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Autumn and Winter – Some of the Best Staycations in the UK

A landscape image of a lake and hills on a sunny day in the UK

Now that the world is starting to open up, you might be thinking about taking a well-deserved break or going on an exciting adventure with friends and family. And whilst a few of us are looking at locations abroad, it may also be worth considering something closer to home. The UK has some of the best places to visit and really enjoy during the colder months and here are just a few.

Red sky at night…stargazer’s delight in Ireland
You don’t need to travel to Norway to see one of nature’s most magnificent displays - the Northern Lights, aka Aurora Borealis.

There’s several scenic places in the UK where you can spot this beautiful phenomenon during the Autumn or Winter months, including the Brecon Beacons in South Wales, Cumbria in the North West of England, the Peak District and even Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. 

All these places are perfect to see the celestial ballet of light dance across the sky, a spectacle you don’t want to miss. Of course, seeing the Northern Lights is dependent on a range of things, including the weather and how clear the sky is, but if you’re staying somewhere like the Peak District or the Brecon Beacons, there’s plenty of other things to see and do as well, such as visiting any national parks in the area and enjoying hiking trails. 

Pick a lovely boutique hotel to stay in, a cosy Air BnB, or even a holiday cottage - you’re sure to have a memorable experience.  

Feeling a little snow-stalgic?
For unrivalled countryside and hilly scenic images you can’t go wrong with the Scottish Highlands and the Cairngorms National Park and mountains in the Autumn. It boasts some of the most beautiful walks and hiking and biking trails to explore and is packed full of wildlife. 

If you’re in the mood for some snow and experiencing après-ski in the comfort of your home country, you can’t go wrong with the Cairngorms Mountain range in the winter when it boasts everything an avid skier could want! 

With its big, snowy mountains it’s renowned for attracting skiers and snowboarders, but Cairngorm offers more than just its eye-catching white-capped peaks. If you’re yearning for a cosy winter break, one where you can sit inside a warm cabin whilst the snow falls outside, head up to this part of the world, where there is everything from big, traditional castles for history lovers and distilleries for whiskey enthusiasts. There are even reindeers wandering the idyllic mountains for you to meet!

You can choose to stay in a boutique hotel or sleep under the stars in a fully kitted out luxury tree house, the options are endless. Whatever you decide, you’re sure to remember your stay in the glorious Scottish mountains!

London life
There’s nothing better than a crisp autumn day when the sun is shining. Spending the day walking around and taking in the sites of beautiful London in the glorious Autumn sunshine can be a real treat. And with a range of great hotels to suit any budget and fantastic apartments to rent in the heart of bustling and exciting London, this city staycation is sure to keep you busy. 

Furthermore, if the weather takes a turn for the worst there’s no shortage of exciting indoor activities to see and do. From taking in a West End performance, hitting Harrods, visiting the Tate Museum or taking a tour of Windsor Castle, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.

You’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out. Whether you’re in the mood for afternoon tea at The Ritz or visiting the OXO Tower to take in the views whilst enjoying some British food, it’s sure to be a trip to remember.