Step into a fairytale: The UK's 13 most magical villages and towns to visit this winter

Winter holidays are all the more rewarding with a cosy base, somewhere to warm up and relax with friends and family after a cold day exploring the British countryside – and all the spectacular wildlife spectacles that can be found within it.

Here are some of our favourite cities, towns and villages to visit in the winter months, from the Scottish Highlands and Dorset hills to Northern Ireland's spectacular coastline and the great mountains of Wales.

Each winter holiday idea has its own selection of warm, comfortable pubs and pretty places to stay, as well as suggested locations for nearby walks and activities.

Looking for more winter inspiration? Check out our guides to Britain's most magical winter walks, the best places to go skiing in the UK and stunning winter beaches to visit.

Coastal fishing village harbour at night in mist — Spend winter on the coast with a visit to Polperro in Cornwall/Credit: Getty

Best winter holiday destinations in England

Ironbridge, Shropshire

Ironbridge in winter — The buildings of Ironbridge reflect in the River Severn /Credit: Getty

The Iron Bridge, spanning the River Severn just south of Telford, appears frozen in time when covered in snow and ice. The town is a tribute to our industrial heritage. Visit the Ironbridge Gorge Museums for a lesson in local history, and a chance to escape from the cold.

Castle Combe, Wiltshire

Is Castle Combe Britain's prettiest village?

In certain places, the centuries seem to pass by with barely a ripple of change. The Cotswold village of Castle Combe – a living antique adrift in the Wiltshire countryside – is one of them. It looks no less exquisite today than it did when its weavers played their part in the medieval wool industry: think narrow lanes, a meandering brook, and storybook cottages with tile-stone roofs. The last new house? Built in the 1600s. In winter, Castle Combe's charm is accentuated, and the surrounding valley with its gorgeous woodland become a magical playground.

Shaftesbury, Dorset

Shaftesbury in snow — A famous English view - Gold Hill in Dorset, on a cold mid-winters day/Credit: Getty

At 215 metres above sea level, this is one of the highest towns in England. Snow on the steep cobbles of Gold Hill increases the dramatic effect of the street, still remembered for 1973’s romantic Hovis advert. The are lots of opportunities for walking in Dorset, and some 10 miles north of Shaftesbury are Stourhead’s spectacular winter gardens.

Bowness-on-Windemere, Lake District

Boat and lake in winter — The ferry at Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District/Credit: Getty

Fuel up on coffee and cake in the town of Bowness-on-Windermere then make for the Cumbrian hills. There's plenty to explore within a few minutes of the town, including a moderate-level walk to the Kennel Wood oak, and a mini mountain climb from Hawkshead – another ice town – to the summit of Latrigg.

Broadway, Worcestershire

Snowy village — Broadway is a classic Cotswold village/Credit: Getty

The picturesque village of Broadway, with its warm, honey-hued cottages, is the perfect base for a wintry stroll. Take time to meander along the high street past pubs, cafés, tea rooms and shops – offering art and antiques, country clothing and gifts – then head into the Cotswold hills.

Settle, Yorkshire

From this small town in the south-west corner of the Yorkshire Dales follow the icy waters of the River Ribble northwards for about two miles to the glorious waterfall of Stainforth Force. Ye Olde Naked Man Café is a firm favourite for a daytime snack. There are lots of options for walking in the area, including an 8.5-mile circular walk from Settle to Stainforth.

Beer, Devon

Three fishing boats on the beach at Beer in Devon — Watch fishing boats bob on the beach at Beer/Credit: Getty

The small village of Beer, sheltered by white chalky cliffs above a steep shingle beach, sits on the Jurassic Coast near Lyme Regis. Along this stretch of the Devon coastline, the rocks provide a haven for wildlife, even in winter, and it’s a site of geological and historical interest, too.

Despite its popularity in the summer months, Beer is a peaceful spot in winter, somewhere to while away the hours watching fishing boats boat and and foaming waves crashing onto the beach. Walk the coast from nearby Branscombe to Beer, then relax with a pint at the Anchor Inn, the Barrel of Beer or the Dolphin Hotel.

Best winter holiday destinations in Wales

Beddgelert, Snowdonia

river and village in winter — Beddgelert covered in winter snow/Credit: Gary Davies, Geograph

The breathtaking village of Beddgelert is situated in the Snowdonia national park. Nestled in a valley dominated by mountains it sits at the convergence of two rivers, the Glaslyn and Colwyn. Attractive bridges cross the water and lead to many captivating walks in Snowdonia. If pure luxury is what you’re after to warm your sole on a snowy winter's day, then the Sygun Fawr hotel is the place for you.

Best winter holiday destinations in Scotland

Stirling, Stirlingshire

Stirling in Scotland on a winters day. — A view of the city of Stirling in Central Scotland/Credit: Getty

Picture-postcard Stirling, built on the banks of the River Forth in central Scotland, is particularly magical in winter. The castle watches over the city, while the snow-covered summits of Stuc a’Chroin and Ben Vorlich dominate the landscape beyond. There are plenty of places to stay, including Willy Wallace Hostel and The Stirling Highland Hotel.

Lochinver, Highland

Scottish village of Lochinver on a sunny spring day with Suilven behind — The village of Lochinver, on the shore beneath the west face of Quinag (808 metres)/Credit: Getty

The rugged setting of this picturesque west-coast village 30 miles north of Ullapool contributes to its icy conditions. The mountain peak of Suilven provides the perfect snowy backdrop to the village. Hike up it, or simply marvel at it, then head to the harbourside, where Peet’s Restaurant serves locally produced food with bonus views across the loch.

Aviemore, Highland

The Strathspey steam train prepares for the nostalgic day ahead travelling from Aviemore to Broomhill ©Getty — The Strathspey steam train prepares for the nostalgic day, travelling from Aviemore to Broomhill in Highland/Credit: Getty

Excitement abounds when looking out from the Highland town of Aviemore to the mighty Cairngorms mountains, beloved by snowboarders, skiers and winter climbers. It’s the visceral reaction to the size and rawness of these granite giants that makes this landscape such a compelling place for all nature lovers. Bustling Aviemore, with its choice of hip or traditional bars, a good Italian restaurant and swish, hotel-run wooden cabins, is the ideal base for a wintry foray around the northern fringes of the park and its most beautiful lochs.

Best winter holiday destinations in Northern Ireland

Newcastle, County Down

Silhouettes of people on a beach — Enjoy a winter walk on Murlough Beach with the Mourne Mountains as a backdrop/Credit: Getty

The coastal town of Newcastle in County Down offers a quiet escape on what is often a busy time of year for holidaying. To the norther of the town is Murlough National Nature Reserve, a wildlife-watchers’ dream, while behind it sits the mighty Mourne Mountains – a true winter playground after a night of snowfall.

Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

Town and castle on river at dusk — The snow-covered winter hills of Fermanagh can be explored from the county town of Enniskillen/Credit: Getty

This historic market town, built on an island between Upper and Lower Lough Erne, is the ideal base for exploring Fermanagh in winter. It’s the county’s largest and most vibrant settlement, where pretty townhouses rub shoulders with traditional pubs and vivacious cafés. For beer, drop into traditional pub Blakes of the Hollow, then head downstairs for fine dining at Café Merlot.