Looking to travel outside of peak season? A trip to Britain in winter has its own unmissable delights. Enjoy everything from holiday traditions and refreshing walks in crisp country air to evenings in local pubs that ooze cosiness and Christmas charm. From London to the Highlands, plan a trip this winter and discover the highlights of Britain in all their festive glory.

London, south England

As winter approaches, London transforms into the capital of cosy. Lights twinkle as far as the eye can see, shops go all out with magical window displays and pubs bustle with traditional decorations and crackling log fires.

Daytime activity – see the city’s festive lights

Winter in London is a must for those wanting a holiday filled with festive magic and romance. Walk under canopies of glittering lights, marvel at giant Christmas trees and see some of the best festive shop displays in the city. Stop by the famous Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square, see the lights of Carnaby Street and browse the amazing window displays of department stores including Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges or Harrods – or sightsee in style on a Christmas taxi tour.

Winter tradition – explore London on ice!

Built in 1881, the awe-inspiring Romanesque architecture of London’s Natural History Museum makes it one of the city’s best known and most beautiful icons. Packed with fascinating exhibitions throughout the year, during the winter months something extra special pops up, as the building becomes the stunning backdrop to one of the city’s most popular ice rinks. Lit with twinkling fairy lights and with a majestic Christmas tree at its centre, the ice rink is a popular choice for a romantic London date or family outing during the winter months.

When? 19 October 2019 – 12 January 2020

Where to stay – sleep like royalty

Said to be one of London’s ‘best kept secrets’, Hazlitt’s Hotel is every-inch as regal, charming and luxurious as its Georgian townhouse exterior implies. Nestled in the heart of Soho, the hotel’s elegant décor is typified by chandeliers, tall windows and antique furniture, while its honesty bar, library and top-notch service make it the perfect base for visitors looking for a uniquely stylish stay in the capital.

How much? From circa £242 per night

Where to eat – dine like a queen

Visitors looking to relax and warm up in a traditional pub should head to The Queen’s Head. A cosy haven in the middle of bustling King’s Cross, the pub comes complete with a crackling open fire, a selection of great ales, whiskies, and even a special cheese board for those feeling peckish.

The Cotswolds, south England

Located just a three-hour drive from central London, the Cotswolds is a world away from the buzzing streets of the capital.

Daytime activity – discover chocolate-box beauty

For a taste of the Cotswold’s picturesque cottage lifestyle, head to Chipping Campden. This quaint British town offers visitors traditional sand-coloured cottages, friendly, locally-run shops and a historic church, not to mention a choice of charming tearooms – the perfect spot for a warming pot of tea and a traditional teacake or two.

Winter tradition – experience Christmas at Blenheim Palace

Discover Christmas at Blenheim Palace. A World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, the palace is an endlessly interesting historic house, with grand rooms and glorious gardens. Known for its annual Christmas celebrations, in 2019 the palace will be transformed into a fantasy world straight from Alice in Wonderland. With magical light trails, the Mad Hatters Tea Party and even a Christmas market, this festive experience combined with misty mornings and fresh air is sure to leave visitors grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

When? 22 November 2019 – 5 January 2020

Where to stay – unwind in eco-friendly luxury

Guests searching for five-star luxury combined with countryside chic and eco-friendly facilities need look no further.  Offering a stay in one of two historic honey-coloured stone cottages, Eco Chic Cottages is the embodiment of Cotswolds’ charm. With a masseur service, afternoon tea on request and exceptional stargazing opportunities, guests can relax and unwind in readiness for the festive season.

How much? A cottage sleeping six costs from £550 for two nights

Where to eat – savour local ale and haute cuisine

Just a stone’s throw from the Eco Chic Cottages lies the Shilton Rose & Crown, a charming local pub where visitors can try high-end pub food while sipping on local ale by a roaring open fire. With exposed beams, candlelit tables and stonewalls bathed in golden lamp light, this pub offers a cosy slice of quintessential British country life.

Bath, south-west England

A city of cathedrals, world-famous architecture and Jane Austen characters, Bath is an unmissable stop on the ultimate winter tour of Britain. Located in the southwest, under a two-hour drive from Chipping Campden, it’s a place steeped in history, culture and charm.

Daytime activity – admire royally good architecture

Discover one of Britain’s most recognisable pieces of Georgian architecture, the Royal Crescent. The backdrop to many Jane Austen adaptations, this sweeping stone crescent includes thirty grand terraced houses and is a must-see sight for lovers of history and period dramas. Curious to learn more about Georgian life and culture? Visit the Museum of Georgian life at No. 1 Royal Crescent, where visitors can take the chance to step back in time and experience life in Britain’s upper-class 18^th-century society.

Winter tradition – enjoy carols and Christmas markets

Already the gem of the city, Bath Abbey becomes even more atmospheric during their Christmas carol services. Held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, these festive 20-minute singalongs are a fun dose of traditional Christmas spirit for festive shoppers and sightseers alike.

When? 28 November – 15 December 2019

Where to stay – unwind at a spa

Known for the healing properties of its water, Bath has been a famous spa town since Roman times, so where better place to stay than Bath Spa Hotel? A wonderful five-star accommodation with elegant décor and a choice of fine-dining venues, guests can enjoy the spa, the pool or indulge in a special festive afternoon tea, for an extra special seasonal experience.

How much? Price varies, book in advance for best rates

Where to dine – get cosy at The Mill

Just one mile along the canal from the centre of Bath lies the welcoming The Mill at Bathampton. A great spot for a taste of rural cosiness within a cultural hub, this canal-side pub offers warming food, wine and ale accompanied by beautiful river views.

Fort William, Scottish Highlands

For travellers seeking epic Scottish scenery and warming local whisky, Fort William offers endless charm and stunning views, not to mention some the country’s finest ‘water of life’!

Daytime activity – soak up Scottish vistas

Visitors wanting to soak up some of the famous Scottish scenery can spend the day at Lochaber Geopark, near Fort William. With lochs, endless skies and waterfalls in abundance, this is a great starting point for a rewarding hike or a driving adventure of the area.

Winter tradition – taste the art of whisky

Visitors with a love of or interest in Scottish whisky can enjoy a guided tour around one of the oldest distilleries in the country. Located just a few minutes’ drive from Fort William, Ben Nevis Distillery has produced its own unique spirit for more than 178 years. Explore the production rooms and sample a wee dram of whisky, made from the dew of Ben Nevis, while gaining a unique insight into the world of Scottish whisky.

Where to stay – sleep in a former church

Looking for a historic hotel? Head to Limetree Hotel, a former church building dating back to the mid-1800s. Now a family-run hotel, serving food in an award-winning restaurant with a warm, welcoming environment, Limetree is a unique base from which to explore the surrounding city and countryside.

Where to dine – savour hearty Scottish scran

Located on Fort William high street, the Ben Nevis bar offers good ale and hearty dishes including ‘Ben Nevis steak pie’, Lochaber larder traditional sausages and mash, or classic fish and chips. And with regular live open music sessions, including traditional Scottish music and ceilidhs, it’s the perfect place to dance off the winter chill in true Scottish style.