Britain's Winter Destinations

Cold Cure: Revel in the seasonal charm of winter Britain

Daniel Allen

The British Isles may not be the first place that springs to mind when it comes to planning a winter holiday. But dig a little deeper than the cliched jokes about nasty weather and you'll discover that Britain has a lot more to offer the intrepid traveller at this time of year than the naysayers suggest.

Yes, you'll need to pack for the vagaries of British climate - which inevitably means rain, drizzle, fog, mist, wind, hail, sleet, snow and even the occasional burst of sunshine. But for the outdoor types, that same cold drizzle and biting wind can also give the rugged countryside a really dramatic feel. With plenty of flight, accommodation and car rental bargains to be had - not to mention bags of culture, some gorgeous scenery and a world-beating network of cosy pubs to take shelter in - the positives are long and plentiful.

Here are some recommendations for winter holiday making in Britain.

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Hogmanay in Edinburgh

Recently highlighted as one of the "top 100 things to do before you die", Edinburgh's Hogmanay is one of the world's great New Year celebrations. Last year the 3-day festival was a complete sell-out, with nearly 150,000 revellers from over 70 countries joining celebrations throughout the Scottish capital.

This year promises yet another packed programme to party into 2016, including a new "Street Party" experience featuring additional entertainment, new stage and increased arena space for crowds to "bring in the bells", as well as one of the biggest New Year firework displays on the planet, set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

2015/2016 dates: December 30, 2015 to January 1, 2016.

Portmeirion, Gwynedd

Portmeirion is a fairy-tale Italianate village on the coast of Snowdonia, with gardens, beaches, shops, restaurants and hotels. This may just be the warmest place in Britain during the winter; the temperature has risen above 17˚C eight times here in January over the past century. This is probably due to the so-called "föhn effect", where a warm, dry wind blows down the side of nearby mountains.

Those wanting to overnight here can stay at one of Portmeirion's two hotels, or at a range of self-catering cottages with names such as the Neptune or Mermaid.

The fact that Portmeirion's climate is so mild means that winter frosts are rare, allowing the planting of tender exotic plants that are impossible to grow elsewhere. Incidentally, Portmeirion was a favourite haunt of The Beatles, the place where Noël Coward wrote Blithe Spirit, and the home of Sixties TV show The Prisoner.

Salcombe, Devon

Celebrated Victorian historian James Froude once famously stated that "winter in Salcombe is winter only in name." As one of Devon's most beautiful resorts this is, indeed, one of Britain's perfect winter getaways, thanks to its comparatively mild climate.

Winter visitors here can soak up the small town charm that the locals adore, while cool, crisp days can be spent enjoying walks on the beach or exploring local farmers' markets. With the estuary, beaches and South West Coastal Path close at hand, you won't have to go far to revel in the gorgeous scenery. Salcombe's shops and galleries also let their creativity bloom during the winter months, which means shops are stocked with handmade gifts and stunning works of art.

Dartmoor, Devon

Extending over 368 square miles, Dartmoor is the largest and wildest area of open country in southern England, and is well known for its great opportunities for active exploration. Home to boulder-strewn rivers, ancient woodland and numerous rocky outcrops, the moor in winter is a harsh but beautiful place, with the tors frequently dusted in snow and ice.

Crisp mornings, invigorating hikes, opportunities to see animal tracks upon the ground and the unique winter light all make visits to Dartmoor a thrilling experience at this time of year. Autumn and winter also see a host of village and farmers' markets held in various Dartmoor communities.

Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, London, UK. — Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park, London

If you're in London over the Christmas period there's no better way to get into a festive mood than a visit to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland. This free-to-enter event in one of the capital's most famous parks includes a panoply of Christmas-themed fun and activities, including big top shows, an observation wheel and a sprawling Christmas market.

This year visitors to Hyde Park can skate around a picturesque ice rink, enter the Magical Ice Kingdom with its "ice forest" of frozen sculptures and gleaming ice castle, and enjoy the acrobatic wonders of shows at the award-winning Zippos Circus and Cirque Beserk. Younger children will enjoy more sedate rides such as carousels and helter skelters, while high adrenaline roller coasters cater to a thrill-seeking older crowd.

2015/2016 dates: November 20, 2015 to January 3, 2016. Open from 10 am to 10 pm every day (except Christmas Day).

North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is a picturesque region at any time of year, but winter adds even more lustre to the jewel of northern England. Snow transforms rural regions and the dramatic scenery gains an extra layer of sparkle, with peaceful white fields, deserted beaches, and a slew of castles and churches dominating the frozen landscape. As the sun sits low in the sky, the dry stone walls which zig-zag across the landscape take on an warming, ochre hue.

At their most atmospheric in winter, the Yorkshire Dales are perfect for hikes. The ruined Whitby Abbey is particularly beautiful at this time of year, while the colourful streets of county capital York offer a fantastic blend of boutique shops, cosy restaurants and cafes. With its steamy outdoor pool, the Feversham Arms boutique hotel in the town of Helmsley could be the classiest accommodation in the area - perfect for a spot of winter pampering.