Winter in Britain can feel like a long, grey stretch of damp mornings and early nights. With the cold seeping into your bones and the drizzle never seeming to stop, the idea of stepping outside often can start to feel more like a chore than a choice.
As the colder months drag on, there’s no better remedy than escaping somewhere where the sun still shines, the air feels light, and the days stretch out in golden hues. Fortunately, there are destinations around the world that can turn this daydream into reality. There are many locations in which you are almost guaranteed to get sun and warmer temperatures, so let’s take a look.
The Canary Islands
A flight of just over four hours can take you from a frosty morning in the UK to the sun-drenched landscapes of the Canary Islands. With their year-round mild temperatures, these Spanish islands off the coast of Africa offer an easy and affordable escape.
Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the most popular, with lively resorts, beautiful beaches and volcanic landscapes that feel worlds apart from Britain’s gloom. If you prefer somewhere quieter, Lanzarote has a more relaxed pace with its striking black-sand beaches and whitewashed villages.
Egypt
For those who want to swap grey skies for golden deserts without the long-haul flight, Egypt holidays could be the perfect choice. In less than six hours, you can be exploring the temples of Luxor or cruising down the Nile as the sun sets behind palm trees.
If you prefer the coast, the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh offer crystal-clear waters for snorkelling and diving, as well as beautiful sandy beaches where you can soak up the sun. If you want warmth without the humidity of tropical destinations, this is an easy choice.
South Africa
For a complete change of scenery, South Africa delivers sunshine, adventure and incredible wildlife. Cape Town, with its incredible backdrop of the Table Mountain and Cape Floral Region, enjoys warm weather when Britain is at its coldest. You can explore the Cape Winelands, take a scenic drive along the Garden Route or relax on the beaches of Camps Bay.
South Africa’s time zone is only two hours ahead of the UK, so there’s no jet lag to slow you down. If you’ve always wanted to go on safari, winter is the perfect time to visit Kruger National Park. These drier months mean better wildlife spotting as animals gather around waterholes.
Morocco
For a getaway that feels completely different from home without travelling too far, Morocco is ideal. Just a three-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK, it offers warmth and exotic charm, as well as a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Marrakech is a feast for the senses, with its colourful souks and fragrant spice markets. After a day of exploring, return home to a beautiful riad where you can unwind in peaceful courtyards. Or if you prefer the coast, Essaouira offers a breezy seaside escape with fresh seafood and stunning sunsets.
Wherever you choose to go, swapping Britain’s cold, dull days for sunshine and new experiences is always worth it. The hardest part? Deciding where to book first.
