Relax this winter - take a UK break
In recent years, winter has become an increasingly popular time to take a holiday or short break. With the summer a distant memory and the excitement of Christmas and the New Year the only bright lights during the darkest part of the year, a winter break can be just the thing to relax and reinvigorate you for the cold months ahead. While expensive trips to tropical destinations and European ski resorts are a common choice at this time of year, there is much to be said for the idea of having a short getaway in the UK instead.
Despite the fact that we like to bemoan the cold and damp weather, the British winter can actually be an excellent time to visit some of the country's major cities. With the main tourist season over, attractions like museums, galleries and sites of historical interest are less crowded, allowing more time and space to enjoy and explore them. In the weeks leading up to Christmas there is a palpable buzz in British cities, especially once the festive lights are switched on, as the country as a whole begins to look forward to a much-deserved holiday. The winter also offers unique attractions and a once in a year opportunity to see cities like London and Edinburgh in a completely different light.
London, of course, is the UK's most popular tourist destination whatever the time of year, but the winter months see the arrival of attractions that simply are not available in any other season, like the amazing Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Running from late November to early January, this outdoor event offers an ice skating rink, a fun fair, Santa's grotto and a German Christmas Market selling all manner of delightful gifts and delicious foods. London is also an excellent place to indulge in a spot of Christmas shopping and the spectacular window displays in some of the city's biggest department stores draw visitors from miles around.
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is another favourite spot for a short break, with winter hotel deals often available before Christmas. The city's famous Hogmanay street party on New Year's Eve has become a world-famous event and is broadcast all over the globe. To many people, there's simply no better way to see in the New Year than with a dram of whisky in hand, singing Auld Lang Syne in Edinburgh's medieval streets while the bells chime at midnight. A White Christmas is a common enough occurrence in this part of the world and lucky visitors will be able to enjoy some amazing snowy vistas if conditions are right.
Other cities too have plenty to recommend them and winter visits to the Welsh and Northern Irish capitals, Cardiff and Belfast, are a great way to see these parts of the UK. Belfast's City Hall boasts some of the most spectacular Christmas lights in the UK and plays host to a wonderful Christmas Continental Market.
Wherever you choose to take your UK winter break, you can be assured of a warm welcome and a liberal dose of Christmas cheer to help warm your heart, even during the coldest months of the year.
Despite the fact that we like to bemoan the cold and damp weather, the British winter can actually be an excellent time to visit some of the country's major cities. With the main tourist season over, attractions like museums, galleries and sites of historical interest are less crowded, allowing more time and space to enjoy and explore them. In the weeks leading up to Christmas there is a palpable buzz in British cities, especially once the festive lights are switched on, as the country as a whole begins to look forward to a much-deserved holiday. The winter also offers unique attractions and a once in a year opportunity to see cities like London and Edinburgh in a completely different light.
London, of course, is the UK's most popular tourist destination whatever the time of year, but the winter months see the arrival of attractions that simply are not available in any other season, like the amazing Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Running from late November to early January, this outdoor event offers an ice skating rink, a fun fair, Santa's grotto and a German Christmas Market selling all manner of delightful gifts and delicious foods. London is also an excellent place to indulge in a spot of Christmas shopping and the spectacular window displays in some of the city's biggest department stores draw visitors from miles around.
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is another favourite spot for a short break, with winter hotel deals often available before Christmas. The city's famous Hogmanay street party on New Year's Eve has become a world-famous event and is broadcast all over the globe. To many people, there's simply no better way to see in the New Year than with a dram of whisky in hand, singing Auld Lang Syne in Edinburgh's medieval streets while the bells chime at midnight. A White Christmas is a common enough occurrence in this part of the world and lucky visitors will be able to enjoy some amazing snowy vistas if conditions are right.
Other cities too have plenty to recommend them and winter visits to the Welsh and Northern Irish capitals, Cardiff and Belfast, are a great way to see these parts of the UK. Belfast's City Hall boasts some of the most spectacular Christmas lights in the UK and plays host to a wonderful Christmas Continental Market.
Wherever you choose to take your UK winter break, you can be assured of a warm welcome and a liberal dose of Christmas cheer to help warm your heart, even during the coldest months of the year.
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