Winter Nights and City Lights

The winter months don’t have to be dull and gloomy! Across the UK, dark nights are being transformed into shimmering spectacles with dazzling lights.

From enchanted gardens to famous landmarks, these luminous attractions make for a magical winter night. They’re an ideal excuse for a city getaway and we know just the place to stay! Get ready to brighten up your winter as we guide you through the UK’s enchanting, illuminated attractions.

Blackpool

You must have heard of them, the Blackpool Illuminations are famous worldwide. Featuring dazzling light displays that stretch for over six miles along the Blackpool promenade, it’s hardly surprising that they’re known as the best free light show on earth!

Whether you’ve visited before or not, new installations each year guarantee a unique experience. New for 2024, the Light Around the World installation, which features an impressive 12ft tall illuminated dinosaur is sure to get you trembling in awe!

Image of the Blackpool Illuminations on a Winter Night. — Credit: Visit Blackpool

Just a short stroll from the promenade, Blue Waters Hotel is the perfect base when visiting the Blackpool Illuminations. Adding to the magic, the Blue Waters Hotel offers two accommodation packages to perfectly compliment your illuminations experience.

You’ll be welcomed back from a brisk evening of exploration with a luxurious hot chocolate and delicious biscuit with their Bed and Breakfast Illuminations offer. However, for something a bit more substantial, you can enjoy a classic sea-side dinner of scampi and chips with their Dinner, Bed and Breakfast Illuminations offer.

An image of a bedroom at the Blue Waters Hotel.

An image of the swimming pool at the Blue Waters Hotel.

Edinburgh

Step into a world of enchantment at the Christmas Lights Trail at Edinburgh Botanical Gardens. Designed by award-winning light trail producers, you’ll wander past floating candles, rhythmic light batons and maybe even see Father Christmas himself! Not just a feast for the eyes, on-site street food vendors offer indulgent hot chocolates, a tasty bite and even toasted marshmallows! Perfect for friends, families and couples, an unforgettable winter night under the stars and amongst the trees awaits.

Combining modern comfort and classic charm, the Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection is number one on our list for your Edinburgh stay. With its city centre location, you’ll be in a prime position to explore all that Edinburgh has to offer from iconic landmarks to historic streets.

If you fancy a bite, you can enjoy mouth-watering dishes from their restaurant, while taking in the stunning views of the city around you.

An image of a bedroom at the Mount Royal Hotel.

An image of the bar area at the Mount Royal Hotel.

Bristol

Considered Bristol for your break? With daytime activities including shopping or a visit to the zoo, as well as night-time tours of the city and the infamous Wake the Tiger experience, there’s plenty to keep you entertained!

No trip to Bristol is complete without visiting the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. The bridge takes on a whole new level of beauty come night-time when it’s illuminated by thousands of energy-efficient LED bulbs. Either take the 414m long stroll across the Avon Gorge or see the bridge from a viewpoint such as the Clifton Observatory. However you decide to view the bridge, it’s a great photo opportunity, definitely one for the ‘Gram.

With its signature pink neon sign setting the vibe for a bright and lively stay, the Moxy Hotel Bristol is ideal for your break to enjoy the city lights on a winter night. Perfect for the tech-savvy, the Moxy Hotel is equipped with super-fast Wifi connections, Chromecast TVs, more USB charging outlets than you’ll need and you can even use your mobile phone as your room key! Combine this with the stylish bar, games area and 24-hour snack shop and you’re in for a memorable trip.

Image of the exterior of the Moxy Hotel Bristol, showing the pink neon sign.

Image of the bar area at the Moxy Hotel Bristol.

Cardiff

Cardiff is brimming with bars, pubs and restaurants, making the city come alive at night, especially with
the infamous Wales Millennium Centre lighting up the bay. A highlight of Cardiff’s winter season is the spectacular and award-winning Bute Park illuminations. A truly multi-sensory experience, with dazzling dance routines, lively light shows and immersive audio creations.

Are you a fungi fanatic? If so, you’ll love this year’s Mycelium Network display, filled with mesmerising, otherworldly mushrooms and their interconnected networks.

An image of the Bute Park Illuminations on a winter night. — Credit: Tom Martin

Located on Cathedral Road, just a stone’s throw from Bute Park, The Beverley Hotel is a lovingly converted townhouse offering the perfect blend of history and hospitality. Enjoy a drink or something tasty to eat in the on-site bar and restaurant before retiring to a stylish room, with all the amenities you’ll need.

An image showing the exterior of The Beverley Hotel.

An image showing the bar area of The Beverley Hotel.

York

Last but not least, York is a beautiful city all year round, by day or by night. It’s no wonder that York is such a popular city break location. The York Winter lights add enchantment to the colder winter nights with 175,000 bulbs illuminating over 50 streets, lighting up historic buildings, trees and even lamp posts! Soak in the festive glow as you explore the city’s night-time offerings, from cosy pubs to elegant, five-star restaurants.

Nestled in the heart of York, the Middleton’s hotel offers 56 charming guestrooms. Each room is filled with character and homely touches. Without doubt, fresh milk for your hot drinks as well as a delicious chunky biscuit, is the perfect late-night nibble.

Why not relax in the bar and restaurant area? Warm lighting, exposed brick walls and rustic wooden beams create an inviting atmosphere, sure to make your stay one to remember.