The Best 2025 UK Christmas Markets and other Festive Events
From the quiet corners of Scotland to bustling city centres, discover the best Christmas markets the UK has to...
by Maia Noden / Winter
Winter is no longer just a season for hibernation, it’s becoming one of the most popular times to explore the UK. In fact, winter bookings have grown by 6.6% since last year, with guests now choosing to stay on average five days to soak up the frosty charm.
From cosy cabins tucked away in the great outdoors to bustling cities packed with festive cheer, the UK is brimming with magical spots that you’ll want to explore!
At Sykes Holiday Cottages , we know how important memorable winter escapes are, so we delved into our booking data to analyse which regions were the most popular with you, and we’re proud to present the ultimate list of the best places to visit this winter.
So, grab your warmest blanket as you uncover the top 10 winter places to visit in the UK…
Read on the learn more about what makes these destinations perfect for winter…
If long walks with uninterrupted, snowy views are your thing, then the Peak District should be top of your list of best places to visit in the UK in winter. This national park is packed with routes where you can enjoy invigorating, crisp walks without all the crowds.
An amazing hike to do during winter is the six-mile trail between Chatsworth House and Bakewell. During the hike, you can look forward to spotting Chatsworth Deer as well as the stunning architecture of the historic house.
Another unmissable winter walk is the trail around the highest point of the park, Kinder Scout. After snowfall, embarking on this hike will feel like you’re traversing the Antarctic plains. The views are truly stunning and are rife with opportunities to spot unusual rock formations!
After enjoying a refreshing walk in the national park, why not stop in one of its towns and villages for a post-hike treat? Buxton is a superb choice and is one of the most magical places to visit at Christmas!
The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty of the Cotswolds was bound to make this list of the best places to visit in winter, offering a plethora of beautiful English villages and towns that are packed with things to see.
Why not head to Bourton-on-the-Water? This charming town is beautiful during winter, with its streets lined with pretty lights and filled with some of the best Christmas market stalls. A walk along the town’s river during winter is a delightful experience, with the town’s tree perched in the middle.
Blenheim Palace is the perfect place to visit during the festive season, thanks to its Festival of Lights. Between November and January, you can look forward to following an enchanting trail of lights before enjoying a hot chocolate amidst the scenery.
When you want to take a break from the towns and attractions, why not venture down the Cotswold Way for a lengthy, crisp hike packed with winter views? Considered one of the UK’s best walks, winter somehow makes it even more beautiful.
Unsurprisingly, the Yorkshire Dales National Park has claimed a spot in this list of best places to visit in winter in the UK due to its wealth of gorgeous wintry panoramas and Christmassy activities. Whether you’re looking to throw yourself into festive fun or while away the time on a Yorkshire Dales walk, this is a must-visit location.
One winter activity you should try here is the Polar Express Train Ride. This family-friendly experience offers you the chance to meet Santa Claus and enjoy the glorious sights of the national park, all whilst experiencing a spectacular performance and light show!
The Yorkshire Dales is also renowned for its winter festivals, including the Grassington Christmas Market and the Yuletide Festival in Skipton. Tasty hot food and warm tipples can be enjoyed here alongside many other festive activities; there’s no better way to spend a blustery winter’s day!
Grassington Christmas Market is an intimate event running on Saturday 28th November and Saturday 6th December this year. Whilst the Yuletide Festival in Skipton is a very traditional market with over 100 festive stalls, offering festive foods, soothing drinks, live music, and more. This market is open Sunday 7th December and Sunday 14th December, make sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
One of the best things to do in the Yorkshire Dales during winter is stargazing! As a recognised Dark Skies reserve, the remote beauty of the Dales combined with the darkness of winter makes it the perfect place to see the Milky Way, planets, stars, comets and, perhaps even the Northern Lights.
Resting in the fourth spot on this list of best places to visit in winter in the UK is the Cumbria and Lake District National Park. This region is renowned for its beauty, and it’s no different in winter. It’s simply captivating during this spectacular season, thanks to its snow-capped mountains!
The fells of the Lake District are the perfect photo opportunity during winter and suit a variety of walking abilities. If you’re an expert hiker, try your hand at scrambling up Helvellyn, whilst Wansfell Pike is perfect for beginners. There are also an abundance of dog-friendly walks in the Lake District for you and your pooch to tackle.
Whilst you’re by Helvellyn, make sure to add the Lake District Ski Club to your list of things to do. Located near the top of one of England’s highest peaks, this area is well-positioned for the best snow, providing the perfect setting for a day of skiing. Another highlight of the national park is its collection of historic houses, all of which are decked out in festive décor and offer a warm welcome. Two must-sees include Hill Top and Dove Cottage, both of which offer a fantastic insight into the park’s former residents, Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.
Not only is Cumbria proudly home to the enchanting Lake District National Park, but just on the outskirts of the park lies Cockermouth, a delightful market town where crowds disperse and time slows down. With plenty of cosy pubs and laid-back vibes, it makes for the perfect hideaway for those craving a quaint escape this winter.
This region truly has it all! You can even experience the coast; think crisp sea air and pretty winter walks. St Bees, one of the best beaches in Cumbria, boasts a stunning stretch of sand, where dramatic coastal trails and windswept sands await.
It’s no wonder the south of Scotland has made the top 10 places to visit in the UK in winter, it turns into a picture-postcard dreamland every year! The snow-covered mountains, the misty lochs, and dense forests are a few of the many things that make South Scotland a great winter destination.
If endless wanders through nature are your thing, head to Dumfries and Galloway and make sure to add Galloway Forest Park to your adventure list. As the largest forest park in Britain, it offers walking trails for all abilities, perfect for a crisp stroll or sunrise hike.
But the real magic happens after dark. Due to the dark skies here, it is one of the best places for stargazing in the UK, where you can spot constellations and, if you’re lucky, even the Northern Lights. No wonder the South of Scotland is one of the best winter places to visit in the UK as you can’t get more magical than that!
Scrub up on some local history and take a wander around the beautiful Melrose Abbey, resting in the heart of the Scottish Borders at the foot of the Eildon Hills. You’ll be walking in the footsteps of kings and monks, with views of the River Tweed nearby. It’s a must-visit for history lovers and anyone craving an impressive exploration. Just make sure to book in advance to avoid any disappointment on the day!
Of course, in true British style, the Heart of England is certainly on the list to tick off this winter. Covering Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire, in this region you’re enveloped with a rich tapestry of historical sites and the natural charm of the countryside, making it one of the best winter holidays in the UK.
Explore historic towns like Shrewsbury where you can explore Shrewsbury Cathedral, Shrewsbury Abbey and Shrewsbury Prison before indulging in winter activities! Meander through the cobbled streets to admire the Christmas lights adorning the town before ending the evening with a hearty meal in one of the town’s many traditional pubs.
If you’d rather explore the great outdoors this winter, then Herefordshire is the best place to visit. Enjoy the frost touched Symonds Yat, where you can embark on walks along the river and through the woodland or head to King Arthur’s Cave Nature Reserve, which offers plenty of walking trails. Breathtaking nature continues in Worcestershire, where you can amble along routes through the Malvern Hills, the highest point in the region!
If you’re looking to lose yourself in nature, then the Heart of England is the perfect winter holiday destination!
Central Scotland takes the next spot on our list of the best winter destinations in the UK. With some of the country’s most popular cities, we aren’t surprised that Brits are choosing to spend their winter here.
Hogmanay, Scotland’s legendary New Year’s Eve celebration, is a huge reason to visit Central Scotland in winter. Expect dazzling fireworks, live music, and vibrant street events that bring towns like Stirling and Falkirk to life with all things festive.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets are also a huge highlight at this time of year, taking over the majority of Princes Street Gardens. The German-style stalls offer mouth-watering food and a collection of thrilling rides to try!
For more festive shopping, be sure to head to one of the city’s shopping centres. These will be covered in beautiful lights and Christmas decorations, helping you get into the festive spirit! More festive fun awaits at the Christmas light switch-on, with the switch-on taking place on Tuesday 18th November 2025. The Norwegian Christmas Tree on The Mound takes centre stage, lighting up the city with a warm glow.
The colder climate in central Scotland also means that there’s a higher chance of snow! So if you’re wondering where to go in the UK this winter then this region is perfect for a picturesque getaway.
Another of the best places to visit during winter in the UK is the North York Moors and coast! If you adore the festive season, then this should be at the top of your list of places to visit in the UK this winter.
Begin your journey at Pickering, where you can hop aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and be transported into the heart of the North York Moors. Discover the history of the region while enjoying a relaxed day out, perfect for those who love the great outdoors without the strenuous hiking.
Travelling with children? Head to Dalby Forest for a day of fun-filled activities. Try the Gruffalo orienteering course, wander along the Stick Man adventure trail, or swing through treetops at Go Ape.
Fancy a change of scenery? Make your way to the charming coastal town of Whitby. Enjoy a brisk winter walk along the dramatic coastline, spot whales off the shore, and then stop off in one of the many cosy pubs serving hearty meals and refreshing drinks.
If you’re looking for a winter holiday destination in the UK that’s filled with lakes and snowy mountains, consider heading to the landscapes of Mid Wales.
Brecon Beacons National Park enjoys 1,200 miles of public rights of way, so you can easily enjoy a Brecon Beacons walk boasting beautiful sights here. Home to a Dark Sky Reserve, the national park offers mind-blowing views of the stars above. From the Milky Way to meteor showers, it’s the perfect stargazing spot during the festive season!
The park is also home to an array of welcoming towns and villages, where toasty pubs and cafés greet you after an exploration of the many peaks, such as Pen y Fan and Corn Du.
The town of Brecon is another must-visit spot during the chilly season, home to the Theatr Brycheiniog, why not enjoy a festive play or pantomime here? Perfect for families this winter!
Looking for a magical woodland walk? Nestled in Llanidloes, the beautiful trail of Hafren Forest awaits, where wildlife and nature sit pretty. The main car park for this walk is free, but small, so make sure to get there early!
Last but certainly not least, beautiful architecture, independent shops and welcoming bars are just a handful of the reasons why Somerset is listed as one of the best winter breaks in the UK.
The main attraction, though, has to be Bath’s sheer number of winter events! There’s something for everyone here, including one of the best UK Christmas markets, and an ice rink in Royal Victoria Park alongside the Enchanted Garden of Light at The American Museum.
After enjoying a spot of retail therapy in the city’s boutiques, be sure to stop in one of the city’s eateries for a hearty pub lunch or savour a glass of mulled wine in a cosy bar. Alternatively, enjoy a hike along the Bath Skyline and enjoy the sight of the rooftops twinkling with festive lights.
Next on your list should be Wells, England’s smallest city. This hidden gem is perfect for the colder months as you can wander through medieval streets, admire stunning architecture of Wells Cathedral, and explore the historic Bishop’s Palace gardens.
Whether you’re travelling as a family, celebrating with friends, or spending quality time with loved ones, Somerset offers you a fantastic choice for your next winter break in the UK.
If this list of the best UK winter holiday destinations has piqued your interest but your still not sure why you’d choose to go away in Winter, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s plenty of reasons to book your next winter escape in the UK and get you in the cosy mood…
If you needed any more convincing as to why winter is one of the best times of year to explore all that the UK has to offer, hear from holidaymakers who have made unforgettable memories during their trips!
"Beautiful cottage in a stunning location- it was cosy and spacious at the same time. Everything we needed for a short break was provided… and a fabulous welcome pack including fresh eggs and other goodies. The log burner was easy to use and so lovely to sit and watch the flames on a cold winter night. Would definitely recommend and would love to go back again someday"
- Deborah Scaife, Feb 2025
View on Trustpilot"We had an amazing stay at the cottage, it was really cosy in winter with the log burner and location was amazing, super close to Bamburgh. Would recomend to anyone"
- Mrs Flora Mcewan, Feb 2025
View on Trustpilot"We had a lovely stay at The Hayloft. The conversion retains the character of the building whilst at the same time providing all the creature comforts with very comfortable beds, good quality of linen and towels and a well kitted kitchen. The location is beautifully rural and the enclosed garden was much appreciated by our little dog. For us the only downside was the parking, which was more or less on the road and on a bend making us nervous when the bin men and tractors came by."
- SJ, Feb 2025
View on Trustpilot"Cottage really welcoming, plenty of home comforts. Spotless. We had our Labrador with us and the enclosed garden was ideal, safe and secure for the dog. Owner friendly and helpful. We had a lovely stay, even the Christmas tree was up"
- Mr Alan Pauley, Dec 2024
View on TrustpilotThe rankings in this article are based on Sykes Holiday Cottages’ internal booking data for 2024. The ‘rank’ reflects the total number of holidays booked per property across the most popular destinations during December 2024, January 2025, and February 2025. Growth trends were determined by comparing the total number of completed holidays during the Winter 2023–2024 period with those recorded in Winter 2024–2025. The average length of stay represents the typical duration of holidays that took place between December 2024 and the end of February 2025, based on confirmed booking records within Sykes’ internal database. |
Did any of the best places to visit in the UK in winter catch your eye? Begin your winter staycation in the UK today by booking one of these winter short breaks! Or browse this collection of cottages available over Christmas before using our Inspire Travel Guide to help plan your holiday.
by Maia Noden / Winter
Hi! I'm Maia, and I have been working in UK travel since January 2024. I’m originally from Chester, and I studied Journalism at ...
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