The warm sun of summer might be a distant memory, but winter can be a great time to take a short break in England and explore at a relaxed pace.
If you’re thinking of going away in England this winter, here are a few ideas for inspiration.
- Book a winter city break
- Walk through a winter wonderland
- Cosy-up in a character property
- Tips for planning a winter break in England
Book a winter city break
Weatherproof your holiday by booking a winter stay in one of England’s cities, where you can enjoy museums, galleries, shops and restaurants. There’s of course the hotspots like Bath, Stratford upon Avon, and London – but there’s loads of UK towns with just as much charm!
Lots of provincial towns have excellent cultural attractions, as well as theatres that host music, comedy and touring productions. Just remember to check what’s on before you book your trip.
St Albans
St Albans, for instance, offers plenty to do for a long weekend, and all around 30 minutes from London by train.Explore the city’s magnificent cathedral, its Roman theatre and museum.
There’s also the stunning St Albans Museum and Gallery that includes a unique café in an octagonal Georgian courtroom. Plus a twice-weekly market and a wide range of shops.
Stamford
Like the mellow stone architecture of Bath but been there, done that? Then why not try Stamford in Lincolnshire as a quieter alternative? Once an important coaching town between London and the north, it’s a favourite with period filmmakers for its wealth of 17th and 18th century stone buildings.
Enjoy an evening of live entertainment at Stamford Arts Centre and don’t miss the impressive mansion and park of nearby Burghley House.
Walk through a winter wonderland
I love watching the countryside change with the seasons, and as the leaves fall, I’m always captivated by the shapes of winter trees. It’s a good time for spotting wildlife too. For me, a walking break is just as much fun in winter as summer. Once I’ve packed the right clothing and reproofed the hiking boots of course!
Last winter I headed to the Peak District to join a guided winter break with walking specialists HF Holidays. This year, I’m trying the self-guided option to explore the Isle of Wight, combining local sightseeing with walks based on HF’s route notes.
Or you can base yourself in an area of natural beauty and enjoy the winter scenery independently. Loads of country pubs and hotels share walking routes for independent travellers – just ask before you book.
The National Trust website is a great place for outdoor inspiration. The heritage charity owns miles of coastline, hillsides and woodland that is free to explore throughout the year, as well as parkland surrounding its stately homes that remains open to visitors throughout the winter.
Have a browse of their website for winter break ideas in England – ranging from the coastal landscapes of East Anglia to the cliff paths of the West Country, or the woods and valleys of the Cotswolds, to the Roman heritage of Hadrian’s Wall.
Cosy-up in a character property
As temperatures drop and the nights draw in, there’s nothing quite like returning from a day’s exploring to find a welcoming fire, and a good meal. Lots of pubs around the country now offer boutique rooms, perfect for a romantic winter break. You’ll find plenty of inspiration at stayinapub.co.uk.
For something special, step back in time with the Landmark Trust. This unique organisation rescues smaller buildings of historic interest or architectural merit, then rents them out to holidaymakers. Impressive properties include the Abbey Gatehouse in Gloucestershire and the disused Alton Station in Staffordshire.
Want to be by the sea? The coast will usually be quieter in winter, so there’ll be plenty of places to book a stay, and often at discounted prices, too. You won’t get much closer to the sea than one of the stunning 20 lighthouses and keepers’ cottages offered by Rural Retreats.
Tips for planning a winter break in England
- Have a think about how long you’re prepared to spend travelling and how you want to get there. What towns are on your local train line? I’m two hours from Brighton on a direct line through London and if I travel off-peak with my Senior Railcard, it’s an affordable, easy trip. There’s no need for a car when I get there.
- Prefer to drive? Draw a circle around your home and pick a spot within an hour or two’s drive where you can relax and enjoy your favourite activities. Whether that involves walking, visiting cultural attractions, or just chilling out in front of a roaring fire with a drink and a good book. As the nights draw in and it gets dark by late afternoon, there’s no need to feel guilty about doing nothing!
- For peace of mind, check the cancellation policy before you book your accommodation. And don’t forget your travel insurance for UK holidays if you’ve booked and paid for two or more nights accommodation.
Then just relax and start looking forward to your holiday. Or holidays!
A winter break can be a real boost to your well-being, so why stop at one? It could be time to start learning a new skill, and what better time to do it than when you’re more relaxed!
