January Holidays in the UK

York is a fantastic city to visit throughout the year, but the Christmas market in December means that streets are heaving, while in January it's quieter and calmer. There are so many things to see and do in the city, such as the National Railway Museum, Yorkshire Museum, and the Jorvik Viking Centre, as well as dozens of luxury and independent shops, particularly on Stonegate and Petergate.

With a similar atmosphere to York, Edinburgh's historic streets are beautiful whatever the weather. Visitor highlights include Edinburgh Castle and The Palace of Holyroodhouse, and it's always worth walking up to the top of Arthur's Seat to get a panoramic view of the city.

Known for its music and fashion, Manchester is a great city to visit in January. There are so many warm and inviting pubs with roaring open fires, and many have open mic nights to hear the city's newest musical talents. There's great shopping to be found too, especially in the trendy Northern Quarter.

Seaside resorts like Whitby may seem ideal for a summer holiday, but Whitby's wild beauty lends itself perfectly to the winter months. It has a gothic feel, with narrow cobbled streets and the imposing Whitby Abbey, and was one of the locations in the famous novel Dracula. After a bracing walk on the beach, make sure to grab some tasty fish and chips.