The Cosiest Winter Retreats in the UK

Winter shopping in London is a popular pastime for many. That whole experience is going to be very different this year, but even at the best of times it can be a daunting prospect. If you’re really after a great experience in London, avoid the crowds and head to the quieter side streets off major thoroughfares. There are festive lights pretty much everywhere you look, and once you’ve spent the day out you’ll really appreciate a relaxing night in.

The Peak District is a designated national park – the oldest such area in England, in fact. It’s popular with ramblers and hikers, covering such a large area that millions of Brits live within an hour’s journey of it. The rolling green hills are particularly lush in winter, and you’ll find yourself taking in some of the best views in the country when you get to the top of Kinder Scout – the national park’s tallest peak.

Cardigan is regularly voted one of the best places to live in Welsh surveys, so it’s only fitting that you visit for a short weekend break this winter. The quaint historical town is close to the coast, and has managed to preserve many of its ancient landmarks to a remarkable standard. If you do end up here, make sure you explore the iconic castle which is the birthplace of Eisteddfod, the biggest cultural festival in Wales.

The wider North Devon area is popular with retirees, but the township of Barnstaple is particularly well-liked. The parish town attracts locals and out-of-towners alike to its modern shops and traditional market stalls selling a wide variety of goods. Be sure to take your walking boots if you end up here; the surrounding area is perfect for long country walks and hilly hikes.

The remote and spellbinding wilds of Scotland take all sorts of shapes and sizes, but the Scottish Highlands leave an especially beautiful imprint in your memory. An important part of Scottish folklore, they have have been romanticised for centuries and have been a source of inspiration for many a novelist, poet and screenplay writer. Incredible mountains with snow-dusted peaks transport you to a different world. It might be very chilly in winter, but you’ll want to stay awhile to make the most of this glorious landscape.

The Lake District sits in the most visited national park in the country. Broadly known as the Lakes, the rolling region is a veritable adventure playground for lovers of the great outdoors. Besides climbing into a rowing boat and taking to the lakes themselves, you can also explore unspoiled forests and mountains at your own pace, taking all the time in the world to appreciate why the area was awarded with Unesco World Heritage status in 2017.

Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds is made up of gorgeous natural landscapes and stone-built villages. There are numerous hills that give the area a distinctive look, while small towns like Ashton under Hill and Bourton-on-the-Water attract tourists from around the world. If you really want to stretch your legs, make sure you take a walk along the Cotswold Way, which leads all the way to Bath.

Heading over to the east coast, the North York Moors are made up of barren moorland and deep valleys. The location and terrain make for a great winter destination, as the climate here is mild throughout the year (although snowfall is also not uncommon in the colder months). The Moors are easy to navigate on foot, but you still have to do your research before heading out as you’re unlikely to run into anyone else on the trail.

This market town in Buckinghamshire is another great option if you want to stay somewhere within easy reach of London. If you aren’t driving, you can even reach Amersham by jumping on the tube and heading to the farthest reaches of the Metropolitan Line. To get a sense of what it’s like here, trawl through the ITV archives and stream a few episodes of Midsomer Murders – several episodes of the popular daytime TV series were filmed on location in Amersham.

Cornwall is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK. It’s hardly a hidden gem today, but there’s still something special about a trip down to the southwest coast that makes the journey worth the effort. And when you do finally arrive, you’re in for a magical stay – especially if you head there in the quieter winter months.

If you’re looking for a little quiet time, but don’t want to stray too far from London, then a short stay in Kent – also known as the Garden of England – comes highly recommended. You’re close to the capital but also not too far from France thanks to regular ferry crossings. Think of all that tax-free wine you could fill your car boot with over the border.

Edinburgh is one of the most picturesque places in Europe. The cobbled streets and Victorian townhouses highlight the heritage of the city, but there’s more to it than Medieval castles and eerie anecdotes. JK Rowling was inspired to write Harry Potter during her stay here, and you can ring in the new year at the famous Hogmanay Hootenanny. The huge street party is likely off the cards for 2020, but just soaking up the atmosphere of the city in winter is an unforgettable experience.