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If I said that I wanted to head off somewhere for the Winter you’d be forgiven for thinking I meant somewhere warm and sunny, that I wanted to escape the cold and search for some Winter sun. Whereas the truth is I am more interested in the idea of embracing the cold and finding a beautiful little bolt hole for the perfect Winter break in the UK.

Finding the Perfect Winter Break in the UK

Bakewell, Derbyshire

In the attractive market town of Bakewell you’re never more than a few steps away from a tea room or pub not forgetting the spectacular Peak District is on the doorstep. The nearby Chatsworth Estate always put on a good display for Christmas, with beautiful decorations in the house, special evening openings and a Christmas market.

Stay: Bagshaw Hall offers a choice of luxury boutique style suites and contemporary self-catering facilities providing the flexibility that a traditional hotel or bed & breakfast accommodation does not offer.

Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Almost looped by the River Severn, Shropshire’s county town has more than 650 listed buildings, many of them are half-timbered Tudor or Jacobean, some of them, including its castle are from Medieval times.

Stay: Hardwick House is a fine Georgian home on a quiet street just inside the town walls of Shrewsbury, with wood panelling, dainty antique armchairs and a peaceful walled garden.

Mells, Somerset

Mells is a beautiful Somerset village, tucked in the countryside, just twelve miles from Bath, with beautiful walks, great places to eat and large stunning architecture on display. There is also a stunning riverside walk that leads towards the vibrant market town of Frome.

Stay: The Talbot Inn is a traditional yet stylish coaching inn located in the heart of the historic village in some of Somerset’s most stunning countryside. The Talbot offers great food in a classic pub environment with all the comforts of a smart hotel.

Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire

The market square at Stow has plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants, not to mention cute and quaint shops for that lively feel. There are lots of places for a cup of coffee, beer or a meal, just a short walk away. All the little towns you want to visit in Cotswolds are just 15-20 minute drive away from Stow, making it a perfect place to keep as the base from where to explore Cotswolds.

Stay: The Stag at Stow offers stunning accommodation across two buildings. 13 elegant rooms are in a wonderfully restored Georgian town house known as Lodge House. An additional 9 rooms are in a wonderfully restored Coaching Inn. Having plied its trade as an Inn for over two hundred years, these rooms are steeped in history, and offer the highest standard of accommodation.

Read: A Weekend in Stow-on-the-Wold

Norwich, Norfolk

One of the country’s oldest cities, Norwich has a rich and incredible history, sandwiched between a Norman castle and an 11th century Anglo-Norman cathedral. With thriving markets and a large student population the city has a mostly relaxed vibe, complete with quick access to the Broads and Norfolk’s beaches, it makes an excellent base from which to explore.

Stay: The Maids Head Hotel claims to be the oldest hotel in the country, with parts of it dating back to the 13th century. A number of sympathetic refurbishment and renovation projects have taken place, ensuring that this historic building meets the expectations of a 21st century guest.

Shere, Surrey

Shere is a beautiful village in the gorgeous Surrey Hills located between Guildford and Dorking, ideal for pulling on your walking boots and walking until you need to stop for a delicious meal. The village offers visitors charming buildings, a stream with ducks, a small museum, a tearoom, two pubs, as well as St James Church a 12th century church.

Stay: Rookery Nook is a cosy and picturesque B&B, perfect to get away from it all, in stunning surrounding, and within easy reach of the busy, bustling market towns of Guildford and Dorking.

South Leigh, Oxfordshire

Located about 7 miles from Oxford, the village is made up of a collection of houses, a church and a pub, but with no shop nor post office.

Stay: Artist Residence Oxfordshire is a stylish boutique hotel in the Cotswolds and an idyllic retreat in the heart of the English countryside. This 16th-century inn has five luxurious bedrooms nestled under its cosy thatch and two suites in the farm outbuildings, each a calming combination of luxurious linens, bohemian styling and antique furnishings.

Where would you go for the perfect Winter break in the UK?

Let me know in the comments.