The best places for a winter staycation within three hours of London
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!
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.
1. Manchester
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
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
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
Perfect for: Music lovers
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
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
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