Are you a lover of winter at home or do you prefer to take a winter break? We’ll be honest, we love a cheeky foreign jaunt during the winter months to top up our vitamin d levels. However, nothing beats the UK especially in the build-up to and during the festive period. We have been together 13 years now (unlucky for some, but we’re sure not for us – fingers crossed) and in that time we have made some wonderful winter memories. As soon as the clocks go back at the end of October we start planning our winter day trips and travels. Here are some of our favourite things to do during winter in the UK including some of the best winter memories we have made.
Visiting Friends and Family
Spending time with friends and family in the run-up to and over Christmas is always fun. There’s always plenty of booze and cheese on offer, which are absolute staples when it comes to festive celebrations. We have also over the years used this time to visit friends and family who do not live close by. Therefore, allowing us to combine our love for our friends and family with our love for travel. Good times and laughter (together with the aforementioned booze and cheese) is a winning combination when it comes to making wonderful winter memories for everyone.
Taking A Relaxing Getaway
Every year we like to take a relaxing break prior to the craziness of the Christmas festivities. We like to book a lodge with a hot tub somewhere in Yorkshire or slightly further afield for a long weekend. Our days involve walking and exploring the local area and our evenings involve cooking a nice meal and relaxing in the hot tub with a big bottle of vodka (or two). Unfortunately, we have not had the opportunity to take a pre-Christmas getaway this year, however, we have one booked in Clumber Park for February and we’re already excited for the memories we will make there.
Experiencing Christmas Markets
Christmas markets are our jam and over the years we have visited a lot in various countries across Europe. I mean who doesn’t love a big fat bratwurst (or other traditional Christmas market nosh) and a boot of Glüwein or a stein or 3 of beer? We particularly love German Christmas markets and over recent years a number have popped up across the UK. Our favourite Christmas markets (so far) are Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. We love getting wrapped up and experiencing what each has to offer. We have a lot of wonderful winter memories from visiting them.
Special Events
As members of the National Trust and Historic Houses, it’s safe say we love learning about history and exploring beautiful places. Quite often during the winter months, especially around Christmas many places that our passes cover hold special events. Some are covered by our membership, which is great. Some are at an additional cost, which is fine as we have always found them to be worth it. One of our favourites is Doddington Hall in Lincoln which is transformed into an enchanted forest. It is a great day out for all the family and one to remember.
All The Food
Winter is all about food, isn’t it? Cosy evenings with friends and loved ones – food, work’s Christmas parties and nights out – food, Chrismas day – food, food, food. Wonderful winter memories for us, particularly seem to involve great food and great company. Chrismas day has always been our favourite. How can spending the day with each other and our nearest and dearest while eating more pigs in blankets and sausage rolls then humanly possible not be considered a great time? We have over the years had a lot of fantastic Christmas days – long may they continue.
Beach Break
Eh? Beach break in winter, in the UK? Yes, yes, yes! Living in Yorkshire close to the East Coast, we love nothing more than getting wrapped up toasty and hitting the beach for a long walk. Walking along the beach on a blustery winter day is a great way to blow off the cobwebs and clear our heads. Granted we don’t build sandcastles or take a dip in the North Sea, but we do laugh, reconnect and often make future plans (usually travel-related ones!). When it gets so cold we can no longer feel our fingers, we indulge in a big fat portion of fish and chips on the seafront – bliss.
Making New Wonderful Winter Memories…..
There is so much to do and so many places to visit during the winter months in the UK. Check out the interactive map Regatta have put together for some inspiration. We will certainly be looking for future inspiration when it comes to outdoor winter activities now we are parents as we want to create amazing memories for our little ones to look back in years to come. From seeing the Northern Lights in Scotland to visiting Father Christmas in Lapland UK and not forgetting taking a ride on the Polar Express in Wales, it seems we do not even have to leave the UK to offer them fantastic experiences that will create wonderful winter memories that will last a lifetime.
Do you prefer to travel during the winter months and top up your vitamin d levels or stay closer to home? Are you from the UK? What wonderful winter memories do you have of the things you have done or places you have visited over the years?
- Collaborative Post
No Comments