As soon as the leaves start turning and the days draw in, we often start getting in the mood for winter without even realising it. It’s the season of pumpkin spice lattes and big woolly jumper. If you find yourself idly scrolling hotels and Airbnbs at this time, this might be your sign to book a winter staycation. It’s the perfect excuse to get away from the dark nights in your hometown and find somewhere with a cosier vibe for a few days.
If you want to enjoy your time away in style, look out for a quaint holiday cottage with a hot tub. Or travel by motorhome, grab a motorhome insurance policy and visit as many locations as you like.
- The Cotswolds
Could you ask for a more fairy-tale-like staycation getaway than this? The Cotswolds are full of gabled limestone cottages reminiscent of Tudor architecture. Thatched roofs are an everyday sight here. One of the prettiest villages you can see is Stanton, and the local pub there is a great place to eat and drink.
Explore the region’s history at the Corinium Museum, based in Cirencester. This attraction is named after the Roman town that sat in this spot. It’ll guide you through every epoch of the Cotswolds’ history. You may even catch a glimpse of Rusty, the Iron Age dog!
Scotland’s capital is a magical place as Christmas approaches. Edinburgh Castle stands watch over the city with a dazzling light display from late November to early January. At this time, there is also a traditional Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens. Here, you can buy unique Christmas gifts and feast to your heart’s content.
If you can be there for Hogmanay on New Year’s Eve and Day, you’re in for a real treat. The Scots celebrate with a festival that involves a massive street party and a concert. A particular highlight is the torchlit procession of Vikings from the Shetland Isles!
York is the ultimate festive city. Hop from gift shop to gift shop in the Shambles, a series of medieval lanes that have been amazingly well-preserved. Lose yourself inside dedicated Christmas shops, such as the Nutcracker where you can choose decorations of the highest quality.
Turn up on the right day and you can even sing carols by candlelight at the magnificent York Minster.
The Brecon Beacons are the perfect place to visit for an outdoorsy, rural winter getaway. If you’re after a clear sky for stargazing, you can’t go far wrong. The National Park Visitor Centre at Libanus is a “Dark Sky Discovery Site”. But of course, there are also many other perfect spots to admire the heavens in this national park.
Hay-on-Wye is an exceptionally festive town. It plays host to the Royal Welsh Winter Fayre and Christmas markets on certain days throughout December.
Hikers will be treated to frosty winter skies and dramatic hilly scenery wherever they choose to walk in this neck of the woods. Check out Henrhyd Falls, the highest cave in South Wales and home to a secret Waterfall that even made its way into Batman: The Dark Knight.
For the ideal winter getaway, you certainly don’t have to go far!
