Best Things To Do This Winter In The UK

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By Marcus Sanigar Food, Drink & Events Copywriter, DesignMyNight 10-year hospitality, travel and events expert, writing for Expedia, Trainline and more. Last updated on 13th February 2026

Just because the temperatures are getting chilly and the days a little shorter, that doesn't mean we shouldn't still be going out and living our best lives. So if you're looking for somewhere to visit during the jacket season? We've got the lowdown right here. From immersive cocktail experiences and bottomless brunches to sushi classes and adult-sized ball pits, here are the best things to do in the UK this winter.




UK-Wide: Best Brewery And Distillery Tours

To warm your cockles with all things hops, malt and barley, it can only be the UK's finest brewery and distillery tours. From gin classes for getting your fix of all things juniper to Somerset cider tours and classic ale trails or insider looks at craft beer microbreweries, there's a little something for everyone.

London: Après Bar London Bridge Rooftop

LBRT HAPPY HOUR

A top choice of wintery things to do is a trip to London Bridge Rooftop, where close-up views of the Shard are now combined with an Après Bar pop-up. Think ski lift-style seating in Aperol orange colours, full heated and covered pergolas decorated with snowy firs and lights, and even vintage ski memorabilia dotted throughout the space.

Expect Après brunches, free-flowing mulled wine teapots, seasonal cocktails and more as well.

UK-Wide: Best Places For Ice Skating In The UK

As the temperature drops, there's no better time to get your skates on. From pop-up rinks to winter wonderlands that are open all year round, there's plenty of places to hit the ice right across the UK. 

The Ice Cube in Leeds, Battersea Power Station's Glide, Manchester's Courts Club and many more are ready and waiting for your best pirouettes and snow ploughs. There's more than skating on offer too. We're talking alpine chalets, festive markets, igloos and plenty more besides. 

Lancashire: Ormskirk Food & Drink Market

The Ormskirk Food & Drink Market has reimagined the town's historic hall as a stylish and sophisticated place to eat, meet and play. This December, it's giving you even more reasons to stop by.

You can try your hand at everything from wreath crafting and chocolate making to bauble painting and Christmas quizzes. Whatever brings you down here, craft beer, showstopping cocktails and six local traders serving up Chinese small plates, pizzas and plenty more will see that your fun times are well fuelled.

UK-Wide: The Brunch Club

Taking its wild events to cities all across the UK, The Brunch Club is making sure your weekends are never boring this winter. Whether you're in Brighton or Newcastle, Cardiff or Portsmouth, these guys will offer you a themed bash that'll blow your socks off.

Glasgow: ARTA

Nestled in Glasgow's Merchant City, ARTA is a Mediterranean hubbub of fantastic events that you need to add to your UK winter itinerary. Not only can you catch live tribute show of The Greatest Showman and ABBA nights, but also comedy drag shows that'll be a hoot and a half.

London: BucketRace Scavenger Hunt Easter Hunt

@ Golden Square on Saturday 4th April 2026

Round up your best finders and seekers for the BucketRace Scavenger Hunt Easter Hunt. As you make your way around London's landmarks, you'll search for all kinds of items in a bid to bag bonus points and prizes.

Along the way, there's side quests and all kinds of challenges to take on. Grab your smartphone, pop on your comfiest shoes and get involved from just £16.50.

Stoke-On-Trent: Factory Floor

If you're looking for the best things to do in the UK in January, then visit Stoke-On-Trent's Factory Floor at The Quarter Potbank. Watch live entertainment from up-and-coming artists and tribute bands, plus party into the early hours with its killer DJ nights.

Newcastle: The WonderBar

Really lean into the jacket season over at The WonderBar, where scrumptious grub and warming drinks reign supreme. But they'll also be keeping you entertained with a top-notch roster of events, from drag-doused bingo and live music to quiz nights.

New Forest: Lime Wood's Herb House Spa

If hitting pause and reconnecting with nature is on your New Year's agenda, Herb House Spa at Lime Wood is leading the way. Nestled on the edge of ancient woodland in the New Forest, this award-winning destination spa blends forest-inspired design with luxury wellness facilities. 2026 sees a series of immersive Rewild Retreats designed to reset mind, body, and spirit. Contrast Therapy, led by freediver Tracey Howes, combines sauna and cold plunge sessions with breathwork to reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost body awareness.

For a truly immersive experience, the Sonic Freedive fuses Tracey's breathwork with Gong Master Rich Hale's sound healing in the hydrotherapy area, letting the gongs, warm caldarium stones, and hydropool carry you into deep meditation or a restorative nap. And for those who love the outdoors, the Foraging Experience with Lime Wood's resident forager Sammie Longhorn teaches guests to identify, harvest, and prepare seasonal wild plants, with foraged refreshments along the way.

Salisbury: Winter Wellness At The Great Bustard

January doesn't have to be all resolutions and restrictions. The Great Bustard, a cosy countryside pub with rooms, is offering a refreshing antidote with its new Nourish & Restore experience. Think of it as a winter reset for body and mind: slow down, breathe in crisp country air, and let the season's best local produce work its magic.

The package includes an indulgent dinner, a restful overnight stay, a hearty breakfast, and a bespoke relaxing treatment, all designed to revive and reconnect. Head Chef Jordan Taylor leads the culinary journey, serving ingredient-led winter dishes that are as soulful as they are seasonal, from comforting slow-cooked favourites to tempting vegetable creations and indulgent desserts.