The Best Towns in the UK for a Christmas Getaway

As the weather gets chillier, many throughout the UK may be starting to think about getting away with friends, family, or even that special someone for the perfect Christmas getaway. We can all love and appreciate where we live, but with the seasonal footfall in some cities skyrocketing, it can be good to leave the hustle and bustle.

Logs Direct, leading suppliers of kiln-dried firewood, has curated a list of some of the towns in the UK for a cosy Christmas getaway by checking out local listings for average costs of accommodation of all sizes from Airbnb, and hashtag popularity on TikTok and Instagram. This way, you can figure out where’s best to spend your seasonal getaway.

The Cotswolds

Renowned for its perfect countryside scenery of green hills that seem to roll on forever, beautifully preserved stone walls, woody spaces, and plenty of towns and villages to experience. Combine that with a light blanket of snow and the chilly breeze and you have the ultimate scenic winter sights.

When it comes to popularity on social media, the Cotswolds stands unopposed at the top for small towns and villages. For the hashtag #cotswoldchristmas on TikTok, there are videos with more than 213,500 views on the platform. Similarly, the same hashtag on Instagram has nearly 4,000 posts all showing off the beauty of the area at Christmas time.

If you’re looking to get away with friends, the average price for four adults comes to around £616. For those looking for a more romantic escape, the cost for two adults will come to around £359. You can even find accommodation with log burners to cosy up by the fire after a chilled winter walk.

St. Ives, Cornwall

Spending your summers on the coast is the perfect way to soak up the sun, but Christmas time in St. Ives offers a completely different vibe but the festivities are aplenty! From the bright lights of the lantern parade, the many offerings of the Christmas markets, to the procession led by Santa himself through the streets to the Royal Square, there’s plenty to keep you and the family entertained.

The social media presence of Christmas in St. Ives is considerably less than in the Cotswolds, but for some that might be incredibly appealing knowing it’s less popular so you can enjoy it with a bit more peace and less crowding. And isn’t it better knowing you won’t have to share the warmth of a crowded fire with too many other people? Only around 4,369 views make up the TikTok hashtag of #stiveschristmas, and there are around 268 posts on the same tag on Instagram.

For four adults, a full weekend in December in St. Ives through Airbnb will cost around £598 on average and two adults averages £441.

Stratford-upon-Avon

There are few places in England as culturally significant as Stratford-upon-Avon. The market town proudly boasts itself as the birthplace of playwright and poet William Shakespeare, as well as preserved Tudor-style streets complete with cobblestones. A must-go for literary lovers and historians year-round, the magic of Christmas lights adorning the town is extra special.

Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare and explore the Tudor-style streets adorned with Christmas lights. The average cost for a weekend in the timeless town comes out to around £381 for a couple and £575 for four adults. And with only 220 posts for #stratfordchristmasmarket on Instagram, making the visit yourself gives you the opportunity to take some photos and make some memories to share and encourage others to visit the town.

Whitby

Yorkshire is a classic destination for an escape in the north, and Whitby offers a coastal experience that is only made better at Christmas time. Not only do you have the beaches to stroll down and fresh, locally sourced seafood to enjoy at restaurants, but you can enjoy the annual Whitby Christmas Festival with offerings of markets, kids’ discos, and switching on the festive lights.

You can take yourself and a special someone there for a weekend for an average price of £425, or you can make it a group trip for an average of £508.

Bakewell, Derbyshire

Located in the Peak District of Derbyshire, Bakewell is located on the River Wye and has a lot of beautiful stone architecture from buildings to five-arched bridges and courtyards. Combined with the quaint cafes, shops, and restaurants, it’s a great place to visit for a little countryside hideaway. It’s extra special when the weather gets colder in the Christmas season, with a Grotto, live music, and a market for you to indulge in.

Considering the average cost for two adults for a weekend here is £401 and four adults costing £591, Bakewell is an absolute steal to visit. The hashtags on both TikTok and Instagram have lower results, so you can be sure of a quieter trip away from the crowds. It also means you’ll get the best picks from the more than 40 stalls at the Christmas Bizarre put on by the Agricultural Centre.

 

 

No matter the sort of Christmas escapes you’re looking for, be it a romantic getaway for you and your partner or a larger trip with family or friends, there are options for all types of holidays. It shows the range of options available within the UK from coastal lines to smaller towns in more secluded countrysides.