Best Places to visit the United Kingdom this Winter (Mountain Hiking, Skiing and more)

Something about the winter brings out the true magic of the UK. The frost-laden meadows, outdoor skating rinks, and thatched roofs loaded with snow make your holiday festive and fun. You can browse London Christmas markets, climb the snow-covered tors or sledge through the Scottish Highlands. The best part is you don’t encounter the spring crowds or pay high summer prices.

While the holiday would be perfect if white flakes and bright blue skies were everywhere, that is not always the case. Some days are rainy and cold, so remember to pack wellies and an umbrella when you are planning your itinerary. Here are some ideas on the best United Kingdom winter destinations:

The Lake District

The Lake District is a beautiful corner of England and a popular tourist destination. Its unrivalled scenery is perfect for walks and cycling routes. The fabulous pubs provide cosy winter nights with roaring log fires. Be sure to sample traditional English ales at the finest breweries in the region. You can get to Lake District from London by train, car or bus. The 300-mile ride will take 12 hours by bus or 5 hours by car. Spend some time in the Lake District and get a cabin or find a hotel.

York

When travelling from London to Edinburgh, consider stopping at York to savour the city’s beauty. Its medieval streets of cobblestones and historical legacy from Romans and Vikings make it the perfect winter escape destination. The city of York is three hours from London and two hours from Edinburgh by train, making it the perfect stopover on your way to Edinburgh. Ensure your itinerary includes a visit and a stroll along the longest walls in the city. When the cold chilly winter bites, visit museums like the Jorvik Centre and discover York’s Viking past.

Shropshire Hills

Shropshire is an adventurous location for a winter holiday with great food and special places to stay. Some of the highlights of the activities in Shropshire include a rafting trip under the infamous bridge. Feel the train rumbling and watch the steam billow on the Severn Valley, a 16-mile heritage railway. The unrivalled views of the Shropshire Hills, snow flurries and mystical auroras are unforgettable experiences. Don’t forget to explore the dramatic landscapes of Shropshire Hills with their steep valleys. Go to the 5.5-mile circular route at Stiperstones that starts from Bog Centre.

Scottish Highlands

Spending your winter in the Scottish Highlands is an enchanting experience. Ice climbing, snowboarding and skiing await you. Scottish Highlands is one of the best ski destinations in the United Kingdom. If you love sledging, the glens offer the perfect spot. You can also try snowshoeing or watch the northern lights under dark skies. Start your Scottish Highlands trip with ice climbing in Kinlochleven and warm up later in a Scottish pub sipping whiskey under the roaring log fire. If you love snow sports, Cairngorm Mountain is the perfect spot. You can ski or snowboard at the highest mountain in the UK, reaching a height of 4,084 ft. (1,245 m). The highlands provide the best mountain hiking in the United Kingdom.

Brecon Beacons

Pull on your boots and step outdoors for a short stroll. Whether it’s your first time hiking mountains or looking for a challenging trekking path, Brecon Beacon has you covered. The Table Mountain above the Crickhowell beckons. You can find a walking guidebook to find the walking paths. During winter, the snows create dramatic scenery in the mountains for photography sessions. The friendly pubs in the Brecon Beacons, like The Bear, are a few minutes away from the houseboats and always have a roaring fire.

Northumberland

Northumberland National Park is a remarkable national park with stunning scenery, peaceful villages and a dramatic coastline. The park is perfect for outdoor activities like mountain climbing, horse riding and cycling in normal weather. The holiday festivities enhance its vibrant culture and traditions in the winter. Aside from attending festive events with art, craft and music, you can brave the outdoors. Enjoy the beautiful unfolding scenery as you drive along the seaside towns, villages and castles. Ensure you pop into the famous Barter Books, Alnwick, on a cold winter’s day to enjoy the open fires.

Belfast

Belfast in Northern Ireland features rolling hills and lush countryside, which look spectacular during winter. Participate in festivals and events during the festive period. Ensure you add the Boutique winter festival to your calendar to enjoy many activities, including ice skating in the city square. The Belfast Christmas boat parade features spectacular fireworks displays. If you are a history fanatic, check out the Ulster Museum. The Crumlin Road Gaol is an intriguing historical museum with daily guided tours of 75 minutes. If you fancy unique 360-degree views, check out the Victoria Square Dome. You can explore the city for impressive attractions like Belfast City Hall.

Dartmoor National Park

The national park is a vast expanse of unspoilt countryside in South Devon. Some outdoor activities include walking, cycling and horse riding over the rolling landscape. You can explore the villages, the picturesque Tavistock and historic Okehampton. Explore the Dartmoor National Park to view fascinating wildlife like ponies. If your holiday extends to New Year’s Eve, join the Bronze Age Nights-themed events and enjoy storytelling, horseriding and campfires. The festivals usually occur throughout winter, and you can enjoy time-honoured festivities.

Isle of Sheppey

Kent is a must-visit town during winter. Its proximity to London and wide array of holiday destinations makes it the perfect spot for winter holidays in the United Kingdom. If you want to enjoy the countryside landscape and you don’t want to travel far, the Isle of Sheppey is the perfect destination, only 50 miles away from Kent. The vast marshland has a unique island vibe and vast skiers. Spend the night at the Elmley cabin to enjoy floor-to-ceiling nature reserve views.

Winter holidays in the United Kingdom provide the perfect escape for a family-oriented or personal getaway. Explore lots of fun activities, from the top ski places to mountain hiking in the United Kingdom.