The UK's best place for a Christmas staycation offers the 'perfect blend of festive charm and winter adventure' - top 10 list
Inverness was voted the best place to spend Christmas
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Inverness leads the rankings of the best UK spot to spend Christmas with a score of 9.86 out of 10, followed by Glasgow at 9.73 and Edinburgh at 9.68, according to new research.
The Highland capital, Glasgow and Edinburgh each offer unique winter experiences, from snow-covered landscapes and traditional pubs to extensive Christmas markets and illuminated attractions, making them the perfect spots for a winter staycation.
The rankings by GO Outdoors considered factors including seasonal activities, dining options, nearby cabins and the duration of Christmas markets. Inverness, crowned the UK's top Christmas destination, offers visitors a "perfect blend of festive charm and winter adventure".
The Highland city boasts 4.23 restaurants per 1,000 people, with traditional establishments like The Clachnaharry Inn serving classic fare beside warming open fires.
Edinburgh ranked highly on the list
PAWith a remarkable 27.1 days of potential snowfall annually, Inverness presents genuine opportunities for a white Christmas experience.
The city's seasonal highlights include the Brodie Illuminated light show and Eden Court's Christmas Fair, where local vendors showcase handmade gifts and regional delicacies.
The area's 99 nearby cabins provide cosy accommodation options for winter holidaymakers.
Glasgow's second-place position showcases the city's reputation as a festive powerhouse, featuring the longest-running Christmas markets in the UK at 58 days.
Glasgow Winterfest and the city's Christmas Markets offer visitors an enchanting experience, complete with a 35-metre-high Ferris Wheel providing panoramic city views.
The Scottish city combines festive shopping with outdoor adventure, featuring 44 local walking trails and 58 nearby cabins, the experts stated.
The family-friendly Hogganfield Loch loop offers an accessible 30-minute trail with views of the lake and wildlife.
Edinburgh rounds out Scotland's festive dominance, securing third place with its historic centre providing an atmospheric backdrop for Christmas celebrations.
The capital city boasts an impressive 64 walking trails, including the popular Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags loop, which offers stunning city views during its 90-minute route.
Edinburgh's Christmas market runs for 50 days, making it one of the UK's premier festive destinations.
The city features unique attractions including the Polar Ice Bar, where festive drinks are served in glasses made of ice.
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Brighton came in best for English destinations
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A highlight for families is the Christmas Tree Maze in St Andrew Square, featuring 450 illuminated trees to explore.
Best UK destination to spend Christmas
- Inverness
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- Brighton and Hove
- Nottingham
- Manchester
- Dundee
- Whitby
- Cambridge
- Sheffield
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