When it comes to traveling during the festive season, the UK isn’t necessarily at the top of everyone’s list. Typically speaking, tourists are more interested in the likes of New York City, Munich, and Reykjavik, but the UK certainly has some destinations to rival these. Experiencing the UK during the holiday season is something that should be ticked off of all bucket lists. Grab a glass of Buck’s Fizz and nibble on a mince pie as you deliberate where in the UK you’ll visit this Christmas.
Holiday Parks
If there’s one quintessentially British vacation, it’s the holiday park getaway. Whether it’s a caravan fishing holiday, a beachfront getaway, or simply a boozy break, holiday parks are a staple of British culture. There’s no greater feeling than sitting in a holiday park clubhouse, belting out Christmas songs with the entertainers. If you’re looking for an energetic getaway with cheesy entertainment and a festive community spirit, consider visiting a holiday park this Christmas. This is fun for the whole family, with a huge range of activities, catering to all ages.
Beaverbrook
Beaverbrook is a nationally famous English estate amongst the Surrey Hills. However, you need not be intimidated by its intimidating exterior as, in spite of its grandeur, it has an extremely warm and welcoming atmosphere. Though it has a beautiful scenery all year round, Christmas is a particularly special time within the elegant Beaverbrook estate. Guests can relax in the ambiance of festive music, indulge in a delectable seasonal feast, nibble on freshly roasted chestnuts, and enjoy an array of family-oriented activities.
Festive Safari
You’d be forgiven for not usually associating Christmas with lions and other safari creatures, but the Port Lympne Reserve offers a festive safari getaway. This package includes a two-night stay in Port Lympne’s Lion Lodge with breakfast included, the free rein of the reserve in a private golf buggy, a 30-minute up-close animal encounter, and a one-hour safari experience. During your stay, you’ll be able to explore a 600-acre estate and interact with as many as 760 animals of 78 different species from across the globe.
Edinburgh
Cities are often tainted with the reputation that they’re grey, dull, and drab during the winter months. However, Edinburgh completely defies this widespread fallacy during the countdown to the big day. Not only are there world-class museums and galleries, but there’s fresh gingerbread and hot chocolate to indulge in, illuminations to marvel at, and Christmas markets to visit. In fact, Edinburgh’s high street has a small Christmas shop that is open all year round if you weren’t already convinced by their enthusiasm towards the festive season.
Oxfordshire Manor House
There is something magical about experiencing the Oxfordshire countryside during the winter months with its undeniably sublime atmosphere. You’ll feel truly pampered when visiting an Oxfordshire Manor House from sleeping in a luxurious room to tucking into Michelin star meals. Everyone longs for a fairy-tale Christmas, and you’ll certainly feel like a king or queen in a country manor.
The Lake District
One of the UK’s most picturesque settings is the Lake District in Cumbria. During the winter, the lakes cover over in ice and the pebbly mountains and highlands are dusted with frost. As you look over the lake district, you’ll feel like you’re in a Christmas card setting. In addition to the stunning scenery, you’ll be exposed to exquisite dining experiences with some of the nation’s best restaurants in the area.
If you’re planning to vacation in the UK this Christmas, just be sure to pack your winter coat as the frost can pack quite the punch!
