When the weather is cold, the environment should be cosy. One thing we do just as well as biting wintry weather is cosy getaways. From snug countryside escapes to boutique design hotels in snow-covered cities, there are so many options for a winter staycation, all of which are made even better by packing a bag full of your favourite knitwear.
Here are some of the best locations for snowy strolls, innovative dining, design-led spas, and much more. We have inspiration in abundance.
Urban Escapes
London
Claridge's is a London icon. Located in Mayfair, it has all the hallmarks of a luxury city getaway; a spa designed to emulate traditional Japanese Zen gardens, an Art Deco-style restaurant, a champagne bar, and plenty more. Plus, at Christmas they draw crowds from all over to view their famous Christmas tree, designed by a different brand or artist every year. From the Louis Vuitton travel trunk tree to the Karl Lagerfeld inverted spruce, there have been some impressive designs that promise to provide a show-stopping backdrop for your festive merino jumper picture.
Edinburgh
The Gleneagles Townhouse in the centre of Edinburgh is surrounded by historic buildings, cobblestone streets, luxury shopping in nearby St James Quarter, and if you’re there in the right month, the festive markets in Princes Street gardens. Inside the hotel you can indulge at their restaurant, The Spence, or lounge in their wellness suite.
Countryside Retreats
Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is known for its quaint villages, stunning scenery, and simply serving as an idyllic spot for a countryside retreat in the colder months. Stay at The Bull in Charlbury if you like a cosy pub feel with plenty of thoughtful touches. There, you will be perfectly situated to visit Blenheim Palace when its famous Christmas decorations are up. If you want to experience the incredible food and atmosphere of The Bull, but can’t make it out of London this festive season, get your fix at their sister pub, The Pelican, in Notting Hill.
Nairnshire
If visiting the Scottish Highlands in winter is on your travel wishlist, then a stay at Boath House in Nairn is in order. The Georgian mansion boasts excellent food and luxurious accommodation in a remote location surrounded by countryside — an ideal spot for a walk in the snow wrapped in your best woollen cardigan.
Coastal Adventures
Dorset
Dorset is packed with exciting winter break activities, from blustery beach walks to coastal castle visits. Book a stay at The Pig on the Beach in the gorgeous Studland Bay for sea views that will make this trip extra memorable. The Pig is known for its Kitchen Garden and sea view conservatory restaurant; every meal is made using ingredients sourced no further than 25 miles away. With roaring log fires and spa treatments in sheep huts, this is a brilliant way to spend the festive season.
Kent
Deal is a favourite for anyone who wants to escape to the beach, and although it is popular in summer it’s arguably even better during the colder months, providing the perfect opportunity to pack your favourite roll-neck jumper. The Rose is a boutique hotel on the high street dating back to Victorian times, but today, it offers luxury rooms and dining experiences. Book in for a facial or massage at The Pelican Rooms, or eat at The Rose restaurant, where the food looks good and tastes even better.
Cornwall
Cornwall is known as one of the best summer destinations in the UK, but it is often forgotten in the throes of winter. Head to beautiful Newquay and spend your winter break in Scarlet at Mawgan Porth, located on the Cornish clifftops. This hotel has startling views of the coast, a restaurant that focuses on sustainable, slow-grown ingredients, and natural spa pools just a stone’s throw from the crashing sea waves. The hotel is committed to its sustainability practices, and you will notice small details around the grounds that celebrate the natural ecosystem, such as the wooden posts in their gardens that started life as a local harbour’s coastal erosion barriers.
Cultural Experiences
Bath
The city of Bath is a cultural experience here in the UK, with its Roman thermae baths, abundance of history tours, and incredible dining experiences. Stay at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, and be sure to enjoy afternoon tea before relaxing in their blissful spa garden.
York
A stay at Grays Court Hotel in York puts you at the heart of this mediaeval city, ideally placed for taking a tour of the fascinating street known as the Shambles, dining at The Bow Room Restaurant, and for walking around the beautiful walled gardens of the hotel wrapped up in your best woollen accessories. Don’t forget to check what theatre shows are on during your visit at the Grand Opera House or the York Theatre Royal.
Somerset
Somerset is one of the best locations for cultural experiences in the UK. Stay at the award-winning hotel, The Newt, near Castle Cary, which offers a country estate feel with a difference. Enjoy garden exploration, cider orchards, and their popular restaurant, The Creamery. They also have a calendar of workshops if you want to try your hand at a new skill; learn horticulture, ecology, heritage crafts, cider making, even mushroom foraging. You can also go on a bee safari, or book a unique Roman Villa experience to learn about the history of the area.
Outdoor Activities
Cotswolds
For those who love outdoor activities, the Cotswolds has plenty to offer. Not far from Cheltenham and Oxford, you’ll find The Lamb Inn in Shipton, a historic Cotswolds pub known for its hearty British menu, woodfired dishes and extensive wine list. From the hotel, you can book deer stalking in one of Henry VIII’s favourite hunting locations to find Roe, Fallow and Sika deer, or sign up for their simulated game days.
Cairngorms
Scotland boasts some of the best winter sports destinations in the country, so a winter break in the Cairngorms is perfect for anyone who wants to check out the skiing available in the area. The luxury Fife Arms offers a cosy retreat from the cold outside where you can get cosy in their fondue hut or visit the wine cellar after a day of skiing in nearby Aviemore. While there, an après-ski winter break would not be complete without a visit to the Cairngorm reindeer, the UK's only free-roaming winter herd. Don’t forget to take your heavier knits for up north.
