UK winter road trip destinations: 7 best places explore

The coming onset of winter might have you thinking that it’s time to bunker down indoors and have another crawl through Netflix. But that remote should stay lost, because the cooler months are a fantastic time of the year to explore the UK. With fewer crowds, deals on campsites, and wide open roads, you won’t have to jostle with the selfie sticks to see the best of Britain. Take a look at 7 of our favourite places to travel to in winter.

Dartmoor National Park

If you’ve ever watched a good British TV series, you may well have been enchanted by the moody greys and misty mornings of the UK. Winter may be cold in this part of the world, but that just means you get treated to some stunningly atmospheric vistas. Dartmoor encapsulates this vibe year-round, but winter is when it comes alive with mystery. Travel this ancient landscape in your van with only the wild ponies for company, as you discover sweeping valleys, bewitching forests and icy rivers. Who needs summer?

Brecon Beacons

Another activity you might not immediately associate with winter is a good old fashioned British hike, but why sweat under the heat of the summer sun? The Brecon Beacons in Wales is always a hit with the tourists, with aquamarine waterfalls, rolling hills and every shade of green. Visiting in winter means you can amble through the countryside without seeing another soul, finishing in a pub with a roaring fire without having to wait for a pint and some bangers and mash.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is quite possibly the best attraction in the UK in any month, on any day, of any year, and winter is no exception. Scotland is one of the friendliest countries to travel around in a van, and if you’re exploring the wild north, a trip to Skye is a must. It does get chilly up here, but you’re rewarded for your bravery with stunning sunrises, and some of the most scenic drives you’ll find on the planet.

York

London? Done it. Manchester? Seen it. Brighton? Let’s wait for summer. For a city break on your winter road trip you won’t find much better than the town so great they named a shire after it. The lead up to Christmas sees the Northern town come alive with festive street markets, carolers and lights to rival Paris. Walk along the city’s ancient walls, amble through the Shambles with a hot chocolate in hand, and dream mediaeval dreams.

The Cotswolds

For a true fairytale experience on your winter road trip, swing through the majestic Cotswolds to catch a glimpse of some of England’s most bucolic sights, as snow sprinkles across the top of villages ripped straight out of the pages of history. Wander through cobbled streets and get a healthy dose of ‘quaintness’ (yep, it’s a word), without having to share the pavement with hordes of tourists. Settle down for the afternoon by the front window of a pub, mulled wine in hand as the crystalline snowflakes fall.

Lake District

This one is for the hearty adventurers, who want to master the elements in one of the wildest places in England. Resting up near the border with Scotland, the Lake District receives a hefty amount of snow in the winter months, so ensure you plan before venturing north. With the snowfalls come the chance to experience some of the best views in the country, with white-capped peaks piercing the sky at almost every turn, with hikes winding their way through the mountain passes and villages providing warm hearths and friendly faces.

London

We couldn’t resist. The capital city might not have the quaint village feel, or receive the snowfall of the north, but London brings the winter spirit with a bevy of things to see and do. Visiting any of the city’s museums during this time of year means you can gaze upon wondrous artefacts without a tour group shadowing you, and famous eateries that might otherwise have lines out the door will be begging for your patronage. The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a spectacle in and of itself, and shouldn’t be missed.

Dreaming of a winter road trip these holidays? Start your journey on Camplify and explore the island at your own pace. Check out our complete guide to winter camping, and get inspired with our van adventurer’s guide to St Ives Bay, where the weather stays mild all year. See you out there.