Escaping the grey, wintry UK skies doesn’t always mean boarding a long-haul flight to the other side of the world. There are many magical experiences to enjoy across Europe that mean you get to embrace the winter season without spending hours in the air.
There are many destinations within easy reach. Here are some ideas to give you that sense of escape without having to go far at all.
Experience the Alps
This captivating mountain range stretches across seven countries. It is filled with alpine villages and the setting for action-packed ski holidays. All you need to do is board a short flight to Geneva or Innsbruck, or even catch the Eurostar straight into the French Alps. You’ll be on the slopes in no time.
Once you arrive, you can try high-altitude skiing at Val d’Isère. Or take a slow cable car ride for breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. If you prefer to stay on flat ground, strap on winter boots for an afternoon walk around Europe’s cleanest lake, Lake Annecy, then head indoors to warm up with a hot cocoa.
Europe’s festive city breaks
European cities are filled with twinkling lights and festive markets during the colder months. You can take a two-hour flight to Vienna, Prague, or Kraków to browse handmade wooden crafts from local artisans and sip warm spiced wine from ceramic mugs.
In Kraków’s Main Square, local bakers serve hot obwarzanek bread fresh from street carts. In Prague, people gather beneath Charles Bridge for Czech Christmas carols.
Pack a cosy coat and comfy boots so you’re ready to explore these markets and festive traditions.
Enjoy outdoor adventures
While skiing often takes centre stage, there are more winter activities to try for those who want an alternative adventure. You can hire a pair of snowshoes in the Italian Dolomites or the Scottish Highlands to navigate marked forest trails at your own pace.
Many destinations clear thousands of kilometres of winter walking paths each year. You can hike past frozen waterfalls and through snowy pine forests without buying a full ski pass.
Families can hire wooden sledges in regions like Grindelwald in Switzerland, where dedicated runs wind down the mountainside, offering an exhilarating afternoon for everyone.
Unwind in a cosy winter retreat
If you seek a restful break, Europe’s wellness destinations provide sanctuary from the chill. The geothermal waters of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon or the mineral-rich baths of Budapest let you soak outside in the crisp winter air.
Alternatively, book a secluded cabin in Finnish Lapland. Here, floor-to-ceiling glass walls allow you to watch the Northern Lights from bed.
Where will you travel to this winter?
