{"id":4257,"date":"2020-11-17T15:39:40","date_gmt":"2020-11-17T15:39:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.secretescapes.com\/magazine-uk\/?p=4257"},"modified":"2021-03-16T12:38:03","modified_gmt":"2021-03-16T12:38:03","slug":"10-best-winter-city-breaks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/escapist\/10-best-winter-city-breaks\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Best winter city breaks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With the days getting shorter and gloomy weather a permanent fixture, it\u2019s safe to say winter is well and truly here to stay. What better tonic to the onset of hibernation season than a fun-filled city break? Whether you\u2019re dreaming of a snow-frosted sojourn or a far-flung getaway, we\u2019ve rounded up 10 of our favourite destinations for an unforgettable winter escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

York – Middletons Hotel<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For a weekend break that really packs in the charm, York is head and shoulders above the rest. Set right in the heart of the city, just a stone\u2019s throw from the mighty River Ouse, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find a better base than Middletons Hotel<\/a>. This elegant bolthole, spread across six Grade II listed buildings, houses a flurry of pared-back rooms awash with pretty pastel-hued interiors, all arranged around a lovely courtyard. The dining here is top-notch too, with a menu of hearty British classics served in the cosy lounge, along with a tempting array of homemade coffee and cakes. Fully sated, spend chilly days exploring the city\u2019s myriad of historical offerings – from the rip-roaring Jorvik Viking Centre to the Gothic-style York Minster or browse for one-of-a-kind souvenirs in the cobbled streets of acclaimed shopping district The Shambles. Don\u2019t leave without sampling a fruit-loaded Fat Rascal in Betty\u2019s Tea Rooms, a local institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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York Minster, York. iStock\/credit: ChrisHepburn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bath – MGallery Francis Hotel<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Promising postcard-perfect scenery at every turn, historic Bath is one of the UK\u2019s finest cities for a memorable winter break. Just like the city itself, boutique bolthole MGallery Francis Hotel<\/a> is positively dripping in prestige. Step through the doors of this traditional stone-clad townhouse and you\u2019ll be met with a suite of beautifully-decorated rooms, a cosy lounge bar and a delightful bistro decked out in feature wallpaper, velvet furnishings and gilded window panes. With its central Queen Square location, you won’t have far to go to experience the city\u2019s best-loved sights. Warm your cockles in the ancient Roman baths before shopping till you drop along the esplanade or soaking up the creative genius of one of literature\u2019s finest at the Jane Austen Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pulteney Bridge, Bath. iStock\/credit: valdisskudre<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

London – Sunborn London<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no place quite like London in the winter – all twinkling festive lights, old-world pubs ablaze with roaring fires and landmarks laced with the glimmer of the first frost. At Sunborn London<\/a>, you can enjoy the city in all its glory from a unique vantage point – a luxurious superyacht set in the heart of the Docklands. Climb aboard and you\u2019ll be whisked away on a journey like no other, from the sumptuous guest rooms stacked with crisp linens and luxury amenities to the incredible dining room overlooking the O2 and Victoria Dock. You won\u2019t want to miss the elegant afternoon tea, piled high with neatly-trimmed sandwiches, crumbly scones topped with clotted cream and a choice of beautifully-presented pastries. When you\u2019re ready to disembark, London\u2019s patchwork of iconic sights – from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace and St Paul\u2019s to The Shard – are just a tube ride away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Sunborn London<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dubai – Grand Hyatt Dubai<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For a total escape from the reality of a rain-sodden British winter, Grand Hyatt Dubai<\/a> is a prime choice. Promising sun, sea and sky-scraper studded cityscapes, this sparkling, five-star stunner is sure to banish those pesky winter blues. Boasting three temperature-controlled outdoor pools, an indoor pool with underwater speakers, a swish spa and 13 incredible restaurants, you\u2019ll feel like you\u2019ve hit the holiday jackpot. Stretch out on a shaded lounger as you soak up some trademark Dubai sun, drink in hand, slip away to the Ahasees Spa & Club for a unique pampering experience using healing scientific methods or shop for designer clobber at the world-famous Dubai Mall, just 10 kilometres away. Later, dine-around in style at the hotel\u2019s crop of award-winning eateries, from Italian-style Andiamo! To Arabian themed Awtar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Grand Hyatt Dubai hotel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Venice – Hotel Aquarius<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With its network of sparkling waterways, Gothic palaces and romantic Renaissance architecture, Venice is the creme-de-la-creme of city break destinations. Skip the summer crowds and enjoy your pick of the city\u2019s finest attractions with a winter stay at Hotel Aquarius Venice<\/a>. Inspired by its aquatic surroundings, this water-themed hotel certainly doesn\u2019t skimp on style. Designed to feel like an underwater kingdom, expect elegant glass furnishings, soothing guest rooms dressed in coastal hues and ceilings adorned with sparkling Murano chandeliers. With such elegant theming, you could enjoy all the perks of Venice without having to set foot outside the hotel. But if you do fancy exploring, make your way to the hotel\u2019s sublime secret garden where a gondola will be waiting to whisk you across the city to the likes of St Mark\u2019s Basilica, Piazza San Marco and Doge\u2019s Palace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Venice. iStock\/credit: Givaga<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lisbon – Corinthia Hotel<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Splash out on a five-star stay at Corinthia Hotel Lisbon<\/a>, a true luxury icon on the fringe of the city. Boasting a suite of elegantly-designed rooms and suites, a beautiful alfresco restaurant and stellar service on tap, there\u2019s plenty of trademark Corinthia polish here. Spend culture-filled days climbing the city\u2019s iconic seven hills, lined with tumbledown red-roof houses, stopping to sample custard-filled pastel de nata, and ticking off the city\u2019s collection of architectural masterpieces, including the Jeronimos Monastery in nearby Belem. Or visit trendy LX Factory for a spot of hipster shopping and cocktail-sipping. Later, treat yourself to a few blissful hours at the hotel\u2019s spa where you can make the most of the heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and sensory showers before indulging in a soul-soothing massage in one of 13 treatment rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lisbon at night. iStock\/credit: moedas1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Windsor – Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Make like HRH Queen Elizabeth II herself with a visit to the regal city of Windsor. With a scenic riverside location mere moments from the turrets of the Royal residence itself, Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa<\/a> affords you beautiful views over the Thames, timeless decor and a flurry of facilities, including a fabulous gym and spa area, designed to ensure you truly experience the royal treatment. After a day spent rubbing shoulders with royalty, embarking on a frosty walk through the sprawling grounds of Windsor Great Park or sipping signature beers at the Windsor & Eton Brewery, return to warm your cockles over an indulgent afternoon tea or romantic riverside dinner at the hotel\u2019s upscale Brasserie. Don\u2019t miss the legendary Bubbles & Jazz Sunday lunch – an unforgettable dining experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Old Windsor Bridge. iStock\/credit: DurdenImages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Prague – Pentahotel Prague<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The quintessential European winter city break destination, Prague sparkles with its line-up of spellbinding Gothic architecture, beautiful bridges and 17th-century Baroque churches. In stark contrast to its historic surroundings, at Pentahotel Prague<\/a> you can experience the historic grandeur of The City of a Hundred Spires from a sleek, modern pad. Based right in the thick of the action, guests can look forward to an ultra-modern design blending function and fashion, a lively lounge showcasing a menu of stylish cocktails, mouthwatering burgers and addictive games and a handy gym for keeping up with your workouts. When you\u2019re ready to explore, don your woollies and check off the city\u2019s best sights with ease, from the crowd-pleasing Old Town Square to the ornate Astronomical Clock and the enchanting Prague Castle to the graffiti-covered Lennon Wall (a homage to Beatles frontman John Lennon).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Prague at Christmas. iStock\/credit: emicristea<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Brussels – Sofitel Brussels Europe<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When you think of the must-have ingredients for a cosy winter city break, chances are Brussels ticks all the boxes. Hot chocolate on tap? Yep. Inviting bars? Absolutely. Incredible architecture? You\u2019ve got it. Staying at the grand Sofitel Brussels Europe<\/a> is a surefire recipe for success, with front-row access to the city\u2019s finest attractions, including the hotel\u2019s very own cocktail lounge and brasserie. Set on the bustling Place Jourdan, you can soak up the lively atmosphere outside, a mug of cocoa in hand, or amble along to the Grand Place for a spot of festive shopping. When it comes to culture, Cinquantenaire Park has more than its fair share of intriguing museums while evergreen Leopold Park is a show-stopping space to while away a few wintry hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Grand Place square in Brussels at dusk. GettyImages\/credit: Alexander Spatari<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Salzburg – Mercure Salzburg City<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The hills are alive with the sound of rave reviews at Mercure Salzburg City<\/a>, a sleek and stylish pad close to Salzburg\u2019s enchanting city centre. This striking hotel beautifully contrasts with its historic surroundings – think clean lines, mirrored glass and ultra-modern design details. Set within striking distance of the city\u2019s ever-festive Old Town, the palatial Mirabell Gardens, Mozart\u2019s birthplace and hilltop Hohensalzburg Fortress, bundle up and make like the Von Trapp family with a day spent ticking off one magical landmark after the next (singing optional). Dining is the star of the show here, so be sure to return to Le Sel for a delicious blend of international and classic Austrian dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Downtown Salzburg. GettyImages\/credit: Copyright by Laszlo Szirtesi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\t\t