Where to Go for a Christmas Staycation in the UK

When it comes to getting away for a few days near Christmas, thoughts turn to where in the UK would be a good place to go.

With many Christmas breaks UK destinations are offering this coming festive season, I have gathered just a few to help you decide where to go for an end of year getaway with friends, or a festive family adventure, or a romantic escape with your other half.

Cornwall

Cornwall during Christmas is a magical experience, where the rugged coastline and charming villages are adorned with festive lights and decorations.

The region’s maritime heritage shines through in unique Christmas traditions, such as the Montol Festival in Penzance, which celebrates Cornish customs with parades, music, and dancing. Coastal towns like St Ives and Padstow are particularly enchanting, with harbour lights reflecting on the water and festive markets offering local crafts and seasonal treats.

The weather is typically mild compared to other parts of the UK, although the Atlantic winds can make it feel colder. The lack of heavy snow makes it ideal for coastal walks along windswept beaches, like Porthcurno or Fistral Beach in Newquay, where you might even see brave souls taking a Christmas Day swim. Local pubs and restaurants offer hearty meals featuring fresh seafood, and traditional Cornish pasties, making it a cosy destination to spend the festive season.

Devon

Devon offers a picturesque and tranquil Christmas, with its rolling hills, moorlands, and charming villages providing a serene backdrop for the festive season. Dartmoor and Exmoor, often dusted with snow, are perfect for a winter hike, offering stunning vistas and a chance to spot wildlife in a winter setting.

In towns like Exeter and Torquay, Christmas markets pop up, where you’ll find local crafts, festive food, and mulled cider. Exeter’s Cathedral Green is particularly atmospheric, with the medieval cathedral providing a stunning backdrop to the market stalls.

Devon’s coastal towns, like Dartmouth and Salcombe, are less crowded during winter, making them perfect for a quiet, reflective Christmas by the sea. The local eateries often feature Christmas menus filled with Devonshire delights, such as cream teas with mince pies or a traditional roast with locally sourced ingredients.

New Forest

The New Forest transforms into a winter wonderland at Christmas, with its ancient woodlands, heathlands, and quaint villages offering a peaceful and festive escape. The forest is a haven for wildlife, and during winter, you might spot deer, ponies, and other animals as you explore the frosty trails.

Villages like Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, and Beaulieu are beautifully decorated, with Christmas lights twinkling in the trees and cosy pubs offering roaring fires and festive fare. Beaulieu’s Christmas events are particularly popular, with a stunning light trail and Santa’s Grotto adding to the festive spirit.

The New Forest’s mild climate makes it ideal for outdoor activities like horse riding or cycling, even in winter. The forest’s ancient trees and open spaces are often misty in the early morning, creating a serene and almost mystical atmosphere perfect for a peaceful Christmas retreat.

Wales

Wales during Christmas is a blend of traditional festivities and stunning natural beauty. From the snow-capped peaks of Snowdonia to the coastal paths of Pembrokeshire, Wales offers diverse landscapes that are particularly enchanting in winter. The weather can be cold and crisp, with the possibility of snow in higher elevations, making it an excellent destination for those who enjoy winter sports or simply a cosy atmosphere.

Welsh towns and cities, like Cardiff and Llandudno, host Christmas markets where you can find unique Welsh gifts, such as wool products and handmade crafts. Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland is a highlight, with ice skating, a Christmas market, and festive fairground rides set against the backdrop of Cardiff Castle.

The blend of stunning landscapes, rich traditions, and warm hospitality makes Wales a uniquely inviting place to spend Christmas, whether exploring its mountains, strolling along its beaches, or enjoying the festive atmosphere in its towns and villages.