This year, take advantage of the variety of cultural winter activities available throughout the UK and plan a trip that the whole family will love!
London
The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is perfect for families looking for a wide variety of winter activities. Everyone in the family will find something to love about this month-long celebration that begins on November 23rd and lasts through to January 6th. Children can enjoy carnival rides, choose from two circuses and walk through The Magical Ice Kingdom, full of incredible ice sculptures. Adults will love the Giant Observation Wheel where they can gaze out over the London skyline and can get some holiday shopping done while browsing through a variety of market stalls. And the whole family can join together to enjoy the Winter Wonderland ice rink which is the largest skating rink in the UK. So make your plans in advance and prepare for a magical winter experience in England’s capital!
Birmingham
For families wishing to stay outside the capital during the holidays, Birmingham offers a special winter treat that is sure to get the little ones excited. As if a chocolate-inspired world wasn’t enough, Cadbury World goes festive for the holidays with family fun that includes delicious food, exciting children’s entertainment and a special visit from Father Christmas in his Christmas grotto. Take advantage of this magical experience as it only runs on weekends between the 24th of November and the 23rd of December.
Cardiff
Just twenty minutes outside of the Welsh capital, families can be transported back in time at the Caerphilly Medieval Christmas Fayre. Children will love going inside the castle to see live entertainment, looking at stalls of unique trinkets and crafts and talking to the locals in their medieval finery. This unusual twist on the holidays will give your family a chance to experience something new and exciting this winter. If you’re looking for more historical winter fun you can also try out the Victorian Christmas Tours at Cardiff Castle.
Edinburgh
No place rings in the New Year like Edinburgh! The world-renowned celebration dedicated to Hogmanay is sure to excite the whole family. Everyone can watch and participate in the famous Torchlight Procession on New Year’s Eve. Your family can enjoy looking through the festive markets, skating on the open air ice rink or joining in the many games and activities designed for children.
To avoid the chaos of the Hogmanay street party on New Year’s Eve, try taking the children up to Calton Hill where you will be able to see the fireworks display over the castle. A visit to Edinburgh castle on New Year’s Day will be the perfect end to your family holiday; the castle is one of the only places in the city that remains open on New Year’s Day, so it’s worth waiting for. Start your family off on the right foot this New Year with a fantastic trip to Edinburgh!
Belfast
If you’re looking for something unique to do with your family this winter season, Northern Ireland might be just the spot for you! Just 45 minutes outside of Belfast is the Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Ireland’s only full-sized heritage railway. For the winter season this railway brings families on a magical Christmas ride to Father Christmas’ workshop on the Lapland Express. Running every weekend in December, families can enjoy a cosy train ride over snow-covered terrain and on New Year’s Day can feast on delicious mince pies for a special treat.
After your trip to the Christmas workshop, make sure to stop in and look at the newly opened visitor’s centre and carriage museum where children can learn about the history of Northern Ireland’s railway system while looking at vintage trains that once ran throughout Ireland. All aboard the Lapland Express and experience some authentic winter fun!
