After the chaos of the festive period, what better time to get away on holiday than during January.  With stunning landscapes, cosy villages and historic landmarks, the UK is a hotspot for a holiday escape and brilliant for winter minibreaks.  Here are five fantastic destinations which are a must-see across the UK this January.

Cairngorms

For those looking for dramatic scenery and a secluded escape, the Cairngorms could be just the place.  Located in the north-east of Scotland, it boasts some of the most stunning landscapes the country has to offer.

Activities

A haven of wildlife, the Cairngorms is the perfect destination for an avid bird or wildlife spotter!  The National Park is known internationally for its wealth of nature, so if you’re looking for a wildlife inspired getaway then the Cairngorms could be the perfect place.

For those with a more adventurous side there are also plenty of winter sports from snowboarding to skiing.  Do some research in to the ski resorts and make sure to check weather reports before you head to the slopes.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of options of places to stay right across the Cairngorms; from bed and breakfasts, to self-catering lodges and hotels.  To ensure you make the most of your visit, aim to stay for at least two days, and build a priority list of places you want to see, that way you can choose your accommodation closest to these locations.

Devon

The thoughts of golden beaches and relaxing in the sunshine may come to mind when Devon is mentioned, but it’s also the perfect location for a tranquil winter’s getaway.

Activities

The coastal paths and beaches in Devon are perfect for those who love hiking and exploring, so make sure to pack your walking boots and some warm clothes ready for taking to the hills.  For those who may want to explore further inland, Devon is steeped in history and has some fantastic stately homes and castles to visit.

Where to Stay

What could be better than curling up in front of a log fire at the end of a day out hiking?  Devon has some fantastic traditional self-catering cottages which are ideal for a winter’s minibreak.  For those who many want to bring their dog on holiday with them, the dog friendly Devon holiday cottages from Lyme Bay Holidays, could be the ideal place to stay.

The Lake District

With plenty of attractions across the Lake District, it’s a great place to visit throughout the year, and a brilliant place to explore in winter.

Activities

One of the best places to take in the views of the Lake District is from the lakes!  Why not hire a boat for a day or take one of the guided tour boats across some of the most stunning lakes such as Windemere or Coniston.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of amazing places to stay across the Lake District from luxury hotels to glamping sites which involve spending the night in a yurt!  Why not do some research in to your chosen location and find some of the quirky accommodation offerings.

Brighton

For those looking for a fast-paced winter break, a city would be the ideal choice. Brighton is a vibrant location, packed with lots of amazing things to do and full to the brim with culture; with the added bonus of being by the sea!

Activities

Famous for beach front attractions including the pier and Sea Life, there are also plenty of other things to do across the city.  Why not visit the Brighton Laines and take in the many independent boutique and vintage shops; or perhaps visit on of the oldest working theatres in the country and see a show at the Theatre Royal.

Where to Stay

The city itself boasts plenty of unique and interesting places to stay from modern apartments to boutique guest houses with stunning décor.

Pembrokeshire

A brilliant destination for thrill-seekers, the Pembrokeshire coast national park has endless sandy beaches and has become a favoured destination for a minibreak in the UK.

Activities

With plenty of wildlife to see across the Pembrokeshire coastline from the gathering of Atlantic grey seals to the huge variety of sea birds, it’s the perfect holiday for those looking to explore the outdoors.  There are also plenty of activities and opportunities to take to the seas in a variety of water sports.

Where to Stay

From cosy cottages to bed and breakfasts there are lots of amazing places to stay across the national park.  If you want a quiet and relaxed holiday why not choose self-catering options in more remote locations where you can head out on a winters walk right from your doorstep.