Four Winter Day Trips

Winter. That time of year where our social calendars are rife with dinners and drinks, while we long to sit in front of a log fire with a warming hot chocolate. But despite the darker nights and frostier starts, the magic of this season is not to be missed. So don your woolly hats, stick on your gloves and embrace your red nose with these winter day trips sure to get you in the spirit of Christmas.

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Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light

This 15th century castle is located in the stunning Cotswolds. It offers visitors a feast of sight and sound as they walk the illuminated trail through ‘a kaleidoscope of illuminated parasols and an enchanting tree energising its sparkling roots.’ The walk is expected to take around 60-75 minutes, with festive winter warmers waiting at the end of the trail.

With a range of tickets available for families and adults, this is an event to be enjoyed by families, couples and friends alike – without dipping in to your Christmas fund, making it one of the must-do winter day trips.

Dislcaimer: I will be visiting on 19th December.

Westonbirt Aboretum Enchanted Christmas

With some 18,000 trees and shrubs and its 17 miles of marked paths, Westonbirt Arboretum is a treat for the senses at any time of year you visit. But there’s something about the accompaniment of Jack Frost that enchants the arboretum during this time. Not to mention the local choirs and Christmas village adding that festive touch.

The 45 minute illuminated trail costs under £15 for an adult, £7 for a child (up to 18 years) and under 5s go free. There is ample parking on-site, but you will need to book your tickets in advance as the attraction only takes place on certain dates. As far as winter day trips go, this one is high on the list.

Dislcaimer: I will be visiting on 14th December.

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

When booking in advance, London is well within your reach with reasonably priced coach and train services. While there are a variety of Christmas lights to marvel at, it’s Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland that draws the crowds and it’s easy to see why.

With a Magical Ice Kingdom, the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, Cinderella on Ice and Ice bars to name but a few – entry to the Wonderland is in fact free making this an affordable day out with over 200 Bavarian-style chalets to keep you busy.

Disclaimer: I’ll be visiting 3 out of 4 weekends in December (because I love it so much)

Bath Christmas Markets

Popular for its natural hot springs, Bath is an incredibly pretty city attributed to its 18th-century Georgian architecture and Honey-coloured Bath stone. From late-November until mid-December, the picturesque streets are adorned with over 200 local vendors selling unique gifts as the Christmas Markets get in full swing.

We’ll be making a bee-line for Kanana, an award-winning chalet that oozes light from its popular paper star lights. There are regular trains and coaches running to Bath, whislt the city itself is walkable.

Do you have any favourite Winter day trips? Let us know in the comments.