Best places in the UK for a winter weekend away

Winter in the UK can get pretty dismal – the days are short, the temperature drops and the rain does not seem to stop pouring. However, a winter break is the perfect opportunity to slow down the pace and retreat for a cosy weekend in the countryside.

There are many places in the UK you can escape to for a weekend of hot chocolates, open log fires, and sparkling frost-covered villages. Get wrapped up, and get ready to explore Cotels’ handpicked favourite places for a winter weekend getaway…

Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England (second only to the Lake District), and is full of idyllic villages of honey-coloured stone, and quintessentially English market towns, which look even more picture-postcard covered in dustings of frost. Visit some of the area’s historic houses and gardens such as Berkeley Castle or Gloucester Cathedral, or take a Winter’s walk through the extensive countryside. Full of history, character and things to see and do, the Cotswolds is a perfect choice for a cosy countryside Winter weekend away.

Cornwall

Though it may seem like an obvious choice for a summer visit in the UK, Cornwall is also an extremely popular choice for a winter weekend getaway. The winter temperatures in Cornwall rarely drop below freezing and the county remains relatively mild all year round. There are over 300 beaches in Cornwall, on which bikini-clad tourists are replaced by winter walkers wrapped up in their woolies. Cornwall is also full of fishing towns and villages which are home to cosy pubs, adorable tea rooms (where you can sample an authentic Cornish cream tea), charming independent gift shops, and luxurious B&Bs, all perfect for a winter retreat.

The Chilterns

The 60 mile stretch of quintessential, rolling green English countryside, which touches four surrounding counties – Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire – has everything you need for a short Winters break. This lovely countryside location, right on London’s doorstep has miles of stunning scenery, quaint villages and market towns, and an extensive selection of cosy pubs and restaurants, perfect to warm up and refuel in, after a day of exploring in the crisp English countryside. Just an hour or so’s drive from urban towns Milton Keynes and Northampton, why not stay in one of Cotels’ serviced apartments, and get the best of both worlds?

Oxford

The town of Oxford attracts millions of tourists every year from across the globe, to admire its antique colleges, remarkable architecture, and monumental libraries. Oxford is full of quirky cafes, shops, museums, theatres, and historical landmarks, meaning you’ll never be stuck for something to do. Explore famous TV and film locations, climb a tower for gorgeous 360° views, or if you want to venture out of the town centre, why not visit the world heritage site Blenheim Palace – the stunning winter lights are always a local favourite.

London

What London lacks in the countryside, it more than makes up for in things to do! London is packed full of restaurants, shops, theatres and other fun and unique ways to spend a cold English weekend. Wanting to explore the city but can’t face walking around in the cold? Hop on (or off) one of London’s many double decker tour buses. You can catch the fast train from Milton Keynes to Euston in just over 30 mins!

 

So, why not grab your hats and scarfs and get exploring the UK this winter – and if you find yourself near Milton Keynes or Northampton then why not head to one of our serviced apartments, for a cosy home-away-from-home feel?