While there are always more than enough festive things to do in London – light displays, ice rinks, German markets, endless department-store browsing, sometimes it's nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital.
There’s plenty to be said for getting your coat on, wrapping up warm, and heading for a day out of the city to unwind with a coffee, hot toddy, or even a cheeky mulled wine.
From university towns to cathedral cities there are plenty of cute spots outside of London for a fun winter day trip.
So get away from it all this festive season with this list of the best winter day trips near London.
1. Castle Combe, Wiltshire
Surrounded by the Cotswolds, Castle Combe offers plenty of picturesque walks and quaint villages streets waiting to be explored! Castle Combe has featured regularly as a film location, most recently in The Wolf Man, Stardust and Stephen Spielberg’s War Horse. It was also used in the original Dr Doolittle film. Photo: Getty Images
2. Rye, East Sussex
Built on smuggled secrets and timeless tales, Rye has nooks and crannies to explore and distant views across Romney Marsh to ponder. Today it’s home to a myriad of art, curiosities and cosy pubs. Perfect for a winter's day trip.
3. Bath, Somerset
The entire city of Bath is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which goes some way to explaining its sheer charm. From a paddle down the River Avon, to a visit to the Roman Baths, there's plenty to enjoy in this beautiful city.
4. Oxford, Oxfordshire
When the fog rolls in and the church bells peal, wandering along Oxford’s narrow alleyways surrounded by golden stone buildings and soaring spires feels like stepping into a Dickensian novel. As well as the university colleges and the Bodleian Library, there are plenty of cosy pubs and restaurants to enjoy for a winter's day out.