I know what youโre thinking. A road trip during winter sounds odd. The weather doesnโt even seem ideal, and youโll need some extra effort to prepare your car for the road.
But hear me out for a bit. Winter also comes with some perks that make a road trip a great idea. Most destinations in the UK are uncrowded, which means you can enjoy the snow-covered landscapes and scenery peacefully. Plus, itโs the holidays, and a winter road trip means experiencing the Christmas festivities in a unique location.
Not to mention the fact that you can take advantage of aย luxury motorhome hire from Ariescape if you donโt fancy hitting the road with your automobile.
Ready to embark on a scenic drive in the UK this winter? Here are my top four destinations to check out:
The Cotswoldsย
Most people would argue that spring is the best time to visit the Cotswolds countryside, but a visit in the winter will convince you otherwise.ย The scenery is quite splendid, with stone-wall cottages, winding lanes, and picturesque hills and rivers creating scenes out of a movie.
Throw in the winter snow on the rooftops and trees, and this area becomes a wonderland thatโs almost impossible to leave. When the weather becomes extra chilly on your 3-4 day adventure, you can always stop by the cosy pubs and restaurants littered across the villages for a warm meal next to a fireplace.
There are several great locations to start your trip, including Cheltenham, Burford, and Chipping Campden. With each stop you make in a Cotswolds village, youโll come across multiple eye-catching attractions, like theย Christmas markets in Cirencester and Bath and the Cotswold Distillery in Shipston-on-Stour.
Scotland
Start your Scottish adventure in Edinburgh or Inverness and catch, where you’ll find frost-covered mountains and castles as you drive through the highlands. The views are some of the most breathtaking in the UK. The whole trip might take about five days, but you wonโt spend all of it driving.
Scotland has many charming towns where you can make a pit-stop and enjoy the landscape or indulge in some recreation.
For instance, if you enjoy hiking, the A82 route from Loch Lomond to Glencoe has some amazing hiking trails to give your legs a much-needed work-out.
Drive from Glencoe to Fort Williams, where the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola awaits with some of the highest peaks in the UK and landscapes for winter sports. With each stop, youโll also encounter numerous landmarks from Scotlandโs rich history. This destination is definitely a must-visit if youโre really seeking an adventure this winter.
Lake Districtย
Thereโs a reason the Lake District is one of the main tourist hotspots in the UK. During the summer, a trip to this national park might not be ideal because youโll have to contend with many other visitors for the breathtaking views and landscapes.
In winter, though, the area is more peaceful and quiet, with a smaller number of people coming around. You can start your visit in a handful of locations, including Windermere and Grasmere.
Windermere during winter is a sight to behold, as the town comes alive with the Christmas spirit. Starting your journey here also gives you the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Lake Windermere.
Ambleside is a mere 15-minute drive from Windermere, and you can enjoy a warm meal in a country pub when you make a pit-stop in this town. This is also a great spot for some Christmas shopping, with the Christmas market usually open from around November.
Santa makes an appearance too, which is great if youโre travelling with the kids.
Cornwall
Cornwall is super quiet during the winter months, even more than other destinations on this list. But thatโs the whole point of visiting during this time of the year, right? You can walk and surf on the beach without the crowd. Plus, if you come in early before Christmas, youโll get cheaper accommodation.
The weather is another reason to visit this area during the winter season. Youโll experience a milder climate here compared to other parts of the UK, with more mist and rain rather than snow.
Of course, that means you wonโt find frosty mountain peaks and trees but the cold is slightly less threatening.
You can start your trip in Penzance, where St Michael’s Mount awaits for a pit-stop stroll. Sennen Cove is about an hour from this location, and it has a beach if you fancy coastal walks.
Surfing is also an option here, although lifeguards are a rarity during the winter months in Cornwall. You can enjoy some mulled wine and traditional dishes like Stargazy pie in towns like Falmouth and Padstow.
Final Thoughts
Winter isn’t everybodyโs preferred season for a road trip, but if you want to enjoy major tourist destinations and picturesque landscapes without the crowd, itโs worth hitting the road this time of the year. The UK has some good locations for a scenic drive during the winter months, and you can even experience the holiday festivities in these areas when you stop by.
