Forget skiing in the French Alps or seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland: you don’t need to get on a plane and travel abroad to make the most of the great outdoors in winter.
There are equally memorable experiences right here on our doorstep in the UK – the trick is knowing where to find them.
With Christmas over and winter in full swing we’ve teamed up with outdoor experts Regatta to help bang the drum about their new campaign #HomeOrAway, which is all about showing the world what the UK has to offer in wintertime.
They’ve created an interactive map featuring a wealth of seasonal sightseeing the UK has to offer, from winter surfing in Cornwall to the Northern Lights in Scotland (yes, you can see them from the UK!)
The map pits UK experiences against foreign equivalents, comparing things like price, temperature and what to expect, and is great if you’re looking for some inspiration to help make the most of the great outdoors in the UK this winter.
They’ve asked me to share some of my favourite winter memories to help raise awareness about the campaign and inspire others to make the most of winter too. So, here are 5 reasons why I love the UK in winter.
5 things I love most about the UK in winter
1. Winter walks
Feeling the sun on your face is one thing, but there’s nothing quite like a winter walk either. We live on the edge of the South Downs and also have family in Dorset and the New Forest, where there’s always something to see and do whatever the season. From toad stool spotting in autumn to holly picking at Christmas, there’s all sorts of family fun to be had that you just won’t find abroad!
2. Roaring fires
And I don’t just mean indoors – I mean outdoors too. It doesn’t get much better than having a fire and burning leaves in the depths of winter whether you’re four, fourteen or forty and I’m pretty sure the fires we have on our allotment will be among the kids’ lasting childhood memories. Just don’t forget the marshmallows!
3. Days out
Some of our most memorable family days out have been in the winter, from LaplandUK and Winter Wonderland at Christmas to steam train rides and visiting seaside towns like Margate out of season. Regatta’s map compares Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s offering with a similar experience in Rothenburg, Germany – and it works out at more than £500 cheaper!
4. Snow
It might not be guaranteed, but that makes it even better if and when snow does finally arrive. The middle one was three when he saw and had his first experience of snow, and I’ll never forget the look of wonder on his face!
5. Staycations
One thing the UK has in spades is rental properties perfect for staycations. We rounded off the Christmas holidays with a long weekend in North Wales and we might as well have been in another country. Thanks to a fabulous property which we rented privately, the rugged coastline and endless beaches it was a real break for all of us and perfect start to the new year.
What do you love most about the UK in winter? I’d love to hear about your experience!
This post was written in collaboration with Regatta. You can join in the campaign too by sharing your UK based winter fun on social media using the hashtag #HomeOrAway and tagging @RegattaOutdoors.
As much as I complain about the winter I do love little things about it. Getting cosy on an evening with the heating on and candles lit, the hearty casseroles and stews and the TV is always better at this time of year x
I would have never guessed Scotland has northern lights. Fascinating! I’ve always wanted to visit UK – I really wish I could spend weeks visiting historic homes and gardens, lakes and woods. So much to see. #MMBC
we love going on winter walks. But my favourite thing about winter is snuggle up under a blanket with a hot chocolate either reading or watching a film with the kids #MMBC
All of the above. Love getting out and about. Wrapping up in warm clothes adds to any trip. Especially if you remember the hot choc. #mmbc
I moved to Britain from Minnesota–middle of the US, up by the Canadian border. I love the winters here. If it snows, it melts instead of sitting on the ground for the rest of the winter, sulking. You can take walks–and without bundling up like you’re about the step out of the space station. Sure, it rains a lot, but at least we don’t have to shovel it.
Although I moan quite often about how cold it is I do like winter (but not as much as Autumn!). I like being cosy indoors while it’s snowing outside, Christmas and cosy jumpers. You can often see the Northern Lights here in Aberdeen but I’ve never seen them as they are usually in the early hours of the morning when I’m fast asleep
My boys’ favourite thing about British winters is the mornings when Jack Frost makes ‘crunchy grass’ and you can scrunch on it on your way to school! #ThatFridayLinky