Wonderful winter getaways in Britain
Or, where to take a “coolcation”
We’ve done staycations, now it’s all about “coolcations”, as the trend for winter holidays increases, according to travel experts. Luxury holiday rental company Perfect Stays reports more people are booking winter getaways in Britain and Google searches for UK staycations are up 250%.
I don’t know about you, but the idea of a luxury hotel, or holiday home, with roaring fire and roast dinner, really appeals to me right now. Oh, yes, and a bit of wandering about, to work up an appetite, if I must. Here’s some of my top picks:
Cultural break in Edinburgh
Britain is full of historic cities, but one of the most popular is Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is just so handsome, easy to walk around and with much to see. From climbing Arthur’s Seat, to Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland, the Royal Mile to Leith’s buzzing waterside bistros, it’s a great place for a winter weekend away, not least for its pub scene. There are several new places to stay in the city, including Gleneagles Townhouse and 100 Princes St, opening soon. But the most dramatic of all, has to be W Edinburgh, in its unmissable architectural building in St James Quarter. The Ribbon Building, by Jestico + Whiles, opened at the end of 2023. With a unique rooftop bar with 360-degree views of the city, it has 244 rooms, spa and Scotland’s first SUSHISAMBA restaurant. Rooms from £250 a night, marriott.com
Cornwall retreat
It’s one of the most popular counties in Britain, for good reason, as it’s so beautiful. But Cornwall is even better in winter, because it’s free of the crowds. We visited off-season and loved it. Along the South West Coast Path, you’ll find Porthtowan with its Blue Flag beach. In between Newquay and St Ives, there’s plenty to do around the area and Perfect Stays’ new holiday house Gwelefan has wonderful coastal views. Sleeping up to nine people, it has a sauna and hot tub to relax in after some bracing sea air. From £1,565, visit perfectstays.co.uk
Foodie weekend in Kent
I live not far away, but I am still tempted to check in for a gourmet break. Boys Hall near Ashford in Kent, is a Jacobean manor house, restored by owners Brad and Kristie Lomas, into a beautiful boutique hotel. CN Traveller dubbed it “Britain’s cosiest new hotel” and its previous guests include Samuel Pepys and Charles I. Dine on gourmet fayre from the Garden of England and relax by the fire with an Old Fashioned. Yes please. While Ashford might not be on the top of most people’s mini-break wish-list, the surrounding region is full of beautiful landscapes and some of the country’s best vineyards. Rooms from £160 per night, boys-hall.com
Dark skies in North Yorkshire
Six UK National Parks are awarded Dark Sky Reserve status – see more here. The North York Moors National Park has a Dark Skies Festival from February 9 - 25, with lots of outdoor events. You can stay in special Dark Sky-friendly accommodation, such as The Fox & Hounds at Ainthorpe, which offers a Dark Skies & Warm Fires weekend package of two nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast, plus guided stargazing walks, from £345. How lovely does that sound. Foxandhoundsainthorpe.com
Dog-sledding in Wales
For the more adventurous, then how about a weekend dog-sledding? Mynydd Sleddog Adventures runs rides on dry sleds, as well as mushing experiences and husky-hiking, from their site in Conwy, North Wales. Stay nearby in The Old Mill holiday cottages old-mill.co.uk and explore the beautiful surrounds of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its stunning countryside, beaches, towns and gourmet scene. Other sites offering dog-sledding, include Arctic Quest in the Malvern Hills, the UK9 Dog Sport Centre in Leicestershire and at Eagle Brae in the Scottish Highlands.