New Year, New Roads: 10 UK Destinations to Kickstart Your 2026 Adventures
There’s something magical about January. The world feels fresh, the roads are quiet, and the promise of a new year invites us to chase new horizons. If you’re dreaming of crisp mornings, peaceful landscapes and the freedom of your motorhome, this is the perfect month to begin your next chapter of adventures.
To inspire your 2026 travel plans, here are 10 incredible UK destinations that shine in winter, all ideal for a revitalising January getaway.
1. The Lake District – Misty Lakes & Winter Walks
January in the Lakes is serene, atmospheric and breath-taking. Enjoy frost-kissed fells, quiet trails and cosy pubs. Park up near Windermere or Derwentwater for postcard-worthy views from the comfort of your motorhome.
2. Northumberland – Big Skies & Starry Nights
As one of Europe’s largest Dark Sky Parks, Northumberland is perfect for winter stargazing. Explore Bamburgh Castle, walk the endless beaches, and finish the evening wrapped in a blanket under glittering skies.
3. The Scottish Highlands – Dramatic Winter Scenery
If you're craving raw, wild beauty, the Highlands deliver. Think snow-topped mountains, frozen lochs and remote roads made for a true adventure. Fort William, Glencoe and the Cairngorms are stunning in January.
4. Snowdonia National Park – Adventure at Every Turn
Snowdonia is quieter in winter, making it ideal for scenic drives and energising hikes. Even if you don’t climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the surrounding valleys and villages offer plenty of charm.
5. The Peak District – Quaint Villages & Winter Wanderings
From the limestone dales to dramatic gritstone edges, the Peaks feel cosy and intimate in January. Bakewell, Castleton and Edale are great bases for exploring the landscapes at their frostiest.
6. The Yorkshire Coast – Winter Waves & Charming Seaside Towns
Visit Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby or Scarborough for rugged coastal walks and dramatic sea views. The off-season atmosphere gives these popular spots a peaceful, nostalgic feel.
7. Cornwall – Quiet Beaches & Mild Weather
Cornwall in winter is a treat. Beaches are empty, the surf is great, and towns like St Ives and Falmouth feel totally different from their summer buzz. Expect milder temperatures and beautifully moody seascapes.
8. The Cotswolds – Honey-Stone Villages at Their Cosy Best
January is perfect for exploring quaint lanes, boutique cafés and countryside pubs without the crowds. With its rolling hills and storybook charm, the Cotswolds makes for a gentle, romantic winter escape.
9. The Norfolk Broads – Peaceful Waterside Retreats
Calm, open landscapes make the Broads the ideal destination for a slow start to the year. Enjoy birdwatching, quiet villages and easy walks along waterways framed with winter light.
10. Isle of Skye – A Photographer’s Dream
Skye’s winter palette is rich and moody, from the Old Man of Storr to the Quiraing. You’ll find dramatic skies, rugged coastlines and wide-open space — the perfect place to clear the mind and welcome a new year.
Start Your Year With Freedom
Whether you’re planning epic road trips or simple weekend escapes, January is the perfect time to embrace new adventures. With the right motorhome, every winding road becomes an invitation — and every frosty sunrise a reminder of what’s possible in the year ahead.