Updated November 2024
Britain is at its most magical in the winter months, when Christmas markets and light displays fill the cities and towns. Celebrate the spirit of togetherness at festive events, from joyous New Year’s fireworks displays to London’s epic Winter Wonderland. Choose gifts for loved ones at iconic department stores and be wowed by festive displays that adorn London’s shopping streets.
Whether strolling through light trails with a hot chocolate in hand, or warming up with a cosy spa break, experience Britain with a loved one this winter.
Christmas markets
From November, Christmas markets begin to pop up in cities all over Britain, bringing with them festive food, artisanal gifts and winter traditions. Feel the love at these heart-warming markets around the country.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
London’s festive extravaganza takes over Hyde Park for six weeks, from 21 November to 5 January. More than a market, it features a Christmas circus, thrilling fairground rides and an ice-skating rink. Dip into fondue or toast marshmallows over a fire pit – there are endless magical memories to be made here.
Edinburgh Christmas Markets
From 15 November to 4 January, Edinburgh’s historic centre is home to 70 Christmas market stalls selling festive food, handmade gifts and unique souvenirs. There’s also a huge Ferris wheel that offers incredible views of the city’s lights and castle, while New Town houses an ice rink and traditional fairground rides.
Manchester Christmas Markets
Spread across the city, Manchester’s Christmas Markets are some of Britain’s biggest, running from 8 November to 22 December. Alongside 200 craft, gift and food stalls, a light trail will illuminate the city, with huge walk-through installations and twinkling lights lining the streets.
Bath Christmas Market
One of Britain’s most romantic cities, head to Bath’s Christmas Market for a truly enchanting experience. As the city’s historic monuments glisten with festive lights, tuck into classic seasonal snacks and browse a range of stalls selling everything from personalised jewellery to local foods.
Fun festive events
Britain’s winter calendar is packed with festive events, from ice skating scenes straight from a Christmas card to magical light trails and live music. You can even experience winter in the wizarding world!
Christmas at Hampton Court Palace
Step into your own Christmas film at this majestic palace in the suburbs of London. Across two weekends in December, the 2024 Festive Fayre will feature live music, ice skating and traditional carolling.
Hogwarts in the Snow – Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Harry Potter fans can experience a different side to Hogwarts from 16 November to 19 January, as the Warner Bros. Studio Tour transforms into a winter wonderland. Alongside the incredible sets and props that are displayed year-round, see the Great Hall set up for a Christmas feast, the dormitories draped in festive decorations, and, most impressively, the Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley blanketed with snow.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
Walk hand-in-hand through Blenheim Palace’s dazzling light trail and embrace the festivities together. Wander under illuminated installations, hit the ice rink and explore the grounds of this stately home, as the palace sparkles with thousands of lights.
Winter experiences for couples
There’s no better way to experience winter in Britain than with the one you love, with romantic views and magical moments at every turn.
Festive journeys aboard British Pullman
For something unique, travel together in luxury on a vintage train. British Pullman’s range of winter journeys feature decadent multi-course meals, on-board entertainment and seasonal decor inside their carriages. Watch Britain’s wintry landscapes pass by your window on a round-trip from London, as you enjoy a sumptuous festive lunch or New Year’s dinner.
Brigit’s Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
London is never more beautiful than at Christmas, so hop aboard to admire the city’s landmarks covered in lights. Tour the city in an iconic red double-decker while getting a taste for an afternoon tea packed with foodie treats and other delights.
Shopping
Feel the joy of the season as Britain’s premier shopping destinations are illuminated with festive displays this winter. With unique, independent shops and iconic department stores, you’ll find Britain to be the perfect place for gift hunting.
London’s festive displays
Throughout the festive season, the luxury shops and department stores of London compete to create the most impressive window displays. You’ll spot them all over the capital, but spectacularly creative scenes are guaranteed at the likes of Selfridges, Fortnum and Mason, Hamleys, Harrods and Liberty.
Carnaby Street
One of London’s premier shopping destinations, Carnaby Street is home to British heritage brands, concept stores and unique boutiques. Each year their holiday display takes on an interesting theme, from the ocean to the universe. Whatever they have in store for the 2024 season, it’s not to be missed on a winter trip to London.
Bicester Village
Whether you’re looking for a special gift for your partner, holiday shopping for loved ones or simply want to treat yourself, for all things luxury head to Oxfordshire’s Bicester Village. Home to dozens of designer brands, the outlet also welcomes a festive market in winter months where you can take a break from shopping to share a joyful dessert.
Cardiff Arcades
Be charmed by the traditional shopping streets of the Welsh capital, where a maze of Victorian arcades house more than 100 independent shops and eateries for a retail experience like no other. From mid-November, festive lights make these beautiful arcades even more romantic.
Relax together
Cawdor Castle, a 15th century private fortress, built by the Thanes of Cawdor around a medieval tower house. Couple walking in the grounds. Cawdor Castle is open for private tours by appointment only October to May.
In the winter months, warm up your stay with a cosy wellness retreat. From luxury hotels to city spas and rooftop relaxation, this season is for taking it easy.
Urban spa breaks
Combine an action-packed trip to one of Britain’s heritage cities with a spot of relaxation and wellness. Unwind together in the naturally mineral-rich waters of Bath’s Thermae Bath Spa, enjoy a hydrotherapy massage with city views in One Spa Edinburgh’s rooftop pool, or try out floatation therapy at Birmingham’s The Floating Spa.
Rural escapes
For a peaceful countryside stay, head to Buxton in the Peak District, a historic spa town that has promoted health and relaxation for centuries. Soak in the natural mineral baths of the luxury Ensana Health Spa Hotel. Or why not escape to a five-star spa hotel on its own private island at Scotland’s Isle of Eriska?
Short city breaks and day trips
After arriving at one of Britain’s major hubs, it’s easy to reach other destinations in under two hours. Enrich your British experience with an overnight stay or day trip to one of these exciting cities.
From London
A short trip from the capital could see you in royal Windsor – don’t miss the grand Windsor Castle or legendary Ascot, the home of horse racing year-round. In Oxford, visit the world-famous university and follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter, or head to picturesque Bath for a Bridgerton moment.
From Manchester
From one cultural hub to another, head across to Liverpool and discover a UNESCO City of Music that was the birthplace of The Beatles. Nearby Chester has an impressive cathedral and thousands of years of Roman history, while further north, York is a medieval walled city with incredible shopping and dining.
From Edinburgh
Take a trip to Scotland’s second city, Glasgow, an underrated gem that’s bursting with art and music – the Kelvingrove Gallery is not to be missed for its Baroque architecture and fascinating exhibits. Dundee is a coastal city with heaps of culture, including a host of exciting museums on its regenerated waterfront.
