As the weather shifts into winter, it can feel a little grim, but that doesn’t mean that you should plan to spend the season wrapped up indoors! If you’re willing to brave a bit of cold, then winter breaks in the UK can offer some of the most memorable and enjoyable holiday experiences out there.
Even when the sun isn’t shining quite so much, there are still plenty of activity holidays in the UK to enjoy. So, read on to learn our picks for three of the best winter activities to include on the itinerary for your next trip away.
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Ice Skating at Iconic Locations
You wouldn’t normally associate the UK with ice skating – it gets cold but hardly cold enough for snow! – but there are still options for anyone looking to enjoy some time on the ice. Around the country, you’ll find several pop-up ice rinks that appear during the winter months to add some extra magic to the darker weeks of the year.
One of the most iconic outdoor ice-skating options is the rink that is set up outside London’s Natural History Museum. It’s hard to beat the backdrop of some of London’s most impressive historical architecture, especially when combined with the Christmas lights and decorated trees.
If you’d rather just watch some skating instead of getting involved yourself, there’s a café overlooking the rink where you can enjoy the warmth of hot drinks and festive treats instead.
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Exploring the UK’s Christmas Markets
In recent years, there’s been a definite increase in the number of Christmas markets that spring up around the UK. These traditional markets, filled with wooden stalls, hot refreshments, and the chance to stock up on some last-minute stocking fillers, are the perfect places to visit on a winter break.
If you’re looking for a specific recommendation, the city of Bath is home to one of the most famous and impressive Christmas markets in the country. Set against the backdrop of Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, the market features more than 150 different stalls selling artisan products, crafts, and festive delicacies.
A visit to the Bath Christmas Market is ideal for a day out, allowing visitors to enjoy the festive and wintery atmosphere while also getting to explore the city’s rich history and beautiful Georgian architecture.
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Winter Walks in the British Countryside
For those who enjoy the outdoors and the crunch of frost beneath their shoes, the UK offers some of the most beautiful winter walking opportunities in the world. The British countryside is beautiful during the months of blooming flowers, but it’s just as stunning during the winter months, if a little less colorful!
The rugged beauty of the Lake District makes it ideal for exploring during the colder times of the year, just so long as you wrap up warm first. While the more challenging hikes might be better left for the summer, there are lovely walks around the region’s lakes that make for an invigorating winter jaunt.
For coastal scenery, the South West Coast Path offers spectacular views at any time of the year. With sweeping views out over the Atlantic Ocean and dotted with plenty of village pubs for a retreat from the cold winter air, it’s a great choice for anyone looking for some winter rambling.
Plus, the crowds are generally smaller during the off-season so you’ll likely get to enjoy more of the path to yourself.
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Whether you’re looking for a more chill holiday experience of puttering through a Christmas market or something a little more daring by taking to the ice, there are a wealth of ways to enjoy a winter break in the UK.
