As hard to believe as it may be, we are now closing in on the festive period here in the UK, and before you know it autumn/fall will have given way to winter and we’ll be hunkering down and wrapping up warm for the next few months.
Winter in the UK can go either way. There have been years where it has been unseasonably mild, and there have been years where we have had record snowfall that was waist-deep, which has brought the country to a standstill.
Whereas you can’t predict the weather in the UK during winter, one thing you can bank on is the fact that it can get cold, and that it will be dark a lot of the time.
Don’t get me wrong, I love wrapping up warm on a winter’s evening, putting my feet up, pouring a glass of my favourite tipple, and relaxing in front of the fire, but at the same time I also find myself struggling from cabin fever and wanting to get outdoors during the colder seasons.
If you’re like me, you’ll enjoy my post today because I’ve compiled my own list of se7en fun things to do during the winter in the UK.
Book a weekend away in a woodland lodge
If you’ve read my posts in the past, you’ll know all too well that I’m a big fan of the British countryside.
The UK is home to some of the most gorgeous woodlands and forests that you could ever wish to visit, many of which are also home to beautiful woodland lodges designed for people looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern living.
If you’re sick and tired of being stuck indoors during the cold and dark months of winter, why not go ahead and book yourself a long weekend away in a woodland lodge?
I’ve stayed in a few of these lodges over the years, and each time I’ve loved it, and I know that you will too. There’s nothing better than going for a walk around the forest before heading back to your lodge, getting the fire on, and cosying up in front of the TV, enjoying a glass of wine, and tucking into your favourite food.
For an even more special weekend away, look for a lodge with a hot tub.
Go skiing or snowboarding
During the winter, millions of people from all over the globe pack their skis or snowboards and book their tickets to hit the ski slopes of places like Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Colorado.
Those places are all well and good, but what if you want to ski or snowboard, but don’t want to leave the UK, or you can’t leave the UK? Well, worry not, because you can go skiing or snowboarding here.
No, I’m not saying you should head to your nearest mountain, not unless you want to ski on mud instead of snow, but what you can do is visit an indoor ski slope and indulge your hobby that way.
While snow in the UK isn’t uncommon in the winter, generally we don’t get enough to ski outdoors, which is why indoor ski and snowboard slopes are so popular.
If there’s an indoor ski slope located nearby, you could just go for the day, or if not, why not find a town or city with an indoor ski slope and enjoy a city break instead?
Go for a nice walk and enjoy a winter sunset
Again, you can’t always depend on the weather in the UK, especially during the winter but one thing I always like to do is enjoy a walk in the countryside on a cold but sunny and crisp day, and enjoy a stunning winter sunset.
Head somewhere nice and relaxing for a walk, and then, as the sun begins to set, find somewhere to sit down and enjoy as the sunsets.
Winter sunsets are gorgeous thanks to the stunning array of reds, yellows, oranges, and pinks the sunset provides you with. In fact, make sure to have your camera handy as a winter sunset photo will always guarantee you plenty of likes on social media.
Enjoy a pub meal in the evening in front of an open fire
The UK is famous for its pubs, and if you want to find a way of enjoying yourself, relaxing, filling your belly, and keeping nice and warm in the process, a pub meal next to open fire will take some beating.
Wherever you are in the UK, you’re never far from a pub, so do your research and find one nearby that does your favourite food and is located somewhere nice and pleasant.
For an even more enjoyable experience, find a pub hosting live music and enjoy the show as you warm your cockles by the fire, enjoy a glass of your favourite drink, tuck into your favourite food, and forget all of your troubles.
Make your favourite comfort food
During the winter, I resign myself to the fact that I’m going to gain a few pounds and enjoy doing so in the process.
When it’s cold, wet, dark and miserable outside, the last thing you want to do is tuck into a boring old salad or some steamed cod and veggies with about as much taste as a cardboard box, which is why you need to find foods you enjoy eating.
Comfort food is called comfort food because it soothes the soul, it makes you feel good, and it warms you through.
A great way to spend a cold and miserable winter’s day is preparing your favourite comfort food and tucking in.
A few great suggestions include things like: homemade pie, macaroni cheese, homemade tomato soup with cheesy bread, or my personal favourite, beef and red wine stew with suet dumplings.
Yum.
Take a winter survival course
This next suggestion is not for the weak of heart, but it sounds a heck of a lot of fun and it could potentially save lives one day.
Whereas the suggestions I’ve provided so far have been fairly relaxing, this next idea is ideal for those of you who are looking for something a little more action-packed and exciting.
Up and down the UK you’ll find companies run by outdoor survival experts who offer winter survival courses. On these courses, you’ll be taken to harsh and isolated outdoor locations and will be taught how to fend for yourself and survive in the wild, during the winter.
You’ll learn how to build shelter, how to start a fire, how to forage for food, water and essentials, how to stay warm and dry, and plenty more besides.
Stay in a castle
Come on, you didn’t think I’d go an entire article without mentioning a castle, did you?
The UK is home to some of the most exciting and interesting castles in the world, and best of all is the fact that not only can you visit them during the day, but you can also stay in them during the night.
The Landmark Trust, for example, rent out a number of unique and historical buildings, including castles. Just be wary that, during the winter, these castles can get cold, so be sure to wrap up warm.
So, whether you’re looking to relax in a historical building, hunt for ghosts, or even get your eyes tested at Barnard Castle, the UK certainly has plenty to offer you in terms of castles.
Which one would you try this winter?
Until next time stay safe, stay curious and don’t stop wandering!
Photo source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
