5 outdoor areas to visit in winter
From beaches to gardens to National Parks, see our round-up of outdoor places to explore in the winter and all with a Best Western hotel nearby.
Published: Thursday, 20 November 2025
From beaches to gardens to National Parks, see our round-up of outdoor places to explore in the winter and all with a Best Western hotel nearby.
Published: Thursday, 20 November 2025
Who says you can only enjoy the great outdoors when the weather’s warm? From beaches to waterfalls, here’s our round-up of places that are naturally beautiful in winter.
Transforming into a winter wonderland of frosty landscapes and frozen waterfalls, the Lake District is a magical place to visit when the temperature drops. And it’s a lost less crowded too, so you can enjoy truly peaceful wintry walks. Check the December calendar for an array of festive events, including Christmas markets at Hawkshead and Kirkby Lonsdale. And when it gets too chilly to be outside, you can always find a cosy pub with an open fire to huddle around.
Where to stay: Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, BW Premier Collection
Fewer visitors means you can get even closer to nature when you walk and cycle around the New Forest in wintertime. Five thousand or so ponies live here, so you should be able to spot a few, as well as deer, as you roam the winter countryside. Going out at night is a treat in the New Forest as it’s home to one of the darkest night skies in the UK. When you’re not stargazing or animal spotting and you want to come in from the great outdoors, you can visit the New Forest Heritage Centre or the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.
Where to stay: Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel
Winter might not seem like the greatest time to visit a garden, but from 21 November to 4 January 2026 RHS Garden Wisley is transformed into a work of art. The garden’s Glow illuminations bring landscapes to life, with glitteringly lit paths, plants and trees, as well as light sculptures to enchant you. And if you can’t make it to Surrey, RHS gardens also glow in Salford, North Yorkshire, Essex and Devon.
Where to stay: Thatchers, BW Signature Collection by Best Western
Winter at Loch Lomond is the perfect season for wildlife spotting, whether it’s bird watching or looking out for red deer, red squirrels or Arctic Hare – although they might be harder to see because of their snow-white camouflage. During the long, dark nights you might be lucky enough to catch a meteor shower or even see the Northern Lights. And to warm up, you could always take a tour of one of the area’s whisky distilleries.
Where to stay: Best Western The Crianlarich Hotel
Take a stroll on Weymouth Beach in winter and enjoy this pretty stretch of coastline without the summer crowds. You can admire the Georgian buildings along the promenade and take a walk around the picturesque traditional harbour before enjoying a snack at a café or some fish and chips al fresco. It you want to explore the area more, you can wrap up warm and take a walk along the South West Coast Path.
Where to stay: Best Western Hotel Rembrandt
