Celebrating a Country Christmas in the UK

Castleton at Christmastime. Photo: Paul Simpson Photography.

If you’re living in the city, whether it’s by choice or because of business, it certainly does have its advantages but by the time the holidays roll around and you're anticipating that first Christmas snow fall, you won't find the winter wonderland of your imagination within the city centre; for as soon as it does snow, it quickly turns brown and melts away. But all is not lost. If you’re looking to enjoy a white Christmas then you’ll have to take a few days and venture outside the city limits into the less populated areas of the United Kingdom.

Derbyshire Dales

Stunning Christmas displays can be found through the magnficent Chatsworth House. Photo: Kev747.

North Derbyshire is an easy wintry escape from London to that rural northern atmosphere without ever having to venture that far north. If it’s snowing anywhere in England, rest assured it's probably snowing in Derbyshire. Explore the Elizabethan architecture of Chatsworth, farm shops and of course, the Bakewell tart for a sweet break that will warm your insides for sure. A word of advice. Be sure to book well in advance if you want to secure the finest holiday homes as they tend to sell out quickly.

The charming villages of Castleton light up with holiday cheer. Photo: deanhammersley.

Yad Moss, Cumbria

One of England's most popular ski destinations—Yad Moss. Photo: onemanmows.

Yad Moss with its longest single-lift in England and wide open pistes and nearby Raise are famous for being the most popular ski destinations in England so rest assured, there'll be snow. And the season starts as early as November. Imagine the pristine settings of the surrounding hills and villages, truly sublime!

Dartmoor

This bleak and vast moor is home to Tess of the D’Urbervilles setting, Royal Marines training, and during the colder months, ample amounts of snow too. Although the place can come across as placid, it makes a perfect Christmas getaway with plenty of holiday cottages and local pub cheer with mulled wine and ale to warm you from the cold moor winds.

North Yorkshire Moors

The Hackness Grange Country House in Scarborough is dressed beautifully by the winter. Photo: Hotels Collection.

The rugged landscape and large heather moors (the largest in the UK) make it the perfect place if you want to go for a Christmas hike during your holiday. Don't worry about accommodations because Helmsley Moor has a number of holiday cottages that you can rent but don't wait too long to make your reservations. Like all popular holiday destinations, they book up quickly.

While all of these destinations offer ideal holiday escapes from the city, remember some of those a little farther out will take some careful planning and time to reach during the peak holiday travel times. Be sure to start your planning early to avoid the Christmas rush and most of all, have a wonderful holiday season!

This post was produced in partnership with CoachHolidays.com.