Must-see winter destinations for a cosy getaway

The UK has plenty of beautiful winter destinations to visit, particularly if you’re planning a short break. With our ancient towns and cities offering historic sites as well as traditions like Christmas markets and carol concerts, you’re never far from festive action.

Or perhaps you’re looking to escape into a winter wonderland of crisp countryside walks and remote rambles, before ducking into a welcoming pub for shelter beside a crackling fire. Either way, a winter lodge break offers the chance to slow down and enjoy the season.

To help you plan your seasonal staycation, we’ve put together a list of must-see winter destinations in the UK, highlighting popular locations alongside cosy lodges and log cabins that make a comfortable base for a winter break.  

Our travel team selected these stays from the holidaylodges.co.uk collection for their cold-weather appeal, from hot tubs and wood burners to festive decorations. We chose destinations that combine winter walks and seasonal attractions with welcoming places to eat and stay. We've combined research with first-hand recommendations from our regional experts to help you choose the right winter escape.

Skip to:

• Norfolk: for couples and slow weekends
• The New Forest, Hampshire: for walking and Winchester
• Peak District: for romantic breaks
• South Lanarkshire, Scotland: a family countryside break
• Yorkshire: for Christmas shopping
• Somerset: for family attractions and historic Christmas markets
• The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire: for festive light trails
• Kent: for a coastal winter escape

Norfolk

If you’re after a peaceful winter escape, the Norfolk/Suffolk border offers an idyllic mix of countryside, charming market towns, and quiet walking routes. Diss sits just across the border in Norfolk and is well worth a wander with its historic town centre, independent shops, and picturesque Mere at the heart of town. Enjoy a ramble through the surrounding countryside, then find a traditional pub for a leisurely lunch before heading back to your lodge.

For a slower-paced break, the Waveney Valley is ideal for getting outdoors and enjoying the quieter side of East Anglia, whatever the weather. With pretty villages, open countryside, and winding waterways to explore, it’s a lovely spot for a winter weekend that’s more about fresh air and switching off than a packed itinerary.

Weybread Lakes Lodges sit beside a peaceful lake in the Waveney Valley, close to the Norfolk and Suffolk border. These luxurious lodges are made for couples looking to switch off, with private hot tubs, saunas, and lakeside decking where you can enjoy the stillness of the surrounding wintry countryside. It’s a lovely option if your idea of winter bliss is less about a packed itinerary and more about having time to unwind.

Inday Harrison, our Norfolk regional expert and Norfolk Ambassador, shares her top winter recommendations:

"Norfolk is the most magical place in winter thanks to its peaceful coastlines, cosy festive villages and seal-watching season. My favourite place to visit in winter is definitely Winterton-on-Sea Beach, right next to Horsey Beach, where you can see the seals and grab a hot drink and delicious food from Seal View Cafe on the beach. It’s a Boxing Day tradition! I also love the magic of Holt in winter, with its Christmas lights, markets, cosy pubs and great shops perfect for doing some Christmas shopping."

The New Forest and Hampshire

There’s something almost otherworldly about the New Forest at any time of the year, but in wintertime it’s particularly atmospheric. Ancient woodland and winding country lanes become quiet once more, while free-roaming ponies and deer bring a little wild magic into the landscape.

Spend a morning exploring the trails around Brockenhurst or Bolderwood, where towering trees create a beautiful backdrop for a bracing winter walk, then seek out a traditional village pub for a warming lunch beside the fire.

Or for a festive day out, head to Winchester, where the historic Winchester Cathedral and surrounding streets provide a pretty setting for seasonal shopping and the city’s popular Christmas market.

For those in search of a peaceful woodland escape, Riverside Retreat sits beside the Beaulieu River, surrounded by trees and wildlife. Sleeping up to four, this stylish cabin has a spacious veranda overlooking the water, making it an ideal choice for quiet winter mornings. Decorated for Christmas, it’s a particularly inviting choice for a seasonal break, with the river and woodland setting adding to the feeling of getting away from it all.

Peak District

For a romantic winter escape, the Peak District is all about slowing down and enjoying simple pleasures: crisp countryside walks, cosy country pubs, and long evenings with nowhere else to be. Spend the weekend following footpaths across the Derbyshire hills, exploring the dramatic scenery around Matlock Bath, or spend an afternoon browsing the independent shops after a leisurely lunch.

If you fancy a day out with grandeur, Chatsworth House is well worth the trip, with its magnificent interiors, extensive gardens, and seasonal events.

And for a serene stay, Kingfisher at Manor View is a stylish glamping retreat designed for two. Its floor-to-ceiling glass doors frame the rolling countryside, while thoughtful interiors and colourful finishing touches give the pod plenty of character. Outside, a private hot tub offers the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring, with far-reaching rural views to take in as you soak.

South Lanarkshire and Scotland

For a winter escape with a little Scottish magic, head to the rolling countryside of South Lanarkshire, where crisp walks, historic villages, and welcoming pubs make it easy to slow down and enjoy the season. The Falls of Clyde, near the historic village of New Lanark, are particularly scenic for a winter walk, with woodland trails following the River Clyde past dramatic waterfalls.

You can also explore New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its rich industrial past and packed calendar of seasonal events. For Christmas 2026, New Lanark's festive experience includes a visit to Santa and a family pantomime, making it a fun seasonal day out for younger visitors.

For a quieter afternoon, wander around the nearby market town of Biggar: browse its independent shops and settle in for a leisurely pub lunch, before heading back to the countryside.

For a cosy base to return to after a day exploring, Pentland Lodge is a traditional log cabin that’s set within a generous garden backing onto open meadows. It has a welcoming, home-from-home feel, with three bedrooms, a bright living space, and a covered veranda for enjoying the peaceful surroundings. There’s a Jacuzzi bath indoors, and a private hot tub available to hire outdoors, so you can warm up after a winter walk before settling in for the evening. With space for up to six guests, it’s a great option for a family getaway or a few friends looking to spend quality time together.

Looking beyond South Lanarkshire, Jessica McMonagle, our Scotland regional expert, recommends the Cairngorms for a classic Scottish winter escape:

“If I had to choose one place to visit in Scotland in winter, it would be the Cairngorms. There's just something really special about the area at this time of year. I love the mix of dramatic mountain scenery, incredible wildlife and cosy pubs where you can warm up after a day outdoors. Seeing the Cairngorm reindeer herd always feels a bit magical, and if you're looking for adventure, there are plenty of opportunities to try winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. For me, the Cairngorms capture everything I love about a Scottish winter getaway, combining breathtaking landscapes with plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore."

Yorkshire

Whether you’re drawn to the festive buzz of a historic city or the quieter beauty of the countryside, Yorkshire makes a fabulous destination for a winter weekend away. Medieval York is particularly festive in the run-up to Christmas, when its independent shops and famous Shambles provide a storybook setting for seasonal shopping and exploring. The Christmas market also adds to the atmosphere, with stalls selling local crafts, gifts, and festive treats.

For a different sort of day out, the magnificent Castle Howard, just outside York, embraces the season with special Christmas experiences and beautifully decorated interiors; it’s well worth adding to your weekend itinerary.

For a more rural escape, Blackwell Ox Lodges are tucked away on the edge of the North York Moors. These luxurious lodges offer a peaceful base for exploring the moors, discovering nearby market towns, or heading towards the Yorkshire coast. After a crisp winter walk, you can return to your lodge to warm up beside the wood burner or enjoy a soak in your private hot tub. There’s even a traditional country pub on-site, so you can round off the day with a relaxed meal beside the open fire.

Julie Smith, our Yorkshire regional expert, shares her top winter recommendations:

"My recommendation for winter is to head to the North Yorkshire coast where you can explore popular spots like Whitby, Scarborough and Robin Hood’s Bay without the crowds. Take a bracing walk along the cliff-top Cleveland Way to enjoy views out over the North Sea and let the dog play off-lead without restrictions on the large stretch of beach that connects Sandsend to Whitby. You’ll find plenty of cosy pubs to warm up in too, including The Cod and Lobster in Staithes, where you can sit by the fire as you look out to sea."

Somerset

Somerset has a certain magic in winter; from its atmospheric towns to mysterious caves and countryside that’s made for a bracing walk followed by a cosy pub lunch. Bath is especially beautiful in the run-up to Christmas, when its grand Georgian buildings, honey-hued stone and streets around the Roman Baths provide a picture-perfect backdrop to the annual Bath Christmas Market. Browse the festive chalets for handmade gifts and seasonal treats, then take time to explore the city’s independent shops, eateries, and historic sights.

Or, for a different kind of winter adventure, head underground at Wookey Hole Caves, where spectacular rock formations and ancient caverns have an almost otherworldly feel. It also makes a useful wet-weather option for families, especially when the conditions make outdoor plans less appealing.

For a peaceful countryside base, New Oaks Farm Lodges offer a relaxing Somerset escape, around 7 miles from Glastonbury. Set on a working farm with open countryside views, these modern lodges come with private outdoor hot tubs, just the thing for warming up after a winter walk or spending a chilly evening beneath the stars. You’re also within easy reach of Wells, Cheddar Gorge, and the Mendip Hills, giving you plenty to explore.

The Cotswolds and Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire is a classic choice for a winter getaway, with chocolate-box villages, rolling countryside, and welcoming pubs the whole family can escape into. Explore the pretty towns and villages of the Cotswolds: take a stroll beside the babbling brook in Lower Slaughter, or head to Cirencester for independent shops, historic sights, and a leisurely lunch. If you’re visiting in the run-up to Christmas, the area has plenty of festive charm, from seasonal markets like the Corn Hall with local crafts and antiques to farm shops filled with local treats.

For a winter break with a little extra relaxation built in, Lower Mill Estate Lodges in Somerford Keynes sit among lakes and woodland in the heart of the Cotswold Lakes. Your weekend itinerary might include a peaceful lakeside walk, exploring the estate’s trails, or just making the most of the leisure facilities, which include heated indoor and outdoor pools. Then return to your holiday home for a cosy evening in, with wood burners and private hot tubs available in selected properties.

Kent

Known as the Garden of England for its green countryside and abundant orchards, Kent has another side to discover in winter: a windswept coastline, big skies, and seaside towns with plenty of lively spirit. In and around St Mary’s Bay, long stretches of shoreline invite bracing walks, a welcome change of pace for anyone escaping from nearby London.

If you're craving a little more buzz, head to Folkestone, where the Creative Quarter is home to independent shops, galleries, and cafes, or explore the harbour for food, drink, and sea views. It’s a gorgeous part of the country for a short winter break that mixes time outdoors with interesting places to explore. For something a bit different, head to Folkestone's seafront for a wood-fired sauna session overlooking the coast.

For a coastal stay with a contemporary twist, CABU by the Sea offers stylish cabins just moments from the beach at St Mary’s Bay, offering considered interiors, cosy spaces to retreat to after a chilly walk, and the option of a private hot tub in selected cabins. There’s also a sauna, a seasonal swimming pool, and outdoor space for cooking and gathering around the fire. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a family break by the sea, it’s a refreshing take on the classic British coastal holiday.

Book your cosy lodge break

Salcombe Lodge | Driftwood | The Scandinavian Lodge | The Damselfly Retreat

A lodge stay gives you time to rest, unwind, and enjoy the magic of the season. And you’ll find that many within our collection are decorated especially for a Christmas break, with some also including wood burners, fairy lights, and even Christmas trees to make your stay feel extra special.

Whether you’re after a bustling weekend exploring seasonal stalls or dreaming of a serene countryside escape, browse our lodges for winter and take a look at our best places in the UK for a Christmas market lodge break blog for inspiration.

Written by Sarah Christopher | Brand Voice Strategist and Creative Copywriter 

With over 15 years of creative copywriting and strategy experience, I specialise in lifestyle and travel writing. 

It is an absolute privilege to tell the stories of the UK's most beautiful locations. Whenever I research or visit a new destination, I invariably fall in love with it a little – meaning my staycation bucket list is forever growing.