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Christmas & New Year Ideas around
Britain
The annual Christmas/New year celebrations are not the stay-at-home affairs they once were.
Warmer UK winters and even-warmer sunshine not far away in Europe have led to a trend in families – often extended families – getting away for Christmas.
The choice is now huge whether staying in Britain or heading for Spain, Portugal or France among many other foreign destinations.
It is not just about getting bloated on turkey, Christmas pudding and mince pies and awaiting the Queen’s speech on TV.
A Christmas break away from home still means everyone gets to use their presents straight away.
For the less active the Play Station works just as well in a rural cottage in Devon; while a new toboggan is the prime fun item in the Scottish Highlands; and the new mountain bike can get its first muddy test run on the trails in the Lake District.
Christmas Breaks in the UK and Abroad
New Year Breaks in the UK & Abroad
In the first of a series on Christmas and New Year breaks we look at a sample of what to do in midwinter in the UK.
Owners of rental accommodation across Britain report good bookings for the Christmas period and many families booking well in advance to ensure they get the type and size of property they need.
There are indications that it is more than just families with 2.4 children opting for a Yuletide break. They are bringing grandparents and friends and the UK has a tremendous variety of places to spend the festive season.
Christmas & New Year in Scotland
A country of great beauty and choice of wild places to walk, cycle and ski if the snowfalls are not too heavy. These include the Highlands, lochs and mountains such as Ben Nevis. The rugged coasts and islands of Scotland provide some “bracing” walks along the seashore. Some of the finest whiskies in the world can warm you up after a day in the fresh air. New Year is one of the best times to visit Scotland to join the locals celebrate Hogmanay with great zest. It is party time in a big way north of the border.
Christmas & New Year in Northern Ireland
There is no shortage of a good welcome in Ulster and nor of excellent properties to rent from Antrim in the east to Fermanagh – and even Donegal in the Republic of Ireland – in the west. The province offers mountains, lakes and magnificent coastal attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway.
Christmas & New Year in England
Property choices range from Kent to the Lake District and from the West Country peninsula to the Yorkshire Moors. English weather is a lottery in midwinter but Cornwall and Devon have reputations for being warmer.
Christmas & New Year in Wales
An excellent “get-away from it all” destination with picturesque beaches, spectacular cliffs plus inland valleys and mountains.
Channel Islands – compared to most other places in the UK, the islands are almost tropical. Enjoying warmer weather generally, the major islands offering activities, restaurants, history and nightlife are Jersey and Guernsey. Herm and Sark are for quieter – and car free – breaks with an emphasis on nature.
Christmas & New Year in France, Spain, & Portugal
Christmas & New Year in Greece, Italy, Croatia, Turkey, and Cyprus
Cities at Christmas –
those looking to party over Christmas and New Year need to be near the big cities of the UK. Yuletide is a hot time in the pubs and clubs of Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland; Cardiff or Swansea in Wales; Belfast or Londonderry in Ulster or London, Birmingham, Leeds, Plymouth, Manchester and Newcastle. Plan your New Year revels, though, as many clubs pre-sell tickets for the big night of the year.
Christmas markets –
Shopping does not have to be a chore and can actually be different and fun. Special Christmas markets, always popular in Europe, are being staged now to a greater extent in the UK and they offer a good atmosphere for getting last-minute gifts and stocking up on special food for the holiday. British towns with Christmas markets are Lincoln, Bath, York and Bury St Edmunds.
Museums – holidays cannot be all action, so a day off in the local town or city can turn up some interesting museums. Around the country there are museums themed on local heritage, art, steam trains, vintage cars and history – enough of a range to satisfy most family member’s tastes.
Theme Parks – the northern latitude of the UK is not compatible to theme parks and most of them close from around mid-November to March. An exception is Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey.
Seaside resorts – unlike some years ago, they do not become Yuletide ghost towns. Today they provide amusements, thrills rides, beach walks, restaurants, pubs and clubs for most of the Christmas/New Year period, except Christmas day itself. Resorts range from Brixham in Devon; to Pwllheli in north Wales; Blackpool and Scarborough in northern England; or Brighton, Southend, Clacton and Bournemouth in the south.
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