Winter is a great time to take a short break - prices are at their lowest and depending on your interest, the weather might not make that much difference.   Walking in crisp snow, beautiful frosty landscapes, and  the sharp chill of a cold winter's day can bring a flush to the cheeks and a wonderful sense of well-being. And, if you are fortunate enough to have snow then think of the snowmen waiting to built, snowball fights you can have, toboganning and other wholesome winter pursuits.  The winter image above is of Cumbria, New Year 2001.

All it takes is that initial effort to book a cottage in a possible winter wonderland and you too could be enjoying a different type of holiday with your family.  Some cottages have open log fires to come back to, which are a treat for many of us, spa baths and swimming pools. 

Another great place to visit in the depths of winter is the Eden Project. Take yourself off to the tropics or temperate zones whilst it snows outside. There won't be queues at this time of year, so you will be able to saunter throught the warm biomes at your own pace. So, take a look at what's on offer and arrange a winter break to blow away those post Christmas blues.  

Special Offers and self-catering cottages to take advantage of events in January, February and March

Current special winter offer breaks are:

Fell House Self-contained but linked accommodation provides a luxurious base for up to 16 people within a sympathetic conversion of a Victorian grain warehouse.

Fell House comprises The House, sleeping up to 8/10, and The Flat, sleeping a couple or a small family and suitable for the infirm.

Fell House is situated within the lovely ancient town of Sedbergh, mid-way between Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales and Windermere in the Lakes. You only need walk 100 metres up the road, however, and you are at the foot of the Howgill Fells, leading to much good walking country and the famous Cautley Spout waterfall.

Click on the photograph for a description of Fell House and its images.

Peacock Barn  (sleeps 4) in Worcestershire.   The cottage is ideally placed for walks in the Cotswolds and the Malvern Hills.  Malvern itself is developing well with a refurbished theatre/cinema.

Excellent winter programme with several pre West End performances. Promote Arts in the Provinces with easy parking excellent restaurants and a thoroughly relaxed evening.

Tel: +44(0)1386 750 570 

For a treat for 2-4 people, take a short winter break in Old School Cottage in the pretty village of Great Hockham, on the edge of Thetford Forest in Norfolk.  The cottage has an open fire for a cosy feel.  

There are 143 tourist attractions to visit during winter in the area. The owner will be pleased to advise about places to visit. These include houses and gardens, historic sites, nature reserves, animal centres, museums, vineyards and breweries and venues for family fun.

Many Norfolk villages are specially decorated for Christmas.  A short break in  Norfolk will help to brighten up the duller days and provide some festive cheer.

Telephone Colin on 01953 498 277 or  view Old School Cottage.

Beddgelert, Snowdonia. 

 Comfortable riverside cottage for four adults, open fire plus central heating.  Bracing winter walks in the valley or up in the mountains. Pets welcome. Flexi-breaks available on a daily basis up to Easter.  

Daily fees include all electricity and central heating costs.  Good local pubs serve warming meals and drinks. 

Ideal location for walks with winter views. Relax around an open fire if you wish. More details under Wales and Gwynedd in the menu on the left.

Telephone David on 01751 430 624 for your winter experience now.

5 star Hembury Court Barns near Honiton in Devon for a truly peaceful and relaxing holiday at any time of year.

four very comfortable cottages with all mod cons, hot tub, gas barbeque, fitness suite, games room	interior view of one of the holiday  cottages - smart decor - scrupulously clean

• You will receive a warm friendly welcome from Robert and Mandy
• Four Luxury 5 star-rated cottages ranging in size from a one bedroom cottage for 2, to a large cottage to sleep 6.  The cottages van be booked individually or as a group for a reunion or special occasion.
• There are 2 barns with extensive beams, each containing a large room with a table that could be used for joint meals, parties or celebrations.
• Linen and towels provided, bring own towels for hot tub
• prices are inclusive of heating with no hidden extras
• Wireless broadband Internet access
• 8 person hot tub looking out on to the glorious Devon countryside
• Fitness suite with running machine, rowing machine and cycle, sh
• ower
• Open all year round - ask about short breaks - flexible arrangements possible
• Set on a farm in the quiet of the East Devon countryside
• Ample parking
• Duck pond with unique duck feeder

Telephone Robert and Mandy on 01404 841 202 for bookings and availability.  They will be pleased to send you a brochure or click on one of the cottage pictures above to explore the website and find out what makes Hembury Court Barns so special.

Each  year  snow seems to fall on emerging daffodils and other spring flowers - even in the south of England.  

Wales, Scotland, the Lake District and Northumberland all have hilly country with a greater chance of snow. 

Scotland also has its own ski resorts with ski hire, ski shops and apres-ski. A winter landscape from Gleneagles in Perthshire, Scotland is shown below. 

Please view holiday cottages in Scotland using the menu on the left.