Don’t let the New Year blues sneak up on you. Plan one of these fun January breaks to some of the UK’s most beautiful cities and see something new.
With the right planning, you can have a mini-adventure that doesn’t break the bank, but will leave you feeling energised and refreshed.
1. Manchester
During winter you can enjoy several of the city’s best attractions without the crowds and with some special festivities thrown in. For sports enthusiasts, there’s The Chill Factore for Britain’s longest indoor ski and snowboard slope. And for culture-lovers, plan a visit to one of the many museums and galleries, including the Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Centre. This year, the impressive Manchester Central, home of the old Manchester central station, will host the city’s annual Beer and Cider Festival from 20th-23rd January . Sample 75 varieties of cider and over 500 beers. While you’re here, visit the Richmond Tea Room for its beautiful decorations that recall the old city.
Stay: Manchester Travelodge
2. Bath
As January breaks go, warming up with a dip in Britain’s only natural thermal spa has to be one of the best. The entire city of Bath looks stunning during winter, when its gorgeous architecture lends itself to warm and cosy evenings in local pubs and restaurants. This January you can also visit The Victoria Art Gallery to see Grayson Perry’s ‘The Vanity of Small Differences’, which showcases six large tapestries he made for the Channel 4 series All in the Best Possible Taste. In need of a little peace and relaxation? On 10th January you can take a mindfulness walk through the beautiful Prior Park.
Stay: Bath hotels
3. Bournemouth
The seaside town of Bournemouth is undergoing a bit of a revival, and winter is a surprisingly good time to take a stroll along the town’s extensive coastline. Wrap up and take a walk before tucking into a warming portion of fish and chips from one of the many seaside cafes. The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery hosts a showing of ‘Animals in Art‘ in January, exploring the relationship that we have with our four-legged friends. For a family-friendly experience that’s also weather-proof, why not go to Bournemouth’s very own 6D cinema, where state-of-the-art technology will transport you to the heart of the film.
Stay: Hotels in Bournemouth
4. Cardiff
The beautiful port city of Cardiff is as cosmopolitan as it is cultural. Voted one of the best cities to live in in the UK, the Welsh capital has something for everyone. History buffs will love exploring Cardiff Castle, where Gothic architecture meets Victorian romance.
Through the rapids. Photo © Andy L
For a splash of adrenalin, head to the Cardiff International White Water centre to try your hand at rafting. If you’re feeling adventurous, The Faulty Towers dining experience is in town from 26th January , serving up a side order of chaos and mayhem with your soup.
Stay: Cardiff Travelodge
