Top Winter Sun Holiday Destinations in the UK That Are Trending Right Now

When people hear winter sun, they usually think of flights, passports, and long airport queues. But you don’t actually need to leave the country to soak up softer sunshine, calmer beaches, and that quiet, slow-travel energy everyone’s chasing right now.

Across the UK, a few destinations are quietly winning winter. Milder temperatures, fewer crowds, better deals, and surprisingly bright days make them some of the most talked-about Winter Sun Holiday Destinations this season.

Let’s break down where people are really going, why these places work in winter, and how travelling by road, especially in a motorhome, makes the experience even better.

Why UK Winter Sun Trips Are So Popular

Travel habits have shifted. People want flexible plans, scenic routes, and stays that feel personal. Winter in the UK delivers all of that if you choose the right spots. Here’s why these trips are trending:

• Coastal areas get more daylight than you expect
• Crisp air makes outdoor walks more enjoyable
• Accommodation and parking are easier
• Beaches and viewpoints feel private
• Road trips feel calmer and safer

Add a motorhome into the mix, and winter travel becomes comfortable, spontaneous, and cost-effective.

Top 5 Winter Sun Holiday Destinations in the UK

Given below are the top 5 winter sun holiday destinations to visit with your loved ones for creating unforgettable memories this Christmas and New Year:

#1 Cornwall: Winter Sun Without the Summer Chaos

Cornwall in winter feels like a completely different place. The Atlantic light hits the coastline just right, creating bright mornings and golden afternoons, even in January.

Clifftop walks near St Ives, coastal drives around Newquay, and quiet beach cafés make Cornwall one of the strongest Winter Sun Holiday Destinations right now.

Why it works in winter:

• Long daylight hours compared to northern regions
• Perfect conditions for slow travel
• Clear coastal skies after rainfall
• Peaceful seaside towns

Cornwall is also incredibly motorhome-friendly. With motorhome hire UK, you can move between beaches and the countryside without worrying about hotel check-in times. For those wanting extra comfort, luxury motorhomes make winter road trips warm, cosy, and hassle-free.

#2 Isles of Scilly: The UK’s Brightest Winter Escape

If there’s one place that genuinely feels sunnier than the rest of the UK in winter, it’s the Isles of Scilly. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, temperatures stay mild, and frost is rare. Winter here is calm, uncrowded, and quietly beautiful. 

What makes it special:

• Palm trees and turquoise water vibes
• Empty beaches, perfect for walks
• Peaceful island atmosphere
• Clear skies and bright days

While you can’t take a motorhome onto the islands easily, many travellers pair this trip with a Cornish road journey using luxury motorhome rental options before hopping across. That combination is trending hard this year.

#3 Bournemouth: Seaside Sunshine With City Comforts

Bournemouth doesn’t always get enough credit, but in winter, it shines. Literally, the south coast location gives it milder temperatures and plenty of winter sunlight. It’s one of the easiest winter sun holiday destinations for people who want beach walks without going fully remote.

Why Bournemouth works:

• Cafés and restaurants stay open year-round
• Great coastal views without rugged terrain
• Long, flat beaches, ideal for winter strolls
• Easy access by road

Bournemouth is a favourite stop for luxury motorhomes for hire users because campsites stay open and facilities remain accessible. It’s winter travel without sacrificing comfort.

#4 Isle of Wight: Quiet, Scenic, and Surprisingly Bright

The Isle of Wight is having a quiet moment right now, especially among winter travellers. Short ferry rides, peaceful coastal paths, and open views make it perfect for recharging.

Winter highlights include:

• Chalk cliffs and coastal sunshine
• Open walking routes year-round
• Minimal traffic and crowds
• Laid-back village life

Many visitors travel by motorhomes, parking near ferry terminals and exploring the island slowly. With luxury motorhome setups, winter nights stay warm while mornings feel fresh and bright.

#5 Pembrokeshire Coast: Wild Sunlight and Dramatic Views

Pembrokeshire delivers something different. Winter sun here feels raw and dramatic. When the clouds break, the coastline lights up in a way that summer never quite matches.

Why it’s trending:

• Powerful coastal scenery
• Bright winter skies after rain
• Quiet trails and empty beaches
• Ideal for photographers and walkers

This area is perfect for experienced road trippers using motorhomes. The sense of freedom, paired with wide-open views, makes Pembrokeshire a top winter pick for travellers who want space and silence.

Why Motorhome Travel Makes Winter Sun Trips Better

Here’s the real advantage. Winter travel becomes easier when you control your space. With a rental motorhome, you get:

• Cost savings on hotels and dining
• Flexible plans if the weather changes
• Easy access to coastal and rural spots
• Warm, private accommodation wherever you park

Luxury motorhomes add insulation, heating, and comfortable sleeping spaces, which matter a lot during colder nights. That’s why rental bookings for luxury motorhomes spike during the winter months. 

Smart Tips for a UK Winter Sun Trip

Winter sun isn’t about heat. It’s about light, calm, and clarity. Before you go, keep these in mind:

• Park facing east or south for morning light
• Chase coastal forecasts for clearer skies
• Carry thermal layers, not bulky jackets
• Use daylight hours for exploration
• Plan shorter driving days

Final Thoughts

UK winter travel has changed. The right destinations deliver brightness, breathing space, and slower experiences that summer can’t offer anymore. 

From Cornwall’s golden coastlines to the peaceful Isles of Scilly, these winter sun holiday destinations prove that you don’t need to fly far to feel refreshed. Pair them with a luxury motorhome, and winter becomes something to look forward to instead of enduring.

FAQs