Winter Weekend Trips from London

Today I want to share my guide to the best winter weekend trips from London with you. Each place on my list has something unique that will make you want to visit in the cooler months, and all of them showcase the best of Britain. Whether you want to travel somewhere with seasonal scenery or find the perfect spot to cozy up by a fire, there are plenty of good places to visit in the UK in winter. I’ve included a map, too.

Winter Weekend Trips from London

One of my favorite things about weekend getaways from London in winter is that not many people think to take them. Most choose to go for trips to Europe or winter sun destinations like the Caribbean.

But this is a great time to travel in Britain. Curling up with a good book, sipping hot cocoa, going for walks, and watching the snow fall outside makes this season a great one for winter breaks. And that’s to say nothing of cities, which go all-out for the festive season.

If you’re worried about the weather, don’t be. The British climate is unpredictable year-round, and snow is as atmospheric as it gets.

If you have the right clothes, you’ll be just fine in the cold. My winter packing list can help you be prepared for all weather.

Better yet, there are shorter wait times, fewer crowds, and better travel deals at this time of year than in the peak summer season. That means attractive prices on everything from transport to tours and beyond.

There’s often more availability and better last-minute deals available for places to stay as well. Whether you want to base yourself in a boutique hotel, a place with a hot tub, or a cottage in the countryside, you have plenty of options. You can see a range and book one here.

Winter Getaways From London

My guide to places to visit in the UK in winter comes from personal experience. I’ve visited all the destinations on this list, and I can personally vouch for how worthwhile they are. I hope you love them as much as I do.

1. Edinburgh

When it comes to cities, it’s hard to beat Edinburgh in winter. The Scottish capital is full of festive cheer in the run-up to Christmas, and it has some of the biggest and best New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world.

The city also has big Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and loads of decorations. From George Street to Princes Street Gardens and St Andrew Square, Edinburgh comes alive with the sights, scents, and sounds of the season.

If you’re looking for a fun place to spend New Year’s Eve in the UK, the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations are just the ticket. You’ll ring in the new year with a multi-day extravaganza that involves a torchlight procession, a street party, fireworks, and more.

Even if you don’t travel to Edinburgh at Christmas or New Year’s, there’s still plenty to love about Auld Reekie in winter. From the fairy-tale castle on the hill to the Royal Mile, great museums, historic palace, and secret places, the city has plenty to entertain visitors.

Add to that famous restaurants like The Dome and The Witchery, fun pubs, and lots of opportunities for whiskey tasting, and there’s a lot to love about this place during the colder months.

If this weekend escape appeals, you can book a hotel in Edinburgh here. My top pick for winter is No11 Boutique Hotel & Brasserie. It has beautiful decor, and it’s a great place to base yourself in the city. You can book a room here.

2. The Cotswolds

Another of my favorite winter weekend trips from London is the Cotswolds. I love this part of the English countryside at any time of year, but the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of my top places to travel in winter for a number of reasons.

One is that it’s far less crowded than it is during the rest of the year. Iconic places like Arlington Row in Bibury get extremely touristy in the high season, but when I went one December I had the whole street to myself.

Furthermore, the local villages are stunning in winter. From the storybook topiary hedges in Painswick to the Cotswold stone houses in Castle Combe, they exude charm all season long.

And that’s to say nothing of the countryside, which is atmospheric thanks to everything from snow to fog and light. They make a winter weekend in the Cotswolds worth a special trip.

If you love getting outdoors and into nature, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to country walks in the Cotswolds. From circular routes to point-to-point rambles, there are plenty to choose from.

If this trip sounds like your cup of hot cocoa, you can book a hotel in the Cotswolds here. I’ve stayed in the area in winter and I love The Painswick. It’s a beautiful hotel in my favorite village. You can book a room here.

3. York

Next on my list of the best winter weekend getaways from London is York. Up in the north of England, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the UK year-round. But it’s particularly good in the cooler months.

Like Edinburgh, York is home to amazing Christmas markets. From Coppergate to the Shambles and St Sampson’s Square, the city is brimming with chalets selling Christmas food, drinks, and gifts.

As if that’s not enough, York looks magical in winter light. Between the twinkling Christmas lights and the soft sunlight, the city glows during the season. It’s great for photography and videos.

Even outside of the festive period, York is a great place to visit. The city gets extremely crowded during the peak tourist season, so walking along the city walls, seeing York Minster, and getting lost in the narrow Snickelways are all easier to do in winter.

If a weekend in Yorkshire appeals, you can book a hotel in York here. My top pick for a place to stay is The Lawrance. This aparthotel offers a great blend of everything a hotel has to offer, plus the benefits of an apartment. If that appeals, you can book a room here.

4. Rye

Rye is another of my favorite winter escapes from London. Nestled in East Sussex, this charming place is not only one of the prettiest towns in Britain, but also a cozy getaway in the cooler months.

Visiting Rye in winter is ideal because there are fewer crowds, the narrow streets are easier to explore (not to mention photograph), and there are plenty of atmospheric pubs to settle into.

Whether you visit during the festive season or not, there are a lot of fun things to do in Rye in winter. From climbing the church’s bell tower to visiting the former home of writer Henry James, it has loads to entertain.

Rye is also a short walk from Camber Castle, a historic fortress with connections to Henry VIII. It’s one of my favorite castles near London, and it’s a great ruin to behold.

Additionally, the town is near coastal gems like Camber Sands, one of the best beaches in East Sussex. If you love being by the seaside, it’s fun to take a winter walk along the shoreline.

If that sounds like your kind of trip, you can book a hotel in Rye here. If you want something unique, the historic Mermaid Inn is said to be haunted. You can book a room here to find out if it’s true.

5. Brecon Beacons

If you love the British countryside, Brecon Beacons National Park (officially called Bannau Brycheiniog) is an ideal place to go for a winter weekend in Wales.

That’s not least because there are lots of walking paths throughout the park, stunning scenery to behold, and landscapes full of adorable sheep, waterfalls, ponies, and spectacular peaks.

One of my favorite things to do here is trek to the summit of Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales. There are amazing views from the top.

Winter is a great time to hike in the Brecon Beacons because it’s less busy than in summer and there’s something extra special about taking a big walk in the cold and coming home to a roaring fire.

Cozy pubs round out the scene. From village locals to ones in neighboring towns like Abergavenny, there’s no shortage of watering holes where you can warm up over a hearty lunch or roast dinner.

If you want to escape to this part of Wales, you can book accommodation here. There’s a range of options when it comes to places to base yourself for a weekend.

6. Stratford-upon-Avon

Out in the West Midlands, Stratford-upon-Avon is another of my favorite winter getaways from London. Spending a weekend here will let you immerse yourself in William Shakespeare’s world.

Stratford is full of houses The Bard and his family lived in, theaters showing his plays, cozy pubs for drinking and dining, and historic streets.

With 2 days in Stratford-upon-Avon, you’ll have sufficient time to visit all the Shakespeare houses, tour Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and go to a play one evening.

It’s not all about Shakespeare, though. Stratford is packed with historic streets that will transport you back in time. With their Tudor facades, they’ll have you reaching for your camera at every turn.

The riverfront area is a great place to explore as well. Seeing the resident swans float by as you walk along the Avon is a great way to spend some time in town.

If all that sounds good to your inner traveler, you can book a hotel in Stratford here. My top pick is The White Swan. It’s been hosting guests since 1560, and its four-poster beds and historic Character Rooms will make you feel like you’re in a Shakespearean play. You can book a room here.

7. Bath

In Somerset, Bath is another of my top picks for winter getaways from the UK capital. The city is famous for everything from its ancient history to its stunning streets.

If you’re a fan of Jane Austen novels, you won’t want to miss the Pump Room. You can warm up over a cup of tea in the historic surroundings where her heroines once fell in love.

Bath is famous for its heritage as a Roman spa town, too. You can still take a dip in the waters today. Going to the city’s spa is a great way to warm up in winter and channel your inner Roman goddess or god at the same time.

If you’re visiting during the festive season, you won’t want to miss the beautiful Christmas market. It looks stunning against the backdrop of Bath Abbey, and it makes this one of the best places to visit at Christmas in the UK.

There’s enough to do to fill an entire weekend in Bath, but you can also visit Bath and the Cotswolds together. It’s fun to see the city and take in villages and towns like Castle Combe and Lacock.

If that all appeals, you can book a hotel in Bath here. I’ve stayed at The Yard in Bath and I’m a big fan of its decor and atmosphere. You can book a room here.

8. St Ives

St Ives is next on my list of winter weekend getaways from London. This coastal town in Cornwall is one of my top picks for places to visit on the seaside in Britain. With its shoreline, restaurants, and beaches, it has all the ingredients for a great escape.

As if that’s not enough, St Ives is one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in the UK. There’s a big fireworks show every year, and it’s an exciting place to cozy up and sing Auld Lang Syne when the clock strikes midnight.

The town is known for art as well. From Tate St Ives to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, it’s the ideal destination for channeling your inner culture vulture. There are plenty of galleries in town where you can pick up a souvenir from your trip as well.

If you like the outdoors, there are lots of coastal walks you can take from St Ives. They’re perfect ways to get some exercise and enjoy Cornwall’s spectacular views at the same time.

If you love rail travel and you want to maximize your time in town, you can arrive by sleeper train from London. It’s an ideal way to travel for a weekend trip to St Ives.

If you like the sound of this getaway, you can book accommodation in St Ives here. From hotels to cottages and houses, there’s no shortage of good places to stay.

9. The Peak District & Derbyshire

The Peak District and Derbyshire are another of my top picks for winter weekend trips from London. With beautiful scenery, these areas are not only full of natural beauty, but also home to some of the most famous stately homes in the country.

Chatsworth House is an icon in its own right. It’s also known for being a filming location for Pride & Prejudice and other romantic movies set in England. It’s worth a special trip to see the stunning interiors and expansive grounds.

Other stately homes in the Peak District have been used as filming locations for screen adaptations of Bronte sister novels. From Kedleston Hall to Haddon Hall, there’s no shortage of them to tour.

Additionally, towns like Bakewell and Matlock are worth exploring. With pretty streets and cozy pubs and restaurants, they’re great places to discover.

If you’re an outdoorsy type, there are loads of walks you can do in the Peak District National Park. They show off the beauty this region is so famous for.

If a trip to Derbyshire appeals, you can book accommodation here. My top pick for a place to stay in this part of the country is The Old Hall Inn. It’s has beautiful decor, and you can book it here.

10. Northumberland

Next on my list of the best getaways from London is Northumberland. I used to spend a lot of time in this county in the north of England, and it remains one of my favorite travel destinations in the UK.

There’s plenty you can do in a weekend in Northumberland, including touring famous castles like Alnwick or Bamburgh. Cragside is worth a trip, too.

If you like getting outside, taking a big walk in the Cheviot Hills and seeing the castle and priory on Holy Island are must-dos.

If towns are more your thing, Berwick-upon-Tweed is ideal. Not only can you take the train from London to Berwick, but you can also walk along the fortified walls, take in the stunning views, and explore the historic streets.

If you want more ideas, my Northumberland itinerary will show you everything from Alnwick Castle to Craster, and my list of places to visit in Northumberland will help inspire your plans.

If that sounds like your kind of trip, you can book a place to stay here. My top pick in Northumberland is The Cookie Jar in Alnwick (it’s right near the castle). I love the interiors, and the breakfast is delicious. You can book it here.

11. Isle of Skye

Another of my favorite weekend trips from London is the Isle of Skye. This island in the Scottish Hebrides is one of the best places to visit in winter for several reasons.

One is that the sunrise takes place late enough that you don’t have to get up early to see it. Deep purples and pinks and the backdrop of the snow-capped Cuillin Hills make it one of the most magical places to visit in the UK.

Another benefit of traveling to the Isle of Skye in winter is that you’ll have the place to yourself. From Talisker Bay to the Fairy Pools and waterfalls, the lack of crowds makes seeing the island worth a special trip.

Seasonal scenery is another reason to visit in the cooler months. The Black Cuillins are atmospheric with a dusting of powder on top, and thick frost on the ground looks like glittering diamonds when the sun is at the right angle.

Add to that the fact that in the summer Skye suffers from insects like midges and issues with overtourism, and winter is the perfect time to visit the island.

If Skye sounds like your cup of warming tea, you can book accommodation here. I recommend the Hotel Eilean Iarmain. It overlooks the Sound of Sleat channel, and it’s full of unique charm and character. You can book a room here.

Map

Winter Getaways From London

I hope my list of winter weekend escapes has inspired you to get out and see the UK in the cooler months. It’s a great time to be here, and an underrated one.

If you need more inspiration, you can take a look at my blog posts about weekend getaways from London and weekend trips from London by train. If you want to go further afield, you can check out my post about weekend trips from London to Europe.

I’ve enjoyed my visits to all these places and I have a feeling you will, too. So wrap up warm and have fun discovering more of Britain.

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