Britain’s Best Winter Gardens and Nature Escapes

Julius — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 10:40:10 +0000

The weather may be getting worst but if you can brave the cold and wet then it gives you the chance to enjoy nature at its very best. Britain’s wilderness beauty spots, gardens and wildlife hotspots can often be at their most dramatic and enchanting during the winter months, from the serenity of frozen lakes and the starkness of wintry forests to the spectacle of creatures great and small surviving in the cold, winter opens up a window of unique opportunity to experience days of invigorating and stunning landscapes. So don your waterproofs and warm clothes, here are five of the best natural attractions in Britain to enjoy while the weather is at its worst:

Eden Project, Cornwall, England

Ok, this one is a bit of a cheat as you’ll be able to whip off the winter woolies as soon as you step inside the giant Biome domes, which transport you into the humid climate of a tropical rainforest, surrounded by the flourishing plant life that thrives in such conditions. Plus, the outdoor gardens look stunning all year round as well.

Eden Project, Cornwall, England, UK by Cayetano

Snowdonia National Park, North Wales

As the name suggests, the peaks of Snowdonia offer a snow-capped winter wonderland for much of the season. While the weather can be hostile at the highest peaks, choose a clear and calm winter day and you will enjoy spectacular views across the park while breathing in the fresh, crisp air. The mountains are dramatic and the scenery is awe-inspiring with walking routes to suit all abilities taking in the mountains, cliffs and coast, while hardy souls will be able to refresh with white water rafting or kayaking in the chilly waters.

Nantlle Valley, Snowdonia National Park, UK by Christopher Owen Jones

Loch Ness, Scotland

The Scottish Highlands offer picturesque winter scenes more consistently than many other other areas of Britain, with a consistently cold and snowy climate throughout winter. It can be unforgiving if you’re not prepared, but if you wrap up warm then you will be rewarded with some of the most inspiring winter landscapes anywhere on earth. Loch Ness is the largest lake in Scotland and one of its most popular and it glistens in winter. Too deep to freeze over, you can still hire boats or enjoy trips on the loch during winter, giving you a unique perspective on the frosty surroundings and historic sights around the banks of the water, or catch it on a frosty morning to see mystical steam rising from the lake.

Loch Ness, Scotland, UK by Lyn Gateley

National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire, Wales

Another attraction where you can escape the cooler climate and enjoy Mediterranean temperatures inside the balmy glasshouse which offers flourishing greenery and flowers in a warm atmosphere throughout the year. The outdoor gardens are perfectly maintained during the winter too and still a beautiful sight, while the glass-like lakes are mesmerising in the freezing temperatures.

National Botanic Garden of Wales, UK by Welsh

The New Forest, Hampshire, England

Walking through the historic New Forest you’ll be following in the footsteps of William I who used the forest as his private hunting ground back in the 11th century. Today you won’t come across many hunters, but you’ll hopefully encounter some tough local residents in the shape of the wild New Forest Ponies, which brave the chilly weather throughout the winter. A host of walks are available to enjoy the forest at its best throughout the winter and you’ll find plenty of pubs complete with log fires and local brews to help you warm up.

New Forest, Hampshire, England, UK by Jim Champion

Produced by Activity Superstore, the UK’s leading gift experience supplier. From Gifts For Men to gifts for her we’re sure you’ll find the perfect gift in our range of over 1,000 products.