For many of us, snow is synonymous with Christmas. So, for those dreaming of a white Christmas, why not book a trip to one of the UK’s snowiest locations? According to the Met Office, the Cairngorm National Park in the Grampian Mountains and Copley in Country Durham have been named among places that see the most snowfall on average, alongside other nearby locations.
To help holidaymakers, Sykes Holiday Cottages has rounded up a selection of properties in these snowy spots. From a wood cabin in the Cairngorms National Park to a cottage set in Country Durham, there is something for everyone...
Cairngorms – 76 days of snow on average a year
Pine Marten Lodge - Cairngorms National Park
Sleeps: Six
Price: Seven nights in December for £1,385
Positioned in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and overlooking rolling woodland views is Pine Martin Lodge. The property boasts a stylish, yet cosy, open-living space featuring a wood-burning stove, making for a perfect retreat after a long day of exploring the picturesque surroundings.
Guests can enjoy their stay with a plethora of activities, from exploring the national park's scenic trails to savoring a meal at the Speyside Centre, before heading to the Peat Reek Visitor Experience to observe the diverse wildlife from the viewing area. Alternatively, guests can venture deeper into the park to visit the charming town of Aviemore, that offers a wealth of mountain trails and ski slopes to embrace.
Copley – 53 days of snow on average a year
Alwent Mill – Winston, County Durham
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights for £440
Alwent Mill is a detached cottage in Winston, County Durham, and is only a 20-minute drive from Copley, renowned for its winter wonderland of snowy landscapes. Perfect for a small family or a group of friends, this cottage boasts a fully equipped kitchen for guests to fuel up on a delicious breakfast before wrapping up to explore the owner's acres of landscaped grounds and woodland.
A few miles drive will bring guests to the popular market town of Barnard Castle which is well worth a visit with its quaint tea rooms and antique shops lining the cobbled streets.
Widdybank Fell – 50 days of snow on average a year
Oak Cottage – Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham
Sleeps: Six
Price: Seven nights in December from £650
Oak Cottage lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Middleton-in-Teesdale, Country Durham. Set next to Hudeshope Beck waterfall, Oak Cottage is the perfect property for a relaxing break, with the gentle sounds of running water from the waterfall heard from the cottage.
The quaint market town of Middleton-in-Teesdale offers a range of amenities and is surrounded by several walking routes to enjoy. Meanwhile, Widdybank Fell is also close by and is home to two of the UK's most impressive waterfalls, High Force Falls and Cauldron Snout, with snow also falling on an average 50 days each year here.
Leadhills – 52 days of snow on average a year
Marr Cottage – Thornhill, Ayrshire
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights in December for £556
Set on the outskirts of the Drumlanrig Estate, Marr Cottage is ideal for those looking for a rural winter retreat with loved ones. If snow falls, guests can head outside to the large private garden to build snowmen while admiring the peaceful setting of the surrounding farmland, before rustling up a home-cooked meal for everyone to enjoy.
During their stay, guests can also soak up the 40 acres of manicured grounds at Drumlanrig Castle and Gardens, before taking a short car trip to the village of Leadhills, also known as the second highest village in Scotland.
