Britain’s winter wonderland

Winter is just around the corner, so it’s time to sit back and appreciate some of our nation’s wintry wonders

The New Forest, Hampshire

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Credit: Visit England

The New Forest is a charming National Park found in southwest Hampshire, which was first created for King William I  in 1079 as an area to hunt deer.

Anne Hathaway’s house, Warwickshire

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Credit: Visit England

See where William Shakespeare courted his future bride Anne Hathaway at her picturesque family home in the Bard’s native Warwickshire, which is especially beautiful at this time of year.

Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park

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Credit: VisitEngland

A popular annual London attraction, this year Winter Wonderland returns to Hyde Park has sadly been cancelled. But, don’t worry, it’ll be back next year and the year after, with plenty more surprises, Christmas markets, fair ground rides and its iconic ice rink.

Compton Verney, Warwickshire

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Credit: Visit England

This 18th-century country mansion near Kineton in Warwickshire has been converted into the Compton Verney Art Gallery and houses British portraits including paintings of King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, King Edward VI and works by Sir Joshua Reynolds.

The Lake District

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Credit: Visit England

The Lake District in the northwest of Britain is one of the nation’s most picturesque spots – William Wordsworth and the other Lake Poets found inspiration in its snow-topped landscapes.

Castle Howard, Yorkshire

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Credit: Visit England

Known from TV and film as Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead, Castle Howard in Yorkshire is one of our most stunning stately homes – its silhouette makes for a perfect wintry horizon.

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

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Credit: Visit England

The birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill is one of our national treasures and looks particularly beguiling under its frosty blanket.

York Minster

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Credit: Visit England

With its Gothic nave, York’s imposing cathedral is particularly atmospheric during winter months. usually, there is at least one service sung by the Minster Choir on any one day – certain to warm the cockles of your heart at the very least.

Stanbrook Abbey

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Credit: Stanbrook Abbey, Handpicked Hotels

The Victorian gem Stanbrook Abbey is nestled in the splendid Malvern Hills and offers the perfect backdrop for an enchanting winter break.