The best places for a winter staycation within three hours of London

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All these places are accessible via train from London and boast many magical and festive things to do

A new study has revealed the best areas in the UK for a winter break.

Sadly London didn’t even crack the top 10 - but then we thought never mind Londoners deserve an escape too!

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So we collated the best places for a Christmassy weekend away within three hours of London by train.

The study by Hot Tub Breaks examined hotel prices, average snowfall during winter, affordability of local restaurants, Instagram popularity according to seasonal posts, and Google searches for people inquiring about visiting the location during the winter.

So you’re pretty much guaranteed a fun and festive staycation.

See the top 6 choices below, including how to get there, what to see, and where to stay.

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1. Manchester

Getty Images

Perfect for: A European Christmas market experience in the UK

How far from London: 2 hours and 11 minutes from London Euston

Don’t miss: The iconic Manchester Christmas markets

Pub to try: The Old Wellington

Try and see: The Northern Quarter

2. Birmingham

Birmingham Christmas market Birmingham Christmas market
Birmingham Christmas market | Getty Images

Perfect for: A peaky blinding weekend or night out

How far from London: Roughly 2 hours from Paddington Station

Don’t miss: Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

Pub to try: The Old Crown

Try and see: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

3. Nottingham

Nottingham's Victoria CentreNottingham's Victoria Centre
Nottingham's Victoria Centre | Professional Images/@ProfImages

Perfect for: Historical whimsy and festive cheer

How far from London: 1 hour 43 minutes from King’s Cross

Don’t miss: Nottingham Winter Wonderland

Pub to try: Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

Try and see: Nottingham Castle

4. Liverpool

Albert Dock Liverpool transformed into magical Christmas Courtyard with snow and festive markets.Albert Dock Liverpool transformed into magical Christmas Courtyard with snow and festive markets.
Albert Dock Liverpool transformed into magical Christmas Courtyard with snow and festive markets. | Royal Albert Dock Liverpool

Perfect for: Music lovers

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How far from London: 2 hours 45 minutes from Paddington Station

Don’t miss: Liverpool Christmas Market

Pub to try: The Philharmonic Dining Rooms (The Phil)

Try and see: The Royal Albert Dock

5. York

Saying goodbye to Christmas is never easy, but tradition says we have to do so this week (image: Getty Images)Saying goodbye to Christmas is never easy, but tradition says we have to do so this week (image: Getty Images)
Saying goodbye to Christmas is never easy, but tradition says we have to do so this week (image: Getty Images) | Getty Images

Perfect for: Books, ghosts and chocolate

How far from London: 2 hours 18 minutes from King’s Cross Station

Don’t miss: The York Minster Christmas Market

Pub to try: The Eagle and Child

Try and see: York Minster

6. Sheffield

It's a pretty sight!It's a pretty sight!
It's a pretty sight! | National World

Perfect for: Industrial culture and traditional pubs

How far from London: 2 hours 27 minutes from King’s Cross Station

Don’t miss: Sheffield Christmas markets

Pub to try: The Fat Cat

Try and see: Millennium Gallery

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