you’ll be well fed and watered. 

  • Maltby Street Market, London 

    In the run-up to Christmas, Maltby Street Market normally extends its opening hours until 9pm for its Festive Friday lates. Pick up a stocking filler, arm yourself with a mulled wine and soak up the festive cheer.

Top British winter destinations

Explore Britain through the seasons

FAQs

  • According to the meteorological calendar, winter in Britain begins on 1 December and ends on 28 February. The Met Office, Britain’s national meteorological service, highlights a split in winter conditions: most years produce wet and windy winters, but some are colder and calmer. Depending on where you are in Britain, you may experience different conditions. For example, if you are in the south of Britain or nearer our coasts, you are more likely to experience less cold winters. 

  • On average, Britain gets 13 days of lying snow a year according to the Met Office. Your chances of seeing lying snow are higher in Scotland, with an average of 23 days. More snow does fall but does not stick. 

  • Coastal areas in the south of England usually experience milder weather conditions during winter. Due to a weather phenomenon called the foehn effect, which sees warmer air forming to the lee of mountains, some areas of the Scottish Highlands become unlikely winter hotspots. Both Britain’s hottest December and January temperatures have been recorded in Achfary, in the north-west Highlands.  

  • Yes, there are a handful of real snow resorts in Scotland where you can whizz down the pistes. The five major resorts are Glencoe, Nevis Range, Cairngorm Mountain, Glenshee and The Lecht, catering for all levels of skiers. You can even ski in England thanks to the volunteer-led Lake District Ski Club, which operates a button lift at Raise.  

Check out the winter action on VisitBritain’s Instagram

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu Films/Ula Blocksage

Location: London, England

Two women leaving a pub covered with festive Christmas decorations.

Planning your trip to Britain? Our social media channels are full of destination inspiration for your winter break.  

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