Where to go in last week of December?

Posted by Illustrious_Page_718@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 14 comments

So my husband will be off from work after 20th December till the 1st of January.

I might take off based on the plan we make.

We live in London and we have pretty much seen winter wonderland, Christmas markets, lights on regent street, etc.

This is the first time we will be spending the last week of December in the UK. I have heard everything is pretty much closed on 25-26 December.

We are trying to figure out where we can go in this last week of December, probably from 25th to 1st January.

Someone suggested shetland to see northern lights to us. Will it be worth it or will it be too cold?

Any other suggestions of what we can plan.

[-]

JoeDaStudd@reddit

Depends what type of break you want.

You can normally get some great deals on package deals abroad over Christmas, especially in the non-christian countries.

In the past I've rented rural properties and basically done the whole Christmas lock in.\ Find somewhere within walking distance to a pub, some good nature and supermarket within a 30 minute drive. Load up the fridge, freezer and cupboards then just spend the time eating, drinking and relaxing with the odd walk.

[-]

Illustrious_Page_718@reddit (OP)

I am not UK passport holder so I dont have access to many countries without a visa. And our schengen visa expired this month. Hence, we’re staying in the UK

[-]

JoeDaStudd@reddit

Are you going to be relying on public transport?\ If so services over the Christmas period are both extremely busy and extremely scarce.\ There is a made rush to travel before an after the holidays with a lot of the railways closing for maintenance between Christmas and the new year.

It's also worth bearing in mind a lot of businesses close on Christmas eve and don't open back up until after the new year.

In terms of where to go the further north you go the colder it will be, the more extreme the weather and the less sunlight you get.\ The Shetlands get about 2 hour less sunlight per day then London in December, under 6h Vs just under 8h.

If your relying on public transport it will limit your options.

[-]

Illustrious_Page_718@reddit (OP)

I have a car that I can drive. But for shetlands - we would obviously rely on the ferry

[-]

JoeDaStudd@reddit

In that case if be looking at somewhere southern England, potentially Wales or the peak district.

A quick Google give the below festive ferry times and festive airport and public transport on the Shetland islands.\ https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/booking-info/festive-timetable/\ https://www.shetland.gov.uk/festive-arrangements

[-]

artemistheoverlander@reddit

As someone who follows the northern lights in the UK, I wouldn't book somewhere that the trip was relying on seeing them.

UK weather can be very hit and miss, even when there is a show. At least the moon will be in your favour then, as it's on its way to a new moon on the 30th.

Aurora forecasts are usually short notice, a couple of days warning at best. Then, where you can see them can depend what time any CME or flare hits the earth, which could be daytime for that location.

Mainland Scotland would be a better bet than the Shetlands. Easier to get to, and more to do if it's cloudy or raining. Take warm clothing.

[-]

Illustrious_Page_718@reddit (OP)

I’ve already been to Edinburgh, inverness(went through highlands, ben nevis and loch ness) and Isle of skye. Any other place you would recommend in Scotland?

[-]

artemistheoverlander@reddit

Sorry, I've not spent a lot of time up there. I'm remedy that this summer with a couple of months travelling around the Highlands, though.

[-]

Candy_Lawn@reddit

you live in London...why would you want to go anywhere else...

[-]

Illustrious_Page_718@reddit (OP)

Because I have seen everything in London that too multiple times. Why would I waste my time seeing the same things again? Would you stay at home for 10 days break?

[-]

Top-level comments to the OP must contain genuine efforts to answer the question. No jokes, judgements, etc.
Don't be a dick to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on.
This is a strictly no-politics subreddit!

Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.