Temperatures are dipping, there are rumours of snow hitting the capital and we can distinctly hear the jingle of Christmas bells. All of this has us curling up and watching festive films – including our very favourite, The Holiday. Watching the film has made us dealcheckers remember just how charming a winter staycation can be. Think brisk countryside walks and roaring fires – bliss! Here, we round up our favourite spots for a winter getaway.
For Glamping – Essex – Tier 2
Look, we know this is a bit of a curveball but bear with us. Essex has raised the stakes when it comes to glamping, and while anything remotely related to camping might sound nippy, can you imagine anything dreamier than a steaming hot outdoor bath surrounded by snow (weather depending, obviously)? Coleman’s Farm in Ongar has four glamping options. There’s a glass-roofed, disco-ball bedecked pyramid, a brand new treehouse and boltholes with sheepskin-clad seating. You’ll be surrounded by ancient trees on the farm in which the cabins are located. However, if you’re looking for ancient woodland in abundance, you’ll want to head a little closer towards London, where Epping Forest spans the boundary between East London and Essex.
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For Coastal Walks – Cornwall – Tier 1
We often think of beach breaks as something designated solely to the hottest months of the year, when the mercury climbs and you’re dying to strip off and leap into cooling seas. However, while swimming is largely off the agenda in the winter (unless you’re particularly brave), there’s nothing more lovely than a beachside stroll on a crisp, bright day. Cornwall is one of the UK’s last Tier 1 locations, so restaurants, bars, galleries and attractions are all open. Rick Stein fans will want to head to Padstow where he owns a number of foodie establishments, including a dog-friendly cafe with a seafood focus.
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For Cosy Cottages – The Cotswolds – Tier 2
The Cotswolds are famed for their chocolate box cottages – a charming type of architecture, identifiable by their thatched roofs. Staying in one of these is a real winter staycation dream. Many of these cottages come complete with a roaring fire, necessary after walks in the surrounding countryside. The area is dotted with picturesque villages boasting little more than a pub, a church and a post office, but those looking for something more might want to travel to Snowshill where the stately home Snowshill Manor and Garden sits atop rolling hills. For something swish, look to Broadway where high-end hotels sit alongside galleries and charming cafes. For something a little different, Broadway’s The Fish Hotel boasts plush treehouses to stay in.
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For Hikers – The Lake District – Tier 2
The Lake District has something for every type of walker, from the novice ambler to the experienced hiker. Novices will be drawn to Windermere, where the vast lake stretches out beyond a smart town centre replete with plush hotels and independent boutiques, or Coniston, which played host to Beatrix Potter and where her stories still come to life at her former home. Those in search of a challenge and perhaps a little adventure will want to climb England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike. Scafell Pike can be incredibly challenging, and even dangerous in poor weather so be sure to check the forecast before you begin your climb. After all that exercise, you’ll be glad to find characterful cottages to curl up in and pubs serving up the heartiest of Sunday roasts.
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Happy holidaying!
