When you picture yourself on holiday in January, you're probably imagining lying on a tropical beach, a cocktail in one hand, a book in the other. Of course, the reality is that you haven't got much time off to take, and your purse isn't that full after all of those Christmas presents [1]. A weekend away might be all you can manage. Fear not! We actually get really excited about going away in Winter. The trick is to work with the season, rather than battling it (the same can be said of your Winter beauty routine [2]). There's no point stubbornly donning a bikini if it's below freezing and it's really slippers weather [3]. Here are the best places to take your Winter minibreak (no skiing skills necessary). Book now so you've got something exciting to look forward during the long, sad month that is January.
Cornwall, England
You're certainly not going to be blessed with brilliant weather in the UK in Winter, but don't rule Cornwall out. It's home to some incredible subtropical gardens for a start. Plus there's The Eden Project, which is definitely somewhere you can stay cosy while you learn. If you head to Bedruthan, one of the most beautiful bays in the country, you'll be rewarded with a private hot tub at The Scarlet Hotel [4]. This is our idea of wild swimming.
Pädaste, Estonia
If you're more "the colder, the better" about your Winter breaks, than embrace the ice in Estonia, with a chilling trip to Pädaste Manor [5]. It's one of the most beautiful hotels in Europe, and you'll need to do an ice drive to get here. That means driving at a speed of either below 25 kph or over 40 kph — anything else will break the ice. You're also advised to not wear your seat belt and keep the doors unlocked so if the ice does break, you can get out of your car easily. It might be extreme, but it's also beautiful.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The great British weather is a brilliant excuse to partake in some cosy hibernation. Where better than at a Scottish castle? Grab a pile of books, a mug of hot chocolate, and find a cosy corner, and you'll be set until Spring. The Witchery by the Castle [6] is the ideal spot to snuggle up.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Everywhere in Iceland will be f-f-f-freezing in Winter, so head to the Blue Lagoon, and the thermal waters will keep you toasty all day long (there's nothing we can do about the cold when you have to get our though, sorry). Iceland is often pegged as somewhere you need to visit for a long break, but if you hire a car, you can get a glimpse into this beautiful country in a few days.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The thing about Amsterdam is that it always looks beautiful, no matter what time of year you go. In Winter, you are treated to twinkly lights and frosty canals. You'll be cold, but with coffee shops on every corner, you won't have to walk far before you stop somewhere to warm up.
New York, USA
Don't reserve your weekend in New York for Autumn — the city can be just as striking in Winter. Just make sure you wrap up warm because temperatures take a serious nose dive. Make sure you haven't got anything important booked for Monday morning — if the snowstorms get serious (and sometimes they do), you'll be stranded in the city. But there are definitely worse places to be.
Venice, Italy
If you can't face the Summer crowds in Venice, head to the sinking city in Winter instead, where it takes on a rather eerie quality, and you can have the entire city to yourself. It might not be the weather for spritzes and al fresco dining, but you can swap that for chilly strolls and beautiful afternoon sunsets.
Bath, England
There's no denying it: Bath is a Christmassy city. There's something about the whitewashed buildings and twinkly lights that just get everyone feeling festive. Actually, the festive vibes continue all through Winter, so if you're looking for a UK break to cure your post-Winter blues, you've found it. A weekend stay at the Royal Crescent [7] might not be in your price range, but make sure you at least stop in for a hot chocolate.
Nice, France
You're probably not going to be doing much swimming in Nice in January, but you might just find yourself with a little spot of sunshine in early February. The south of France begins to get warm early in the year, so if you don't mind your sunshine with a chilly breeze on the side, or you're willing to brave to cold seas, you'll love the peace and quiet of Nice in Winter.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is so packed in Summer that it's hard to even walk down the streets. But it is certainly not just a sunshine city, and we can definitely recommend coming in Winter when you'll have all the art and culture all to yourself — and, most importantly, your pick of the best tapas bars.
Oxford, England
There are some English cities that just suit gray and rainy weather, and Oxford is one of them. Treat yourself to a weekend of pubs, board games, and dreaming of what it would be like to go back to university to walk about those beautiful old buildings and study that subject you wish you'd taken when you were a teenager. The return train fare is a lot cheaper than three years' tuition.
Bruges, Belgium
It takes a really long time to get anywhere in Bruges. Not because of tourists, but because you have to stop at every corner to take another photo. There is no town that lives up to its postcard-perfect reputation like Bruges. It is, as the film says, like a fairy tale, and this is never more true than in Winter. Take a weekend (it's really easy on the Eurostar), and do nothing but drink beer and stop in every single cute chocolate shop you walk past.