Family holiday options genuinely worth knowing about this week
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This Week in Family Travel
Are Cosy Winter Getaways the New Family Holiday Trend?
There’s something rather magical about swapping the beach for a snowy woodland, a cosy cabin or a mountain village surrounded by beautiful winter scenery. And with families looking for different ways to escape, could winter be the most underrated time of year for a family break?
Think log fires, hot tubs, crisp countryside walks, snowy adventures and evenings tucked up somewhere cosy. We’re talking proper winter wonderland vibes, but without having to visit a single Christmas market!
From gorgeous UK lodges and countryside cottages to snowy European escapes, there are some brilliant options for families wanting to make a little winter magic of their own. Here’s why we think cosy winter getaways deserve a place on your family holiday wish list.
Why are cosy winter breaks becoming so appealing to families?
Summer holidays will always have their place, but winter breaks offer something completely different. There’s less pressure to cram every day with activities, and sometimes a change of scenery, a beautiful setting and a slower pace are exactly what the family needs.
And let’s not forget that a cosy winter break doesn’t have to mean sitting indoors because it’s cold. There are plenty of destinations offering outdoor adventures, swimming pools and family activities whatever the season.
Cosy UK escapes or a snowy adventure abroad?
If you’d rather stay closer to home, the UK has some lovely options for a winter family getaway. Think lodges or cosy cottages in the Lake District, countryside retreats in the Yorkshire Dales, or even scenic escapes in the Scottish Highlands.
Look out for accommodation with hot tubs, log burners, indoor swimming pools and somewhere lovely to explore nearby. You don’t even need snow to enjoy a proper winter escape!
Fancy something a little more magical? Europe has plenty to offer too. Think traditional Alpine villages in Austria, snowy mountain resorts in France, Finnish Lapland and beautiful winter scenery in Norway. You don’t have to be a skiing family to enjoy these destinations either. Snow play, husky experiences, scenic cable cars and simply enjoying the surroundings can make for a brilliant family holiday.
What should you look for when booking a winter family escape?
A few little details can make a huge difference when travelling with children during the colder months.
- Indoor swimming pools: Always a winner when the weather isn’t on your side.
- Cosy accommodation: Look for log burners, hot tubs, spacious lodges and somewhere comfortable to relax.
- Family-friendly activities: Woodland trails, animal experiences, playgrounds and nearby attractions help keep everyone entertained.
- A good location: Check what’s nearby so you’re not spending half your holiday travelling between activities.
- The practical extras: Check heating, kitchen facilities, bedding and whether hot tubs or swimming pools are included in the price.
Our take? We’re giving winter holidays a serious look!
We love a summer holiday as much as anyone, but there’s something lovely about having a completely different kind of family escape to look forward to during the colder months.
Not every holiday needs to involve airports, beach bags and trying to find a sun lounger. Sometimes it’s about wrapping up warm, exploring somewhere beautiful, coming back to a cosy place to stay and enjoying a few days away from the usual routine.
Whether that’s a UK woodland lodge, a countryside cottage with a hot tub or a snowy European adventure, winter family holidays can be every bit as memorable as summer ones.
And if you’ve been waiting for an excuse to book that cosy cabin break, perhaps this is it!
Below, we’ve rounded up six family holiday deals worth a look this week, with a mixture of cosy UK escapes and magical winter getaways abroad. Which one would your family choose?
The Sunday Six
We search through hundreds of family hotels and family deals each week. These are the six we think are actually worth your attention.
Evergreen Lodge, Driffield, Yorkshire Wolds | £144pp
Pre-Christmas cosy escape · £575 total for a family of four
19–22 December 2026 · 3 nights · Long weekend · Self-catering · School holidays
Fancy escaping the Christmas chaos for a few days? Evergreen Lodge offers the perfect excuse for a little pre-Christmas family getaway. With the school holidays starting, it’s a lovely chance to enjoy a long weekend together before the big day. Think chilly winter mornings, cosy evenings and relaxing in the hot tub after a day exploring the Yorkshire countryside.
There’s plenty to enjoy nearby too, with the Yorkshire coast around an 18-minute drive away. Wrap up warm and head out for frosty morning beach walks, fresh sea air and a little exploring before returning to your cosy hideaway. Whether you fancy a peaceful few days away or simply want to enjoy some quality family time before Christmas, this could be a lovely winter escape.
Warmwell Holiday Park, Dorset | £57pp
Pre-Christmas family break · £229 total for a family of four
14 December 2026 · 4 nights · Superior 2 Bedroom Lodge · Accommodation only
Fancy a pre-Christmas family escape without spending a fortune? Warmwell Holiday Park in Dorset has four nights in a Superior 2 Bedroom Lodge for just £229 for a family of four. That’s a bargain little December getaway, with plenty of time to enjoy a change of scenery and some family time before the Christmas rush.
There’s also the option to add an all-inclusive dining package if you’d rather not worry about sorting meals during your stay. This costs an additional £140 per adult or £60 per child and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, all served directly to your table – no buffets! You’ll also get unlimited soft and hot drinks, including Costa coffee for the grown-ups. Alcohol isn’t included.
For a family of four with two adults and two children, the all-inclusive package would add £400 to your stay, bringing the total to £629. It’s worth weighing up whether the convenience of having meals and drinks covered is worth the extra cost for your family.
A lovely option if you’re looking for an affordable pre-Christmas break, with the flexibility to stick to accommodation only or treat yourselves to the optional dining package.
Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland | £343pp
16 January 2027 · 3 nights · Bed and breakfast
Magical January winter escape · £1,372 total for a family of four · Loft Economy Studio with sauna and kitchen
Fancy taking the children somewhere that feels like a real-life winter wonderland? This three-night escape to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland could be just the January adventure your family needs. Think snowy scenery, frosty forests and the chance to experience the magic of Lapland outside the busy Christmas period. It’s a brilliant option for families wanting something a little different from the usual winter getaway.
The accommodation is a four-bed loft-style studio, with its own sauna and kitchen, giving you somewhere cosy to relax after a day out exploring. Breakfast is included too, making mornings a little easier before heading out to enjoy everything this snowy destination has to offer. With Rovaniemi as your base, you can look into memorable family experiences such as reindeer encounters, husky rides and snow activities (check availability and prices separately before booking).
At £1,372 for a family of four, it’s a lovely opportunity to experience Finnish Lapland in January without travelling over the Christmas period. Includes return flights, accommodation, and hand luggage Prices checked 2 November 2026 and subject to availability.
King Suite Dome, Reykjavik, Iceland | £380pp
Magical Iceland winter escape · £1,520 total for a family of four
1 December 2026 · 3 nights · Room only · King Suite Dome with two queen beds
Fancy swapping the usual December getaway for something a little more magical? This three-night family escape to Reykjavik, Iceland’s colourful capital, offers the chance to experience a proper winter adventure. Think frosty streets, beautiful snowy scenery, geothermal lagoons and the possibility of spotting the Northern Lights. Early December is a lovely time to visit if you’re dreaming of a winter break with a difference.
You’ll be staying in a King Suite Dome with two queen beds, giving the family somewhere comfortable to relax after days out exploring. Reykjavik is a brilliant base for discovering Iceland, with plenty of opportunities for family adventures, from visiting the famous Blue Lagoon to exploring waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and taking a Northern Lights excursion.
At £1,520 for a family of four, it’s a lovely option for families wanting to experience something completely different this winter. Just remember to budget separately for meals and excursions, as this is a room-only stay. And don’t forget your winter woollies!
Langdale Lodge 15, Troutbeck Bridge, Lake District | £87pp
Cosy January lodge escape · £522 total for a family of six
8 – 11 January 2027 · 3 nights · Long weekend · Self-catering
Fancy starting the new year with a cosy family getaway? Langdale Lodge 15 in the beautiful Lake District is a lovely option for a winter escape, sleeping up to six people. Think crisp countryside walks, beautiful winter scenery and cosy evenings together after a day exploring. January is a great time to enjoy the quieter side of the Lakes, with plenty of opportunities to wrap up warm and get outdoors.
There’s plenty to keep the family entertained during your stay too, with shared use of the park facilities, including an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, play park and multi-use games area. It’s a great bonus for families, particularly when the January weather isn’t playing ball! The lodge also makes a brilliant base for exploring nearby Lake Windermere and the surrounding villages.
At just £522 for three nights, it works out at only £87 per person for a family of six. A lovely affordable long weekend if you’re looking for a cosy UK winter break without spending a fortune.
Ar Dachaigh, North Uist, Outer Hebrides | £117.56pp
Christmas family getaway · £1,058 total for up to nine guests
22 – 29 December 2026 · 7 nights · Christmas week · Self-catering
Looking for somewhere to get the whole family together this Christmas? Ar Dachaigh on the beautiful Isle of North Uist could be just the place. Sleeping up to nine guests across five bedrooms, this spacious detached home is ideal for a big family Christmas, whether you’re bringing grandparents, children or even a few extra family members along!
One of the loveliest features is that there are two separate sitting rooms, both with woodburning stoves, giving everyone plenty of space to relax after a busy Christmas Day. There’s a well-equipped kitchen and dining area for preparing your festive feast, plus a large garden with beautiful countryside and sea views.
And if you fancy getting outdoors between Christmas dinner and the leftovers, the gorgeous Balemore Beach is just half a mile away. Think bracing winter beach walks, fresh sea air and beautiful views across to the Monach Isles. North Uist is also a fantastic place for exploring the wild Hebridean coastline and spotting local wildlife.
At £1,058 for seven nights, it works out at just £117.56 per person if all nine guests stay. A brilliant option for families wanting to spend Christmas together somewhere a little different, with plenty of room for everyone.
This week’s head-to-head
UK Winter Getaway vs Winter Wonderland Abroad: Which Is Better for Families?
From cosy UK lodges with hot tubs to snowy adventures abroad, we’re comparing costs, convenience and family experiences to find out which winter getaway offers the best value for families.
Option 1: UK Winter Getaway
Pros
- No airport stress or expensive flights. Pack the car, load up the snacks and head off. UK breaks can be much easier to organise, particularly with younger children.
- Cosy accommodation with plenty of extras. Think lodges with hot tubs, cottages with log burners and holiday parks with indoor swimming pools, play areas and family entertainment.
- More flexibility with food and activities. Self-catering gives you control over mealtimes and spending, while you can explore local attractions, countryside walks and nearby seaside towns.
Cons
- The weather isn’t guaranteed to play ball. Rain, wind and chilly temperatures can limit outdoor activities, so look for accommodation with indoor facilities.
- It might not feel like a proper winter wonderland. If you’re dreaming of guaranteed snowy scenery, frozen landscapes and mountain villages, a UK lodge break might not quite deliver that magical winter experience.
VS
Option 2: Winter Wonderland Abroad
Pros
- A proper winter wonderland experience. Think snowy landscapes, mountain villages, frozen lakes and beautiful scenery. Destinations such as Finland, Iceland and Austria offer something completely different from a typical UK winter break.
- Unforgettable family experiences. From husky sledding and reindeer encounters to snowmobile adventures, Northern Lights excursions and snow play, there’s plenty to make special memories.
- A real change of scenery. Exploring somewhere new, trying different food and experiencing another culture can make a winter holiday feel like a proper adventure.
Cons
- Flights and transfers add up. Once you’ve paid for flights, airport parking, transfers and luggage, the overall cost can be considerably higher than a UK break.
- Activities can be expensive. Husky rides, reindeer experiences, snowmobile trips and Northern Lights excursions often come at an additional cost, so spending money needs careful planning.
- Very cold temperatures aren’t for everyone. Younger children need plenty of warm layers, suitable footwear and regular breaks from the cold.
- Snow isn’t guaranteed everywhere. Even in winter destinations, weather conditions can vary, so check typical conditions and activity availability before booking.
Our Verdict
UK winter getaway or winter wonderland abroad? It really comes down to your budget, your family’s idea of fun and how much adventure you’re after. We’ve looked at the pros and cons of both, from cosy UK lodges with hot tubs and indoor pools to snowy overseas escapes packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you’d rather keep things simple with a few nights closer to home or splash out on a magical winter adventure abroad, there’s no right or wrong choice. The best family winter break is the one that gives you those lovely memories without leaving your bank account feeling frosty!
💛Lapland Hotels Yllaeskaltio
Lapland Hotels Ylläskaltio, Ylläs, Finnish Lapland | £350pp
Christmas Eve winter escape · £1,400 total for a family of four
24 December 2026 · 3 nights · Christmas getaway
Fancy spending Christmas somewhere truly magical? This three-night escape to Finnish Lapland gives families the chance to experience a snowy Christmas surrounded by beautiful Arctic scenery. Staying at Lapland Hotels Ylläskaltio, in the village of Äkäslompolo, you’ll be perfectly placed for exploring the winter wonderland of Ylläs, with snowy forests, mountain scenery and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.
View deal here
💛Camber Sands Holiday Park, East Sussex
Christmas family getaway · 5 nights · 23 – 28 December 2026
Fancy spending Christmas surrounded by festive fun without having to travel abroad? Camber Sands Holiday Park is going all out for its Winter Wonderland breaks, making it a lovely option for families wanting to make some magical Christmas memories. With five nights away over Christmas, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the festive atmosphere, relax and let the children soak up all the excitement.
View deal here
UK Winter Getaway vs Winter Wonderland Abroad: Which Is Better for Families?
A UK winter break might seem like the easier option, but does going abroad offer something extra special? Personally, there’s a lot to be said for both! A cosy lodge with a hot tub, indoor pool and beautiful countryside on your doorstep sounds like a pretty lovely way to spend a few days. You can pack the car, take your own food and enjoy a change of scenery without the airport queues.
But then there’s the magic of Lapland, Iceland and other snowy destinations. Imagine the children’s excitement seeing huskies, playing in the snow or spotting the Northern Lights. These are the sorts of experiences that can make a family holiday really memorable, although excursions and winter activities can add considerably to the overall cost.
Our verdict? If you’re looking for an affordable few days away with plenty of home comforts, a UK winter lodge could be just the ticket. But if you’ve been dreaming of a proper snowy adventure and have the budget to match, a winter holiday abroad could be worth the extra spend. Either way, you don’t need sunshine to have a magical family holiday!
Prices checked 2 November 2026 and subject to change.
Would your family choose a UK break or splash out on a magical winter adventure abroad?
“Would you book it again?”
This week we’re looking at Norefjell Ski & Spa
We asked our audience of mums what they thought of this family hotel and their responses were full of praise for the excellent location, children’s pools and children’s club!
- “The facilities did create a hassle free experience”
- “Our 6 year old loved her time at the hotel and on the slopes.”
- “We had a good experience using the ski school”
More Holiday Deals by Airport!
Never miss a bargain!
Every Sunday, we’ll send you six family holiday deals worth knowing about, a quick read on the market and one brutally honest comparison. No endless list of random prices. Just the holidays we genuinely think deserve a closer look.
