Winter wonderlands on a budget

What are your plans for winter this year? Whether you’re celebrating Christmas at home with loved ones or flying out to another destination, we know plenty of memories will be made.

We also know that winter breaks aren’t always cheap. In today’s economy, many of us are looking for ways to save money, so here are 5 things you can do to make the most of your winter break, without breaking the bank.

1. Indoor skiing/snowboarding

Get your skiing or snowboarding fix this winter without having to travel to a different country.

Show off your skills on the UK’s longest indoor real snow slope (at 180 meters in length) at the Chill Factore in Manchester or enjoy snowboarding, sledging and tobogganing at the Snowdome in Staffordshire.

It’s the perfect family day out for snow lovers and you don’t need to pay extreme prices.

Enjoy more of the winter wonderland feels during a stay at the Best Western Plus Pinewood Manchester Airport-Wilmslow Hotel or The George Hotel in Lichfield.

We know you might just want to stay warm and cosy during winter, but we also know you’ll probably feel good when you come back from a walk.

This winter, search the best walking routes around the UK and take in the stunning sight of frozen lakes, frosted hills and snowy, twinkling forests.

In the village of Dunster in Somerset, a winter’s walk means you’ll come across singing choirs, glowing lanterns and the smell of chimney fire. What better way is there to soak up the season?

After your walk, cosy up in the warmth during a relaxing stay at the Best Western Webbington Hotel & Spa.

Christmas – it’s the most magical time of the year but it can also make your winter break more costly, especially if you want to go abroad.

In this case, a local getaway could be a better option. Book a hotel close to your house simply to put yourself in the holiday mood. After all, there’s nothing quite like waking up on Christmas morning and having everything cooked for you.

Find the best prices for a festive stay using our new Hotel Price Finder tool.

Wrap up warm and head out to see stunning displays of Christmas lights in your local area or elsewhere in the UK. Get little ones excited for a day out, see which house has pulled out all the stops, and enjoy a fun family day out without having to plan too much.  Hangeton in Brighton is renowned for having truly over-the-top festive displays, and you can tie in your exploration with some Christmas shopping by the sea.

Looking for some ideas of places to see organised gorgeous glows? Head over to West Sussex for the tenthwinter lantern trail at Wakehurst and enjoy a stay at Best Western Princes Marine Hotel, or take in stunning sights at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire before a stay at Oxford Linton Lodge Hotel, BW Signature Collection by Best Western.

It’s not winter without a visit to a Christmas market. Whether you’re visiting Edinburgh or York, a visit to the Christmas markets means a good day out.

Browse to see what unique items are being sold at the market and take in the busy, festive atmosphere with your loved ones. You don’t need to spend anything either – a walk around the market is more fun than dealing with the stress of Xmas shopping!

Put your feet up once you’re done with all the (window) shopping and hit the hotel bed at the Best Western Kings Manor Hotel for an amazing night’s sleep.