The nights are drawing in and there are few things more heart-warming than making memories with the ones you love. So if you're dreaming of a cosy winter break the good news is it's the best time for choice with prices at their very lowest. Here are some of the hottest things to do this season and some of the best places to stay nearby.

1. see the Northern Lights 

For a truly magical holiday, Scotland is the place to go. You could discover the delights of skiing or simply relax in a luxurious sauna or private hot tub. You may even be lucky enough to see the famous Northern lights while you’re there. The Aurora Borealis as the lights are also called has been seen over Loch Tay and Loch Lomond and from the Scottish Highlands and Islands in the very north of the country.

WHERE TO STAY IN SCOTLAND

Loch Tay Holiday Homes

For luxury log cabins stay at the amazing Loch Tay Holiday Homes for outdoor adventures, a private hot tub and access to their incredible sauna the 'Hot Box'.

2. enjoy Adrenaline Adventures 

Wales has an exciting secret we want to share with you. It's the home of ZipWorld offering some of the most amazing outdoor adventures of your life. Ride the gravity-driven twists and turns of the forest rollercoaster in Betws-y-Coed, fly down the fastest Zipline in the world over Penrhyn Quarry or climb through the underground adventure course at the Slate Caverns at Blaenau Ffestiniog. 

WHERE TO STAY IN WALES

Snowdonia Holiday Park

There's a variety of lovely holiday lodges and caravans at the award-winning Snowdonia Holiday Park.

3. see the Seal Pups Born in Norfolk

The winter months of November to January are the best times to take a ferry boat to see the grey seal colony with their newborn pups on the east coast of Norfolk at Blakeney Point. Relax after in front of a roaring open fire with a glass of mulled wine or a delicious hot chocolate after a woodland walk or a countryside ramble. 

WHERE TO STAY IN NORFOLK

There's an interesting variety of holiday homes in Norfolk, from pretty country cottages to quirky and unusual log cabins and luxury lodges.

Visit a traditional Christmas market for the finest handmade gifts, mulled wine and mince pies. They are beautiful events with a joyous, vintage Victorian feel. Christmas at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is particularly wonderful and also has an illuminated light trail through the festive gardens. 

WHERE TO STAY IN OXFORDSHIRE

Wychwood 

A traditional Cotswold cottage with a king-sized mahogany four-poster bed, Wychwood also has access to a heated indoor swimming pool, gym and spa. 

5. tAKE A twinkling TRAIN ride TO the HARRY POTTER STATION 

Take a trip on the Northern Lights Express at the North York Moors Railway, a spectacular illuminated journey and dazzling light show through the twinkling forest that starts at Pickering Station. Then take the children to the interactive exhibition on engineering and science through storytelling at Peter's Railway Young Engineers' Centre. And don't miss Goathland Station which became Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film. 

WHERE TO STAY IN YORKSHIRE

Choose from a selection of converted barns, eco-lodges and holiday cottages in Yorkshire. Stay nearby in Pickering itself at the Barn at Rigg End or the Country Cottages in Yorkshire. 

The Barn at Rigg End

For spectacular panoramic views of the North York Moors, the Barn at Rigg End is a perfect secluded countryside retreat and the perfect place to explore the beautiful Yorkshire moors.

Country Cottages in Yorkshire

With unspoilt countryside views Country Cottages in Yorkshire offers a choice of holiday cottages set in converted farm buildings around a south-facing courtyard. 

6. visit A Magical christmas Grotto

Anyone young at heart will love the twinkling enchanted Christmas Grotto at Cheddar Gorge. Set in the mysterious chambers of the 500,000 years old Gough's Cave it usually runs every weekend from mid-November to 24th December. The world-famous illuminated caves and gorge are open all year round.

WHERE TO STAY IN SOMERSET

Luxury Lodges with Hot Tubs

Stay nearby in Cheddar itself at Luxury Lodges with Hot Tubs with gorgeous surrounding Somerset countryside views. Winter log cabin holidays don't get much better than these luxury eco-lodges and private hot tubs. 

UK Winter Breaks 
Wonderful winter breaks are a chance to recharge our batteries and reconnect with family or friends. You may even want to give the gift of a winter adventure to your loved ones this Christmas.