As the festive season approaches, there's nothing like looking forward to a cosy Christmas stay with family and friends. Luckily, the UK has plenty of these destinations, perfect for your dreams of roaring fires, frosty Christmas walks and serene views of the beautiful winter countryside. The only problem is deciding where to choose, and which one will help to create the perfect christmas getaway for you, that you will remember forever. This guide will lay out 5 of (what we think) are the best locations up and down the UK, for the most magical Christmas get away. Warning, you will be spoiled for choice.

1. The Cotswolds, England 

The first spot on this list is the Cotswolds, located in the south west of England. This picturesque spot is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is known for its rolling hills and its quaint villages made of distinctive honey-colored limestone. Spanning a huge 5 counties, there are plenty of places to visit here. However a few of the stand outs are Bourton-on-the-Water, with the river Windrush flowing through it and Stow-on-the-Wold with its historical churches. Both of these options provide great getaways for both families and couples looking for a quieter get away, meaning that it's great for anyone who wants to visit.

2. Edinburgh, Scotland 

For those who want a good mixture of festive city life, the charm of historical buildings and beautiful countryside, Edinburgh is the perfect place. At christmas time, Edinburgh provides a whole range of christmas entertainment, from christmas markets to ice skating and even non-christmas entertainment such as tours of the castle and exploring the Old Town. This is the perfect location for couples who love to explore historic and lively cities.

3. The Lake District, England 

The lake district is a charming and romantic destination in the north of England, perfect for lovers of the outdoors. With its abundance of peaks and mountains, it's great for snowy winter walks, completed with a visit to one of its many local pubs. The best towns to visit are Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick as they offer a range of lovey cottages and cabins at an affordable price. This destination is great for families who love an adventure or couples who love a romantic get away in the outdoors.

4. Snowdonia, Wales 

Snowdonia is the largest national park in Wales and also features its largest mountain, Snowden. With over 100 lakes and an extensive range of trails, this location is for those outdoorsy couples, friends and families, who love to hike. It's also great for those craving a white christmas, as the chances of snow are high in the winter season, for that quintessential christmas feel, alongside stunning scenes.

Create a Christmas of magic

So, if you're looking for that perfect Christmas get away close to home, the variety of options on offer in the UK are a great fit, to add extra magic to your Christmas. If you do not live in the UK or have British citizenship and still want to visit these locations, they are definitely worth the travel to see the stunning and unique sites that the UK has to offer!