This winter, you could be searching for a well-earned break. As the holiday season comes and goes as quick as a flash, you might need a pick-me-up trip to lighten your spirits before spring arrives.
Although many of us immediately begin searching for flights around the globe when we fancy a holiday, why not stay a little closer to home?
There are many amazing cities to visit in the UK, each with their own quirky personalities and histories that are waiting to be explored.
So, here are five of the best winter city breaks to enjoy around the UK.
1. Edinburgh
The city of Edinburgh has so much to offer its visitors, from art and culture to incredible architecture, all the way to a thriving café and bar scene.
In winter, Edinburgh is often blanketed with beautiful snow, making it a truly picturesque place to wander around with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand.
Some of its most popular winter hotspots are the Christmas markets that pop up between November and January each year. Enjoy handmade arts and crafts and child-friendly stalls and activities that can entertain for hours, then warm up in one of the renowned restaurants or pubs located in the city centre.
If you are in the mood for luxury, Edinburgh is home to a number of modern and traditional five-star hotels, so you can enjoy impeccable service while you taste all the Scottish capital has to offer.
2. London
Of course, one destination where you will never run out of amazing events and places to discover is London.
Our capital city has much to explore over the winter, including world-class art exhibitions at the Tate and National Galleries, the famous Winter Wonderland, and ice skating at the beautiful Natural History Museum.
If you plan to do some seasonal shopping on your winter break, the retail scene in London is unbeatable. Swing by Harrods for an opulent array of food, toys, cosmetics, jewellery, clothing, and even home decorations.
Alternatively, if your trip is of a more romantic nature, take your significant other for a stroll through Hyde Park to hear the crunch of leaves underfoot and absorb the tranquil atmosphere.
After bracing the weather, book a table at one of the enviable restaurants in the city centre, including the Bluebird Café in Chelsea, or the Alfred Tennyson pub in Knightsbridge.
All in all, whatever makes your winter break dreams come true, it is likely you can find it in London town.
3. Bristol
For a city break that offers hilly walks, endless cosy cafés, and a taste of an alternative lifestyle, Bristol could be the place to look.
The town of Bristol was established in 1155, and quickly became one of the most popular trade towns (now a city, of course) in the UK.
If you have a taste for history, there is plenty to be found in Bristol, as you can attend a carol concert at the 881-year old Bristol Cathedral in December.
Alternatively, if nightlife is more your scene, Bristol is home to both chic and rustic eateries and bars that can keep you warm and happy on a winter evening.
As far as accommodation is concerned, the world is your oyster in Bristol. You can opt for a luxurious, self-catered Airbnb in a modern city centre apartment; or, have your needs catered for in the Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa, with stunning waterside views and incredible food.
Finally, the famous 850-acre Ashton Court estate is the perfect way to get your country fix in Bristol. Striding across the grass to see deer ambling over the horizon is the perfect way to spend a crisp winter morning.
4. Cardiff
Another delightful harbour city, Cardiff perfectly combines fascinating history and contemporary culture that can all be explored on your next winter mini-break.
An ideal trip for the whole family, Cardiff is steeped in history. Its revered castle lies at the heart of the city, making it the perfect destination for historically interested children and grandchildren, as well as for your own curiosities.
For adult-only trips, Cardiff Castle offers spooky night-time ghost tours that can raise the hairs of even the most cynical visitors.
If wandering the halls of a castle late at night does not sound like your idea of fun, try a nationally renowned roast dinner at The Potted Pig, followed by a leisurely walk through the Victorian Arcades in the city centre.
At the weekend, take a brisk winter walk along the bay, where you can sip a hot chocolate in the eclectic Norwegian Church Arts Centre, located just minutes away from the famous Welsh National Opera. Catch a show and take in the stunning bay views on your relaxing Cardiff winter break.
5. Bath
The Roman city of Bath is full to the brim with ancient history, from its thermal baths (from which the city derived its name) to the nearby world heritage site, Stonehenge. Visiting Bath is like stepping back in time; everywhere you look is an opportunity to learn about the incredible history of the town.
Of course, Bath has lots more to offer than a lesson on the Romans. The Bath Christmas Market is the largest in the south-west, with 170 beautifully decorated stalls where you can find the ideal holiday gift for a loved one.
Plus, if you are searching for a taste of culture, the Theatre Royal is home to many delightful productions each year, including traditional plays and contemporary dance performances.
Finally, you can find luxury accommodation in Bath and its surrounding areas, with multiple five-star hotels to choose from.
No matter your preference for a mini-break, these five cities can help revitalise you, even during the cold winter months.
