The Best places to visit in england in winter

We love a good winter here in England. When the weather hits, it tends to hit pretty well. Whilst a couple of centimetres of snow can bring the motorways to a standstill, it can turn some scenes into the most marvellous of sights. With the cold well and truly on it’s way, let’s take a look at the best places to visit in England in winter.

Visiting out of season is a great way to Enjoy England for Less, with hotel stays costing a fraction of peak summer prices. A totally different break experience, dress for the weather and you’ll enjoy every moment.

London

One of the best places to visit in winter is the capital city. Think about those Christmas movies you’ve seen that take place in London. Love Actually springs to mind, as does Last Christmas. You can imagine yourself in a festive film! Think about those tourist places that we all love. How about seeing all those iconic places you may have already witnessed, but covered in snow? Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, St Pauls Cathedral. When you see them covered in white, it is such a wonderful sight to see. Have a read of the best things to do in London at Christmas, lots of unmissable free sights to enjoy.

Be sure to get up early and get out and about early if you wanted untouched snow in your photography. The city still has some hustle and bustle about it, even in the cold so the snow can soon turn to slush! Witness the city from the top of the London Eye, go ice skating outside the Natural History Museum or head to Hamley’s for some Christmas shopping.

The Lake District

Secondly, on our list of the best places to visit in England in winter is The Lakes. The Lake District is home to perhaps some of the most incredible views in England. From the lakes that inspire it’s name to the high peaks and mountains that get dusted with snow every winter. There are wonderful views to witness, fells to climb and lakes to sit by. On top of all that, the towns of the Lake District come to life, even in the cold winter months. You have Windermere, Cockermouth and Ambleside to begin with but Ulverston is where it’s at. Every year the market town brings A Christmas Carol to life. Imagine Dickensian-era markets and period costumes a-plenty! Grab some roasted chestnuts and enjoy the season in style.

York

Discover festive markets that take up most of the city streets when you visit York in the winter. The architecture available to see in the historic city of York is fantastic, including the spectacular York Minster. View the city from it’s walls or head into the narrow streets and explore the Shambles. A jewel in the North’s crown, York is a well deserved addition to our list of the best places to visit in England in winter.

Dartmoor National Park

Next on our list of the best places to visit in England in winter is Dartmoor National Park. Down in Devon, Dartmoor is fantastic at the best of times but transforms into something majestic with a dusting of snow. Think fairy tales and romance, love stories that last an age. This scenery has no competition so go ahead and explore. If you love the outdoors, you will enjoy climbing, hiking, biking and lots more. Wrap up warm, this is some rugged landscape, but unrivalled and beyond beautiful.

The Cotswolds

Quaint storybook villages are given a picture postcard treatment when the snow settles. The Cotswolds has lots to offer in the winter months, from the cobbled lanes to the popular towns of Castle Combe and Painswick. Furthermore, the Malvern Hills look over the area, giving you wonder views to and from them as the morning sunshine bounces off the icy dew. The perfect addition to our list of the best places to visit in England in winter.

Cambridge

The final destination on our list of the best places to visit in England in winter is Cambridge. Similar to York, you’ll be able to wander the city, exploring incredible architecture. Punting still takes place during the winter months and there is no other more popular way to explore the city! Keep an eye out for the Christmas lights switch on and check out the covered ice rink, winter fair and wonderful independent shops.

As you can see, winter may be coming, but with it, there are so many opportunities to see amazing places in unique circumstances. If the snow comes, be sure to get yourself out and about and witness some incredible locations clad in wonderous white! There might be cold temperatures and short amounts of daylight, but there are some fantastic places to visit in England in winter.

Where to stay this winter in England

For a real Luxury English treat, have a look at MacDonald Hotels. All hotels are in fabulous settings in beautiful locations including The Lake District, Bath and Windsor. Booking direct means :

No pre-payment required
Free cancellation up to 7 days before arrival
No fees to change your booking

Make sure you check out MacDonald Hotels special offers page to get the best prices – Enjoy England for Less.

For more choice and budget friendly options have a look at TripAdvisor. You can chose from Hotels, Cottages, Guest Houses and holiday rentals.

Winter essentials for your trip

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only weather you are not prepared for. Be ready to enjoy Englands wintery weather with our must have essentials.

Thermals. You may not need them everyday but you’ll be thankful you wore them when you’re sitting outside enjoying a hot chocolate in the snow!
Hat and scarf. Warm and wooly, as fun and colourful as you like.
Gloves. Or mittens, warm warm warm.
Thermos flask. There is something very lovely about sitting down, taking in the view and drinking piping hot tea from a flask.