Winter is often a time to slow down and unwind, but if you have some free time, it can also be the perfect opportunity to squeeze in a last-minute getaway before the new year. The UK is home to many beautiful places, yet during the summer months, they can become crowded with tourists, which often drives prices up and makes it harder to fully enjoy travelling. If you prefer to explore at a more relaxed pace then Emma, a travel expert and founder of That Travel, has shared that now is a fantastic time to experience Whitby, which was named one of the most popular staycation spots in the UK. This summer, Sykes Holiday Cottages named the Yorkshire seaside town the most popular UK destination for the summer holidays. According to the site, it was the most in-demand destination over the school break, with bookings up by 4 % year-over-year.
She said: “While Whitby gets masses of crowds in summer, winter remains a pretty peaceful time of year, and they don’t even experience the same Christmas chaos that many other towns and cities in the UK do. In other words? It’s a perfect little Christmas break — just be sure to wrap up warm to survive the crisp sea air.”
Whitby is a unique town known for its incredible seaside with dramatic clifftop views, but it also has a spooky reputation thanks to its historic Abbey and connection with Dracula.
Bram Stoker, the author of the famous vampire novel, visited Whitby in the late 1800s, and the experience made a strong enough impression that he incorporated several locations around the town into the book.
This has inspired the town’s famous Whitby Goth weekend, where the town dresses in back twice a year to celebrate alternative cultures with music festivals and other events.
Whitby might sound like an unusual winter destination, but the town is known for its quirky festivals and hosts many interesting events around Christmastime.
One fun thing to do at this time of year is to take part in the town’s Krampus Run, where people dress up as the folklore figure and hold a parade.
It has fire breathers, drummers, as well as other spectacular events to watch, and the festival ends in an effigy burning on the cliffside to keep you warm in the cold weather.
The North Yorkshire Moors is also running a Santa Express this year, so you can enjoy the surrounding countryside in style and even take part in a fun sing-along to get into the holiday spirit.
If you enjoy Christmas music, then Whitby Abbey will also be hosting many Christmas carols and will be beautifully decorated, allowing you to enjoy the colourful light display.
Visiting Whitby in winter offers a very different experience from the busy summer months. For those who want to enjoy the town in a cosier, quieter way, it’s often easy to find last-minute accommodation at this time of year.
With its cobbled streets, dramatic coastline, and charming independent shops, Whitby is a beautiful destination and a perfect choice for a spontaneous winter break.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
