Christmas may be over - but there is still plenty of winter left to navigate before the evenings start to get lighter and the first signs of spring come through.
When it comes to winter retreats, you may immediately think of cascading hills somewhere in the country with crisp morning dew rolling over them.
Or you mind might jump to a leafy village covered in snow with plenty of rustic restaurants and boozers to warm the cockles of your heart on a cold night.
Fancy changing things up? Why not! The Guardian has revealed their top lakeside stays perfect for winter and it is sure to warm yourself up this winter.
#ThickTrunkTuesday in Cirencester #cotswolds pic.twitter.com/sDRIT9Lzwk
— Pete Stoddart (@Photography_PJS) November 28, 2023
From romantic hideaways to fun-filled activity centres, a few days by the water is the perfect seasonal tonic
Liming Lodge, Cotswold Water Park
Three-night breaks from £595; watersidebreaks.com
The Guardian review states: "Set on Windrush Lake – one of 180 lakes that form the 42-square-mile Cotswold Water Park – this three-bedroom lodge is ideal for a family break, with a huge range of activities just outside the door including paddle-boarding, canoeing and water-skiing, with tennis, croquet and boules for those who prefer to stay on dry land.
"On cold, wintry days the cosy lounge has a Smart TV, board games and DVDs, with the small, decked terrace an ideal spot for morning coffee.
St John Baptist, Cirencester looking rather wonderful this afternoon #AdventSunday #Cotswolds 🎄 pic.twitter.com/U9JrgTkYft
— QuirkyCotswolds (@QuirkyCotswolds) December 3, 2023
"Cirencester, a short drive away, is ideal for a spot of Christmas shopping."
Cirencester - fondly called the Capital of the Cotswolds - is a vibrant market town in Gloucestershire and just a short drive up the A419 from Swindon.
This historic Roman town is just minutes from beautiful countryside and picturesque Cotswold villages.
According to Google Maps, Liming Lodge is only a 20-minute journey from Swindon.
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