JUST because the weather has turned, doesn’t mean you can’t visit the UK coastline.

The Sun Travel team have revealed their favourite seaside destinations across the country that are still great to visit in the winter.

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Seahouses, Northumberland

The historic fishing village of Seahouses on the Northumberland coast is the ultimate cosy bolthole in the depths of winter.

While the summer crowds may have moved on, a blustery walk across the beaches to the north and south are the perfect way to blow away the cob webs and offer a tantilising view of Bamburgh Castle.

And of course, those dark nights are even more welcome when the clearest skies of the year create the perfect conditions for a spot of stargazing.

When the weather turns, hunker down in the sea-facing bar at the Bamburgh Castle Inn overlooking the harbour.

And to sample some of the fare delivered daily by the local boats, head to Swallow Fish, who have been selling their wares in the town since 1843.

– Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

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Rye, East Sussex

While not strictly seaside, the medieval town of Rye in East Sussex is
extremely near the coast – it has a harbour and you can see the sea.

But I figured it deserved a mention because it’s by far my favourite
coastal town to visit in winter.

The cobbled streets, quaint antique shops and cosy pubs make it the
perfect way to spend a chilly weekend.

Make sure to pay a visit to The Mermaid Inn, a 600 year old pub with
cellars that date back to 1156.

In the Giant’s Fireplace Bar, with its dried hops and huge inglenook,
you can just imagine what it was like back in the days when smuggling gangs used it as a meeting place.

Equally great is the Globe Inn, a white clapboard pub that serves up
freshly caught fish and seafood, alongside local ales.

Or if you have more of a sweet tooth, head to Knoops – founded by a
‘chocolate sommelier’, the store sells loads of different hot
chocolates at various percentages of cocoa.

From Rye, it’s just a few miles on foot to the glorious Camber Sands,
with it’s long sandy beach and dunes.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel

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Whitstable, Kent

It can be tricky trying to find places open in seaside towns when the summer ends, with some closing for the season.

But the beauty of Whitstable is it has all you might need to shelter from the winds.

My favourite is the The Old Neptune pub – it’s right on the seafront so you can see the beach and crashing waves while staying warm in front of the fire.

The high street is also full of shops where you can escape the winds, with charity shops offering bargain clothes to cosy coffee shops – my favourite is Blueprint Coffee & Books.

Sure, you might not be wanting to grab some oysters and take a seat on the shingles – but at least you’ll be able to enjoy the usually busy town, crowd-free.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

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Trebarwith, Cornwall

Cornwall is flooded with tourists in summer. Visiting in August? Well, forget about finding decent digs or bagging a table at one of the favourite restaurants if you haven’t booked months in advance.
But this all changes after September.

The crowds disperse and much-loved beaches like Watergate Bay are pretty much deserted, meaning you can enjoy its seven miles of sand and craggy caves all to yourself.

Stay close to Trebarwith Strand, near Tintagel, which is breathtakingly beautiful with beachside sunsets that could rival those in the Caribbean.

After a blustery walk along the beach, cosy up in the Port William, a cliffside pub with snug sofas next to roaring fireplaces and huge windows overlooking the waves – it’s dog friendly and has bedrooms too.

This area is a wildlife lovers haven, with hundreds of species of birds to spot in the winter months.

– Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

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Barry Island, Wales

Years ago, I was lucky enough to live in Cardiff, which meant I spent weekends exploring everything the Welsh capital had to offer, including the neighbouring coastal towns.

One place that I always recommend visiting is Barry Island – a seaside resort made famous by the TV sitcom Gavin and Stacey. 

And with a new Christmas special set to air later this year, the next few months are an ideal time to visit to explore some of the instantly recognisable filming locations from the show. 

Even in the winter, day-trippers should make a beeline for Whitmore Bay — a huge crescent of golden sand that’s backed by a promenade of busy cafés, and fish and chip shops. On a colder day, I like to grab myself a hot chocolate from one of the many coffee shops that line the beach. 

Get your pulse racing at the Barry Island Pleasure Park, it has a rollercoaster, log flume, dodgems and a waltzer. It even comes into its own in the winter thanks to Winter Wonderland, with this year’s attractions set to be announced soon. 

And a trip to Barry Island isn’t complete with a trip to Nessa’s slots where you’ll be sure to have a tidy afternoon spending your pennies.

– Hope Brotherton, Travel Reporter

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Christmas is looming, and whilst it might be too early to be putting up the tree, it’s a great time to start planning a festive getaway.

Europe is brimming with Christmas markets come December, as picturesque towns and cities gear up for the holidays with twinkling lights, local carols and the scents of sweet treats.

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And an added bonus of enjoying these magical places is that getting there from the UK doesn’t have to carry a hefty price tag.

We’ve searched through Ryanair‘s most Christmassy destinations to find flights to wintry wonderlands for under £25 — here’s what we found:

Nuremberg Christmas market, Germany

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Dubbed the ‘Christmas city‘, Nuremberg boasts one of the world’s oldest and largest Christmas markets.

The famous Christkindlesmarkt sits in the central square of the old town, surrounded by trademark Bavarian architecture and charming cobbled streets.

Visitors can browse stands selling unique decorations while revelling in the local food scene — after all, Nuremberg is the birthplace of the bratwurst.

The city has a long history of gingerbread-making too, with its Lebkuchen often claimed by locals to be the world’s best.

It’s great fun for kids, as the event boasts a mini Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round and a young woman dressed as an angel who greets and reads fairytales to the children.

Basel Christmas market, Switzerland

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Basel hosts not one but two Christmas markets.

Spread across the Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz squares, Basel’s event was voted Best Christmas Market in Europe in 2021.

Here you’ll find 155 little wooden chalets selling artisanal goods, Swiss raclette and biscuit called Läckerli instead of gingerbread (kids can even decorate their own at a workshop).

The 13 metre-tall Christmas pyramid is the best place to grab a hot drink, while the best view can be seen from the cathedral tower.

Head up to the top to admire the romantic sea of lights from the market below.

Brussels Christmas market, Belgium

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Called Winter Wonders, the Brussels yuletide market is the main reason the city is considered a Christmas capital.

Tourists making their way through the 2km stretch of stalls will find authentic Belgian waffles and chocolates which can be washed down with an spiced mulled wine or a local beer.

Family friendly activities can be found all around; there’s ice rink for skating, a Ferris wheel and spectacular light shows to wow the kids.

Plus, you can’t miss the enormous tree which stands the centre of all the action and is a wonder to behold at over 66ft high.

Krakow Christmas market, Poland

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Getting in the Christmas spirit is not hard in Krakow‘s picture-postcard medieval square.

Horses pull white carriages around the plaza which is situated at the heart of the Old Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and the air is filled with the aromas of traditional cuisine.

Visitors to its market wander around with pierogies (Polish dumplings) or grilled meats in hand and perhaps the local specialty of mulled beer.

It gets cold, but anyone who comes unprepared can buy handmade fur hats and gloves to keep toasty from inside the square’s central building, the Cloth Hall.

Truly the place to be for some Christmas shopping, the market has a wealth of crafts on offer from stocking-fillers to Krakow‘s signature finely-painted glass baubles.

Copenhagen Christmas market, Denmark

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Few places embody the cosy Danish spirit of hygge as much as Copenhagen at Christmastime.

The markets become a haven of enchanting lights, stands selling knitwear and wooden toys and people drinking glögg, the Scandinavian version of mulled wine.

Of the several Christmas markets in Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is by far the most popular, but Nyhavn’s harbour setting has its own charm too.

Braver visitors can take an icy dip in the water during the day, but there are plenty of fairground rides to choose from if you your idea of fun is firmly on dry land.

• Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (exact dates vary by market)
• Flights to Copenhagen with Ryanair: from £16.99 from Bristol

Riga Christmas market, Latvia

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When Riga‘s Doma square is decked out in its seasonal decor, it’s clear to see why it was voted the Most Authentic Christmas Market in Europe.

With its award-winning light trail nestled among the traditional architecture and stalls selling local delicacies like winter pig snout, the Eastern European city really does ooze a sense of magic.

Riga is a generally affordable city — according to the Savvy Backpacker’s price guide, lunch, dinner and a beer can be bought for just over £10 — but its worth budgeting a little extra for souvenirs and culinary delights.

If you’re travelling with family, children can meet Santa’s little helpers and send letters to Lapland while the grown-ups browse a wealth of unique gifts on sale.

Latvian folk music is swapped out for a live DJ on Fridays, so Riga has the amusement covered for people of all tastes.

Bratislava Christmas market, Slovakia

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Bratislava‘s markets are scattered throughout the city and are a feast for the senses.

From the famous Bratislava rolls to cheesy dumplings and roasted goose, the markets are a foodie paradise, and it’s a good place for a tipple too.

The city boasts some of the cheapest beer on the continent while markets serve honey wine and fruit brandy.

Bratislava castle which sits perched on a hill on the banks of the Danube river adds to the movie-like wonder of the place, as does the Christmas tram which transports passengers through the streets covered in fairy lights.

• Dates: November 23 – December 23, 2024
• Flights to Bratislava with Ryanair: from £14.99 from Leeds

Gothenburg Christmas market, Sweden

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In the run-up to Christmas the Gothenburg amusement park of Liseberg transforms itself into a winter wonderland complete with a market and theatrical performances .

Visitors pay for entry here, but inside they’ll find towering rides, bumper cars and and an impressive ice show which is included in the ticket price.

For a smaller market that’s free to visit, the welcoming neighbourhood of Haga offers a community vibe as shoppers meander through cobbled lanes snacking on roasted almonds.

Berlin Christmas market, Germany

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Berlin pulls out all the stops when it comes to Christmas markets.

Advent sees over 80 individual markets get set up in the German capital, with Spandau being the biggest and Weihnachtszauber considered the prettiest.

Postdamer Platz is the place to be for activities; market-goers can try tobogganing or curling and children can enjoy a free ice skating lesson.

The usual German festive trimmings will be available everywhere; sausages, glühwein (mulled wine) and snow-dusted huts selling traditional jewellery and crafts.

Some of the markets have an entry fee, but you can get your fix of Christmas cheer for free at Alexanderplatz, Charlottenburg Palace, Spandau, Landberger Allee and numerous others listed on the Berlin city website.

Seville Christmas market, Spain

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Seville may not be the first place that comes to mind for Christmas markets compared to the colder and snowier destinations in Northern Europe, but it is well worth a visit.

Wooden cabins line the streets of the glowing historic quarter as shoppers snack on hot churros and choirs sing Andalusian Christmas songs called campanilleros.

It’s also worth exploring the Spanish tradition of nativity scenes — elaborate models of Bethlehem ranging from miniature to life-size are displayed at the Feria del Belén.

• Dates: November 29 – December 23, 2024 (to be confirmed)
• Flights to Seville with Ryanair: from £24.99 from Luton

Poznan Christmas market, Poland

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There’s an ethereal atmosphere in Poznan‘s square when it gets festooned with over 43,000 LED lights.

Over 70 quaint stands, a Venetian carousel and a massive tree arrive in the city for the Christmas market which sees throngs of tourists and locals alike munching on roasted chestnuts and buying handcrafted wares.

Poznan is an inexpensive city and puts on a show at the market with free concerts and animations for kids, so a trip to the market won’t break the bank.

A snapshot from a stay at Villa Embrace. Image by Laurent Benoit

The most luxurious property in the Caribbean and winner of the Luxury Lifestyle Awards, Villa Embrace is etched into a lush mountainside with panoramic views of the cerulean waters and the super yachts moored in Gustavia Harbor.

The award-winning four-story property is immaculate – a bold and modern interpretation of the luxury villa experience. The brainchild of Martin and Michelle Weinberg, Villa Embrace has been mindfully designed to capture the spectacular views while ensuring refined comfort, personalized service and a unique sense of place.

During a stay at Villa Embrace, guest’s wishes are fulfilled by a dedicated concierge, housekeeping team, a personal butler and in-house chef. The highly trained and sophisticated staff anticipate your every need whether at the villa or around the island, while being discreet and appearing whenever they are sought.

So, what exactly is it like to spend a day in one of the world’s most exclusive villas?

In the morning, awaken to see St Barths bathed in a golden sunrise glow from your very own private terrace, before taking a dip in the island’s largest infinity pool spanning 100-feet in length – one of two pools at the property. 

Afterwards, sit down to breakfast in the outdoor kitchen as your own personal chef prepares dishes from an extensive and delicious menu designed for you. Upon arrival, the chef speaks with guests to curate a customized menu that caters to individual tastes. At Villa Embrace, the culinary experiences are as extraordinary as the surrounding views, and food and beverages are served on-demand, at any time of the day.

The first half of the day can be spent enjoying personalized excursions organized by the villa’s concierge team, with each activity catering to your individual interests. Guests can enjoy everything from helicopter golf excursions to Anguilla, luxury sailboat excursions to Wave Runner tours and exploring underwater marine life on a seabob.

A snapshot from a day out on the yacht. Image by Hugo Allard

Those preferring to remain on terra firma can hike to natural pools, learn about local history in Gustavia, arrange an intimate white glove picnic on one of the island’s 20 secluded beaches or even attend a vibrant brunch party, arriving via private water shuttle at the world-famous Nikki Beach.

In the afternoon, venture to the iconic Eden Rock Hotel nearby. Villa Embrace enjoys a close partnership with the world-renowned five-star hotel, and thanks to this, villa guests can experience VIP amenities and deluxe spa treatments as if they were staying there. Alternatively, spa services including massages and facials can be arranged for those that want to be pampered in the privacy of the villa or at Embrace Spa five minutes walk away.

Later, the elegant Games Room beckons with chess, poker, baccarat, backgammon and more. Games are played on the hand crafted, specially designed T.T.Trunks leather games table. Challenge friends and family while sipping a refreshing cocktail and relaxing on sensuous, avant-garde Vladimir Kagan armchairs.

A snapshot from a dinner at Villa Embrace. Image by Hugo Allard

As evening falls, make the most of mesmerizing Caribbean sunsets while participating in a private yoga session on the terrace before a dip in the pool, or work-out in the villa’s state-of-the-art gym. There is still time to enjoy a relaxing soak in a traditional outdoor Japanese tub before dinner surrounded by exotic plants as the lights of Gustavia begin to illuminate. Guests also have the opportunity to have a professional attend to their hair and make-up before a big night out.

A snapshot from a guided yoga session at Villa Embrace. Image by Hugo Allard

Dinner options at Villa Embrace are abundant – served alfresco with island and sea views, or indoors in the sophisticated dining room seated around a bespoke nautical inspired Barbarini & Gunnell table. The intimate atmosphere is accentuated by a dazzling solid glass droplet light fitting and rare artworks created by Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol from the owners’ personal art collection.

Those preferring to discover St Barths’ enviable array of top-tier restaurants can secure VIP reservations at the island’s hottest spots. Dinner can also be enjoyed on the beach by a roaring bonfire or on an idyllic sunset catamaran cruise – all arranged by the villa’s intuitive concierge team.

End a magical evening wine tasting in the Great Room, sipping vintages from the villa’s own private cellar or indulge in a fun movie night or private musical performance in the Family Room. During annual island events, guests can also gain outstanding views of colorful and dramatic firework displays from the terrace.

A thoroughly memorable day at Villa Embrace concludes with a custom turndown service that may include customized lighting, music, personalized gifts and delicacies, readying you for a dreamy night’s sleep to prepare you for another day of elevated and exciting adventures in this one-of-a-kind Caribbean destination.

Photo by Secrets Moche

The Riviera Maya, renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and luxurious resorts, has a new gem in its crown – Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen. This adults-only haven, located just a short drive from the bustling Quinta Avenida, offers a sophisticated and indulgent escape where every detail is meticulously crafted to pamper and delight. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be enveloped in an atmosphere of refined elegance, where lush tropical gardens, shimmering pools, and the mesmerizing turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea create an idyllic backdrop for an unforgettable vacation.

Photo by Secrets Moche

One of the most remarkable aspects of Secrets Moxché is its exceptional dining scene. With over a dozen restaurants and bars, guests can embark on a global culinary journey without ever leaving the resort. Whether you’re craving authentic Italian cuisine, the vibrant flavors of Mexico, or you’re feeling like having a small snack or Asian food, Secrets Moxché has something to satisfy every palate.

Photo by Secrets Moche

No matter your preference, you’ll find an array of delectable options to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for a casual beachside lunch or a romantic candlelit dinner.

Photo by Secrets Moche

And with unlimited top-shelf spirits, natural fruit juices, and soft drinks included, you can raise a toast to your dream vacation at any time.

Photo by Secrets Moche

Beyond its culinary excellence, Secrets Moxché boasts an impressive array of amenities designed to enhance your stay and provide the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.

Photo by Secrets Moche

Unwind in the world-class spa, where a menu of rejuvenating treatments will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. Indulge in a massage, facial, or body wrap, and let the expert therapists melt away your stress and tension. Stay active during your vacation with a state-of-the-art fitness center, equipped with cardio machines, weights, and everything you need to maintain your workout routine.

Photo by Secrets Moche

Take a dip in one of the shimmering pools, including an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, or simply relax on the pristine stretch of white sand beach with comfortable loungers and umbrellas.

Photo by Secrets Moche

Secrets Moxché offers a variety of activities to keep you entertained throughout your stay. Join a yoga class, participate in water aerobics, play beach volleyball, or simply soak up the sun and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. In the evenings, enjoy live music, theme parties, and other exciting entertainment options.

Photo by Secrets Moche

Whether you need assistance with booking excursions, arranging transportation, or simply have a question, the 24-hour room and concierge services are always available to cater to your every need.

Photo by Secrets Moche

Secrets Moxché isn’t just a haven for romantic getaways; it’s also an idyllic setting for a dream wedding. With its breathtaking beachfront location, elegant venues, and dedicated wedding planners, the resort offers everything you need to create a truly unforgettable celebration. Choose from a variety of customizable wedding packages, each designed to cater to your unique vision and preferences. Whether you envision an intimate ceremony on the beach or a grand reception in a luxurious ballroom, Secrets Moxché will ensure your special day is nothing short of perfect.

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For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the Preferred Club offers a range of enhanced amenities and services to elevate your stay even further.

Photo by Secrets Moche

Enjoy access to a private lounge with premium drinks and snacks, perfect for relaxing and socializing with other Preferred Club guests. A dedicated concierge will be available to assist you with all your needs, from booking dinner reservations to arranging special experiences.

Photo by Secrets Moche

Preferred Club guests enjoy upgraded suites in prime locations, offering breathtaking views and enhanced amenities.

Photo by Secrets Moche

Take a dip in the exclusive rooftop pool, offering panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding area.

Photo by Secrets Moche

Secrets Moxché provides the perfect setting for a romantic getaway or a relaxing escape. Whether you’re seeking adventure, rejuvenation, or simply a chance to unwind and reconnect with your loved one, this luxurious resort has everything you need to create lasting memories.

Photo by Secrets Moche

With its stunning location, exceptional dining, world-class amenities, and unparalleled service, Secrets Moxché promises an unforgettable experience that will exceed your expectations.