The UK and Ireland are perfect for a winter getaway, with so many things to see and do, often without the crowds of the summer months. While the days may be shorter and the weather cooler, you are assured of a warm welcome!

Christmas at the Lygon Arms in England’s Cotswolds

Ireland and the UK generally have a mild winter climate, which makes it even more magical when it snows. While there’s no guarantee of cold weather, the Highlands of Scotland and the more northern parts of the two countries are of course your best bet for seeing snow, which most often occurs from December to February.

The mountains of Scotland are unmissable when they’re covered in a blanket of white, and the castles and lochs make it a fairytale world. Choose a sumptuous hotel in a quiet spot to enjoy relaxing evenings with a glass of Scotch whisky in front of a crackling fire, after a day exploring the winter wonderland!

The snow-covered mountains of magnificent Glen Coe in Scotland © Airborne Lens / Liam Anderstrem

The hills and mountains of North Wales and England’s Lake District also offer unbeatable retreats in the colder months. The magnificent Mountains of Mourne, in Northern Ireland, inspired CS Lewis to create Narnia, and are well worth a visit.

In the run up to Christmas, there are events and celebrations across the two nations. From the traditional Christmas markets, which pop up in almost every town and city from late-November, to the magical light displays which deck the high streets and adorn castles and country houses everywhere. Many stately homes have themed events which bring to life the Christmas stories and characters we all love. A trip on a Santa train is magical for kids of all ages, and ice skating on a pop-up outside rink can be great fun!

All aboard the Santa Train! © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2025) Cymru Wales

The key to a delightful winter break is, in our opinion, somewhere fantastic to stay. We work with a wide range of accommodation providers to suit a range of budgets and we can advise on the best. Delicious food, magical festive experiences amongst twinkling Christmas decorations, roaring log fires, a well-stocked bar and snug corners to relax in make for a wonderful winter break. For the ultimate romantic winter escape, the Cotswolds in England is hard to beat – read more here.

Bourton-on-the Water at Christmas (photo credit: Cotswolds Tourism)

Winter is the prefect time to visit the UK and Ireland for sporting and cultural events. The British soccer season lasts from August until May, so most weekends you will get the chance to watch your favourite team, whether that’s Chelsea, Manchester United or Wrexham. Rugby fixtures take place across the winter months with the world famous Six Nations in February and March. While you’re visiting, why not enjoy a stadium tour too? Many concerts, shows and exhibitions also take place in the colder months, so there’s plenty to experience while you’re here.

'Welcome to Wrexham' has put Wrexham in Wales on the map for soccer fans

Of course, Hogmanay is the focus of the winter celebrations in Scotland and, if you can, you should take the chance to see in the New Year in good old Scottish style, for the sake of auld lang syne! While Edinburgh is at the centre of the Hogmanay festivities, events and celebrations take place all over Scotland, so wherever you’re staying there is sure to be something fabulous to experience – find out more.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

From December 8th, Christmas officially begins in Ireland. The landscape starts to twinkle with festive lights, Christmas markets are buzzing, and friends and family come home from far afield to celebrate the season. Pubs across the country are at the heart of the Christmas magic, where communities get together to celebrate. The Christmas Market in Belfast is one of the best in Ireland, while the markets in Galway, Dublin and Waterford are all well worth a visit.

Belfast Christmas Market courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

Head to the Forty Foot in Dublin’s Sandycove, or to Portstewart Strand in County Londonderry on Christmas morning, and you’ll spot hundreds of brave souls taking to the sea in the spirit of Christmas. The Christmas Day swim takes place all over Ireland’s coastline, with participants taking the chilly plunge, often for charity. On St Stephen’s Day (26th December) in the Republic of Ireland, keep your eyes peeled for "Wren Boys" parading the streets in straw suits (particularly in Dingle, County Kerry) dancing and singing to raise money for charity.

Ireland’s Rock of Cashel in the snow (photo courtesy of Brian Morrison)

From the snowy peaks of Snowdonia to the Christmas markets of Cardiff and Swansea, and from frosty Welsh castles in their festive finery to roaring log fires in warm and welcoming hostelries, there is so much to enjoy on a tour of Wales in winter. Revel in the traditional Plygain carols at Christmastime and look out for Siôn Corn; discover Calennig at New Year and welcome in the eerie Mari Lwyd… Read on for more!

Caerphilly Castle in winter © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2025) Cymru Wales

The Great West Way, a popular touring route in southern England, is brimming with festive charm, from illuminated light trails and traditional Christmas markets to magnificently decorated stately homes. Visitors can enjoy the nostalgic aromas of roasted chestnuts, the uplifting sound of carol singers, and a wide variety of seasonal entertainment, from pantomimes to New Year celebrations.

To be at Stonehenge on the Great West Way or at Newgrange in Ireland for the winter solstice is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, but even if you can’t make it on the shortest day, a trip to one of the many ancient monuments dotted across the UK and Ireland, on a quiet winter’s day, can be an incredibly moving experience.

Magical Stonehenge in winter

And of course, the many majestic cathedrals and churches should not be missed at this time of year, with special Christmas services, uplifting carol concerts and musical extravaganzas in some of the most atmospheric settings imaginable. Perfect on one of our pilgrimages or religious tours.

To arrange your own wonderful winter vacation in the UK and Ireland, contact the friendly team at Janet Redler Travel today!