25 of the Best UK Winter Breaks

The Lake District & Cumbria

A little slice of paradise, the Lake District and Cumbria is one of the country’s most hyped areas and for good reason. Come wintertime, the crowds are smaller and the frost makes everything magically glisten; here’s some of the best places to stay in the region.

Langdale Hotel

📍 Ambleside, Cumbria

After the chaos of the holiday season, spa breaks are high on everyone’s list and the Langdale Hotel in Ambleside is nothing short of extraordinary. Surrounded by some of the country’s finest walking and biking routes, spend one night in a Lakeland Signature room with full access to the Brimstone Spa’s facilities, which include a relaxation pool and thermal experiences. 

Stonehouse Court Hotel

📍 Stonehouse, Gloucestershire 

Perched on six acres of landscaped grounds overlooking the Stroudwater Canal, Stonehouse Court Hotel occupies a romantic, ivy-covered 17th Century manor. Perfect for a romantic couples getaway, sleep in a classic double room, packed with all the amenities you’d expect. There’s also an atmospheric bar with a stone fireplace, ideal for those cold winter evenings.

The Quiet Site

📍 Ullswater, Cumbria

When it comes to family hotels, we’re all about thinking outside the box and that’s where Ullswater’s Quiet Site comes in. Camping without the discomfort, the eco pod has enough rooms for two adults and two small children, boasting a carpeted floor and a light wooden interior. Not to mention, there’s a host of on-site attractions including a shop, family playroom, free Wi-Fi and more. 

Cragwood Country House Hotel

📍 Windermere, Cumbria

Nestled on the shores of one of England's most beautiful lakes, the grand Edwardian Cragwood Country Hotel is home to 20 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland. Refined, country-chic awaits, with cosy lounges to soak up the winter views. And the pièce de résistance is a mile of prime lake frontage with its own private jetty. 

Appleby Manor

📍 Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria

For couples looking for a romantic winter getaway, you really can’t go wrong with Appleby Manor. Set against a backdrop of the awe-inspiring mountains of the Lake District, spend two nights in a deluxe room with a half bottle of pink Champagne, strawberries and a box of chocolates awaiting your arrival. And dinner’s covered too on the first evening with four courses in the AA Rosette-awarded restaurant. 

Yorkshire

Home to beautiful scenery, discover Yorkshire’s heritage, culture and beyond with a short break. And to bolster your minibreak itinerary, take a look at our guide to North Yorkshire, where you’ll find plenty of activity ideas to fill your days. 

How Stean Rustic Lodges

📍 Harrogate, North Yorkshire 

Positioned amidst rolling hills in the stunning Yorkshire Dales, Harrogate is one of the country’s most popular places to visit. For those on the hunt for a log cabin break, How Stean offers unique and rustic lodges, complete with log burners and a wood-fired hot tub. The lodge has everything needed for a relaxing stay: bunk beds, a mini kitchen area with a fridge, toilet, shower and more.

Hotel Indigo

📍 York, Yorkshire 

There’s something distinctively special about York in wintertime and located just a stone’s throw from the city centre, the beautiful boutique Hotel Indigo is a prime base for you to explore the local area and its many sights. The cotton bed with luxurious Egyptian linen, SPA-inspired bathroom and full set of amenities guarantee a restful night’s sleep after a day of exploring. 

Mercure York

📍 York, Yorkshire 

Set in a stylish 18th century Georgian manor house, Mercure York blends old-world elegance with 21st century comfort. Known to be one of the most romantic hotels in the UK, if it’s a couples break you’re after, this is the place for you. There’s six acres of private grounds to explore and a delicious breakfast to get you ready for whatever the next day brings. 

Crown Hotel

📍 Harrogate, Yorkshire

Another jewel in the accommodation crown of Harrogate is the stately 18th century mansion housed Crown Hotel. With a history dating back 300 years and an enviable location, it just had to feature on this list of best winter breaks. On one side lies the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Yorkshire Dales National Park, while on other lies the lovely town of Harrogate, voted ‘the happiest place to live’ from 2013-2015. 

Titanic Spa

📍 Huddersfield, Yorkshire 

A luxury apartment overlooking the countryside, a unique venue of a converted textile mill and a spa boasting a Titanic Heat and Ice experience - the UK’s first eco spa has a lot to shout about.  Included in this indulgent spa break is a delicious light lunch, 25 minute treatment each plus dinner and breakfast. 

New Forest

With idyllic glades, open moors and cliff-top walks, press pause and fall in love with the New Forest this winter. Whether you’re after a one-of-a-kind log cabin break or a luxurious hotel getaway, there’s plenty of accommodation to choose from. 

Forest Lodge Hotel

📍 Lyndhurst, Hampshire

Blending its Georgian heritage with contemporary charm, the Forest Lodge Hotel has all the luxuries of a hotel but with the intimate touches of a private residence. Spend the days as you wish - dipping in the indoor pool, sipping at the bar with terrace seating or unwinding in your room. 

Beaulieu Inn

📍 Brockenhurst, Hampshire

Once declared ‘Britain’s Most Beautiful Place to Live’, Brockenhurst’s Beaulieu Inn is renowned for its bucolic setting. Situated in the middle of open heathlands, this former coaching inn is now a refined hotel with a heated indoor pool, low-key bar and living room with fireside heating. Head out to enjoy the tranquil surroundings on the doorstep and set yourselves up with breakfast after each restful night’s sleep. 

Southlawn Hotel

📍 Lymngton, Hampshire

Just 10 minutes from the serene market town of Lymington, the dog-friendly South Lawn Hotel envelops you in picturesque countryside. Within walking distance of beaches and easy reach of the wildlife-rich New Forest, you won’t be stuck on what to do during your winter break here. And after a day of adventuring, three courses of traditional and international cuisine are ready to treat your taste buds at The Cedar Tree.  

Back-Of-Beyond

📍 Ringwood, Dorset

Log cabin breaks are rising in popularity and with Dorset’s Back-Of-Beyond, it’s not hard to see why. Promoting a ‘quality of life’ philosophy, your glamping pod is enclosed by a 30-acre private park, idyllic lakes and woodland. A veritable haven for wildlife, including deer and rare birds, there’s nothing but peace and calm there - perfect for pressing pause in winter. 

Manchester

Fancy a wander this winter? A city break like Manchester is the perfect pick-me-up when everything starts to feel a little gloomy. A vibrant nightlife, decorated history and colourful culture, Manchester is rightfully one of the UK’s most exciting cities.

Velvet Hotel

📍 Manchester, Greater Manchester

Stationed on the vivacious Canal Street in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village, the luxurious Velvet Hotel is home to the Village Brasserie and an opulent lounge bar. Promising a ostentatious winter staycation, your Velvet King room offers 200 sq ft of wonderful decadence and amenities to the highest of standards. Oh and best of all? Breakfast is delivered to your room in the morning. 

Lowry Hotel

📍 Manchester, Greater Manchester

Continuing the trend of upscale hotels in Manchester, the contemporary and iconic 5* Lowry Hotel is conveniently located on the banks of the River Irwell. An urban and chic space, your double room is filled with luxuries and amenities in addition to chocolate-dipped strawberries and Champagne to guarantee an indulgent winter break. 

The Holiday Inn

📍 Manchester, Manchester

Rounding off Manchester’s hotel scene is the Holiday Inn, a family hotel guaranteed to place you in the heart of the city’s action. The hotel chain needs no introduction but expect everything needed for a comfortable stay and a bottle of prosecco for that extra sparkle. Music lovers can take advantage of venues like Manchester Arena within one mile, while football fans have two stadiums and shoppers have the well-known Manchester Arndale to browse.

London

What London lacks in greenery, it more than makes up for in architecture. Many of which have been meticulously transformed into hotels for visitor’s leisure. Coincidentally, there’s a lot of things to do in London, so if you ever decide to venture out of the hotel, you’re in for a world of discovery. 

Conrad London St James 

📍 Westminster, London

One of the many 5* offerings in the heart of the capital, the Conrad London St James delivers phenomenal comfort, style and location. Nearby are Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, so you can well and truly tick the tourist boxes should you decide to leave the oasis of your King or Twin Deluxe room. 

Courthouse Hotel

📍 Shoreditch, London

London is once again at its luxurious best at the 5* Courthouse Hotel. Formerly a courthouse that saw the likes of the Kray twins and writer Oscar Wilde pass through its doors, this stunning Grade II listed hotel has well truly and cemented its reputation. With full access to the spa, a bowling alley and a screening room, you may not even want to leave.

South Place Hotel

📍 Moorgate, London

People think London and they think hustle and bustle. Turns out there’s a way to tuck yourself away in the heart of the capital at the 5* South Place Hotel. Get a taste of the capital then retire in upscale comfort in a South Place King Room with Champagne, access to a gym and state-of-the-art luxuries. 

Ambassadors Bloomsbury

📍 Woburn Place, London

Billing itself as being as independent and unique as its guests, the boutique Ambassadors hotel pitches some of the best of London at your fingertips. And when the chill becomes unrelenting, warm up with a bottle of prosecco and a three-course dinner from a set menu in the hotel’s British/Italian fusion restaurant, Number Twelve before retiring to bed for the night.

The Crazy Bear

📍 Stadhampton or Beaconsfield

Okay so technically this one’s not actually in London. But trust us, the short train journey to Beaconsfield or the slightly longer but more rural stay offered at Stadhampton is well worth it.  The Crazy Bear at Stadhampton is the foundation for the brand’s versatile culture and a unique refuge in the Oxfordshire countryside, while Beaconsfield is an antithesis to the ordinary. 

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the UK's best cities for a getaway, its multifaceted charm making it perfect for families, couples and solo trips alike. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or an extended break, there’s plenty to do here to get a proper sense of Scotland's capital. 

The Roseate

📍 City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Handsome and historic yet equally thriving with a contemporary, modern feel, Edinburgh is an exciting winter city break destination. Only minutes away from the city's main attractions, the rooms at the boutique Roseate hotel are appointed with all the extra touches you'd expect from a 5* hotel. Should you fancy a break from your city exploration, you’ll enjoy afternoon tea with an extensive selection of paired drink options. 

Hotel Indigo

📍 Edinburgh, Scotland

Something a little different from the usual family hotel, but well worth the change. Your one night family break provides accommodation in a uniquely designed suite with elegant giraffe décor to transport you all to Africa. This fantastic staycation package at Hotel Indigo also includes tickets to Edinburgh Zoo, offering real value for money. 

Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club

📍 Kirknewton, Edinburgh

Less than 7 miles from Edinburgh, Kirknewton is perfect for couples looking to get away from it all. In the midst of 1000 acres of parkland, this 18th century baronial style manor house blends modern comfort with traditional elegance. And if you thought Dalmahoy was just your run-of-the-mill city escape, think again; the indulgent leisure facilities will make you think you’re on a dedicated spa break. 

Summary

Hopefully by now, you've found a winter break that's calling your name and gives you something to look forward to. But fear not, we've got hundreds of short breaks across the country so you're sure to find the getaway for you.