Bakewell, Derbyshire
A gorgeous market town nestled in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Bakewell has a lot more to offer than you might expect. For lovers of the outdoors, head out of Bakewell for bracing walks across the Peak District and the River Wye, and then reward your efforts in one of Bakewell’s many welcoming tea rooms.
Home of the world-famous Bakewell tart, no visit would be complete without picking up some tempting treats at ‘The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop’ or ‘The Bakewell Tart Shop & Coffee House’ both which pride themselves on being the best, but you can be the judge.
The nearby Chatsworth House, which has plenty of events throughout winter, including a Christmas market and festive open evenings, is certainly worth a visit. Enjoy the stately home and gardens, and then stock up on local specialities such as cheese and home-brewed ales at the Chatsworth Farm Shop.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Beautiful at any time of the year, Edinburgh is especially picturesque when its stone buildings and spires are shrouded in a winter morning mist. For city sightseeing, make sure you pay a visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Christmas Market, which has been voted the UK’s best.
If the chilly Scottish climate leaves you needing a winter warmer, head to the Scotch Whisky Experience, with opportunities to learn more about the distillery process and take part in some whisky tasting.
Bath, Somerset
What better way to spend a chilly day than relaxing in the thermal Roman Baths, overlooking the distinctive Georgian architecture of the city. The more adventurous types can also strap on their skates and head to Royal Victoria Park to try their hand at a spot of ice skating on the pop-up ice rink, which runs from November till January.
Top off a visit to this charming city by soaking up the festive atmosphere at Bath Christmas Market, with over 200 wooden stalls selling food, unique gifts and musical entertainment.
Sheringham, Norfolk
Sheringham is a traditional seaside town complete with independent shops, colourful beach huts, and fishing boats which still bring in the daily catch. In this part of East Anglia, it is easy to feel a million miles away from the stresses of daily life, as you watch the world go by in one of Sheringham’s popular cafes.
The Norfolk coast has many gems to explore, such as the nearby seaside towns of Cromer and Wells-Next-The-Sea. Once you’ve enjoyed the coast, head inland to enjoy Norfolk’s unspoilt countryside, perhaps taking a ride on the steam train to the nearby market town of Holt, with such beauty it’s a place many choose to relocate.
York, Yorkshire
Yorkshire, known as ‘God’s Own County’, has enough to keep visitors coming back time and time again. From walking on the famous Yorkshire Dales, strolling through the medieval streets of York and shopping in Harrogate; you’ll be spoilt for choice this winter in Yorkshire.
Use York as your base, perfect for Christmas shopping in a range of high-street and independent boutiques. Only 15 miles east of York lies Castle Howard – an impressive stately home with ornate interiors and landscaped gardens for visitors to enjoy. Around Christmas, the house transforms into a venerable festive delight, with a soaring Christmas tree in the Great Hall, and an opportunity to enjoy festive afternoon tea.
Shopaholics should also head to the nearby town of Harrogate, to visit the Christmas markets and reward a hard day's shopping with a visit to the town’s 200-year-old spa. Rainy days can be well spent soaking up some culture with a visit to Harrogate’s Arts Cinema.
For further advice and holiday suggestions this winter, or for park homes for sale visit Countrywide Park Homes
Last modified: June 10, 2021
