The last of the Christmas turkey leftovers have been eaten, the final party popper popped. It’s a Happy New Year, but January gloom has set in and spring seems a long way away.
The last of the Christmas turkey
leftovers have been eaten, the final party popper popped. It’s a Happy New
Year, but January gloom has set in and spring seems a long way away. What
better way to shake the cobwebs than to plan a winter weekend away? It may be
colder and darker, but getting into the outdoors or having a change of scenery
to do something different can be invigorating and uplifting, as well as helping
to pass the wintry feeling away.
Here we look at some different options to help you get the most out of your
weekends leading into spring.
Take a walk on the wild side – stride out and explore some of England’s finest
countryside by taking a trip to Dorset on the south coast. Base yourself on the
Isle of Portland, a tied island connected to Weymouth by the famous Chesil
Beach, to experience some dramatic coastal scenery. Dorset is pretty all year
round, but winter gives you the chance to see this rugged coastline with
crashing waves against the heart-stopping cliff drops. Wrap up warm to go fossil
hunting on the nearby beaches, and take a drive to Lulworth Cove and Durdle
Door. If it all gets too much, there are plenty of tea shops serving perfect
cream teas.
Search out some dazzling white magic – brighten up your February by taking a
walk through carpets of enchanting white snowdrops. These early blooming
flowers are the first signs of life as we emerge from winter, and are highly
sought after by collectors. Top viewing places include Anglesey Abbey in Lode,
Cambridgeshire, and Chelsea Physic Garden in London.
Snuggle up in a spa – begin the new year afresh with a healthy mind and body.
Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa offers fantastic weekend spa packages in
luxurious surroundings. Make use of their fire and ice spa, take an exercise
class or two, or simply pull up a lounger and read that book you always meant
to finish. They also offer an excellent range of treatments from body wraps to
facials, and hydrotherapy baths to aromatherapy massages. If all this activity
isn’t enough for you, there is gentle rolling countryside nearby to give your
legs a stretch.
Get crafty – if your new year’s resolution was to be more creative, why not
take yourself away on a craft weekend. Waunifor Crafty Breaks provide weekends
away in a lovely cottage in Wales with home-cooked food. There are numerous
craft options to select, from mosaics, felting, knitting, pottery, and many
more. All materials and tuition is included, so just bring yourself and a
little imagination.
There’s nothing like planning a weekend
away to lift your spirits - there’s something for everyone. Banish those
January blues and get yourself out and about. Spring will soon be here!
