From pantomimes to reindeer parks, discover the most festive staycation spots to visit in each UK country
- Windsor is crowned the ultimate winter staycation destination in England, with 169 things to do including an array of festive activities
- Aviemore is considered the top destination in Scotland for trail seekers, offering unique festive experiences
- Hillsborough is the leading hidden gem for a winter getaway in Northern Ireland, home to the renowned Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
- Travel insurance expert, Alvaro Iturmendi, shares tips on top factors to consider when planning a winter staycation
Christmas is just around the corner! So the experts at Confused.com travel insurance have compiled a list of some of the most festive UK countryside spots for a cosy winter staycation. They’ve also highlighted the best activities to get into the Christmas spirit, where to eat/drink and how to get there.
- WINDSOR, BERKSHIRE (ENGLAND)
The historic town of Windsor, just outside London takes the crown as the best festive staycation destination in England. There are 169 things to do and the array of Christmas themed activities are exceptional. Well-known for the royal residence Windsor Castle, the town is annually decked out for the season.
Festive Activities:
- Embark on the beloved tradition of ice skating in Alexandra Gardens[1], in the heart of Windsor town centre. The rink sits within a fairground and offers a covered indoor rink as well as outdoor skate track.
- You can enjoy the stunning landscape at Windsor Great Park Illuminated[2]. A large section of the park has been transformed into a forest trail show with music and lights.
- If you are holidaying with children and want to offer them an unforgettable experience, LaplandUK[3] in Ascot is just a 15 minute drive. It’s half an hour by bus. LaplandUK is fitted with the elves’ toy factory, Mother Christmas’ kitchen, reindeer and of course, Santa’s grotto.
Staying & Getting There:
In terms of food and drink, there is plenty of choice. There are 198 restaurants with an average Tripadvisor rating of 4.2 out of 5. If you’re looking for a pub or bar, there’s 48 with a rating of 4 out of 5. These include chains such as Wagamama and Côte Brasserie. There’s also independently run spots such as Enzo’s Italian and Plate at No. 6 serving Mediterranean tapas.
For places to stay, you can choose from 62 hotels, rated 4.1 by guests. These are fit for a range of budgets and a few are even opposite the castle. There are also 196 Airbnbs (within 2.5 miles from the town centre).
The closest mainline station is Windsor & Eton Riverside, with direct trains to London. Alternatively, it’s just over an hour drive from London and there’s plenty of parking available; the majority of accommodation has parking included.
- LLANDUDNO, CONWY (WALES)
The picturesque coastal town of LLandudno is a perfect winter staycation spot in Wales. The town embraces the Christmas season, and has the highest rated hotels out of the five destinations. Llandudno also has the second highest number of things to do, at 182, including a range of Christmas activities.
Festive Activities:
- Oh no, it isn’t! An iconic Christmas tradition, you can go and see a pantomime in the town. Festive fun for any age, this year you can watch Jack & The Beanstalk at Venue Cymru[4].
- On the 7th December, the town will host a spectacular Christmas parade[5]. The parade will feature Santa in his sleigh, festive floats and performances from local talent.
- Looking out to the sea in winter while the air is crisp feels serene. You can visit the scenic promenade which is embellished with lights and decorations throughout the festive season.
Staying & Getting There:
The town boasts 145 restaurants rated 4.2 on average, with a mixture of cuisines from Indian at Mostyn Tandoori to American at Dinos Llandudno. There are also 49 pubs / bars, with the highest rating out of the five destinations at 4.2.
In terms of where to stay, LLandudo also has the highest rated hotels out of the five spots. There are 224 hotels with an average score of 4.4. Additionally, there are 172 Airbnbs to choose from, several of which have stunning views overlooking the seafront.
Llandudno has a mainline station which offers direct trains to both Manchester and Cardiff. If you live in the South of England, there are trains from LLandudno junction (10 minutes from LLandudno station) straight to Euston.
- AVIEMORE, INVERNESS-SHIRE (SCOTLAND)
The beautiful greenery of Aviemore transforms into a winter wonderland in the colder months, making it the top destination for winter breaks in Scotland. Aviemore is the perfect place for those who enjoy the outdoors, as you can bundle up for picturesque walks. There are 86 things to do, many of which are festive themed.
Festive Activities:
- Embrace Christmas traditions by visiting Aviemore’s ice rink[6]. Centrally located in town, the rink offers public skate sessions, ice discos as well as skating, curling and ice hockey lessons.
- For a unique, thrilling festive adventure, you could go night zipping at G2 Adventure Hub[7]. The coloured lights displayed make the landscape below glimmer as you glide through the forest.
- Christmas would be incomplete without reindeer. Just 6 miles east of Aviemore, you can visit the only free-ranging herd of reindeer in Britain at Cairngorm Reindeer Herd[8].
Staying & Getting There:
Aviemore is a small town with a population of under 3000, meaning there aren’t extensive dining options. The town has 36 restaurants rated 4.2 on average and 13 pubs / bars, with the highest rating of 4.3.
There are still a wide range of accommodation options, with 67 hotels, rated 3.9 on average and 215 Airbnbs. Several are set within stunning grounds, so you can enjoy the views from the comfort of your room.
Aviemore is easily accessible via train with a mainline station. There are direct trains to Edinburgh, Glasgow as well as London if you are prepared for a long journey. The closest airport is Inverness, which is around a 40 minute drive / bus journey away.
- HILLSBOROUGH, COUNTY DOWN (NORTHERN IRELAND)
Hillsborough is a hidden gem in Northern Ireland, perfect for if you want a quiet, relaxing festive break. Despite being small, with only 8 things to do overall listed on trip advisor, the charming town fully embraces the spirit of Christmas.
Festive Activities:
- The best way to celebrate the festive season in the town is visiting Hillsborough Castle and Gardens[9]. The 100 acre gardens will include decorative displays, inspired by the 12 days of Christmas.
- The Christmas period isn’t complete without a trip to a market to get you into the spirit. For one day only on 13th December you can visit Hillsborough’s Christmas market at the Dark Walk and Hillsborough Fort[10]. You will find sparkling lights, an array of gifts, treats and local produce.
Staying & Getting There:
The appeal of Hillsborough lies in it being a quaint, snug town, with a population of only 4,170[11]. However, this means dining and accommodation options are limited. There are 15 restaurants rated 3.8 on average and only 5 pubs / bars.
Additionally, the town has 30 hotels with a high average score of 4.3 and 37 Airbnbs available. That means if you’re planning to visit, book as soon as you can to avoid missing out.
The closest mainline station is Lisburn, a 10 minute drive outside of town which has links to Belfast. If you’re travelling via ferry from the UK, it’s under a half an hour drive from the Belfast port. It’s just under an hour drive from the Larne port. Alternatively, the closest airport is Belfast City, around a 30 – 40 minute drive away.
Confused.com travel insurance expert, Alvaro Iturmendi, offers tips on what to consider when planning a winter staycation:
“Look into staycation insurance: It’s worth considering travel insurance for UK holidays. While the NHS is available for medical emergencies, insurance policies cover lost or stolen belongings or unexpected cancellations. Double check existing policies, as you could have existing protection. For example an annual travel insurance policy may cover your trip and some contents insurance policies protect your belongings while you’re away.
“Keeping costs down: Since Christmas can be an expensive period, there are things you can do to make your staycation more affordable. Research free activities, or discounts. Additionally, research each transport option to see which is most affordable. If you’re staying in an Airbnb you could also consider cooking meals instead of going to restaurants.”
“Plan ahead: Planning your trip as far in advance as possible will ensure you don’t miss out. Book your accommodation, as well as any meals ahead of time, particularly in destinations where these spots are limited. Availability of ticketed activities may be limited or sell out fast, so decide what you want to do and book as soon as you can.”