The best winter getaways in the UK
A winter getaway can be magical, as cities and towns transform into festive wonderlands, with twinkling lights and occasional snowfall. The right destination can set the perfect holiday mood for those looking to make the season unforgettable. With unique local markets, seasonal cabins, and picturesque walking areas, there’s an ideal place for any escape.
GO Outdoors explore the best areas across the UK for the ultimate Christmas experience. Every location offers something unique, from Inverness’s cosy pubs and the chance of snowfall to Glasgow’s long-running Christmas markets. Get ready to wear your hats, winter gloves, and coats and take a festive journey across the UK’s finest Christmas destinations.
- Inverness is the best place in the UK to spend Christmas
- Brighton and Hove is the best place to spend Christmas in England
- Belfast is the best place to spend Christmas in Northern Ireland
- Cowbridge is the best place to spend Christmas in Wales
- Dundee is the ideal location for a family Christmas getaway,
- Glasgow has the longest running Christmas markets in the UK this year
- The Cairngorms National Park is the best place to see snow during the festive season
- Christmas crafts for kids
- Methodology
Inverness is the best place in the UK to spend Christmas
1. Inverness, Scotland – Christmas adventure score: 9.86/10
Inverness offers an enchanting Christmas escape for those seeking adventure. The city is home to everything from cosy eateries to snowy natural landscapes. With 4.23 restaurants per 1,000 people, there are countless options to enjoy a festive meal or drink in an idyllic winter setting.
Pubs such as The Clachnaharry Inn offer cosy, traditional food like fish and chips and meatballs, with many reviews mentioning the open fire. Visitors can experience a countryside stay in one of the 99 nearby cabins and the chance of snowfall for 27.1 days a year, perfect for a white Christmas experience. The city’s best winter attractions include the Brodie Illuminated light show and seasonal markets that offer local handmade gifts and holiday treats.
Eden Court, on the banks of the river Ness, hosts a festive Christmas Fair, where exhibitors sell unique Christmas gifts and local food, including cheeses and pies. Those spending Christmas in the Highlands can also enjoy the Eden Court Pantomime. This year, the Jack and the Beanstalk performance runs from 4th December.
2. Glasgow, Scotland – Christmas adventure score: 9.73/10
Glasgow has long been a popular destination for a Christmas escape, famed for its Christmas Lights Switch On at George Square in November. Glasgow’s main Christmas attractions include its extensive markets, open for 58 days—more than any other city.
With 44 local walking trails and 58 cabins within 30 miles, visitors to the Scottish city can balance festive shopping with scenic outdoor escapes. One perfect hiking trail for the whole family is the Hogganfield Loch loop, a 30-minute trail with easily accessible paths and stunning views of the lake and wildlife.
The city is hosting many Christmas events this year, including the famous Glasgow Christmas Markets and Glasgow Winterfest. Visitors can enjoy the enchanting wonderland and views of the city from the 35-metre-high Ferris Wheel, which is suitable for all ages.
3. Edinburgh, Scotland – Christmas adventure score: 9.68/10
Edinburgh is the third Scottish city in our top three, which is unsurprising considering the city’s historic centre provides the perfect setting for the festive period. Edinburgh offers 64 nearby walking trails and 410 Google searches yearly for “Christmas walks” and “winter trails.”
One recommended hiking trail is the Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags loop from Holyrood. This intermediate trail takes one hour and 30 minutes to complete on average and offers unmatched views of the city. With the Christmas market open for 50 days, the city is one of the UK’s best cities to visit at Christmas.
Christmas in Edinburgh is a magical time; the city transforms into a festive hub, complete with the Polar Ice Bar, which serves festive drinks in ice glasses. The Christmas Tree Maze in St Andrew Square, with 450 illuminated trees to get lost in, is fun for the whole family.
| Rank | Location | County | Country | Hiking trails | Google searches for Christmas walks | Restaurants per 1,000 people | Bars & pubs per 1,000 people | Cabins within 30 miles | Christmas market days | Ice skating rink | Ice rink rating /5 | Adult ticket price | Average annual snow days | Christmas adventure score /10 |
| 1 | Inverness | Highland | Scotland | 37 | 80 | 4.23 | 0.27 | 99 | 3 | Inverness Ice Centre | 4.4 | £11.50 | 27.09 | 9.86 |
| 2 | Glasgow | West-central | Scotland | 44 | 340 | 3.66 | 0.12 | 58 | 58 | Braehead Ice Centre | 3.6 | £12.00 | 7.40 | 9.73 |
| 3 | Edinburgh | Edinburgh | Scotland | 64 | 410 | 3.58 | 0.16 | 52 | 50 | Murrayfield Ice Rink | 4.3 | £15.00 | 7.94 | 9.68 |
| 4 | Brighton and Hove | East Sussex | England | 46 | 280 | 4.17 | 0.23 | 40 | 37 | Royal Pavilion Ice Rink | 3.7 | £11.00 | 4.99 | 9.38 |
| 5 | Nottingham | Nottinghamshire | England | 22 | 180 | 4.61 | 0.17 | 30 | 49 | National Ice Centre | 4.4 | £12.00 | 6.46 | 9.31 |
| 6 | Manchester | Greater Manchester | England | 21 | 510 | 4.24 | 0.20 | 32 | 44 | Skate Manchester | 4.8 | £17.15 | 3.90 | 9.29 |
| 7 | Dundee | Dundee | Scotland | 14 | 90 | 2.31 | 0.11 | 54 | 46 | Dundee Ice Arena | 4.5 | £7.50 | 9.64 | 9.26 |
| 8 | Whitby | North Yorkshire | England | 30 | 0 | 10.56 | 1.03 | 7 | 3 | Whitby Ice Rink | 5.0 | £10.00 | 9.03 | 9.19 |
| 9 | Cambridge | Cambridgeshire | England | 41 | 90 | 2.81 | 0.13 | 45 | 53 | Cambridge Ice Arena | 4.5 | £12.50 | 5.43 | 9.18 |
| 10 | Sheffield | South Yorkshire | England | 18 | 340 | 2.54 | 0.10 | 19 | 41 | Ice Sheffield | 4.4 | £9.95 | 15.75 | 9.09 |
Brighton and Hove is the best place to spend Christmas in England
Brighton and Hove – Family-friendly Christmas adventure score: 9.38/10
The Brighton and Hove area embraces the holiday season, offering a warmer, coastal backdrop for the festive time of year. With no shortage of nature, there are 46 nearby walking trails. Popular trails along the coast and into the scenic South Downs make for refreshing winter walks.
The area also has 4.17 restaurants per 1,000 residents and a bustling festive scene. For dining, local gems include The Salt Room, which serves freshly caught seafood with coastal views, and Terre à Terre, which offers festive vegetarian feasts.
Visitors can also enjoy the magical Brighton Lights in One Garden Brighton; a light show and magical escape with tickets from £16. There is also open-air ice skating at the Royal Pavilion open now.
| Location | County | Country | Hiking trails | Google searches for Christmas walks | Restaurants per 1,000 people | Bars & pubs per 1,000 people | Cabins within 30 miles | Christmas market days | Ice skating rink | Ice rink rating /5 | Adult ticket price | Average annual snow days | Christmas adventure score /10 |
| Brighton and Hove | East Sussex | England | 46 | 280 | 4.17 | 0.23 | 40 | 37 | Royal Pavilion Ice Rink | 3.7 | £11.00 | 4.99 | 9.38 |
Belfast is the best place to spend Christmas in Northern Ireland
Belfast – Family-friendly Christmas adventure score: 8.66/10
Those spending Christmas in Northern Ireland might want to visit the country’s capital city. Belfast is a traditional holiday destination, and visitors can enjoy 27 nearby walking trails. Belfast Castle’s trail offers panoramic city views, and the nearby Cave Hill Country Park is ideal for winter walks. The popularity of Christmas walks in the city is undeniable, with 220 Google searches for Christmas walks made in the Belfast area.
The city’s Christmas Market, open for 37 days at Belfast City Hall, is a festive favourite, with crafts, treats, and mulled wine. Afterwards, visitors can warm up at The Rusty Saddle, a traditional Irish pub near the City Hall that offers local cuisine from pies to salmon.
| Location | County | Country | Hiking trails | Google searches for Christmas walks | Restaurants per 1,000 people | Bars & pubs per 1,000 people | Cabins within 30 miles | Christmas market days | Ice skating rink | Ice rink rating /5 | Adult ticket price | Average annual snow days | Christmas adventure score /10 |
| Belfast | County Antrim | Northern Ireland | 27 | 220 | 2.60 | 0.09 | 30 | 37 | Dundonald International Ice Bowl | 4.4 | £8.00 | 4.01 | 8.66 |
Cowbridge is the best place to spend Christmas in Wales
Cowbridge – Family-friendly Christmas adventure score: 8.35/10
In the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan, the market town of Cowbridge is a top pick for spending Christmas in Wales. Cowbridge offers a festive holiday experience, with an impressive 5.76 restaurants per 1,000 residents and more bars and pubs than most other locations.
The area is known for its welcoming eateries, like The White Lion, which serves contemporary Welsh-inspired meals, including steak and sausage and mash. For a more upscale experience, The Hare & Hounds is a Michelin-Guide eatery serving a tasting menu for £55 per head. The town’s proximity to Cardiff also makes it a great base for holiday excursions and shopping, balancing countryside tranquility with easy access to the city’s festive attractions.
The town also has Christmas markets which are open for two days, and a Christmas parade with the chance to visit Santa’s Grotto on 24th November.
| Location | County | Country | Hiking trails | Google searches for Christmas walks | Restaurants per 1,000 people | Bars & pubs per 1,000 people | Cabins within 30 miles | Christmas market days | Ice skating rink | Ice rink rating /5 | Adult ticket price | Average annual snow days | Christmas adventure score /10 |
| Cowbridge | Vale of Glamorgan | Wales | 8 | 110 | 5.76 | 0.27 | 54 | 2 | Vindico Arena | 4.5 | £13.50 | 2.80 | 8.35 |
Dundee is the ideal location for a family Christmas getaway,
1. Dundee, Scotland – Family-friendly Christmas adventure score: 9.91/10
Dundee is ideal for a family-friendly Christmas. It is home to some of the UK’s most affordable ice-skating options, with Dundee Ice Rink charging just £7.50 for adult tickets and £7 for children. Over a third (37.5%) of Dundee’s pubs are child-friendly, making it easy for the whole family to enjoy meals. Dundee’s affordable, warm atmosphere and winter-friendly activities make it ideal for families seeking a warm, festive atmosphere.
The city is hosting plenty of upcoming events, including the Christmas Market and Christmas Village. The festive village in City Square will be home to a Santa Experience and festive funfair with rides that the whole family can enjoy.
2. Aberdeen, Scotland – Family-friendly Christmas adventure score: 9.29/10
Aberdeen is one of the UK’s most festive destinations, known for its magical Christmas Village and the twinkling lights on Union Street. Aberdeen is another excellent family option. Linx Ice Arena on Beach Promenade offers £8.50 adult and £5 child ice-skating tickets, and the city has an average of 14.34 yearly snow days.
The festive attractions include the Aberdeen Christmas Village, which opens in mid-November on Broad Street and is home to an open-air ice rink and fairground rides. Visitors can ride the Ferris Wheel for £4 per person or walk through the Bavarian Fun House for £5 for an adult and child.
3. Winchester, England – Family-friendly Christmas adventure score: 9.21/10
Over half (56.82%) of Winchester’s restaurants, as do half of its pubs, welcome children. The March Hare is a cosy pub with a children’s menu offering a main, two sides, a drink, and a dessert for £7.50. With 72 cabins nearby, Winchester is an ideal countryside getaway for families seeking a traditional English Christmas.
The Winchester City Mill is one of the area’s must-visit attractions. During the Christmas period, it is transformed with festive trees and lights. There are in-house workshops where the whole family can make DIY wreaths using pine cones, berries and ribbons. The Winchester Cathedral also hosts a Christmas market with German-inspired wooden chalets and glimmering lights.
| Rank | Location | County | Country | Easy hiking trails | Google searches for Christmas walks | Child-friendly restaurants | Child-friendly pubs | Cabins within 30 miles | Christmas market days | Ice skating rink | Ice rink rating /5 | Adult ticket price | Child ticket price | Average annual snow days | Family-friendly Christmas adventure score /10 |
| 1 | Dundee | Dundee | Scotland | 50.00% | 90 | 34.21% | 37.50% | 54 | 46 | Dundee Ice Arena | 4.5 | £7.50 | £7.00 | 9.64 | 9.91 |
| 2 | Aberdeen | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | 53.33% | 170 | 38.64% | 26.32% | 4 | 48 | Linx Ice Arena | 4.4 | £8.50 | £5.00 | 14.34 | 9.29 |
| 3 | Winchester | Hampshire | England | 28.33% | 130 | 56.82% | 50.00% | 72 | 31 | Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink | – | £10.95 | £8.95 | 4.23 | 9.21 |
| 4 | London | London | England | 41.67% | 4,470 | 48.48% | 21.86% | 18 | 46 | Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink | 4.4 | £7.50 | £7.50 | 3.44 | 9.12 |
| 5 | Cardiff | Cardiff | Wales | 34.78% | 180 | 41.30% | 39.02% | 36 | 40 | Vindico Arena | 4.5 | £13.50 | £6.00 | 3.41 | 8.88 |
| 6 | Belfast | County Antrim | Northern Ireland | 59.26% | 220 | 36.57% | 13.33% | 30 | 37 | Dundonald International Ice Bowl | 4.4 | £8.00 | £6.00 | 4.01 | 8.82 |
| 7 | Glasgow | West-central | Scotland | 47.73% | 340 | 28.86% | 26.67% | 58 | 58 | Braehead Ice Centre | 3.6 | £12.00 | £8.00 | 7.40 | 8.75 |
| 8 | Cambridge | Cambridgeshire | England | 43.90% | 90 | 48.43% | 26.32% | 45 | 53 | Cambridge Ice Arena | 4.5 | £12.50 | £9.50 | 5.43 | 8.72 |
| 9 | Inverness | Highland | Scotland | 29.73% | 80 | 56.44% | 23.08% | 99 | 3 | Inverness Ice Centre | 4.4 | £11.50 | £9.00 | 27.09 | 8.69 |
| 10 | Sheffield | South Yorkshire | England | 16.67% | 340 | 32.76% | 31.03% | 19 | 41 | Ice Sheffield | 4.4 | £9.95 | £9.95 | 15.75 | 8.57 |
Glasgow has the longest running Christmas markets in the UK this year
1. Glasgow, Scotland – 58 Christmas market days
Glasgow’s Christmas markets are the longest running in the UK this year. They are open for 58 festive days across two central sites, St Enoch Square and George Square. Visitors can enjoy the busy stalls selling crafts, food, and gifts in a vibrant holiday setting. Whether browsing traditional Scottish items or indulging in seasonal treats, Glasgow’s markets are filled with holiday spirit and attract crowds with entertainment and music, making it the UK’s best Christmas market experience. Google Maps reviews mention the fresh food, including bratwursts, and the “fun for the whole family” experience.
2. Birmingham, England – 54 Christmas market days
Birmingham’s festive markets are open for 54 days, transforming the city into a Christmas shopping and eating destination. The city’s German-inspired market offers freshly-made food, including churros and traditional German sausages. Wooden, rustic huts adorned with twinkling lights line the city centre, from Victoria Square to New Street. Visitors can also visit the ice rink and Ferris Wheel at Centenary Square during the festive season. The market is rated four out of five by visitors on Google Maps, with reviews praising the “beautifully decorated” stalls and German sausages with vegan and vegetarian options.
3. Bristol, England – 53 Christmas market days
With markets open for 53 days, Bristol offers a vibrant mix of artisan stalls, food options, and unique gifts. Located in the city centre, these markets bring a warm holiday feel to this English cultural hub. The Bristol Christmas Market Broadmead has 8,800 followers on Facebook and is rated 4.6 out of five by visitors.
| Rank | Location | County | Country | Christmas market days |
| 1 | Glasgow | West-central | Scotland | 58 |
| 2 | Birmingham | West Midlands | England | 54 |
| 3 | Bristol | Bristol | England | 53 |
| 3 | Cambridge | Cambridgeshire | England | 53 |
| 5 | Blackpool | Lancashire | England | 52 |
| 5 | Southampton | Hampshire | England | 52 |
| 7 | Edinburgh | Edinburgh | Scotland | 50 |
| 8 | Nottingham | Nottinghamshire | England | 49 |
| 9 | Aberdeen | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | 48 |
| 10 | Dundee | Dundee | Scotland | 46 |
| 10 | London | London | England | 46 |
The Cairngorms National Park is the best place to see snow during the festive season
1. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland – 66.4 average annual snow days
The Cairngorms National Park averages 66.4 snowy days yearly, making it the UK’s best destination for a white Christmas. The snowy setting means visitors can enjoy a range of winter sports in the area, from skiing and snowboarding at Glenshee Ski Centre and Cairngorm Mountain Resort to scenic snowy hikes in the breathtaking Highland landscape.
There are plenty of Christmas events in the area. Kids can travel on the Strathspey Steam Railway’s ‘Santa Express’, watching the stunning countryside views with entertainment from the team of elves. They will even get a complimentary gingerbread man, activity book, souvenir bauble, and a visit from the man himself, Santa Claus. To complete the festive experience, you can pet real reindeer. The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain’s only free-range, tame and friendly herd of reindeer.
2. Aberfeldy, Scotland – 31.8 average annual snow days
Recording an average of 31.8 snow days annually, Aberfeldy is a beautiful destination for snow lovers. The town’s cosy winter cabins and snowy peaks make it ideal for a peaceful Christmas escape. Aberfeldy is home to Santa Day at the end of November. When the streets come alive with a parade featuring Santa and his herd of reindeer. At the end of the day, you can see the area’s official Christmas lights switch on in The Square.
3. Inverness, Scotland – 27.1 average annual snow days
Inverness averages 27.1 snow days per year, creating an idyllic festive atmosphere. Visitors can explore local attractions such as Brodie Castle, the setting for the festive November light show, and scenic views amid light snowfall, making for a classic winter wonderland experience.
| Rank | Location | County | Country | Average annual snow days |
| 1 | Cairngorms National Park | Highland | Scotland | 66.4 |
| 2 | Aberfeldy | Perth and Kinross | Scotland | 31.8 |
| 3 | Inverness | Highland | Scotland | 27.1 |
| 4 | Stirling | Stirling | Scotland | 20.6 |
| 5 | Sheffield | South Yorkshire | England | 15.8 |
| 6 | Aberdeen | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | 14.3 |
| 7 | Derry | County Londonderry | Northern Ireland | 12.0 |
| 8 | Perth | Perth and Kinross | Scotland | 11.9 |
| 9 | Mold | Flintshire | Wales | 11.7 |
| 10 | Caerphilly | Caerphilly | Wales | 10.6 |
Christmas crafts for kids
Homemade Christmas tree ornaments
Create personalised Christmas tree decorations with your children using natural materials. Start with salt dough ornaments—kids can shape and paint these unique decorations and bake them to solidify their designs. Make sure an adult supervises the use of an oven and sets a timer. Go outdoors to find pinecones to turn into mini Christmas trees or festive baubles. For a rustic element, try crafting star shapes using sticks tied together with string. These handmade ornaments add an earthy touch to your Christmas tree and can be a keepsake to treasure year after year.
Gingerbread birdhouses
Encourage a love for wildlife by crafting gingerbread birdhouses as a family. You can buy a kit or bake the gingerbread pieces yourself if you want more of a challenge. Assemble the structure and cover it in peanut butter, then sprinkle birdseed generously over the surface. Place the finished birdhouse in your garden, ideally on a table or elevated spot where birds feel safe enough to eat. This can attract local wildlife to your garden and support these species through the winter.
Make log or cork reindeer
This craft uses corks or small logs to bring Rudolph to life at home. Adults can use a small screwdriver to carefully make holes in the cork or logs, and children can insert small sticks for legs and a neck. Hunt for small branched sticks to create antlers, and trim the legs to even lengths so your reindeer stands up securely. This simple project is great for kids learning basic crafting techniques with adult supervision. The finished reindeer will add a homemade touch to your festive decor.
Homemade wreaths
Harness your creativity by using natural materials to make a homemade Christmas wreath. Gather holly, pine branches, berries, and even dried orange slices to weave into your wreath for a seasonal look. Use a wireframe to form the shape and twine to secure the natural pieces. Kids can help with gathering materials and arranging them. This project is a fantastic way to bring nature indoors, creating an eye-catching decoration to welcome guests this festive season.
Build a snowman
Building a snowman is a classic holiday activity if you’re lucky enough to have a snowy Christmas. Kids love going outdoors to roll snowballs, stack them, and dress their frosty sculptures with hats, scarves, and stick arms. If snow is scarce, try creating an indoor snowman by stacking cardboard boxes wrapped in white paper or crafting a felt snowman on the wall. This creative alternative brings the fun indoors while keeping the festive spirit alive, no matter the weather.
Methodology
To reveal the most Christmassy cities and towns, we created a seed list of locations using sources such as VisitEngland, Time Out, VisitWales, The Independent, and Northern Ireland World.
We used Komoot to source the total number of hiking trails to the nearest point for each location. We then filtered this by ‘easy trails.’ We also calculated the number of easy hiking trails as a percentage of total trails. This data was calculated on 15/10/2024.
Using Google Keyword Planner, we searched terms such as ‘Christmas walks’ and ‘winter trails,’ looking at the total number of searches in each location from October 2023 to September 2024.
To source the number of pubs and restaurants, we used Tripadvisor, filtering by ‘bars and pubs’ and ‘restaurants’ on 16/10/2024 and then calculating this per 1,000 population using the latest ONS population figures and City Population, looking at 2021/2022 data. For London, we looked at the total number of ‘cheap eats,’ ‘mid-range,’ and ‘fine dining’ separately and added them together to get the overall figure.
Tripadvisor was also used to source family-friendly pubs and restaurants, filtering by ‘good for kids/child-friendly’ on 11/10/2024. This data was then calculated as a percentage of each location’s restaurants, bars, and pubs.
We looked at each location on Airbnb to determine the number of cabins in and around each area, filtering this data by ‘a weekend in December’ to get results specific to the festive season. We then noted the search results within approximately 30 miles on 15/10/2024.
We used ArcGIS to gather the average annual snow days over the last 30 years.
Using the official website of each event holder, we sourced the number of days each location’s Christmas market is open, looking at their opening and closing dates for 2024. For places that have yet to confirm their official dates for this year, we used 2023 dates.
We looked at one of each location’s most popular ice skating rinks, highlighting the session cost as of 11/10/2024 using the official site for each location.
Where applicable, we included the cost of a single adult ticket and a single child ticket. If all members of the public pay the same price, we noted the adult and child prices as the same. For towns and cities that do not have an ice rink, we included the closest location within the limit of approximately a 30-minute drive using Google Maps. We used Google Reviews to source the review rating of each ice rink out of five as of 11/10/2024.
We created two indexes to highlight the top Christmas locations in the UK and the best locations for families. The indexes considered the average scores out of 10 for each relevant factor across each area and an overall score out of 10 for each location.
