The best UK Short Breaks to Beat the Winter Blues

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the charming spa city of Bath is renowned for its stunning Georgian architecture, rich Roman history, and natural hot springs — making it a hot option for short break holidays in the UK.

Begin your city tour at the iconic Roman Baths, a well-preserved ancient bathing complex that transports you back in time to the heart of Roman Britain. Marvel at the Bath Abbey, a Gothic masterpiece with stunning stained glass windows, and then stroll through The Royal Crescent and The Circus, the landmark streets that showcase the city's distinctive Georgian architecture. Cross the famous and Instagram-perfect Pulteney Bridge and enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Avon.

Shopping in Bath is a joy with a medley of independent boutiques and high end stores selling clothing and artisan jewellery to luxury homewares, as well as antique shops and malls. Book lovers will find many wonderful book shops and can delve into the literary heritage of Bath at the Jane Austen Centre, the must-visit museum celebrating the life and works of the celebrated author. And for art enthusiasts, the Victoria Art Gallery offers a diverse collection spanning centuries.

Where to stay:  For the finest immersive experience of Regency Bath, the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is the place to rest your head. Come and feast your eyes on the beautiful interiors, dine like royalty and warm yourself in the sauna. Rooms from £375 per night.

For a blast of fun, funky shops and fresh seaside air, Brighton is one of the most popular cities for short breaks in the UK. Famous for its lively beachfront and unique artsy vibe, it offers a kaleidoscope of attractions blending nostalgic charm with a vibrant cultural scene.

Begin your city tour at the iconic Brighton Palace Pier, a delightfully retro entertainment hub with vintage rides, arcade games, and stunning views of the coastline, and stroll along the seafront promenade, taking in the bars and cafes dotted along the pebble beach. For a bird’s eye view of the coast and city’s rooftops, take a ride on the futuristic Brighton i360 that takes you 138 metres high in the sky.

You won’t be able to miss The Royal Pavilion, a former royal palace with exotic architecture and lush gardens, and art lovers should peruse the diverse collections in the nearby Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. For a feast of lively dining and quirky shopping experiences, explore The Lanes, a maze of narrow streets filled with independent shops, boutiques, and bustling bars and restaurants.

Where to stay: Check into the celebrated Gravetye Manor, an elegant country house hotel with sumptuous guestrooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant tucked away in the Sussex countryside. Rooms from £385 per night.

Small wonder that the Welsh natural wonderland of Snowdonia is one of the top choices for magical short breaks in the UK  If you love outdoor adventures, Snowdonia National Park provides first-class opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and simply revelling in breathtaking mountain scenery.

Start your adventure with a journey to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. The good news is you only need to hike it if you want to — simply jump on the Snowdon Mountain Railway to head to the top the easy way. Explore some of the many charming villages including beautiful Betws-y-Coed, surrounded by dense woodlands and cascading waterfalls, the picturesque village of Beddgelert, known for its stone bridges and tales of Welsh folklore.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Zip World Llechwedd's Bounce Below in Blaenau Ffestiniog offers a unique subterranean adventure with trampolines suspended within an underground cavern, and Penrhyn Slate Quarry, located near Bethesda in North Wales, is home to Zip World Velocity, the fastest zip line in the world and the longest in Europe. And for a vast choice of watersports or simply the chance to lap up some truly serene vistas, make a bee line to Lake Bala, the largest natural lake in Wales. 

Where to stay: The legendary Palé Hall, a Grade II listed Victorian country house situated on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, rolls out the very best in old world grandeur and warm Welsh charm. Rooms from £303 per night.

If you want to retreat to the English countryside, the Cotswolds is arguably the most charming destination for a winter break in the UK. This quintessentially English region, enchants visitors with its honey-coloured stone villages, rolling hills, and cosy country inns.

Start your journey in Bourton-on-the-Water, often referred to as the "Venice of the Cotswolds," where the River Windrush meanders through picturesque streets lined with traditional cottages and stone bridges.

Then explore Bibury, known by many as ‘the most beautiful village in England’ and home to Arlington Row, a row of 17th-century weavers' cottages, one of the most photographed spots in the Cotswolds.

Top historic attractions include the splendid Blenheim Palace. Surrounded by Capability Brown's landscaped gardens, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Sudeley Castle, which also boasts historical treasures and award-winning gardens is another must-see, and  visit Chipping Campden — a vibrant market town and your gateway to the start of the Cotswold Way walking trail. For a taste of local life and shopping treats, wander through Stow-on-the-Wold's market square, and discover the delights of Broadway, a village known for its wide high street adorned with independent shops and galleries.

Where to stay: For some five-star pampering this winter, book a stay at Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa. This elegant country house hotel is home to an award-winning spa, luxurious bedrooms and two excellent restaurants. Rooms from £379 per night.