Travel data compiled by the Tripadvisor Travel Index reveals the top locations to visit during the winter season based on searches for trips taking place between November 1, 2026 and February 28, 2027, featuring everything from major urban centers to lakeside towns.
Cardiff claims the number one spot on the index, described as a location that transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas period. Tripadvisor recommends walking tours or steam train day trips outside the city. The Welsh capital offers historic castles, museums, and shopping arcades, alongside Cardiff Market beneath a Victorian glass ceiling and Caroline Street, known locally as Chip Alley due to its numerous fish and chip shops and takeaways. The Cardiff Christmas Market operates from November 12 until December 23.
Pitlochry in Scotland secures second place, maintaining strong historical connections to the royal family originating from an 1840s visit by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Queen Victoria commended the local Highland air, turning the settlement into a bustling Victorian holiday destination. Visitors often tour the Blair Athol Distillery, a Tripadvisor Travellers Choice winner.
Keswick ranks third, commended for beautiful landscapes around Derwentwater surrounded by peaks such as Skiddaw, the fourth highest mountain in the Lake District. Tourists can take lake cruises offering views of Skiddaw and the narrow gorge known as Jaws of Borrowdale.
Newquay proves popular as a winter choice alongside its reputation for summer beaches, offering evening strolls past cozy cafes, pubs, and shops. Historic Durham sits on the River Wear, featuring an ancient castle and cathedral, while Bristol, Leeds, and Norwich also appear among the featured cities.
Top Trending UK Destinations
- Cardiff, Wales
- Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross
- Keswick, Cumbria
- Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne
- Bristol
- St Andrews, Fife
- Norwich, Norfolk
- Stratford-upon-Avon, West Midlands
- Newquay, Cornwall
- Leeds, Yorkshire
