Winter is a great time to wind down and catch up on some well earned rest, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay tucked up at home. From unwinding in nature to soaking up the local culture, the festive season is worth getting out of bed for. If you’re looking for a dreamy destination for your next break, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite places for a restful retreat.
1) Burford
Burford is a quaint medieval town nestled in the Cotswold Hills. The town has hardly changed in hundreds of years and is popular for both its beauty and history. Pull your wellies on and take some time with nature on one of the many countryside walks around the area, stop in one of the local cafes for a spot of lunch, or get into the festive spirit with a trip to the nearby Victorian Christmas shop in Bourton-on-the-Water. Whatever you do with your trip to Burford, it promises to be a tranquil time.
Where to stay
Burford Cotswolds
2) Helensburgh
Helensburgh is an attractive seaside town, tucked away on the banks of the Clyde, west of Glasgow. Once a popular holiday retreat with wealthy Victorians, Helensburgh is now the perfect quiet retreat, bringing together wonderful buildings, stunning seaside, and the dramatic landscapes of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Not to be missed is the annual Winter Festival, held each year at the beginning of December. The festive market offers a range of gifts and goodies and an international menu of street food is sure to tantalise your tastebuds. With all this less than 30 miles from Glasgow, there’s no reason not to pack your overnight bag and treat yourself to a much needed break.
Where to stay
Helensburgh Seafront
3) Rowland’s Castle
Rowland’s Castle is a sleepy village in South West Hampshire that backs on to the spectacular South Downs National Park. Situated on the London to Portsmouth train line, Rowland’s Castle is easy to get to, and is a perfect place to simply unqind. Pull on your gloves and scarf and take in the countryside on a wintery walk in the South Downs, play a round of golf, or get lost in the maze at the historic Stansted Estate. Let your worries slip away in this slow-paced village and relax with a stay in Rowland’s Castle.
Where to stay
Havant Rowland’s Castle
4) Rochester
Sat on the river Medway, Rochester boasts winding lanes lined with old houses, an imposing medieval castle, and a Victorian high street. Charles Dickens lived here throughout his life, and drew inspiration from the beauty of the town and the surrounding area, featuring Rochester prominently in his books. It’s the perfect place to wrap up warm and amble through the streets taking in the centuries of history as you go, or follow in Dickens’ footsteps and visit the Victorian Christmas Festival where classic characters welcome you to a world of festive cheer as you travel back in time. Experience some peace and quiet in this writers’ retreat and give yourself that well deserved break.
Where to stay
Rochester
5) Llandudno
Heedychlon is a word you may hear often when walking along the Llandudno promenade. It is Welsh for peaceful, and a more appropriate word doesn’t exist. It has two fantastic beaches and a beautiful seafront for wintery walks and Conwy nature reserve is just a ston’es throw away. But if a brisk walk is not your thing, Llandudno also boasts the largest Christmas fayre in Wales, attracting more than 35,000 visitors over the 4 day event in November. With the fresh sea air, quiet streets, and peaceful atmosphere, Llandudno is the perfect place ot switch off.
Where to stay
Llandudno
