If you’re coming to visit the UK in the months from November to February, you might be wondering: what are the best day trips from London in winter? In the wintertime, England is cosy, cool and atmospheric. It’s the perfect season to explore Christmas markets, visit beautiful viewpoints and discover historic cities. Read on to find out our recommendations for the Best Day Trips from London in Winter.
Stonehenge
One of the most important days of the year for Stonehenge takes place in winter – the Winter Solstice, usually around the 21st of December. Winter is also when Stonehenge is at its calmest and quietest, allowing you to enjoy the ancient landscape to the fullest. Not to mention, if you’re lucky enough to see snow, you can take the most gorgeous pictures of the white-dusted stones! Although closed on Christmas day itself, Stonehenge is open every other day of the year, including New Year’s Day.
Canterbury
Canterbury is lovely in the winter, with many festive activities. For the Christmas market, head to the High Street and peruse the food, drinks and gifts sold there. To get out of the cold, pop into one of the great pubs and restaurants like the Old Weaver’s House for a hearty meal of savoury pie. Alternatively, pay a visit to the architectural masterpiece of Canterbury Cathedral. You can even go down into the crypt and light a candle for a cosy, peaceful moment of reflection.
Oxford
Go enjoy the Christmas market, found on Broad Street in front of Balliol and Trinity Colleges. There’s also relatively few tourists around compared to summer, meaning shorter queues to get into popular attractions like the libraries, museums and colleges. Another good thing is that the students have their winter holidays, opening up parts of the university unavailable at other times of the year. You can even pay to stay in some of the college dormitories!
Dover
There’s nothing like the view from the White Cliffs of Dover on a crisp, clear winter’s day. Warm yourself up with a hike along the clifftop path, admiring the frost-covered surrounding scenery. Then, enjoy a well-earned hot drink or tuck into delicious seasonal baked goods in the Lighthouse Cafe. While the cliffs themselves are open year round, Dover Castle has limited opening hours in the winter. Instead, consider a visit to the nearby St. Margaret’s Bay.
Bath
Bath Christmas market is one of the most famous in the country, lit up with stunning Christmas light displays. The wooden huts selling treats, crafts, gifts and mulled wine stretch through the entire city centre, turning it into a winter wonderland. For a truly heart-warming experience, go to a carol service in the beautiful Bath Abbey. If you get too cold, you can even warm up with a visit to the Bath Thermae Spa, melting into the mineral water of the hot springs.
The Cotswolds
In the peak season of summer, these charming countryside villages can be crammed full with tourists, making it hard to truly relax and enjoy the scenery. But in winter, they transform into an idyllic rural retreat. Seeing the stone cottages covered in snow is like a scene from a traditional English Christmas card. Take scenic walks through the snowy rolling hills or cozy up in a local pub with a pint of local ale to warm you from the inside.
Book your tour for the winter!
Thank you for reading this quick guide to the Best Day Trips from London in Winter! There’s so many great places to visit throughout England in the cooler season and wherever you decide to go, we hope you have an amazing time. Make sure to stay warm and wrap up well in the cold. If you would like to see any of the places mentioned above with your own eyes, then check out our great Day Tours from London. We hope to see you on tour soon!
