As the weather turns colder and the nights draw in earlier, we love to plan a Winter escape in England to turn the chilly grey days into a fun adventure! There’s nothing like wrapping up warm for a breathtaking walk through the English countryside, before snuggling up for a cosy, peaceful evening by a fire, relaxing with a cup of hot chocolate in hand. We’ve been travelling the UK full time since 2018, and have experienced our fair share of gorgeous Winter escapes – there are so many places all over the country that are perfect for a magical trip even at this time of year!
If your ideal Winter getaway looks like the picturesque snowy cottage from The Holiday, here’s where to head for a cosy English escape this Winter, plus the most characterful self-accommodation in each area so you can plan your visit!
Table of Contents
North Yorkshire
Spanning 2.9 million acres, Yorkshire is the UK’s largest county. We’ve found ourselves coming back here time and time again to soak up its charm, whether we’re hiking across the Dales or discovering the rich history in York. Despite how bitterly cold it gets this far North in Winter, it makes a visit all the more magical as you’re more likely to see snowfall! Whether you’re donning your wellies to walk over snow-covered Dales, or stopping in at Betty’s Tea Room to enjoy a freshly brewed pot of luxurious Earl Grey tea, while admiring Harrogate’s Christmas lights from the warmth of the dining room, here are a few of our favourite Winter sights in Yorkshire.
What to see
Whitby Abbey. The picturesque seaside town of Whitby, with its quaint, cobbled side streets and the dramatic silhouette of Whitby Abbey above, is a must-visit on your Yorkshire trip. The 7th century ruined monastery inspired Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’, and visiting here it’s easy to see why. The Gothic architecture creates ominous shadows and invites exploration into its rich history. Tickets for Whitby Abbey are available to buy in advance for a cheaper rate, and give visitors access to the museum where you’ll learn more about the history of the Abbey as a monastery, view artefacts discovered on site, and see the progression of the Abbey though time. We highly recommend visiting at sunset to see the stark silhouette of the Gothic ruins adding to the eerie atmosphere at dusk – just remember to wrap up warm! Find out more and book tickets here.
Wensleydale Creamery. This is a truly quirky gem buried in the stunning Yorkshire countryside. While hunkered down in the little market town of Hawes, we visited the famous Wensleydale Creamery and it’s a cheese-lover’s paradise! The shelves are PACKED full of waxed cheeses, gift boxes of crackers, kitchenware, and an abundance of Wallace and Gromit themed memorabilia. At the restaurant, we indulged in a ‘Wensleydale Mac and Five Cheese’ and the ‘Ultimate Wensleydale Creamery Toastie’, both oozing with a variety of cheeses. We also treated ourselves to the drink special of the day – a rich, butterscotch white hot chocolate – to warm ourselves up against the chilly snowy day outside. For those looking to learn more about the process as well as enjoy the outcome, Wensleydale Creamery offer guided site tours too so there’s something for everyone. Find out more here.
Fountains Abbey. One of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England, and one of the most stunning National Trust places we’ve visited! It’s amazing to be able to walk right amongst the ruins – the cellarium is a real highlight, with its incredibly well preserved vaulted ceilings and windows. Dogs are welcome to explore all outdoor areas, including the Studley Royal Georgian water garden and surrounding woodland paths, as well as the visitors’ centre restaurant so you can come in from the cold for a warming bite to eat and cup of tea. In Winter, Fountains Abbey plays host to many festive events including Fountains by Floodlight, where visitors can explore the glowing ruins at twilight, Music at the Abbey, and Carols by Candlelight. Find out more here.
Find more things to see and do in Yorkshire on our 8 Days out in Yorkshire post.
Where to stay
Hayloft, Hawes. Nestled in the centre of the village, The Hayloft is a 1 bed holiday home with a king-sized bed, fully-equipped kitchen and off-street parking included. The sweet cobblestone exterior is complemented by the stylish, homely interior, with a lounge featuring a fireplace that’s perfect for an evening in after a day of exploring. The Hayloft welcomes 1 dog per stay, and is situated just a 12 minute walk from Wensleydale Creamery so you can easily treat yourself to a lovely, hot, cheesy lunch on a cold Winter’s day! For a picturesque view and easy countryside walk, Ribblehead Viaduct is a 20 minute drive away. Find out more and book your stay here.
Chapel Cottage, Hawes. Another quaint cottage tucked away in Hawes, Chapel Cottage is a 2 bedroom home with a fully-equipped kitchen, fireplace, and characterful, original ceiling beams throughout. There’s free private parking at the front of the property, and dogs are welcome at no extra charge meaning you can enjoy local walkies with your four-legged friends! Aysgill Force is a particularly picturesque local waterfall that you can reach within a half hour walk from the cottage, and your dogs will love running along the footpaths – just look out for resident sheep. Find out more and book your stay here.
Fleur Cottage, Whitby. Right in the heart of Whitby, Fleur Cottage is a charming 400 year old cottage that’s close enough to all the sights in town but still maintains a peaceful atmosphere. There’s a private entrance for guests, and parking permits are provided for those travelling by car. Pets are allowed at no extra charge, and you’re only 700 metres away from Whitby beach which is perfect for bracing Winter walkies! A 7 minute walk from Fleur Cottage you’ll find the Whalebone Arch on East Terrace for a quirky photo opportunity, and just along the street is the world famous Magpie Cafe serving traditional fish and chips to warm you up on a cold day. Find out more and book your stay here.
Thimble Cottage, Whitby. Another option in Whitby, Thimble Cottage is a Grade II listed, 2 bedroom house that’s ideal for a homely, seaside getaway. This quaint, mid-terrace house pre-dates the 17th century and is bursting with charm! The cottage is located right in the centre of Whitby, with the Harbourside just a few minutes walk away, and visiting the spooky ruins of Whitby Abbey is simple as it’s an 11 minute walk from the property to the Abbey across Whitby Bridge. Permits are included for local parking, which makes it easy to get out and explore the surrounding area by car. Find out more and book your stay here.
Waterside Cottage, Markington. Located down a quiet lane alongside Markington Beck, Waterside Cottage is a 1 bedroom home that’s ideal for couples looking to explore the Yorkshire Dales as well as nearby towns. The picturesque stone exterior gives the property unique character, while the interior has been renovated to a modern standard, with a gorgeous mezzanine bedroom, a snuggly lounge with fireplace, and underfloor heating to keep you warm on chilly Winter days. Parking is included on-site and dogs are welcome to stay, plus there are footpaths on the doorstep for easy walkies to the village. Harrogate is just a 20 minute drive from the cottage, Ripon less than 14 minutes drive, and the National Trust’s Fountains Abbey is a short 6 minute drive away. Find out more and book your stay here.
Dartmoor
The stillness of Dartmoor National Park in Winter invites you to explore at a slower pace. The area’s picturesque villages are full of quirky stone bridges running over babbling streams, winding pathways covered in carpets of fallen orange leaves, and towering Tors providing sweeping views across dramatic moorland as far as the eye can see. The opportunities for stunning Winter hikes are abundant, and the harsh weather makes climbing to natural viewpoints feel like even more of an achievement. Look out for the area’s hardy Dartmoor ponies, amongst other wildlife, as you walk and experience the wild nature all around. Read on for our favourite Winter walks in Dartmoor.
What to see
Wistman’s Wood. Steeped in history and famous in folklore, Wistman’s Wood is one of Britain’s last remaining ancient temperate rainforests, and was selected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1964 for its delicate lichens, heathland, and grassland species. For this reason, it’s important to walk around the woods, and not through, to avoid damaging any of the lichens growing plentifully on the rocks. The eerie atmosphere fuels ghost stories, and as such the woods were voted one of the UK’s most haunted places! Symbols carved into moss on craggy rocks, talismans hanging from twisted branches and a complete stillness in the air – the perfect place for a spooky walk on a Winter’s day.
Castle Drogo. If you make your way to Fingle Bridge from Chagford, you’ll spot a few glimpses of this 20th century Castle protruding from the tree line alongside the public footpaths. Castle Drogo is carved into its surrounding landscape, overlooking the Teign Gorge, making for spectacular views from the Castle itself. Inside, you’ll find respite from a chilly Winter day as you explore this innovative family home, and towards Christmas the Castle is festively decorated with ornaments, Christmas trees, garlands and colourful lights that are sure to brighten up a dark Winter day in Dartmoor. Throughout December, musicians play in the Drawing Room daily to add even more festive spirit. The gardens are usually quiet in Winter with not much colour to be found, but still make for a peaceful stroll, and from here you can join public footpaths to continue your Winter walk from the Castle.
Fingle Bridge. This 17th-century stone arch bridge over the River Teign near Drewsteignton is Grade II listed, and maintained by the National Trust. Fingle Bridge is a picturesque stopping off point during local walks as you arrive through the quiet woodlands all around. The Fingle Bridge Inn, a riverside pub, is the perfect place to stop and warm up with a good pub meal and a gorgeous view over the bridge and flowing river below. You can find our walking route from the nearby village of Chagford to Fingle Bridge here.
Scorhill stone circle. Situated on the moors on the edge of Gidleigh village, the Scorhill Stone Circle is said to be ‘one of the finest in Dartmoor’. The circle consists of 23 standing stones, although it is speculated that when it was constructed during the Bronze Age there would have been around 60-75 stones. Nobody knows with certainty what the purpose of the stone circle would have been, but it is speculated that it could have been used for astrological ceremonies. There are breathtaking views across the open moorland here, with wild Dartmoor ponies, sheep and cows grazing all around. It’s also worth heading from the stone circle down to the river below, just to be able to step across some of the incredibly cute stone bridges that cross the water, making for a postcard-worthy photo. You can find our Scorhill and Gidleigh walking route here.
Find more things to see and do in Dartmoor on our Top places to visit in Dartmoor post.
Where to stay
Yellowmead Barn, Yelverton. Less than 10 minutes’ drive from the centre of Princetown, Yellowmead Barn is a 1 bedroom holiday home in a converted barn, offering mountain views of the moors and a peaceful, undisturbed stay. From the barn it’s a short walk to Foggintor Quarry – a disused industrial quarry that has been reclaimed by nature and is filled with bright blue water. Parking is included on site, and the barn is perfectly situated for exploring Princetown and nearby Wistman’s Wood. Dogs are permitted at Yellowmead Barn, and guests can enjoy the warmth of an electric fire as well as a fully-equipped kitchen after a day of walking the wild moors. Find out more and book your stay here.
Wrenscott, Chagford. Right in the centre of Chagford village, Wrenscott is a cosy 1 bedroom home with all the amenities you’ll need for a self-catered stay, including a washing machine – ideal after a muddy Winter walk! Wrenscott permits 1 dog per stay and there’s a small garden that’s perfect for letting dogs go out to do their business. Parking is included which makes it easy to get out and enjoy the sights in the surrounding area, or stay closer to home and follow our walking route from Chagford to Fingle Bridge for a Wintery walk through the countryside. Find out more and book your stay here.
Weeke Brook, Great Weeke. A 6 minute drive from Chagford, in the quiet village of Great Weeke, this traditional thatched cottage is just like Iris’ snowy cottage in The Holiday! It’s the perfect private getaway set in peaceful grounds, while remaining within easy reach of local sights. Castle Drogo is just a 13 minute drive away, and Scorhill Stone Circle in the village of Gidleigh is less than 20 minutes’ drive. However, you might just be tempted to hunker down in this beautifully restored, Grade II listed home with its 4 bedrooms and a full kitchen, plus a cosy fireplace in the lounge for chilly Winter days. Weeke Brook is dog-friendly and has a garden covering a third of an acre so you can enjoy a peaceful stroll with your four-legged friends. The grounds, like the cottage, are bursting with character with an old water house, water wheel and stone footbridge to discover, or maybe take a minute to rest and look out from the treetop balcony. The absolute ideal place for an undisturbed Winter getaway. Find out more and book your stay here.
Kestorway, Gidleigh. Sitting neatly at the base of Kes Tor, this 1 bedroom home features spectacular views across the moors, a sitting room with a wood burning stove, plus a bright and airy conservatory overlooking the garden. Parking is included and Kestorway is dog-friendly, making it an ideal option for those with four-legged friends looking to get out for walks across the surrounding moors. At the top of Kes Tor you’ll be treated to incredible views across the moors and over to Chagford village, and the Scorhill stone circle and Tolmen Stone are within easy walking distance, as is the village of Gidleigh. Find out more and book your stay here.
The Cotswolds
Possibly one of the most popular tourist hotspots in England, the traditional cottages and picturesque villages in the Cotswolds draw in over 35 million visitors each year. While Summer sunshine over Cotswold stone is of course a postcard-perfect sight, there’s something equally magical about visiting the Cotswolds in Winter. Not only will you have a lot of the usually-crowded spots to yourself (Summer is by far the most popular time to visit the Cotswolds, and the roads become gridlocked with traffic in certain areas) but you’ll also be able to take your time and slow travel your way around. Here are our top picks for where to visit in the Cotswolds for an idyllic English Winter holiday and, if you’re in need of more inspiration, you can read our full itinerary for 48 hours in the Cotswolds.
What to see
Stow-on-the-Wold. The first of many quaint villages we recommend visiting! At Stow-on-the-Wold you’ll find an ornate door on the side of St. Edward’s Church that, rumour has it, inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Doors of Durin in Lord of the Rings. There are so many hidden gems in Stow-on-the-Wold, with its cobblestone alleyways and independent shops tucked away along winding streets. On a cold Winter’s day, we recommend stopping at Lucy’s Tea Room for a cup of tea and a spot of lunch, watching passersby from the window seat.
Snowshill. This pretty village is a must-visit, especially for fans of Bridget Jones’ Diary. Snowshill village was used in scenes where Bridget visits her parents around Christmas time! St. Barnabas Church sits in the centre of the village with traditional Cotswolds stone cottages lining the surrounding roads. The population here is around 160, making it an especially peaceful place to visit in Winter.
Bourton-on-the-Water. One of our favourite villages in the area, Bourton-on-the-Water is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds due to its many bridges over the river running through the village. Visit on a crisp Winter morning and you’ll barely see another person as you explore, giving you ample time to admire the beautiful buildings all around and take in the peaceful atmosphere. There’s so much to see here – take a stroll over the old stone bridges and make friends with the ever-hungry resident ducks, grab a handmade sausage roll or hot chocolate at the Bakery on the Water artisan cafe, and head down the footpath leading to Lower Slaughter to see the famous Old Mill. You can find our walking route between Bourton-on-the-Water and both Upper and Lower Slaughter here.
The Farmer’s Dog. A pilgrimage site for fans of the Amazon Prime show Clarkson’s Farm, The Farmer’s Dog in Burford is the perfect spot for a warming Winter meal, made with exclusively British ingredients. While quieter in the Winter, its huge popularity can make reservations hard to secure. Luckily, on site you’ll also find The Farmer’s Puppy serving a selection of food and drinks – think mouth-watering burgers, pizzas, and hot sandwiches. After enjoying your meal, head into the Grand Tour Tent, with the Hops and Chops butcher and bottle shop selling various meats plus Jeremy’s Hawkstone lager and cider. There’s also a large range of merchandise from the Diddly Squat Farm Shop, including the famous ‘Bee Juice’ and a selection of clothing emblazoned with the Diddly Squat logo.
Find more things to see and do, and more information on heading to the Cotswolds, on our Visiting the Cotswolds post.
Where to stay
Barn Cottage, Broadway. Tucked away just off the High Street in the heart of Broadway, Barn Cottage is a cosy 1 bedroom home that makes an ideal base for a Winter in the town. There’s a fully-equipped kitchen, and modern conveniences such as a washing machine – perfect for freshening up after a muddy Winter walk! There’s a private sun terrace to enjoy your morning coffee if you have good weather during your stay, and free private parking available with the cottage. Just a couple of minutes’ walk from the cottage you’ll find tea shops, restaurants, art galleries and country boutiques filled with treasures. Find out more and book your stay here.
Springshill Cottages, Snowshill. Sitting directly opposite St. Barnabas Church in the centre of Snowshill, Springshill Cottages provides a peaceful Winter stay for guests looking to enjoy the tranquility of the Cotswolds. The fresh modern furnishings make for a comfortable stay, and you can sit with a roaring fire in the lounge while taking in the view of the Church from the window. There are 2 bedrooms at the cottage and pets are welcome too, with on-street parking available outside making it effortless to explore the surrounding areas. Broadway is just a 6 minute drive away, with famous Cotswolds landmark Broadway Tower 8 minutes drive away. For more cafes, restaurants and quaint Cotswolds stone buildings, Chipping Campden can be reached in just over 10 minutes drive from the cottage. Staying closer to home, taking a gentle stroll around Snowshill is the perfect way to spend a peaceful Winter’s day. Find out more and book your stay here.
Thimble Cottage, Lower Slaughter. Ideally situated just behind the Old Mill in the heart of Lower Slaughter, Thimble Cottage retains its homely Cotswolds charm while blending original features with a refreshing and sleek modern update. This 1 bedroom cottage is perfect for a Winter holiday – its inviting lounge and wood burning fireplace are like a scene straight out of a Christmas film! The bathroom features a roll top bath for a warming and luxurious soak after a day out in the surrounding area, and Thimble Cottage is ideal for exploring the Slaughters and Bourton-on-the-Water – you can find our walking route here. Dogs are welcome at the cottage and there is on-street parking available just a 3 minute walk away. Find out more and book your stay here.
Little Cottage, Shipton. This 2 bedroom terraced cottage near Burford is bursting with character, from its authentic Cotswolds features, to the cosy reading nook that’s ideal for curling up with a good book. Little Cottage is dog-friendly and there’s a garden for letting your four-legged friends explore, as well as a fireplace in the lounge so you can snuggle up in the warm together. Burford is less than 10 minutes’ drive from the cottage, and Wychwood Wild Garden is a 10 minute walk from the cottage – an ideal spot for walking dogs or simply admiring Winter nature, with 12.5 acres of avenues, streams, little waterfalls and duck ponds to enjoy. Free parking is available during your stay, making it easy to explore the surrounding Cotswolds villages. Find out more and book your stay here.
North Norfolk
There’s nothing like a seaside holiday during Winter to blow away the cobwebs! We’ve spent so much time in North Norfolk in December and January over the years, enjoying bracing walks along the many beautiful beaches, and visiting various towns to enjoy small, local markets and seasonal events. Don’t be put off by the thought of chilly sea winds and fading sunlight on shorter days – Norfolk in Winter is a gorgeous place to visit for a seasonal adventure. Here are just a few of our favourite spots to visit in North Norfolk for a Winter holiday.
What to see
Holkham Estate. The parkland at Holkham covers 3,000 acres, with many fascinating points of interest waiting to be discovered along several different walking routes across the estate. Many walking routes here follow only tarmac paths – perfect after a spell of wet weather in the Winter, and each route is very well maintained. Dogs are permitted throughout the parkland, though they must be kept on lead due to the presence of resident deer and other wildlife. Nevertheless, you can enjoy a gentle stroll with your pooch and two-legged loved ones as you admire the Obelisk, Monument, and Holkham Hall itself. This grand Neo-Palladian structure plays host to an array of events throughout the festive season, including wreath-making workshops, Christmas markets, and even canine carolling where fancy dress is encouraged! Find out more here.
Wells-Next-the-Sea. Just a few minutes’ from Holkham, the beach at Wells is a gorgeous place for a Winter walk where you can enjoy the beauty of this spot without the Summer crowds. The postcard-perfect line of pretty beach huts make a colourful backdrop as you crunch over glittering ice-covered sand, and you might be lucky to spot seals basking along the beach! On windy or rainy days, heading into the forest provides some welcome shelter as you make your way through the twisted trees. It’s so dense in the forest that the air is completely still and silent, with rough pathways leading you along to the other end of the forest at Lady Anne’s Drive, opposite Holkham Estate. Both the Lookout cafe at Lady Anne’s Drive and the Wells beach cafe are good places to warm up with a hot drink, and both spots are dog friendly! For more information on dog walking in Holkham and Wells, head to our dedicated blog post.
Fakenham. The market town of Fakenham is bustling all year round, with the usual high street names, charity shops and a quaint Church in the middle of town. In Winter, the town hosts lots of festive events that make braving the cold worth heading into Fakenham for, such as the Christmas lights switch on towards the end of November. Fakenham Parish Church hosts a Christmas tree festival every year, with a Christmas market selling Christmas gifts, crafts and food, plus all money placed in donation buckets is given to charity. It’s a great way to enjoy some festive cheer, and step in from the cold (plus the Church allows dogs inside, so your four-legged friend can warm up too!). On the outskirts of town, Fakenham Racecourse hosts the Norfolk Artisan Fair showcasing the very best that Norfolk has to offer, with over 100 stalls selling food, drinks and gifts for the Christmas season – a great way to support local artists, and tick off some Christmas shopping from your list! In the centre of town, along the narrow shopping parade at Millers Walk, the nearby Kinnerton chocolate factory has their own factory shop here selling heavily discounted chocolate and sweets. Another ideal shopping stop for festive treats – think advent calendars selling for 50p each!
Creake Abbey. Just outside the quiet village of North Creake, the impressive ruins of an Augustinian Abbey sit beside a characterful avenue of independent shops. You’ll find homewares, clothing, antiques and accessories, as well as the quirky Barn Cafe offering tasty treats like toasted sandwiches, soup, homemade cakes and afternoon teas. On the first Saturday of each month (excluding January) Creake Abbey hosts their award-winning Farmer’s Market with over 50 stalls to peruse – you definitely won’t come away empty-handed! In Winter, there’s a Christmas Gift Fair with more than 80 stands celebrating Norfolk’s creative artists of all kinds, including wreaths, candles, jewellery, paintings, food, and treats for four-legged friends. Another fabulous stop, whether you’re shopping for Christmas or popping in for a handmade light bite and a cuppa. Find out more on the Creake Abbey website.
Where to stay
Fayette, North Creake. This characterful 2 bedroom cottage in North Creake is ideally situated for visiting Creake Abbey, just a 3 minute drive up the road. Holkham Estate and Wells-Next-the-Sea are both a 12 minute drive away, and Fayette offers free private parking on site making going out in the car easy. Inside the cottage, there’s a fully-equipped kitchen and cosy fireplace for those rainy days when you don’t feel like venturing out. The modern furnishings, paired with original beams on the ceilings throughout, make the cottage feel more like home than a rental property. The cottage is pet-friendly and there’s a well-maintained, enclosed garden at the back, so you can exercise your dog without worry. Find out more and book your stay here.
Little Wells, North Creake. If you’re looking to stay in a quintessential Norfolk cottage, Little Wells is it! This 200-year-old cottage looks like something straight out of a fairytale, with its traditional Norfolk stone and flint exterior, perfectly conserved, as are the wooden beams throughout the interior. The cottage is situated in a picturesque garden away from the main road, down a peaceful country lane, making it feel even more private. The cottage is surrounded by fields and you may be lucky enough to hear an owl hooting at night in Winter! This 2 bedroom cottage is surprisingly spacious inside and is the perfect place for a Winter seaside holiday in Norfolk. Find out more and book your stay here.
Buttercup, Blakeney. This charming 2 bedroom cottage features a cohesive white and duck egg blue colour scheme throughout, with nods to its coastal position reflected in maritime memorabilia in each room. The cottage is ideally situated for Winter walks, as it’s less than 10 minutes walk to the coast and Blakeney National Nature Reserve. The North Norfolk Coastal Path travels along the quayside in Blakeney, and you’re likely to spot the resident seals basking in the bay! The National Trust’s Sheringham Park is just over 15 minutes’ drive away, and Holt Country Park just under 15 minutes’ drive away – both fantastic for long, picturesque walks in the woodland and both have cafes for warming up after a stroll. Back at the cottage, a roll top bath awaits for a hot, soothing soak, or light the open fire in the lounge to really warm your cockles. On rainy days, or when the Winter evenings draw in early, there’s a games room complete with a pool table and darts. A true well-rounded gem tucked away in the village. Find out more and book your stay here.
The Old Sweet Shop, Wells-Next-the-Sea. This former confectionary shop has been beautifully transformed into a cosy 2 bedroom home with a light and airy living space, complete with fireplace and a fully-equipped kitchen. It’s centrally located without feeling bustling, and there are various sights and conveniences within walking distance. The coast is just 5 minutes’ walk up the road, while the stunning beach at Wells-Next-the-Sea is 30 minutes’ walk along the long tarmac footpath or a 5 minute drive to the car park. You’ll find various pubs and bars within a few minutes from the cottage, plus a British staple – the fish and chip shop – just a 5 minute walk, which is a fabulous Winter warmer to take home! Find out more and book your stay here.
We are Chris+Suze
