A winter staycation in the UK offers a variety of cosy and adventurous activities. Whether you’re looking for festive experiences, outdoor adventures, or quiet indoor escapes, we’ve put a small list together with some activity ideas you could take part in on your next winter staycation to create memories to treasure on one of the winter activity holidays UK destinations are offering:
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Winter walks and hiking
- National parks: Explore stunning winter landscapes in the Peak District, Lake District, or Snowdonia. Crisp air and frosty views make for beautiful winter walks.
- Coastal walks: The UK’s coastline is striking in winter. Head to Cornwall, Pembrokeshire, or the Northumberland coast for invigorating seaside walks.
- Forest frails: Visit enchanted woodlands like the New Forest, Sherwood Forest, or Scotland’s Cairngorms. Look out for wildlife, frosty trees, and misty mornings.
Winter sports
- Sledging/tobogganing: If you’re lucky enough to catch snow, popular sledging spots include the Yorkshire Dales, Brecon Beacons, or Scottish Highlands.
Festive markets and events
- Christmas markets: Visit festive markets like Edinburgh Christmas Market, Manchester Christmas Market, or Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market. Enjoy mulled wine, handmade crafts, and festive food.
- Winter Wonderland in London: Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland offers rides, Christmas stalls, an ice rink, and shows—a must-visit for those near London.
- Light festivals: Cities and towns across the UK host winter light festivals. Check out events like the Kew Gardens’ Christmas at Kew, or Illuminations at Longleat.
Historical and cultural visits
- Castles and palaces: Visit historic sites like Edinburgh Castle, Windsor Castle, or Leeds Castle in winter for fewer crowds and beautiful snow-dusted views.
- Museums and galleries: The UK’s indoor attractions are perfect for winter days. Explore world-class museums like the British Museum, the Tate, or the National Museum of Scotland.
- Cathedrals: The UK has stunning cathedrals such as York Minster, Canterbury Cathedral, and St. Paul’s. Many hold beautiful carol services and Christmas events.
Wildlife watching
- Seal watching: Winter is seal pup season. Head to spots like Blakeney Point in Norfolk or Donna Nook in Lincolnshire to see seals and their pups.
- Bird watching: Winter brings migratory birds to the UK. Head to the Wetlands Centre in Slimbridge or the Norfolk Broads to spot geese, swans, and other wildlife.
- Deer spotting: Visit places like Richmond Park in London or the Scottish Highlands to see deer roaming the frosty landscapes.
Stargazing
- Dark sky reserves: The UK has several designated dark sky areas, perfect for winter stargazing. Head to Exmoor National Park, the Northumberland Dark Sky Park, or Galloway Forest in Scotland for clear winter skies.
- Astronomy events: Some locations offer guided stargazing events during winter, particularly around meteor showers like the Geminids in December.
Winter photography
- Snowy landscapes: Capture stunning winter photography in the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands, or the Peak District. Frosty mornings and low winter light create beautiful photo opportunities.
- Winter wildlife: Prepare your camera for winter wildlife shots, from deer in misty forests to seabirds on rugged coastlines.