I love going away in Britain in winter, ideally somewhere small, quiet and seasonally appropriate – the sort of village that might show up on a classic Christmas card.
Weekend activities on offer should include trying to successfully light the log burner (or finding the nearest fire-warmed pub) and watching whatever weather is occurring outside, to decide if a walk – coastal, woodland, frosty, blowy – is in order.
A winter village break can be both comforting and refreshing. And also cheap: low-season rates in cute honeypots are invariably a bargain compared to summer. So where to go? Here are a few ideas.
1. Dunster, Somerset
With its 200 listed buildings, independent shops and romantic hill-top castle (open weekends), Dunster is a picture-perfect medieval village for winter. It sits on the edge of Exmoor, well-placed for bracing strolls, world-class dark skies, bountiful snowdrops (try Snowdrop Valley from late January) and 4WD safaris – low winter foliage makes wildlife easier to spot.
Stay and eat at Dunster’s venerable Luttrell Arms – its wood-panelled bar, abundant fairy lights and cosy vibes have earned it the nickname ‘the Christmas Hotel’.
Where to stay: The Luttrell Arms has doubles from £150 B&B.
2. Glencoe, Highlands
Frost-crisp, storm-moody, sparkling in snow: the loch-side village of Glencoe and its surrounding summits look good whatever weather winter throws at it. Plus this is the time to see it with fewer tourists – and no midges. Head out on low-level walks, around the Glencoe lochans. Hire a guide to learn winter munro-ing skills, or ride a chairlift to ski, sledge or simply revel in the views. Finish with a wee dram and, likely, live music at the legendary Clachaig Inn.
Where to stay: Built in 1896, Glencoe House has traditional Scottish suites from £500 B&B.
3. Carnlough, County Antrim
The pastel-hued village of Carnlough sits pretty in the Glens of Antrim foothills, offering invigorating sea air and snowy-backdrop potential. It’s become a particularly appealing winter choice since the opening of the Harbourview, Ireland’s first whiskey hotel; the Wee Bar here is ideal for warming up with an Irish coffee, mulled wine or a whiskey flight. Beyond, there’s good walking – along the sandy beach, the rail trail to Cranny Falls, into Glenarm to look for red squirrels. The brave might join locals for the New Year’s Day harbour dip.
Where to stay: The Harbourview Hotel has doubles from £120 B&B.
4. Lacock, Wiltshire
There’s stiff competition for pretty winter villages in the Cotswolds – there’s something about the low light, honey stone and sheep-grazed hills that fits the season. But time-warp Lacock, just to the south, takes top spot. Wander the charming, unspoilt village and nurse a pint by the fire at the 14th-century George Inn. And visit Lacock Abbey: at Christmas, the Great Hall is festively dressed, the cloisters filled with community-decorated trees; from February, snowdrops and crocuses spray the grounds.
Where to stay: Grade II-listed 20 Church Street played Harry Potter’s home in the movie; from £715 for three nights (sleeps six).
5. Lindisfarne, Northumberland
Around 160 people live on little one-village tidal island Lindisfarne, cut off twice a day by the sea – there are few better places for off-season solitude. The island is magnificent, with its crag-top castle (closed for winter), the Lindisfarne Priory ruins (open weekends), white-sand beaches and enormous skies. Enjoy winter’s late sunrises, early sunsets, storms, stars and, maybe, Northern Lights, as well as huge flocks of migratory geese. Then join the locals for coffee at Pilgrim’s or a pint at the Crown & Anchor Inn.
Where to stay: The cottages at Grade II-listed Cambridge House cost from £568 for three nights (sleeping two/four/eight).
6. Ticehurst, East Sussex
Enticing Ticehurst sits within the High Weald National Landscape, all coaching inns, boutique shops, historic charm and winter potential. The village is right by Bewl Water, perfect for frosty, mist-hung walks and runs. Also close is Bedgebury National Pinetum, where, until 31 December, a light trail adds extra Christmas spirit to this world-leading conifer collection. For winter fuelling, head to the quirky Bell Inn gastropub or grab mince pies at the Greedy Goat. For a New Year de-stress, try Wild Iris, an ethical spa tucked into nearby woods.
Where to stay: The 16th-century Bell Inn has doubles from £135pn B&B.
7. Weobley, Herefordshire
As a major filming location for Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet (in cinemas January), Weobley may get busy in 2026 – so now is the time to go. The village is a cinematographer’s dream of timber-framed cottages, with a historic church, castle remains and a fine old pub (The Salutation Inn).
Walk the village heritage trail then drive or cycle the Black & White Villages route around north Herefordshire’s prettiest spots. These include equally pretty Pembridge; head to its 450-year-old Cider Barn for super seasonal dishes.
Where to stay: The 17th-century Throne costs from £900 for four nights (sleeps 13), with partial occupancy discounts available.
8. Orford, Suffolk
The quaint outpost of Orford was once a significant port. It’s sleepy now, but Pinney’s continues to farm the local beds for oysters – which are best in winter. Try them, as well as excellent smoked fish, at the Butley Oysterage restaurant.
Orford also offers exquisite chocolate and pastries at Pump Street, refreshing river walks, a Norman castle (open weekends) and beautiful St Bartholomew’s Church, known for its acoustics and occasional performances. Alternatively, check out the winter concert schedule at nearby Snape Maltings.
Where to stay: The Crown & Castle has doubles from £112 B&B.
9. Little Haven, Pembrokeshire
Head to Wales’s far west for a blast of coastal cuteness at half the summer price. Teensy Little Haven feels utterly hidden away, and there’s not much here – just log fires at the Swan Inn, pub grub at the Castle, deli goodies at Lobster & Môr.
But that’s sort-of the point. Hire a cottage, watch the waves smash, join the local Blue Tits swim group for a revivifying dip, pop to neighbouring Broad Haven for surf at Pembrokeshire Surf School and hit the coast path for cobweb-clearing walks.
Where to stay: Berry Cottage costs from £462 for three nights (sleeps four).
10. Hawkshead, Cumbria
Beloved by both Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, handsomely higgledy-piggledy Hawkshead, just north of Esthwaite Water, bustles in summer. But in winter peace descends, the vintage shopfronts are joyfully festive (especially during the early December Christmas Fair) and snow dusts the surrounding fells.
Cosy up with good food in the Queens Head or at the character-oozing Drunken Duck, nearby. There’s fabulous walking from every pub door, but for something simple, sheltered and dotted with outdoor art, head a couple of miles south to the trails at Grizedale Forest.
Where to stay: The romantic Randy Pike has suites from £240 B&B.