There’s nothing more magical than Christmas, with its crackling fires, festive treats, and perhaps a little mistletoe. Across the UK, villages, towns, and cities come alive with wintery events to spread cheer. Whether you're planning a romantic escape with a partner or giving the kids a holiday they’ll never forget, discover the best Christmas getaways the UK has to offer with CrossCountry.
The Cotswolds
When we think of a Christmas staycation, a snow-covered cottage is one of the first images in mind. Well, make that idea a reality this Christmas by visiting the Cotswolds. Whether planning to rent a cute cottage or stay in a remarkable hotel like The Lygon Arms Hotel, visitors will be stunned by the jaw-dropping beauty. The ‘fairytale-esque’ villages, luscious countryside, and plenty of mistletoe-filled trees mean it is one of the most romantic staycations and one you definitely won’t forget.
Take all the weight off your shoulders by travelling to the Cotswolds by train, with major local stations including Banbury, Oxford, Cheltenham Spa, and Gloucester.
Edinburgh
If you’re looking for a city break this Christmas, Edinburgh must be up there with one of the best. The city comes alive with star-studded pantomimes, great food and drink options, and fabulous Christmas shopping. There is plenty to see and do from November all the way through until the new year. To kick off Christmas, get up to George Street for the Light Night, where the night is filled with choir songs and fireworks light up the sky. Edinburgh offers countless attractions, but simply wandering its charming streets or exploring the iconic Edinburgh Castle can be a magical experience—especially if you're lucky enough to catch the city dusted in snow.
Edinburgh is easily accessible by train. The major station in the Scottish capital is Edinburgh Waverley which many different routes can access.
Bakewell
Spending your Christmas holidays in Bakewell is like stepping into a charming winter postcard. Located in the Peak District, this picturesque town transforms into a festive fairyland during the holiday season. Wander through the streets lined with glowing lights, visit Santa and his reindeer in his grotto, and enjoy the cosy atmosphere of traditional pubs offering scrumptious meals and mulled wine. The town’s Christmas Bizarre is held in The Bakewell Agricultural Centre and offers crafts and delicious seasonal snacks to eager shoppers wanting to soak in the holiday spirit. For a bit more holiday magic, explore nearby Chatsworth House, which dazzles with stunning Christmas decorations, or take a stroll along the River Wye.
Bakewell is accessible by bus from Sheffield station and Chesterfield station, making a trip to the quaint little town ideal for a memorable Christmas weekend.
Bath
There aren’t many more picturesque places to spend the festive season than Bath. With its iconic buildings beautifully adorned, streets brimming with festive cheer, and twinkling lights illuminating every corner, Bath is the perfect destination for a magical Christmas staycation. Explore the charming artisan market, glide across the ice at Royal Victoria Park’s skating rink, and visit Santa’s Grotto at Milsom Place for a truly festive experience. Even Scrooge will find it hard to resist the holiday spirit here.
Accommodation options range from cosy rental properties to luxurious local hotels—but book early to avoid missing out! If you’re travelling to the South West, getting to Bath Spa station by train is easily accessible from Bristol Temple Meads, which has many popular routes.
Cornwall
Take a dip into something new this Christmas. A tradition for many families who live near the coast is to have a sea swim around Christmas time, so give it a go with a Christmas getaway like no other. Cornwall is usually associated with summer breaks, but with fantastical coastal walks, wheelchair-accessible beaches, dog-friendly beaches, and a few extra layers, why not enjoy all these things in the festive period too? Enjoying the natural beauty in Cornwall is never a doubt, no matter the climate. With many harbours, towns, and villages to visit, there are Christmas markets and events held across the county.
Depending on where you’d like to go, there are plenty of places to visit in Cornwall. Popular stations in the county include Truro, Penzance, and St Ives.
Sherwood Forest
With 3 acres of woodland and 10,000 years of history in its branches, Sherwood Forest is the perfect setting for a cosy cabin holiday. Imagine the trees covered in fluffy snow, and a howling wind outside as you sit by a roaring fire, wrapped up in a blanket with family nearby. Perhaps, the evening calls for a board game, or maybe a heart-warming festive flick. In the daytime, don your wellies, crunch through the newly settled snow and take in the morning bird song. The whole experience is ideal for lovers of the great outdoors.
There are plenty of things to do at Sherwood Forest, from archery to live theatre performances. They even host a forest quiz night, complete with delicious snacks for teammates to share. Getting there is doable with public transport too, as there are regular bus services from Victoria station in Nottingham to Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.
York
As one of England’s oldest cities, the twinkly cobbled streets and picture-perfect architecture of York are the perfect ingredients for a charming Christmas staycation. With many Christmassy events, including Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, a selection of Pantomimes, a Nordic experience at Thor’s Tipi, as well as the other attractions York has to offer. If you want to walk off those mince pies, walks in York City or the surrounding countryside are some of the best things to do in the winter – they’re well worth exploring.
If you're travelling to York this Christmas, York station is in the city's heart. CrossCountry services routes in and out of York from many of the UK's biggest towns and cities, including from Edinburgh Waverley, Manchester Piccadilly, and Birmingham New Street.
If you’re planning a Christmas getaway, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Julia