When winter arrives, the instinct is to hibernate. But a well-chosen getaway can transform the coldest season into the coziest. These six UK destinations, all accessible by train, are perfect for a winter break, offering roaring fires, warm spas, and dramatic, frosty landscapes that will make you fall in love with the season.
Imagine watching a winter storm roll in over the Atlantic from the warm, secure mezzanine bedroom of a Cornish cabin. The dramatic, moody seascapes are at their most powerful in winter. A bracing walk along a windswept coastal path is made all the better by the promise of returning to your cozy hideout or a historic pub with a crackling fire.
In Northumberland, the experience is similar. The sea views from the cottage window are magnificent on a crisp, clear winter’s day. It’s the perfect spot to curl up with a book and a blanket. For the more adventurous, a brisk cycle ride to a nearby castle followed by a hot chocolate is a truly invigorating winter experience.
The Berkshire spa hotel becomes a sanctuary of warmth in winter. Escape the cold by immersing yourself in the indoor hydrotherapy pool, the Himalayan salt sauna, or the aroma steam room. The outdoor wood-fired hot tubs are particularly magical on a cold, starry night, offering a luxurious way to stay warm while surrounded by the crisp winter air.
For a truly cozy and secluded winter escape, a Scottish bothy is ideal. Cook a hearty stew over your firepit, snuggle under a warm duvet made from recycled bottles, and enjoy the profound silence of a winter woodland. The Essex cabin also offers a wonderful winter experience, with its sauna pod providing the perfect antidote to a chilly day.