Contradictory to what I had heard, winter in UK turned out to be quite enjoyable for me. As a first timer in UK and a snowfall virgin, you can imagine I have only good things to say.
Why you should travel to UK in Winters
Winters are not everyone’s cup of tea and people usually avoid traveling “to” a place for snow. I mean, those are the days you want to snuggle up in a blanket next to a fireplace with a warm cup of coffee, in your house. Not exactly the perfect time to go out, explore, sight-see, go on day trips or take pictures!
Having said that, for me, it was a totally different experience as usually, you will find me chilling on a beach with a bottle of beer, instead of shivering on the streets of London holding on to my Honey Bee brandy and taking small gulps to stay warm.
To Enjoy Snowfall
Undoubtedly it was bloody cold and windy throughout my 40 days stay, but coming from a city which sees no snow, I was awe-struck when I felt snow for the first time. That soft marshmallowy fluff..so light, soft and gentle.. ah I still remember that feeling of snow touching my skin for the first time. It was quite amazing.
Coffee coffee coffee.. and cafes
It was all about drinking coffee in different cafes. From Costa to Starbucks and yes even that local cafe round the corner, I had my patent mocha coffee everyday at a new place. Which means I probably checked out 40 different cafes around UK – Not bad at all.
Just entering a coffee shop would make me feel so warm, cozy and comfortable – well, ofcourse as it was chilly outside but isn’t that the best part? Like, I wouldn’t really enjoy the pipping hot coffee so much during summers.
Sheeshas and Art of Camden Town
Okay to be honest, I have never visited UK during summers so I really cannot compare how it fares but Camden town was my ultimate getaway. That lovely street art, sitting in small Moroccan cafes smoking Sheesha, funky clothing – the entire punk vibe. I simply loved Camden and went back every chance I got, even though there is a lot to do in London.
Buy and flaunt Winter wear
Buying all those ultra comfy and cheap winter wear from Primark, became a weekly retail therapy for me. I knew I would rarely ever use them back home so I didn’t want to spend a bomb on warm winter wear. Still, I got some awesome boots, sweaters, warm furry slippers, fleece jackets, leg warmers, leggings, stockings – the works!
Coupled up with my warm overcoat and I was good to go. Seeing that people usually dressed in basics was a big relief. I could wear blacks and blues pretty much everyday without feeling odd. Infact, if I would wear pinks and reds, I would totally stand out.
Good thing that I had a black overcoat which would go well with just about anything. I was happy with my cost effective (and high quality) shopping and attire through the trip. Before you men roll your eyes – yes, this is a crucial aspect for women!
Scotland
Visiting Scotland was high on my list so I finally made it there to check out Edinburgh and Glasgow. It was a really short trip as I was visiting friends but Scotland is definitely a place you will adore in winters.
I simply loved walking up and down those long winding roads, gawking at the majestic castles and drinking in the lovely traditional taverns.
Pub Hopping in Leeds
Leeds is the fun-tastic student city in UK. Do I need to say more?
Pub hopping (or crawling as the night goes on) is the best thing you can do in Leeds. It’s easy to meet new people, get drunk and socialize like crazy in this hip town. Spending a few days in Leeds was simply delightful though I wish I had a more time to explore, instead of just walk around and pub-hop/crawl! Well, that’s a reason to go back.
Watching a live Soccer match
You are in UK and you don’t watch a soccer match, no way, that’s not gonna happen. This is a must-do and if you are lucky, it will snow. This was really quite an experience for me to watch a match as it snows and you sit on the sidelines cheering and eating your hot dog – Damn, how cool is that? Of course you get a chance to wear matching mittens and sweaters to support your team.
Theatre
When its cold and windy outside, you want to get indoors. No matter how much you enjoy it, there’s a point your hands are numb and you want a heated room (or amphitheater) to relax for a while. Head to one of the ample theatre’s in London to enjoy a play. With so many options, I was spoilt for choice but finally went in for ‘The Woman in Black’ which was spectacular and two different pantomimes, which were extremely enjoyable as well.
Indoor Attractions
There are so many indoor attractions in London which can be enjoyed on an especially cold day. Check out Natural History museum, Madame Tussauds or Ripley’s believe it or not for a fun escape.
Walking around town
Yes, it is freezing cold but its so much fun to walk around London, Edinburgh, Watford, Leeds – literally anywhere.
Enjoy the blurry views at the London Bridge or pose with a live statue (You will find many all over town). Enjoy some street food or just wave at a stranger – Just have fun walking and exploring the places you visit. Cold, or warm, the streets are always fun.
With so much to do and more, you can really have one heck of a time and truly have a magical winter in UK.
Now to be very honest, I did miss the beaches and amusements parks as I love been outdoors, but hey – time to go back and enjoy the summers a bit now, eh?
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Is that pic of you in the coat taken in Stevenage? If so, how did you end up there – it’s where I grew up, and not considered a tourist destination! 😉
Hi Keri. Yes it was clicked in the city center. Just went there for shopping actually 🙂 I like to explore a lot so I usually end up in the non touristy spots.
Ah cool! It’s rare I see pics of my hometown on a travel blog you see lol!
Yeah I lived in Hertfordshire for a month 🙂
When we moved to South Korea I was really bummed about winter again! But living in a city we found plenty of fun entertainment to keep us busy like yourself! We really loved museums and cafes in the winter!
Cafes are warm, cozy and fun – love snuggling up with a cup of hot chocolate or mocha 🙂
Heh, i keep on telling peopel travel in winter is so much fun. I actually find it ridicilous to travel in august. It’s the only time of the year my hometown feels like summer paradise as well.
Besides..uk can be quite ugly in summer as well 🙂
Ugly? Oh gee! That’s rough – I haven’t yet visited in summers…
Going to the UK in the winter sounds great. I actually love winter wear because I find layers to be more fashionable than summer clothes!
I agree – overcoats and boots make for knock out looks!
Winter definitely does NOT have to be all bad. Snow virgin! hahaha.. I grew up with snow so not having it sometimes is nice, but I do miss it now again. Snow makes all of my cups of teas and coffees in the winter taste so much better though I think. ^^
Yeah I feel ya – If I was always surrounded by snow though, I wouldn’t appreciate it as much 🙂
The winters in the UK seem to be way much more fun than the ones in montreal that are -40 at times haha! Noted to go visit UK during one of these winters to come!
omg -40..brrrrr
I am pretty sure u can enjoy the winter weather even in the summer lol. I was in Wales first day of summer 2015 and the temperature did not get over 10 lol
Didn’t know you were in Leeds!
We should catch up the next time you’re here!
Oh for sure I will be back – I love London and Leeds is fantastic. Are you studying there?