places to visit in the uk in february

explore europe in the cooler months
Privacy Policy

Sign up for Newsletter

Signup for our newsletter to get notified about sales and new products. Add any text here or remove it.

Northern Europe
Southern Europe
Western Europe
Eastern Europe

Uncategorized

15 top things to do in the uk in february (2024 guide).

Are you off to the UK in February?

While this winter month is far out of the peak season to explore the UK, there’s plenty going on!

You’ll find end-of-winter festivals, Valentine’s Day events and Shrove Tuesday activities.

There’s also the chance to enjoy cooler weather – especially in the Scottish Highlands – and there’s a chance of snow all over the country.

So, what to do in the UK in February? I’m from the UK, and here are my favourite February festivals, celebrations and things to do.

Table of Contents

What to do in the UK in February

From Valentine’s Day celebrations in the UK to where to celebrate Lunar New Year in England, here are my top local attractions and activities!

1. Celebrate the Lunar New Year in London

10th February 2024

London’s Lunar New Year celebration is a vibrant and inclusive event, welcoming the East Asian New Year with a blend of traditional and contemporary festivities.

As you walk through the streets of Chinatown, one of the largest in Europe , red lanterns sway above and the sounds of music and laughter fill the air.

The main event is the grand parade, featuring colourful dragons and lions dancing to the beat of drums, a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

At Trafalgar Square, you can witness spectacular stage performances showcasing Chinese dance, music, and martial arts.

The array of food stalls offers you a chance to savour authentic Chinese cuisine, with mouth-watering dishes like dumplings, Peking duck, and sweet rice balls.

Family-friendly activities are abundant, with calligraphy workshops, traditional craft sessions, and storytelling that introduce you to the rich cultural heritage of Asia.

2. Jorvik Viking Festival in York

12th – 18th February 2024

Each February , York takes a step back to its Viking roots with the Jorvik Viking Festival .

This immersive event brings history to life; you’ll journey into the world of the Norsemen who once ruled the city.

Artisans display their crafts , showcasing skills like blacksmithing and leatherworking, giving you a glimpse into Viking daily life.

A key highlight is the reenactments , where skilled actors in authentic Viking attire engage in fierce battles and demonstrate the art of ancient warfare.

Interactive workshops and talks provide a deeper understanding of Viking history and culture.

You can participate in activities like archery, coin minting, and even learn about Norse mythology.

The Viking camp is a must-visit, where you can interact with the ‘Vikings,’ ask questions, and observe their way of life.

The festival culminates in a dramatic finale, often featuring a torch-lit parade and a boat burning, a nod to the traditional Norse funeral.

3. Scottish Snowdrop Festival

Throughout February

The Scottish Snowdrop Festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

From early February to March , various gardens and woodlands across Scotland open their gates to reveal a stunning display of delicate white snowdrops.

You’re invited to stroll through historic estates, private gardens, and scenic woodlands.

The festival even includes gardens that are not typically open to the public!

Some venues even host guided walks, talks, and workshops, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of these resilient flowers.

4. Dark Skies Festival in North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales

9th – 25th February 2024

The Dark Skies Festival is a celebration of the stunning night skies in the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.

These areas, known for their minimal light pollution , offer some of the best stargazing opportunities in the UK.

During the February festival, you have the chance to gaze at the stars, planets, and galaxies through telescopes, guided by experts who share fascinating insights into the cosmos.

The event features a variety of activities suitable for all ages , including night sky photography workshops, where you can learn how to capture the beauty of the celestial canopy.

Family-friendly events, such as storytelling sessions under the stars and planetarium shows, make the festival an ideal outing for those with children.

5. Attend the Bath Bachfest, Bath

15th – 17th February 2024

The Bath Bachfest is a classical music festival held annually, celebrating the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and his contemporaries.

Set in the historic city of Bath, renowned for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture, the festival is an idyllic backdrop for music enthusiasts.

The festival’s program encompasses a carefully curated selection of concerts , with performances by world-class musicians and ensembles.

You’ll have the opportunity to hear Bach’s compositions, ranging from intimate chamber music to grand orchestral pieces, in some of Bath’s most beautiful venues, including Bath Abbey and the Assembly Rooms.

One of the unique aspects of the Bath Bachfest is the focus on authentic performance practices.

Many of the musicians specialize in Baroque music and play period instruments, offering you a chance to experience the music as it would have sounded in Bach’s time!

The festival often includes educational talks and masterclasses, where you can gain insights into Bach’s life, his influence on music, and the historical context of his work.

6. Kew Gardens’ Orchid Festival, London

3rd February – 3rd March 2024

Explore stunning orchids at the Orchid Festival at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew .

Kew Gardens, with its expansive collection of plants from around the world, becomes a tropical paradise during the festival!

As you enter the Princess of Wales Conservatory , you’re greeted by a dazzling display of orchids in all shapes, sizes, and colours.

The festival’s theme changes each year, often inspired by a specific country or region.

The carefully designed displays not only highlight the beauty of orchids but also educate you about their ecological importance and Kew’s conservation work.

You can marvel at the intricate designs, featuring orchids arranged in artistic installations, such as cascading waterfalls, arches, and sculptures.

Interactive workshops and talks are available, giving you the chance to learn more about orchid care, their natural habitats, and the challenges they face in the wild.

The festival is a feast for the senses, with the vivid colours and delicate fragrances of the orchids creating an enchanting atmosphere.

7. Valentine’s at the Natural History Museum, London

On 14 February 2024, the Natural History Museum in South Kensington becomes a romantic evening venue for its special Valentine’s event!

Perfect for couples and individuals alike, this event invites you to explore the wonders of the natural world in an intimate setting!

As you wander through the museum galleries after hours, enjoy a complimentary beer, wine, or soft drink. The museum’s vast collection, from ancient fossils to exotic specimens, is a fascinating backdrop for a night of discovery and romance.

The event offers a variety of activities to make your evening even more memorable.

Dance classes add a fun and interactive element to the night – you and your partner can sway together amidst the museum’s exhibits.

There’s even a harpist playing by the stegosaurus!

Expect a photobooth to grab a keepsake!

Your ticket also grants you admission to the world-famous Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

8. Take a Whisky Tasting Tour in Scotland

Embark on a whisky-tasting tour in Scotland in Februar y!

As you journey through Scotland’s whisky regions, you’re greeted by the warm hospitality of local distilleries, each with its own distinct character and flavour profiles.

The tours boast an in-depth look into the whisky-making process, from malting and mashing to fermentation and ageing.

You’ll learn about the importance of terroir, the influence of cask types, and the art of blending.

Tasting sessions mean you can sample a variety of whiskies, including single malts and blends, under the guidance of knowledgeable distillers or guides.

These tastings often include rare and aged expressions, offering a sensory journey through Scotland’s liquid gold.

Scotland’s whisky regions, such as Speyside, Islay, the Highlands, and the Lowlands , each have different distilleries.

Speyside is known for its sweet and fruity whiskies, Islay for its peaty and smoky flavours, the Highlands for its diversity, and the Lowlands for lighter, more floral drams.

9. Attend the Leicester Comedy Festival

Aerial photo of the city centre of Leicester in the UK showing houses and apartment building on a sunny summers day

7th – 25th February 2024

The Leicester Comedy Festival is one of the UK’s longest-running and most diverse comedy events.

As you immerse yourself in this festival, you’ll experience a broad spectrum of comedic talent, from well-established stars to emerging comedians.

The festival’s lineup includes a mix of stand-up, sketch shows, improv, and spoken word.

One of the unique aspects of the Leicester Comedy Festival is its c ommitment to nurturing new talent.

The festival includes competitions and showcases for up-and-coming comedians, giving you a chance to discover the next big names in comedy. These shows are often more intimate.

In addition to the performances, the festival often features comedy-related workshops, Q&A sessions with comedians, and panel discussions.

These events provide insights into the creative process behind comedy and the industry as a whole.

10. Shetland Fire Festivals

Up helly aa traditional viking fire festival on Shetland men marching with torches

The Shetland Fire Festivals , held throughout the winter months, are a spectacular display of tradition and community spirit unique to the Shetland Islands.

The most famous of these is Up Helly Aa , celebrated in Lerwick and other towns. They honour the islands’ Viking heritage.

As you attend these festivals, you’ll be transported into a world of Norse legends and traditions.

The festivals encompass a series of torch-lit processions, where participants, known as guizers, dress in elaborate costumes, often inspired by Viking warriors or mythical figures.

The sight of hundreds of torchbearers marching through the dark, winter streets is a mesmerising and almost otherworldly atmosphere.

The climax of the festival is the burning of a Viking longship.

The guizers circle the meticulously crafted galley, singing traditional songs before setting it ablaze with their torches.

This dramatic spectacle is a symbolic farewell to the darker winter months and a welcome to the returning light.

Alongside the main event, the festivals include a variety of performances, dances, and community gatherings, where you can experience the warmth and hospitality of the Shetland people.

11. Inter-Livery Pancake Race at Guildhall Yard, London

13th February 2024

The Inter-Livery Pancake Race , held annually on Shrove Tuesday , is a unique and entertaining event set in the heart of London’s historic financial district.

On 13 February, from 11:30am to 3:00pm, members of the ancient Liveries of London, dressed in their full regalia, compete in this pancake-flipping race!

As you join the crowds at Guildhall Yard , you’re treated to a spectacle of tradition and friendly competition. The race is organized by the Poulters’ Company, historically egg suppliers, and features participants from various Liveries.

The Clockmakers time the race, the Gunmakers fire the starting pistol, and the Glovers provide the white gloves worn by the racers. Additionally, the Fruiterers contribute lemons, and the Cutlers supply the forks!

The event is lighthearted and fun, with 30 teams competing in their traditional attire. The goal is not just to run the fastest but to skillfully flip pancakes in a frying pan while doing so.

The highlight is the presentation of the coveted frying pan trophy to the winning team!

12. Soak in Bath Thermae Spa

Bath, known for its historic Roman-built baths, is home to the Thermae Bath Spa – the only natural thermal spa in Britain!

Visiting the spa is a must-do experience in the winter – here you’ll enjoy a blend of the city’s ancient heritage and modern luxury. The naturally warm, mineral-rich waters are a relaxing and rejuvenating soak, perfect for unwinding and revitalizing.

The spa features a range of facilities, including the Minerva Bath, named after the Roman goddess of health and wisdom.

This large thermal pool, with its gentle currents and massage jets, invites you to relax and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the waters.

The highlight is the open-air rooftop pool , where you can soak in the warm waters while enjoying panoramic views of the historic city and the surrounding hills.

Additional spa facilities include a series of steam rooms infused with aromatic essences, a refreshing ice chamber, and the Wellness Suite, offering a variety of relaxation experiences.

For a complete indulgence, you can opt for a spa treatment, such as a massage or a facial, using natural and locally sourced products.

Soaking in the Bath Thermae Spa is an opportunity to connect with Bath’s rich history.

13. Enjoy a Staycation with No Crowds in Cornwall

Cornwall , with its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and charming villages, is a wonderful destination for a staycation, especially in the quieter months! It’s one of my favourite places in England in winter .

Without the summer crowds, you can explore Cornwall’s natural beauty and cultural attractions at a leisurely pace.

The coastline boasts breathtaking scenery, with dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and picturesque harbours.

Take coastal walks, visit historic lighthouses, and discover hidden beaches – you’ll often have these stunning landscapes all to yourself!

The South West Coast Path encompasses miles of scenic trails.

Cornwall’s towns and villages , such as St. Ives, Padstow, and Falmouth , are full of character and charm.

In the off-season, wander the narrow streets, visit local art galleries, and enjoy fresh seafood at cosy restaurants without the wait.

Visiting Cornwall’s gardens and estates, such as the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project, is wonderfully serene in February.

14. Explore London’s Historic Attractions in the Off-Season

London symbols with BIG BEN, DOUBLE DECKER BUSES and Red Phone Booth in England, UK

Visit London’s historic attractions during the off-season and experience the city’s rich heritage without the usual crowds!

This quieter period is ideal for seeing landmarks and museums.

Iconic sites like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament are steeped in history and showcase fascinating insights into London’s past.

With fewer tourists, you’ll have the opportunity to take your time, absorbing the details and stories that make these places special.

Guided tours at these attractions are often more personal and informative in the off-season.

London’s world-class museums, such as the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Natural History Museum , are brimming with art, history, and science and are ideal for chilly February days .

During the quieter months, you can explore the exhibits at your own pace, taking in the vast collections without feeling rushed!

Strolling through London’s historic neighbourhoods, like Covent Garden, Soho, and Greenwich , is a delightful experience when the streets are less crowded.

15. Go Skiing in Scotland

Scotland boasts plenty of skiing opportunities, especially in the Cairngorms, the Nevis Range, and Glenshee.

These ski resorts provide a range of slopes suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers.

The Cairngorms National Park is home to the Cairngorm Mountain Resor t which is known for its picturesque setting and reliable snow conditions. The resort showcases a variety of runs, a ski school for beginners, and equipment rentals, making it an ideal destination for a winter sports getaway!

The Nevis Range, near Fort William, boasts the highest ski area in Scotland and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lochs.

The resort caters to all levels, with gentle slopes for beginners and challenging off-piste areas for experienced skiers.

Glenshee, Scotland’s largest ski resort, spans four mountains and three valleys, offering an extensive network of runs.

The resort is known for its varied terrain, making it a popular choice for both families and seasoned skiers.

Skiing in Scotland is weather-dependent, with the best conditions typically from January to March. It’s not always guaranteed to be open or skiable in February, but it’s possible.

Now you know the best UK February travel tips and hacks!

While the UK isn’t at its busiest in February, there’s still plenty to do.

Hopefully, this article’s helped with your inspiration. Enjoy the UK in February!

Claire Martin

Claire is an expert in exploring Europe in the winter! She's from the UK and has been to over 20 countries on the continent in the winter season. She loves every bit of Europe in the cooler months, including finding winter sunshine in Spain, skiing in the Alps and the charm of the Nordic countries in the festive season.

1. Visit Europe’s largest Viking festival, York

This February, the Vikings are back for their annual invasion of the city of York. Jorvik Viking Festival is the largest celebration of Norse heritage in Europe. It’s hosted in the world-famous JORVIK Viking Centre , which sits on the site of one of the most groundbreaking discoveries of modern archaeology.

With tours, talks, family events, and dramatic battle reenactments, whether you’re a history enthusiast or not, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.

Plus, this year, guests also have the opportunity to enjoy three special events: The Viking Banquet where you’ll be welcomed by torch-bearing Vikings; the Viking Games , which features a battle between hundreds of warriors; and the Festival Finale where you can enjoy tales from the nine worlds connected by The World Tree of Norse mythology. Tickets are required for these events.

For more information about what to expect and to book tickets for specific events, head over to the JORVIK Viking Centre website. This year, the festival will run from Monday 12th to Sunday 18th February.

2. Celebrate Chinese New Year, London

This year, Chinese New Year falls on Saturday 10th February and will kickstart the ‘Year of the Dragon’. Of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, the dragon represents power, vigour, nobility, and luck, and is seen as bringing good fortune.

Celebrating Chinese New Year is a great way to get out of the house and experience some of England’s vibrant and diverse culture – and luckily, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

The London Chinese New Year Parade will set off from Charing Cross Road on 10th February, as Trafalgar Square, Chinatown, and the West End all fill up with thousands of people in the world’s largest Lunar New Year Celebration outside of Asia.

If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, the London Science Museum’s new exhibition, Zimingzhong – Clockwork Treasures from China’s Forbidden City , is a wonderful way to learn more about Chinese culture. The exhibition includes dancers, traditional Chinese crafts, interactive poetry workshops, and a silent disco.

Check out this guide to Chinese New Year 2024 in London from Visit London for more information on how to get involved.

While London is generally the most famous UK location for celebrating Chinese New Year, if this is too far away for you, Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham are great places to celebrate too.

Northern Europe Luxury Cruise - London (Southampton) to Reykjavik on Jun 23, 2025*

Europe | 14 nights | Book with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

From £11,899pp

3. Immerse yourself in literature at BookFest, Portsmouth

If you’re a bookworm or literary enthusiast, then you’ll likely enjoy the exciting range of events taking place in Portsmouth at BookFest this February.

Now in its 13th year, the first week of BookFest (February half-term) is children’s week, which involves writing workshops and a dinosaur event. But adult events follow for the two weeks after.

This year, BookFest is welcoming Dame Sheila Hancock and poet John Agard for the first time. Dame Sheila will be discussing her excellent book Old Rage and John Agard will be sharing about his life and poetry. Other guests include Laura Gowers, Fergus Shanahan, and Isabel Ashdown.

BookFest’s ever-popular crime fiction event, MysteryFest , will also make a return on Saturday 24th February. Featuring 11 authors, some of whom are international bestsellers, MysteryFest is a day full of talks and panels discussing everything crime fiction.

This year, the adults programme at BookFest will run from 26th February to 3rd March.

4. Play Topgolf, UK-wide

If you enjoy golf with a twist, you might be interested in playing Topgolf this February. The aim of Topgolf is to hit microchipped golf balls towards giant targets on an outfield; the further your distance and closer you get to the centre of a target, the more points you earn.

Outdoor golf might seem more of a summer activity, but each hitting bay at Topgolf is climate-controlled. So, it’s great in the winter too and makes for an enjoyable way to get outside without having to worry about getting chilly.

Top Golf requires no prior golfing ability, so you can rest assured that a good swing isn’t needed to score points. And, paired with the good food and drinks on offer, Topgolf is a fantastic, reinvented way to enjoy a day at the driving range with friends.

Topgolf currently has four venues across the UK located in Chigwell, Watford, Glasgow, and Surrey.

Alternatively, if there isn’t a Topgolf near you, crazy golf is an equally fun option. Dotted all over the UK, you can use this handy tool from Crazy Golf UK to search for courses near you.

From £1,699pp - Explore Peru

Save 45% on this adventure through the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, the gastronomy of Lima and the unbelievable landscapes of Arequipa, Colca and Puno.

All flights and accommodation are included, and with availability from May 2024, book your next adventure today.

Price and availability accurate as of 9:00am 9thth April 2024.

Book now with Exoticca

5. Get back to nature at the Fort William Mountain Festival, Lochaber

Set in the outdoor capital of the UK, Fort William Mountain Festival is an annual five-day event that celebrates the spectacular outside world.

The festival, run by a group of volunteers, aims to inspire and encourage its visitors to respect and protect the environment. This year’s programme includes inspiring talks from guest speakers, engaging films, and outdoor guided ‘explore’ events – including foraging, night runs, and wild swimming.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to escape everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

Check out the full programme on the Fort William Mountain Festival website. This year, the festival will run from 15th to 18th February.

Highland Trail inspired by Outlander*

£367 off | Scotland | 13 days | Book with Trafalgar

From £3,308pp £3,675pp

6. Visit Kent’s biggest blue’s festival, Broadstairs

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Adam Sweet (@adamsweetmusic)

Kent’s biggest blues festival is back in Broadstairs for another year. From Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th February, 100 bands will be playing top-quality blues music all over the town.

This year’s lineup includes the Cinelli Brothers, Zac Schulze, and Alligator Cats, who’ll be playing across a range of venues – from intimate wine bars, friendly pubs, and the famous pavilion (which is where the Saturday night headline acts are playing).

And even better news is that apart from the Saturday night performance, the rest of the festival is free.

7. Get inspired at a Dark Skies Festival, UK-wide

National Parks remain some of the darkest places in Great Britain and throughout autumn and winter, various festivals take place to celebrate our starlit skies.

Dark Skies Festivals are designed to help people discover, enjoy, and learn more about the night sky. Activities include walking, cycling, running, and caving at night; as well as stargazing, parties, and daytime events where you can learn more about topics like star constellations.

Several Dark Skies Festivals are taking place this February, including in Northumberland , Wales, the South Downs , and the Yorkshire Dales . To see what’s happening near you, head over to the Dark Skies National Parks website .

4 Night Western Yorkshire Dales Walking with Sightseeing Holiday*

6% off | Yorkshire Dales | 4 nights | Book with HF Holidays

From £699pp

8. Enjoy good food and drink at Wakefield Rhubarb Festival, Wakefield

View this post on Instagram A post shared by James Dabbs Marquees (@jamesdabbsmarquees)

Wakefield’s annual Rhubarb Festival has become a staple event in West Yorkshire since its debut in 1999. The city’s links with rhubarb stem from the fact that Wakefield, Leeds, and Bradford were once responsible for producing 90% of the world’s forced rhubarb.

This year, the festival is set to return bigger and better than ever before. With over 50 chalets to explore, you can sample and buy local delights, including the finest gins, jams, cheese, pickles, baked goods – and, of course, plenty of rhubarb-themed food and drink.

There’s also a range of workshops on offer at the festival, as well as live street entertainment and a new programme of chef demos where you can brush up on your culinary skills. On Friday and Saturday evening, head to the Rhu-bar Comedy Night where comedians Angelos Epithemiou and Britain’s Got Talent’s Lost Voice Guy will be performing.

Wakefield Rhubarb Festival will run from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th February this year. If you’re a keen foodie, this isn’t one to miss.

7 Night Southern Yorkshire Dales Christmas & New Year Guided Walking Holiday*

Yorkshire Dales | 7 nights | Book with HF Holidays

From £1,325pp

Get a great deal on your next holiday

Looking to book your next getaway? Here’s a selection of the best travel deals on Rest Less today.

From £1,699pp £3,099pp – Peruvian Adventure* >

45% off | 13 Days | Flights & Accommodation Included | Book with Exoticca

From £939pp – Tenerife Coast & Country* >

7 Nights | Flights & Transfers Included | Book with Travel Department

From £222pp – South Aegean Islands Holidays* >

Greece | Flights Included | Book with TUI

Prices and availability accurate as of 9:00a m 9th April 2024.

Or see all travel deals

9. Learn something new at the Northern Irish Science Festival, Belfast

View this post on Instagram A post shared by NI Science Festival (@niscifest)

Since its beginnings in 2014, the Northern Irish (NI) Science Festival has grown to become one of the leading science festivals across Europe.

The festival includes a programme of 225 events covering a range of fascinating topics from engineering and robotics to maths, physics, astronomy, and the environment.

This year’s events include the science of cosmetics, our world from space, and explorations into how AI could change science and society. Some events require booking, but others are free to attend. Check out the full programme on the NI Science Festival website.

This year, the festival will run from 15th to 25th February.

Northern Europe Luxury Cruise - Belfast to Barcelona on Jul 21, 2024*

Africa, Europe | 15 nights | Book with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

From £6,314pp

10. Visit a National Trust or English Heritage site, UK-wide

If you’re in the mood for fresh air and adventure this February, you might enjoy visiting a National Trust or English Heritage site.

With it being the February half-term, many sites are hosting fun events and activities alongside their usual openings.

Solve a murder mystery at Scotney Castle in Kent, transport back to the 1920s at Nunnington Hall in North Yorkshire, or learn more about the Neolithic period at Stonehenge in Salisbury.

Even if you decide not to attend specific events, historic sites make for an enjoyable day out – and during the winter you’re more likely to skip the crowds too. Check out our article, 28 of the best historical sites to visit in the UK , for ideas on where to go.

11. Have a laugh at the Leicester Comedy Festival, Leicester

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leicester Comedy Fest (@leicscomedyfest)

If you’re up for a laugh this February, why not take a trip to Leicester Comedy Festival?

Leicester Comedy Festival is one the biggest and longest-running comedy festivals in the UK, and this year’s lineup includes the likes of Stewart Lee, Catherine Bohart, Ross Noble, Sophie Duker, and Ania Magliano.

Running from 7th to 25th February, this year’s event celebrates the festival’s 30th year. The exciting programme reflects this milestone, with fantastic comedy shows and events set to grace several different venues across the city.

On Sunday 26th February, the festival will finish with a 30th-anniversary special, headlined by Nish Kumar. Check out the official Leicester Comedy Festival brochure to find out more.

12. Enjoy a Valentine’s day-themed activity

Last but not least, Valentine’s Day falls during February and is a day that many people, single or not, enjoy getting involved with.

If you’d like to plan a Valentine’s date for someone special, you can find plenty of romantic ideas in the dating section of our website.

This could be as simple as spending the day getting creative in the kitchen and preparing something delicious. You might like to try one of the recipes from our articles, 10 Valentine’s Day baking ideas and 10 recipes for an at-home date .

Alternatively, why not put a romantic comedy on the TV to curl up in front of?

Remember, Valentine’s Day can be enjoyed by everyone, and isn’t exclusively for couples. Whether you decide to spend time with friends and family, or simply reserve the day for self-care, remember to treat yourself with love. If this is something you struggle with, have a read of our article; 8 ways to fall in love with your own company .

Search over 2,000 holiday deals

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute getaway, city break or the trip of a lifetime – our travel section has over two-thousand deals from top providers, with options to suit all budget levels.

Find my next holiday

Final thoughts…

However you like to spend your time, there are plenty of unique and exciting events to enjoy across the UK this February. From food and music festivals to events celebrating history and nature, we hope there’s something for everyone on this list.

For more fun day-out ideas, head over to the art and culture or travel sections of our website. Here, you’ll find everything from foodie hotspots and must-see historic sites to scenic walking routes and staycation inspiration.

What trips and activities do you have planned for this February? Have any of the ideas on our list sparked your interest? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.

Francesca Williams is a lifestyle writer at Rest Less. She joined Rest Less in early 2021 after achieving a first-class degree in History at the University of Sheffield and qualifying as an NCTJ Gold Standard Journalist. Francesca writes across a range of lifestyle topics, specialising in health, history, and art and culture. In her spare time, Francesca likes to keep herself busy and enjoys going on walks, playing netball, going to the gym, getting involved with her local church, and socialising with friends and family.

* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here .

Say ‘Guten Tag!’ to the majestic River Rhine

More than just a holiday, taking a Rhine cruise with Riviera Travel this summer offers the chance to explore new cultures, medieval castles and villages and natural wonders in the utmost luxury and comfort.

Request a free brochure

Continue reading...

12 idyllic beach destinations in Southern Europe Read more »
10 of the most popular travel destinations in 2024/25 Read more »
11 travel bucket list ideas Read more »
10 of the best things to see and do in the Philippines Read more »

Get the latest ideas, advice and inspiration

No spam. Just useful and interesting stuff, straight to your inbox. Covering jobs, finance, learning, volunteering, lifestyle and more.

Enjoying Rest Less? Help us reach more people like you

Leave us a rating Want to tell us something?

10 Best Places to Visit in the UK in February

It’s time to reward yourself for all the work you’ve done since returning from your Christmas break! You can’t be expected to wait until summer, and it’s vital for your well-being to take regular short breaks. So embark on a micro-adventure this February and explore a new part of the UK.

Let’s consider your best options for where to go on holiday in February. From the mountains of the Cambrian Way to the thatched roofs of the Cotswolds, we’ll cover the most popular destinations to visit at this time of year. We’ve got the best things to do in February, so you can stop dreaming and start booking!

1. York, England

There is something quintessentially British about York. The city is filled with winding streets, a myriad of shops and restaurants, and a deep history to unravel as you go. The surrounding region of Yorkshire is one of the most beautiful places in the UK, filled with rolling hills and lush forests.

It is the perfect destination for walkers, as York itself was voted the UK’s 2nd-most walkable city in 2023 by CityDays , and the nearby landscape is also ideal for hill walking. So grab your boots and stretch your legs; it’s time to head to York!

Things to do:

-Explore the Shambles, which many believe to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley, or at least eerily similar. Follow this with a visit to York’s Castle Museum or climbing Clifford’s Tower . And if you don’t scare too easily (or even if you do), sign up for the Ghost Trail of York . -Head to Spurn Point in East Yorkshire. Described by the Wildlife Trust as ‘Yorkshire’s very own Land’s End’, this constantly moving peninsula in the North Sea is never the same on two trips. You’ll find solitude like no other, simply listening to the screech of sea birds and gently lapping waves.

2. The Cambrian Way, Wales

For your February getaway, embark on one of the best mountainous road trips in the UK. Summer is a great time to visit the coast, so use winter to explore the incredible mountains of the UK. The Cambrian Way cuts through the heart of Wales, taking you from the north to the south over 185 miles of incredible scenery.

Most of it requires you to simply follow the A470, but prepare for some increasingly wild and rugged sections. You can easily combine this route with a stop in the capital city of Cardiff, or extend it with a stay in Snowdonia National Park.

-Visit the ‘Welsh Lake District,’ also known as the Elan Valley. It’s considered to be a stargazer’s paradise, perfect for a night spent outdoors. It is further known for its huge dams and flowing rivers, ideal for hiking.

-Bring your bikes or rent some once there, as there are plenty of excellent biking trails in this region. In particular, head to Coed Y Brenin Forest for the best cycle routes.

3. Norfolk, England

Every year, visitors flock to the UK just to visit the stunning region of Norfolk, which is considered by many to be one of the most scenic landscapes in the world. You’ll quickly understand why once you take in the 280 miles of protected coastline, which has been classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

-A rainy day can easily be spent in the Museum of the Broads , which features plenty of interesting exhibits. You can learn about the history of the region, including the First World War, the M&GN Railway, and the brewery industry.

-While in Norfolk, set aside a few hours to spend at the beach. You’ll have plenty of options, including Holkham Beach, Mundesley Beach and Horsey Beach.

4. Edinburgh, Scotland

Visiting Edinburgh isn’t your typical city trip, as the Scottish capital is actually one of the UK’s most beautiful cities. Filled with cobbled streets, colourful buildings, a historic old town and a lively music scene, this is a great contender for where to go on holiday in February.

If your trip gets some unfortunate grey weather, you can easily seek shelter in one of the many museums and galleries that showcase the best of Edinburgh. You’ll also find plenty of excellent independent stores, cafes, antique shops, and pubs around the city.

-Looking to stretch your legs? There is plenty of walking to be done in Edinburgh, but if you’re looking for a longer walk, hike up to Arthur’s Seat. From here, you’ll get an unparalleled view of the city.

-Travelling with any Potterheads? Take them on the Potter Trail , a free tour of several locations that inspired the famous magical book series.

5. The Cotswolds, England

We love to visit the Cotswolds all year round, but one of the perks of going in February is how quiet and tranquil it will be. This place is magical, with picturesque cottages that have ivy creeping up their walls and cobblestoned paths leading up to them. You almost expect the trees to have faces and the birds to start singing.

This is one of the best weekend trips from London , and perfect if you’ve only got a night or two to spare.

-Rumour has it that the breathtaking St Edward’s Church in Stow-on-the-Wold inspired J.R.R Tolkien’s Doors of Durin . Tolkien took numerous trips to the Cotswolds, and the similarity is definitely noticeable. Either way, it’s a beautiful church that looks straight out of a fairytale.

-As one of the most dog-friendly places in the UK, we recommend bringing your pup along to the Cotswolds. You’ll find many great dog walking routes, such as Cleeve Hill, which is the highest point in the Cotswolds, offering incredible views over Cheltenham and the surrounding landscape. We also have a dog-friendly guide to the Cotswolds , for more tips!

6. Cardiff, Wales

When you’re considering where to go on holiday in February, a city trip may quickly spring to mind. If you’re looking to lose yourself in the bustle of a new city, then head to Cardiff. This is a great city to visit with the whole family, or even on your own.

It was voted one of the ‘World’s Top 10 Must-Visit Cities’ by Lonely Planet, and is considered Europe’s third-best capital city to live in. Within Cardiff, you can get a taste of history, arts, science and a surprising amount of nature.

-Cardiff is known as the ‘City of Castles,’ so be sure to visit some during your trip. A popular choice is St. Fagan’s Castle, which is part of the St. Fagan’s National History Museum . Nestled in the heart of the city, you’ll find the magnificent Cardiff Castle. This towering stone structure has stood for almost 2,000 years and is open for tours throughout the week.

-Were you a Roald Dahl fan as a child? The famous author was actually born and raised in Cardiff. While here, you can visit Roald Dahl Plass, which was named after him. It’s home to the Senedd (Welsh Parliament Building) and the Wales Millennium Centre.

7. Dartmoor National Park, England

Dartmoor National Park is known for its wide open spaces and complete tranquillity. It’s the perfect place to recover from the hectic nature of the festive period and January, making it one of the best places to visit in the UK in February.

You’ll quickly forget the woes of daily life, and be surrounded by incredible natural beauty. Dartmoor National Park happens to be one of the best places to visit in the UK in winter . It’s likely that you won’t run into many people during this quieter period, as long as you don’t count the wild ponies roaming around.

-You’ll find no better way to take in the stunning Dartmoor landscape than a hike. From Bellever Forest in central Dartmoor, you can take an exhilarating walk to the granite outcrop of Bellever Tor. This is best followed by a picnic by the East Dart River — so you can catch your breath!

-There are three prehistoric sites worth visiting in Dartmoor, all of which are English Heritage sites: Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement, Grimspound, and the Upper Plym Valley. This is the best way to discover what was happening on the moor over 4,000 years ago and fit a bit of education into your holiday.

8. Isle of Skye, Scotland

There is something truly magical about the Isle of Skye. Renowned for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, majestic ruins and endless beaches, the Isle of Skye is too spectacular to only be visited during the summer months. It is filled with great things to do in February, as long as you wrap up warm and bring a dry set of clothes!

-Quiraing is considered to be a must-visit for both hiking and photography enthusiasts. The views from the top of this challenging climb are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The region was formed as a result of a landslip, resulting in high cliffs and plateaus. The path is roughly 4.2 miles long, and takes two hours to complete without any breaks. But be warned: this is not for inexperienced hikers!

-Warm up from the chilly weather with a good, strong drink. Located in Carbost, Talisker Distillery is the island’s oldest working distillery. You can take a tour of the facilities to learn all about how their whisky is made and taste their award-winning Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

9. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

This is one of the most beautiful national parks in Scotland, if not the whole of the UK. It’s an ideal and one of the best weekend trips from Edinburgh or can be easily combined with a visit to the capital city of Scotland.

Aside from being one of the largest national parks in the UK, the Cairngorms are renowned for hill walking, biking, bird watching, photography and more. You might even catch some snow while you’re there, so be sure to prepare for winter camping in a motorhome .

-Dust off your walking boots and tackle one of the many great hiking routes in the Cairngorms . If you’re looking for a shorter and easier hike, try the Falls of Bruar, which is only one and a half miles. Or, for more of a challenge, attempt the four trails of Muir of Dinnet, which are eight miles in total.

-Looking to take a week off your February road trip? Then you’ve got more than enough time to complete the Snow Roads Scenic Route road trip ! This 90-mile journey takes you through the best of the Cairngorms National Park and along picturesque villages and woods.

10. Belfast, Northern Ireland

One place that will never run out of things to do in February is Belfast. This bustling city is known for its grungy atmosphere, which people seem to either love or hate. Well, we love it, and we have no doubt that you will too!

A major aspect of Belfast is the difficult history and challenges faced, and how the citizens have overcome these and built a home for arts, culture and knowledge. There is so much to learn and experience in Belfast, and it’s the perfect city trip for a weekend.

-You’ve likely seen the film starring Leonard DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, so why not learn the real story behind this infamous ship at the Titanic Experience? Follow it with a stroll through the Titanic Quarter, where you can experience a large-scale waterfront regeneration, consisting of historic maritime landmarks, film studios, entertainment services and more.

-Foodies will adore St George’s Market, which is situated in a gorgeous Victorian building and offers fresh local produce, arts and crafts, live music and more. The perfect place to spend a cold February evening!

Hire a winter-ready motorhome

Vehicle 3 – Surprisingly roomy 2023 V Line 669S campervan for touring and festivals

Fleurine Tideman

Stay up to date on great motorhome destinations
Receive exclusive deals and promotions
Found a nice motorhome? Save it for later

Goboony uses cookies and similar technologies to provide our service to you. They also help make our communication to you easier and more personalised. With these cookies Goboony (and third parties), can track your internet behavior inside and outside Goboony. Some are necessary to help our website work properly and can't be switched off, and some are optional but support Goboony and your experience in other ways. Using cookies, we (and third parties) adapt our website, advertisements and communication to better suit your interests. You can accept the cookies by clicking on the button below. If you cookie-modal#acceptNecessaryCookies">refuse them we will only use functional and analytical cookies. Read our cookie policy .

North America
Gift Guides
Starting a Travel Blog
Travel Packing Lists
Travel with Kids
Submit a Guest Post!
Who Are We?
Why We Travel
Our Media Kit

Blog , Europe , Travel Destinations

Five february places to visit in the uk.

Whether you’re traveling to the UK on a budget or visiting in the winter for no reason, February is the best time to visit for a variety of reasons. For starters, it’s at the tail end of the low season. That means you can easily find a cheap flight. As you’ll see after arriving, there are plenty of indoor attractions worth exploring. Of course, there are some of the famed favorites that everyone talks about. But let’s start with five February places to visit in the UK that should figure into your future travel plans!

Looking for cheap hotels in London to start your stay? Check here for the best pricing and availability!

Featured Image courtesy of Flickr user Nic Trott . This article about February places to visit in the UK was originally created on December 23, 2017. It has been maintained and updated (as of November 21, 2018) to reflect current viewpoints and travel trends.

February weather in the UK is cold and damp and temperatures stay in the low to high 40s. That just means you’ll need to bring some warm clothes to enjoy your trip. If you’ve never visited the UK before, you might also ask, “What time is it in London?” Between end-October and end-March, England and the rest of the UK observe Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and during the rest of the year, clocks go forward one hour and British Summer Time (BST) goes into effect. So, if you’re traveling to the UK from the United States in February, remember that you’ll be on GMT, which is five hours ahead of Eastern Time and eight hours ahead of Pacific Time.

Heathrow & Hayes, England

Holidays in UK London Motor Museum Photo by Flickr User Steve Parker

Once you land at Heathrow Airport in West London , spend or night or two in nearby Hayes and enjoy some of London’s finest February and Valentine’s Day activities . You have easy access to London from Hayes and if you feel like staying close, visit the London Motor Museum . It’s one of the best places to visit in England. That’s thanks to its exquisite collection of cars that are definitely worth writing home about. Take it easy at the Ki Spa , get a nice massage, and forget that anything else outside awaits.

Bristol, England

UK Where to go in February Bristol Cathedral Photo by Flickr User Heather Cowper

Explore Bristol and learn about one of England’s most historic maritime cities. There are plenty of things to do in Bristol, including Brunell’s SS Great Britain and enjoying wonderful views from the Clifton Suspension Bridge . If you’re looking to stay indoors, visit the nearly millennium-old Bristol Cathedral for a mix of history and beauty that’s really hard to top throughout the United Kingdom!

Liverpool, England

Places to go in England Merseyside Maritime Museum Photo by Flickr User Jennifer Boyer

February is a great time to visit Liverpool , but you also have a chance to follow two of English football’s most storied clubs that play here. Liverpool’s music scene is still kicking, and those who want a music history lesson should stop by Casbah Coffee Club and The Beatles Story . There are tons of other indoor activities, including the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the Museum of Liverpool to keep you entertained and warm.

For more background on this city, check out Liverpool: the Rise, Fall, and Renaissance of a World Class City by Ken Pye.

Glasgow, Scotland

UK Best Places to Visit in February Glengoyne Distillery Photo by Flickr User Stephan Ridgway

Scotland’s largest city is full of fun things to do in February, especially inside. Art lovers will definitely enjoy the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum , among many others, and since Glasgow is a famous port city, there’s the exquisite Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel . It’d be hard to visit Scotland without sampling some of its fine whiskey, which means visitors will have to stop by the Glengoyne Distillery in Glasgow for an afternoon tour.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Where to go in UK Titanic Belfast Photo by Flickr User Nico Kaiser

Head over to Northern Ireland and top off your UK February travels in Belfast . Relive the history and grandeur that came with the world’s most famous ship at Titanic Belfast , a museum that commemorates its construction in the city. Visitors can also enjoy the Grand Opera House and the Ulster Museum , with the latter offering free admission. History lovers will have to stop by Belfast’s Crumlin Road Gaol and have a look at one of the world’s most harrowed prisons.

Our Thoughts and Yours, Too!

Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or this your first trip across the pond, these destinations will be a perfect fit for your UK February travel itinerary. Enjoy your stay, and tell your friends just how much fun it can be to travel during the low season! Is there somewhere that you’d like to add to visit in the UK during February? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments section below.

Christina Riley

Christina is an accidental photographer who also dabbles in writing about her life in North Carolina and travels beyond the Tar Heel State.

United Kingdom Weather in February: Overview

Temperature range : 2–8°C (36–47°F)
Rainfall : 8 cm (3 inches)
Rainy days : 12
Sunshine hours/day : 3
Humidity : 77% (humid and rainy throughout the United Kingdom)

While February is a little drier than January , temperatures are around the same, making the United Kingdom a cool to cold destination for visitors in February. Thankfully, there is still a lot to be enjoyed in colder conditions, including indoor activities for if you need to hide from a shower.

Sunshine averages around 3 hours per day, and humidity levels are around 77% due to the oceanic climate, which makes it feel colder. There is also the possibility for snow to fall occasionally in February in the United Kingdom, especially up north or on some of the mountain tops.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

February Climate Comparison (Averages) for the United Kingdom's Top Tourism Areas

The best places to visit in the united kingdom in february.

February is less rainy than January, meaning there are more dry times to explore and go on walks outside. While temperatures are still low, there is plenty to see and do in the United Kingdom that involves both the indoors and the outdoors. It being low season for tourism means that you'd be able to enjoy more of the United Kingdom with fewer crowds.

Below you will find some of our top recommendations for visitors to the United Kingdom in February, whether you'd like to spend your time seeing Scotland's best castles and palaces, watching a musical in London, or exploring Oxford's beautiful colleges for their architecture and historical significance.

1. Catch a Show in London's West End

London's capital has so much to offer. Why not catch a musical in its West End? This important area of London is where you'll find all the theaters, as well as some of the best restaurants, bars, shops, and tourist sites. Walk over to see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben before finding somewhere to get dinner, and seeing a show.

Other must-sees are Buckingham Palace, of course, as well as Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Hyde Park, and different neighborhoods such as Camden known for its alternative shops and Notting Hill known for being the backdrop to many movies and home to many boutique stores.

For art lovers, we would recommend the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, the Design Museum, and also the British Museum , which is home to a lot of incredible art from all over the world.

2. Visit Holyroodhouse and Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh

Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarch's family when they are in Scotland, and the nearby park has a beautiful hill called Arthur's Seat — perfect for a crisp winter walk.

At the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the Palace has some associations with the biggest historical figures of the United Kingdom, such as Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

You can visit inside and see the Royal Dining Room, the Darnley Jewel, the State Apartments, and the Throne Room. Nearby Holyrood Abbey is also worth a visit. There are special activities for kids inside too, including dressing up in royal wear so they have a chance to learn about Scottish history.

3. Explore the Colleges of Oxford University

One of the country's most famous universities is undoubtedly Oxford University, and it's possible to visit some of the most impressive colleges there and explore the city of Oxford, too.

We recommend walking around the city and visiting the Bodleian Libraries, the Ashmolean Museum, the Oxford Museum of Natural History, Christ Church College, Magdalen College, and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin.

For Harry Potter fans the Christ Church College dining hall is fun to visit, as it mirrors the Great Hall used Hogwarts.

4. Check out the Welsh Capital of Cardiff

Cardiff, Wales' capital city, makes for a great day out. We recommend Cardiff Market (open from Monday to Saturday), which is based in a Victorian building and has been trading since the 1700s. You can do a bit of souvenir shopping there for friends and family back home, or grab some lunch or a few drinks.

A walking tour is recommended as you'll be able to visit all the top sights, including the St Fagans National Museum of History to help you understand Wales' history, Cardiff Castle, as well as Cardiff Bay.

For those wanting to see some of Wales' natural beauty, there is the option to go for a hike around the waterfalls of Brecon Beacons National Park, which is near the city, or if you have more time Cardiff is a great starting point for a 4-hour drive across Wales to visit Snowdon (its highest mountain).

Low Season: Less Expensive and Less Crowded

February falls in the United Kingdom's low season for tourism, meaning that there are fewer crowds and tourists at the big sites. This also means it likely will be easier to get tickets for things like musicals and museums. Prices are also a little lower for accommodation and travel during this time of the year, making it a good time to visit.

What to Wear in February

February is generally on the cool and cold side in the United Kingdom, so we would recommend layering up and bringing a winter coat with you. Additional layers will be helpful if you're spending a lot of time outside, as well as gloves or a hat and a scarf.

We would also recommend bringing an umbrella, especially if your coat isn't waterproof with a hood, just to make sure you don't get wet in case of a bit of rain.

If you want to hike, we recommend bringing the appropriate hiking gear, as well as supportive footwear.

Monthly Weather in United Kingdom

Why global highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating).

Save Your Time:
Less research, more enjoyment!
Real-time 1V1 expert planning
Maximize Your Flexibility:
Personal local guide and ride
Explore at your own pace
Celebrate Your Journeys:
Specially-crafted family adventures
Celebrate milestones with style!
African Safari 2024/2025 | Witness the Big Five Live
Private Egypt Tours 2024/2025 | Creating Lasting Memories
India Tours 2024/2025: Unique Personalized Experiences
Japan Private Tours 2024/2025: Unique Personalized Experiences
Private Morocco Tours 2024/2025: Personalized and Stress-free
Middle East Tours 2024/2025: Personalized and Stress-free
Thailand Tours
Vietnam Tours 2024/2025: Unique Personalized Experiences
Top Private Turkey Tours 2024/2025: Personalized and Stress-free
United Kingdom Weather in January: Travel Tips for First-Timers
The United Kingdom in March: Travel Tips for First-Timers
The United Kingdom in April 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
The United Kingdom in May 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
The United Kingdom in June 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
The United Kingdom in July 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
The United Kingdom in August 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
The United Kingdom in September 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
The United Kingdom in October 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
The United Kingdom in November 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
The United Kingdom in December 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

More travel ideas and inspiration, sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why Global Highlights

Where can we take you today.

Southeast Asia
Japan, South Korea
India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri lanka

Travel Agents
Privacy Policy

Global Highlights was featured on these medias.

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

With most of our team residing in the United Kingdom when not traveling, we know this country very well. There is so much more to discover in England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland than just the usual tourist haunts (although they are amazing too, just a little more crowded).

In our blog posts, you’ll find guides and information on the more under-the-radar destinations such as Cheshire, the Isle of Man, and Lincolnshire, as well as the popular spots such as London, Edinburgh, The Cotswolds, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. We’ve also thrown in guides on where to find the best boutique hotels, beautiful places and romantic places, too!

The most beautiful places to visit in Kent

15 Picturesque Spots to Explore in Kent

The South Eastern English county, famously described as the ‘Garden of England,’ has extraordinary beauty and landscapes in abundance. With the iconic White Cliffs and easy-on-the-eye seaside enclaves, Kent’s coastline is particularly special, but the … Read more

Top 12 Cool and Unique Hotels in London

As well as being huge London fans we are also very proud to call the city home, so after many hours exploring the UK capital we have selected our collective favourite top 25 cool and unusual hotels in London.

16 Best Places to Visit in Winter in the UK

Written by Shandley McMurray Updated Nov 13, 2023

The UK is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year, but there's something about winter that brings out its true magic. Thatched roofs loaded with snow, frost-laden meadows, and outdoor skating rinks make everything feel festive and fun in winter.

Climb the snow-covered tors in Devon's Dartmoor National Park , browse London's Christmas markets , or sled through the Scottish Highlands . There are so many great places to visit in winter in the UK. Plus, you won't have to fight the spring crowds or balk at summer's high prices.

While it would be nice if the UK was all fluffy white flakes and bright blue skies during winter, that's not always the case. More often than not, its famously rainy countries will be plagued by cold drizzle, so pack an umbrella, waterproof boots (a.k.a. wellies), and a few extra layers of clothing.

Now that you know what to pack, plan your chilly but fun journey with our list of the best places to visit in winter in the UK.

1. Edinburgh, Scotland

2. york, england, 3. isle of skye, scotland, 4. the cotswolds, england, 5. london, england, 6. canterbury, england, 7. bath, england, 8. dartmoor national park, england, 9. cairngorms national park, scotland, 10. oxford, england, 11. the lake district, england, 12. brecon beacons, wales, 13. cambridge, england, 14. the new forest national park, hampshire, england, 15. isle of rona, scotland, 16. st. ives, cornwall, map of places to visit in winter in the uk.

Scotland's capital is majestic in every season. Add a sprinkling of snow and festive lights to the mix of ancient buildings and cobbled streets, and you've got yourself some romance. Did we mention the towering Edinburgh Castle perched atop a hill? Told you it was a magical setting, especially in winter.

Visit before the holidays and you'll be treated to the adorable Christmas markets, extravagant lights, and festive music on offer as part of the Edinburgh Winter Festival . This multi-day extravaganza lights up the city's already charming streets and boasts a fair-like festive atmosphere that draws crowds from across the UK. Lace-up a pair of rental skates and swirl your way around an outdoor ice rink, with St. Andrew Square and Murrayfield Ice Rink top of the list.

Those who visit for New Year's (a.k.a. Hogmanay ), one of the most popular holidays in the country, are in for a treat. Edinburgh celebrates the first of January with a three-day event. We're talking street parties, torchlight processions, and concerts. It ends with a bang fireworks style on the 31 st .

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Edinburgh

Like Edinburgh, York also plays host to festive Christmas markets. The famous and award-winning St. Nicholas Fair takes up most of the city's streets, runs from mid-November through to Christmas, and regularly attracts upwards of a million visitors each season. An outdoor ice rink, carol singers, a giant lighted tree, and a vast market featuring 100 wooden chalets line Parliament Street and St. Sampson's Square .

Grab a hot chocolate and wander around the historic Shambles , where you'll be transported to the 13 th century. A narrow street lined by medieval buildings made of timber, it is perfectly captivating and boasts a wide selection of eclectic shops and a Yuletide Village featuring local arts and crafts.

When you've had enough festive cheer, head to the town's crown jewel: the Gothic York Minster. You won't have to jostle through crowds to enjoy the hallowed walls of this top attraction. If you can, try to make it one of the Minster's wonderful Christmas Carol Concerts , as well as the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival.

Another fun thing to do in York in winter is to walk atop the city's ancient walls to enjoy unbeatable vistas without the foot traffic that plagues warmer months.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in York, England

The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye backed by the snowcapped Black Cuillin Mountains

Scotland's Isle of Skye is one of the most enchanting places in the UK, and possibly the world. This star of the inner Hebrides region has everything you'd hope for in a Scottish vacation, including castles, mountains, and fairy glens. As long as you dress warmly, you can enjoy them all.

Slip on a warm coat and waterproofs for a trip to the Fairy Pools . While you won't want to jump in for a swim (even in summer they're freezing), these lovely pools are worthy of a visit.

Bring your camera, as you'll want to snap a zillion photos of the warm winter light reflecting off the pools and the snowcapped Black Cuillin Mountains towering above them. Speaking of light, winter visitors get an added bonus: it's much easier to catch a sunrise at this time of year.

During summer, the sun makes an appearance at 4am (talk about early!). In winter, it doesn't rise until a more acceptable 9am. The sun begins to set around 3:30pm, showering the sky with remarkable pink hues and sometimes rainbows. If you're lucky, you may spot the northern lights .

While winter may not be the most popular or best time to visit Scotland, it is the cheapest, so you'll be saving a pretty penny when traveling at this time.

Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in the Isle of Skye

Snow-covered Castle Combe village in the Cotswolds

You'll be hard-pressed to find a more entrancingly beautiful place than the Cotswolds, especially when the region's tiny ancient towns are blanketed with snow. Grab a sled and hurl yourself down the hills near Broadway Tower or don hiking boots to marvel at the shimmering meadows of the Malvern Hills.

Then, head to the area's real showstoppers: its storybook villages . Cobblestone laneways, honey-colored stone buildings, and quaint thatched-roof cottages pepper each town, upping the charm factor dramatically. You won't be able to stop yourself from taking photographs and uttering an audible "ahh" (or 20) over its overt loveliness.

Popular towns like Castle Combe , Bibury , Bourton-on-the-Water , and Painswick are charming at all times but look even more phenomenal without the hordes of tourists that bombard their tiny streets in spring and summer.

Book a husky ride with Arctic Quest Sled Dog Adventures . Based in Tewkesbury , this creative company offers exciting sled dog adventures you won't forget. No snow? No problem. Arctic Quest also has unique sleds with wheels, so you'll get a full "mush" experience (where you're pulled behind a team of huskies) whatever the weather. After your ride, warm up at the campfire with a hot chocolate.

There are many reasons to visit London in winter. The city is adorned with festiveness, stretching from the banks of the Thames River to the vibrant streets near Trafalgar Square . Once it snows, which happens rarely, the city becomes a unique utopia made even more beautiful by the recent dusting.

Take the opportunity to enjoy an empty Tower of London , and snap selfies on the now much quieter streets near Westminster Abbey and Big Ben . Then, skate outside the Natural History Museum or book tickets to a pantomime (a.k.a. "panto") for extra fun.

London's biggest (and busiest) celebration of the season is the spectacular Hyde Park Winter Wonderland . Set in the city's largest green space, this unique take on a Christmas Market runs for six weeks from mid-November through to New Year's Day and features everything from fairground rides to entertainment, shopping, and countless food experiences.

Shoppers unite at Covent Garden , which is peppered with local artisans selling their unique wares. Stick around for one of the impromptu concerts and prepare to be entertained (whether you want to or not) by the numerous buskers.

Those hoping for more highbrow finds head to the city's most celebrated and impressively decorated shopping district found along Regent and Oxford Streets . Snap photos of the adorable window decorations on Carnaby Street (just east of Regent Street) on your way to Hamley's , the city's best toy shop.

The county of Kent is so attractive it was dubbed the "Garden of England" by Henry VIII. Rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and medieval towns make this an unmissable locale, even in winter. Of all the region's beautiful cities, Canterbury is the most captivating.

Like most large English cities, Canterbury plays host to Christmas markets in late November through December and boasts festive lights that stay up much longer to enhance the charming cobblestone streets.

A trip to Canterbury Cathedral is a must. Gothic towers adorn this UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretching so high above the streets that they're impossible to miss. In its shadow lies King's Mile , a collection of winding streets spotted with independent shops and eateries selling everything from cheese to art.

The Pulteney bridge over the Avon River in Bath

Arguably one of England's most elegant and gorgeous cities, Bath thrives during the winter months. The town's Christmas Market has been voted one of the best in the country and features over 170 chalets selling unique gifts and tasty treats set within ancient streets lined by Georgian buildings.

Every November, the city hosts the annual Bath Mozartfest , a nine-day festival honoring the famed composer as well as his contemporaries like Beethoven and Schubert. Over 16 concerts are performed by world-class musicians in some of the town's most beautiful venues.

Bath's main attraction is over 2,000 years old and a perfect place to warm up. Established in 75 BCE, the award-winning Roman Baths boast ancient hot springs and an enviable spa. They also stay open for twilight hours and offer special three-course holiday meals in the on-site Pump Room Restaurant .

Bath Abbey is particularly enchanting when draped with snow. Head inside for some warmth, and admire the stained-glass windows (the King Edgar Window is incredibly intricate) and carved angels found throughout the building.

Visiting nearby Longleat (a stately home with its own safari park) is a must. Each winter, they decorate the home and park with dazzling outdoor exhibits, including an amazing display of Chinese lanterns as part of the Festival of Light .

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bath

Sunrise on a snowy morning in Dartmoor National Park

Moody and romantic, England's moors are the stuff of dreams and fairy tales: just read a novel by Emily Brontë!

A sprinkling of snow on Dartmoor National Park transforms this beautiful landscape into a magical winter wonderland. Add roaming ponies, sheep, and cows to the scenery, and you've got a wonderfully bucolic setting.

Located in Devon, a beautiful county on England's west coast , Dartmoor is beloved by outdoor adventurists. Deep river valleys, towering tors, and golden heaths mark this rugged landscape, inviting visitors to bike, hike, raft, or climb its granite boulders. Some even pack a sled (or sledge, as it's known in the UK).

Pack warm, waterproof layers and be prepared to encounter all types of precipitation during your winter visit. Everything from heavy mist to pounding rain to sleet to snow to ice can envelop the area within a day.

River Luineag flowing into Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms National Park

Sometimes you come upon a place so beautiful, it takes your breath away. Cairngorms National Park is one of these places. While beautiful in all seasons, there's something about winter that ups the picturesque qualities, not to mention the tranquillity, of this Scottish gem.

Located in the Scottish Highlands , Cairngorms National Park presents visitors with a slew of things to do. Its high elevation almost ensures enough snow to ski, sled, or snowshoe during the winter months. Plus, the lack of leaves at this time makes it easier to spot the incredible wildlife.

Enjoy skiing? Hit the slopes at one of the area's three ski resorts: CairnGorm Mountain , Lecht , or Glenshee .

Oxford is one of the oldest and most majestic cities in England. History seeps from every crevice of this famed university town, which is spotted with some of the country's most impressive architecture.

It's best to visit the spectacular medieval buildings on foot. Walking tours of all types, including sightseeing tours and those aimed at fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and Harry Potter movie buffs, are available to book at the Visitor Information Center on Broad Street .

On your journey, you'll pass iconic structures like the Bodleian Library and Christ Church Cathedral , which are made even more stunning when sprinkled with snow. For a bird's-eye view, visit Carfax Tower in the center of town before being tempted by the shops and restaurants lining the pretty High Street .

Or climb the tower at the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin. It boasts impressive city and countryside vistas. At night, catch a concert or play at the Sheldonian Theater on Broad Street .

Read More: Top-Rated Places to Visit in Oxford

A winter morning at Rydal in the English Lake District

Cumbria is home to a truly phenomenal area of natural beauty: The Lake District . In addition to the 16 lakes that inspired the region's name, there are majestic mountains, the tallest of which is Scafell Pike ; verdant valleys; and romantic moors. But the fun doesn't stop there.

The towns of the Lake District put on a wonderful show at this time of year. Christmas markets filled with independent booths selling unique gifts spring up all over, including the towns of Windermere , Ambleside , Hawkshead , and Cockermouth .

Ulverston brings life to the classic Charles Dicken's holiday tale, A Christmas Carol . Each year, this historic market town transforms its streets into Dickensian-era markets featuring street performances and residents roaming the area in period costumes at the Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival .

Snowcapped mountains in the Brecon Beacons, Wales

Winter really is the best season to see a mountain range, and the Brecon Beacons are more than worthy of a visit during the coldest months. One of the best tourist attractions in South Wales , this dramatic range is breathtakingly beautiful, and it covers over 46,000 hectares.

If you're hoping to hike (which is the best way to experience these peaks), we suggest gearing up properly and pre-planning your route. Don't head out if the weather is bad, tell a friend where you're going, and be aware of the tide schedule so you don't get caught.

Now that you're ready, head to the Begwyns . An easy 3.2-kilometer walking trail offers unsurpassable views without the need to hike up mountains. Plus, it only takes about an hour, so you won't get too cold.

Hoping for a more difficult trek? The Cwm Llwch from Cwm Gwdi Walk is a challenging way to summit Britain's highest mountain, Pen y Fan . It's almost 13 kilometers long, involves a climb of 576 meters, and will take about five hours to complete.

Wonderful things happen in Cambridge, and we're not just talking about the discoveries made by the city's talented university scholars. Punting along the River Cam is one of the most popular activities in Cambridge , even during the winter.

Each year, the city hosts the Big Christmas Lights Switch On , which happens in mid-November. A couple of weeks later, visitors are presented with the Mill Road Winter Fair . Here, they are treated to festive music, tasty treats, and even dancing in the streets.

Join in the fun in Parker's Piece Park , where you can show off your skating skills on the covered outdoor ice rink. When you've had enough, warm up at a cozy cafe with a hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

Horses grazing in New Forest National Park

England's New Forest National Park is a magical place filled with wild ponies, winding nature trails, and vast fields. The best thing to do in the New Forest is wander, exploring this natural wonderland either on foot or on a bicycle.

Set aside three hours (or two if you prefer walking at a faster pace) and head to Brockenhurst . From here, pick up the Buckland Rings Trail . It will guide you through the dense Roydon Woods nature reserve and over Setley Plain . Finally, you'll arrive at Buckland Rings, a historic site that served as a hill fort during the Iron Age.

Who says you can't enjoy water-based activities in the winter? Certainly not the New Forest Activities center. They boast kayaking, canoeing, and other fun adventures (including land-based activities) throughout the year. No matter what activities you choose, you'll be in awe of the winter landscape in the New Forest.

When it's time to warm your toes by a fire and enjoy a toasty stew, head to Lyndhurst. One of the best small towns in England , this little charmer lies in the heart of the New Forest.

A winter vacation to the Isle of Rona is about as cozy and romantic as you can get in the UK. A small and remote island located between the Isle of Skye and western Scotland, this teeny isle (it's only five miles long) is home to only two permanent residents and four cottages; three of which can be rented.

The cottages are lovely, fronted with stone and topped with slate. They boast underfloor heating and wood burners, so you'll easily beat the chill of a Scottish winter. With no shops or even roads on the island, be prepared to go off grid. You'll have to bring your food and drink with you. Think of it like camping but in luxurious accommodations.

The island itself is what people gravitate towards. It's peppered with varied terrain so beautiful that you'll forget about feeling wet and cold. Secret lochs and coves, rocky outcroppings, mossy woodlands, and of course, the dramatic Sound of Raasay . Wild animals like the red deer, otter, and seals populate the island, and various species of birds can be spotted.

Getting here isn't easy. You'll have to board a boat in Portree, and it only runs once a week. The trip takes about an hour and the walk to your cottage is about a kilometer away.

The charming seaside town of St. Ives in Cornwall is not only one of the best places to visit in winter in the UK for its stunning scenery, but it's also one of the mildest spots in the country at this time of year . Temperatures in this most south-westerly corner of the UK are generally a few degrees warmer, with snow a rarity. It also experiences less rainfall, too, which makes getting outdoors and exploring this lovely coastal town a pleasure at any time of year.

If you can visit in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year, so much the better. December brings with it a wide array of fun things to do in St. Ives, from a lovely lantern parade to a Christmas Market showcasing gifts and crafts made by local artisans. You'll also want to attend a pantomime. These family-friendly sendups of famous fairy tales are held at St. Ives Theatre and are a hoot for all ages, with plenty of jeering and booing expected from the audience.

The post-Christmas period is another good time to visit, with polar dips on Boxing Day for hardy types not averse to a cold swim. New Year's Eve is also fun, with a carnival and parade attracting residents and visitors dressed up in colorful costumes.

Even if you miss the festive season, the stunning coastline around St. Ives offers up memorable experiences of its own. Coastal walks , especially around the South West Coast Path, can be exceptionally atmospheric and beautiful during the winter months.

The 15 best places to visit in the UK in 2024

From charming seaside spots to bustling cities, we’ve got all the staycation inspo you need right here

For all the bucket list places around the world, it can be easy to forget that we actually have some pretty amazing places to explore right here on our doorstep. Sure, the British weather can have a mind of its own and train travel can leave a lot to be desired, but if you’re willing to put up with all of that, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what there is to discover.

From quaint coastal towns with trailblazing restaurants and bustling cities with an edge of their own, to gorgeous islands that feel nothing like the UK , these are the parts of the country that should hands-down be on your staycation wishlist for next year. These places have thriving food, drink and arts scenes, they’re home to exciting new openings and they have plenty of big events for you to scribble into your calendar, pronto.

Thinking of planning a holiday a little closer to home next year? By sifting through all of the hottest launches for next year and using our expert knowledge of cultural scenes around the country, Time Out’s UK team has curated the very best British destinations for you to plan a trip to in 2024. And the best part? Y ou can visit most of them easily, cheaply and without having to catch a flight. Time to get booking!

RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in the UK 🏖️ The best seaside towns in the UK 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in the UK

An email you’ll actually love

Where to visit in the UK in 2024

1. Bristol

Should we really be surprised that (apparently) everyone is moving to Bristol ? Its cultural scene is just as exciting as London ’s, but it’s still only a short coach journey away; it has picture-perfect streets and bustling, diverse nightlife. And i n 2024, its arts offering is only getting better. A musical adaptation of the 2006 film ‘ Starter for Ten ’ is coming to the renowned Old Vic theatre from February 29 to March 30, while DIASPORA! , a brand new festival showcasing BIPOC global ethnic majority artists – across theatre, dance, music, visual and digital arts, as well as poetry and spoken word – is launching in May. Undershed , a new immersive gallery, is on track to launch in Spring, and Boxhall – a street food, beer and events space by the same people who behind London’s Boxpark – will also open its doors.

The perfect day Start with grabbing a coffee from Clifton Coffee Roasters before pottering around Gloucester Road and perusing the many shops (it’s the largest strip of independent retailers in Europe). Then, hop on a Bristol Ferry water bus tour to see the city from the water . Finally, feast on a dinner of Spanish small plates at Bravas (or check out one of the city’s other excellent restaurants ), before heading out to rave the night away at one of the many DIY-style clubs .

Plan your trip The 2024 edition of Bristol’s newest music festival, Forwards , takes place on August 31 and September 1. 2023 headliners included Aphex Twin, Erykah Badu and Raye .

📍 The best things to do in Bristol 🍴 The best restaurants in Bristol

2. Hull

Hull became a surprising capital for the UK’s LGBTQ+ community in 2023. From Monroe’s to Unit 49 and Cherry’s – named after the late ‘Ru Paul’s Drag Race’ star Cherry Valentine – an influx of new gay bars and clubs means Hull’s new Freedom Quarter is slowly growing its ecosystem of queer-friendly spaces. As well as its thriving LGBTQ+ scene, in 2017 the East Yorkshire city was also named the city of culture. It’s got The Deep , an enormous aquarium with 3000 species, a picturesque old town which survived the city’s relentless WWII bombings, and lots of up and coming indie art galleries like Ground and Artlink . Don’t sleep on Hull.

The perfect day Get your caffeine fix at Still. by Two Gingers Coffee before having a wonder around Hull’s charming old town or pottering in the shops at Hepworth’s Arcade . After that, head to indie events space Ground to check out whatever arty happenings they have on. Finally, stop for a pint at Ye Olde White Hart before heading to one of the infamous 13-hour parties (yes, really) at Gate No. 5 .

Plan your visit Pride in Hull will take place on July 29, 2024.

📍 The best things to do in Hull

https://media.timeout.com/images/106055859/image.jpg

3. Isles of Scilly

A lot of people say that the Isles of Scilly are the British version of the Caribbean – and you know what? We’d totally agree. This stunning archipelago off the coast of Cornwall is largely unspoilt, with white stretches of sandy beaches, turquoise waters and plenty of opportunities to go island hopping and dolphin spotting. But there’s more, too: head to the local museum to immerse yourself in the islanders’ deep sense of culture and tradition, sink yourself silly on local ales at seaside pubs or indulge your sense of adventure by snorkelling over the many under-the-sea shipwrecks. Bliss.

The perfect day Travel to the islands by Skybus from Land’s End – it only takes 20 minutes, and there’s a gorgeous view. Once you arrive, make your way over to St Mary’s Riding Centre to take in the stunning scenery on horse-back. If that’s not your thing, hire bikes and explore the coastal trails of St. Mary’s islands before taking a transfer boat to St. Agnes to visit the Turks Head for a hearty pub lunch made using local ingredients. Once your food goes down? It has to be time for a swim.

Plan your trip The Isle of Scilly food festival is a ten-day celebration of local provenance taking place in September, with mouth-watering events like beach BBQs and vineyard tours.

📍 The best places to visit in Cornwall

4. London

Ah, good old London . No matter how many times you’ve visited or how long you’ve lived there, you’ll always find new things to discover in the capital. There are a tonne of new restaurants to feast at, all sorts of gorgeous hotel openings and plenty of fresh cultural things to do. Most notably, in 2024, you can dance at Drumsheds , the mammoth warehouse club housed in a former IKEA, catch a blockbuster exhibition – like Yoko Ono at the Tate Modern or The World of Tim Burton at the Design Museum – and see epic new West End performances ( Mean Girls , anyone?).

The perfect day For lunch, grab a delicious loaded sandwich at Dom’s Subs on Hackney Road for (or treat yourself to a boujee meal out at Morito ), before perusing the cute independent shops on Columbia Road and gawking over the even cuter animals at Hackney City Farm . Head over to Soho for a late-afternoon pint at the iconic French House , then round off your day with a delicious pre-theatre dinner at the newly opened Forza Wine at the National Theatre , before catching a play.

Plan your trip Book tickets to see the stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s ‘ Spirited Away ’, taking place at the London Coliseum from April 30 until August 24.

📍 The best things to do in London 🍴 The best restaurants in London

https://media.timeout.com/images/106050165/image.jpg

5. Belfast

The Norn Iron capital is criminally underrated. If you’re yet to discover its welcoming warmth and cultural vibrance, 2024 is the year to change that. Over the next twelve months Belfast has mega ambitions to deliver its biggest ever cultural celebration via a project dubbed ‘ Belfast 2024 ’. Set around the theme of ‘People, Place and Planet’, the whopping programme of 24 large-scale commissions and over 200 events, workshops and activities includes a collaboration with the Eden Project, a guerilla gardening scheme aimed at rewilding the peace walls in the west of the city and an immersive music showcase celebrating Belfast’s contemporary Black culture.

The perfect day Begin with a wholesome morning stroll through the Botanic Gardens , followed by a hefty brunch at Output . Then wander through the parliament buildings at Stormont and the monumental Titanic Belfast museum. In the evening, find your way to The Muddlers Club hidden within the historic back streets of the Cathedral Quarter, or if you’d rather eat in, order from cult favourite Mexican place Boojums . Round off the evening by grabbing a pint accompanied by some banging live music at the Dirty Onion .

Plan your trip The cultural celebrations kick off from March and will run through to November. Make sure to be in the city on March 17 for an ‘enhanced’ edition of St Patrick’s Day shindigs.

📍 The best things to do in Belfast

https://media.timeout.com/images/106055790/image.jpg

6. St Andrews

Forgive us for including two Scottish seaside towns in this list (see: number 14), but it’s a good excuse to plan a road trip, right? A coastal gem in the Kingdom of Fife, St Andrews is home to an ancient university, three stunning beaches, botanic gardens, multiple pubs, a famous golf course and not much else. But it’s also beautiful, extremely walkable and very peaceful, and if you’re after a bit more action, it’s also close enough to Dundee to plan a day trip to the renowned V&A museum . St Andrews has also been tipped to be a hit set-jetting destination for 2024 with the town featuring heavily in the final season of ‘ The Crown ’, thanks to it to being where Prince William met Kate Middleton while at university. Fans, come this way.

The perfect day Line your stomach with a delicious fry up from Northpoint (which claims, like many places in town, to be where ‘Will met Kate’). Then, you’ll probably want to go for a lofty beach walk on West Sands, where ‘Chariots of Fire’ was filmed, before returning to town for some fresh fish and chips from Cromar’s (if the weather allows, eat them on another nearby beach: Castle Sands). In the evening, catch a local show at The Byre Theatre or sink some pints at one of the town’s many pubs: Aikman’s and Brew Co. are very good choices.

Plan your trip V isit in July: most of the students will have left for the summer and you might actually get to enjoy the beach with some sun.

📍 The essential guide to Scotland

7. Lewes

‘Like a box of toys under a great amphitheatre of chalk hills... on the whole it is set down better than any town I have seen in England’: so said William Morris about Lewes in the 1800s. The sloping Sussex town has been a favoured haunt of artsy progressives, not least Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell and the rest of the bohemian Bloomsbury set. In 2023, it gained a brand new cultural space in the form of Charleston in Lewes (head here in the new year to catch the ‘Bring No Clothes: Bloomsbury and Fashion’ exhibition, closing March 3). There’s more, too: as you wonder Lewes’ charming wonky streets you’ll stumble past the former home of Anne of Cleves, Lewes Castle , a hodgepodge of artisan stores and delicious foodie spots – as well as the most bonkers pub in the UK, the Lewes Arms.

The perfect day Take the brand new Sussex Art Shuttle and travel a short distance outside of town to see Charleston Farmhouse , before heading back for a veggie burger at Bun and Bean and a pastry dessert from Flint Owl Bakery . Spend the afternoon learning about the history of the castle and Lewes Priory , then browse the independent shops in The Needlemakers . Finish with a meal and a movie at Depot .

Plan your trip The stunning Glyndebourne Opera House is hosting a festival of world class opera from May 16 to August 25, while the incredible extravaganza that is Lewes Bonfire Night is taking place around November 5.

📍 The best things to do in Lewes

8. Newcastle

There’s plenty to shout about in Newcastle (and not just the nightlife, though we love that too). The city’s food scene already had a pretty good reputation, but new openings in 2023 have really seen it thrive, like natural wine and pizza spot Bawn and new brunch spot Cafeteria : a sort of posh style greasy spoon, which seem to be all the range now. Pair this with a load of great galleries and pubs, the legendary Wylam Brewery and Tyneside Cinema and seriously reasonable prices and you’ve got a cracking weekend away. Or you might just want to pack up and move there. It happens.

The perfect day Grab a coffee (with a view) at La Verne Vintage , before walking waterside and over the Quayside bridge. Head to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and wander through whatever exhibition is on, before heading to the very top floor for fantastic views over the city. Then head to Ouseburn, Newcastle’s coolest neighbourhood, and grab a pint and a banging vegan lunch at The Ship Inn . If you’ve got an itching for more art, check out the Biscuit Factory next door. After a few more pints, hit up World Headquarters for a night on the Toon.

Plan your trip The Newcastle Fringe 2024 will run from July 18 to 29. Catch shows at the very cool Northern Stage as well as a number of pubs.

📍 The best things to do in Newcastle

https://media.timeout.com/images/105993350/image.jpg

9. Falmouth

Falmouth has always been Cornwall’s cooler town. Home to Exeter and Falmouth university campuses, student life here has brought a bit of vibrancy and edge to the quiet cobbled streets – but there’s always been a glaring gap when it came to the question of nightlife. Recently, though – thanks to new music venue The Cornish Bank – its late night credentials have shot up. From Klub Nos Lowen, a cult folk music night, to up and coming indie bands, this spot is the ideal place to absorb some of the county’s best culture.

The perfect day Start with a paddle at Gyllyngvase Beach, then warm yourself up with a coffee at Gylly beach cafe . Then check out the independent boutiques and galleries on the high street. (Shout out to Mirri Damer jewellery and Wild Pony vintage.) After grabbing some grub from Harbour Lights fish and chips, head to Chain Locker for a harbourside pint before moseying on to a gig at The Cornish Bank. If you have time, pop in to Beerwolf too, a charming pub/bookshop.

Plan your visit T he annual worm charming championship (you read that right) takes place in late May every year. The Sea Shanty Festival takes place on June 14 to 16 2024, and Falmouth Week , an extravaganza of music, sailing and local culture, takes place on August 9 to 18 .

📍 The best things to do in Falmouth

10. Manchester

Manchester never fails to serve up a cultural banquet. After a huge year that saw the launch of Factory International at Aviva Studios, the rescue of grassroots gig venue, The Snug , and the long-awaited reopening of Manchester Museum , 2024 is set to be another big one. The star of the show will be the huge, innovative Co-op Live which is opening in April, backed by Bruce Springsteen and Harry Styles and already has the likes of Liam Gallagher and Oilvia Rodrigo lined up to perform. And in much-anticipated news for its food scene, L’Enclume chef Tom Barnes is opening his first solo restaurant, Skof , in the Noma district in spring.

The perfect day Swing by Idle Hands to fuel up on carbs and caffeine before perusing around the Northern Quarter’s indie shops (don’t miss Queer Lit or the Craft and Design Centre). Pick from a huge range of edible options at Mackie Mayor for lunch (or head to the Michelin-starred Where The Light Gets In , for something special) then use the new Visit Manchester Pass to check out the National Football Museum and take a craft beer tour of the city. End with a tipple and live music at YES .

Plan your trip Head up some time between October 23 and 27 to catch the Worldwide Music Expo , which is set to attract over 2,600 big guns from the global music industry.

📍 The best things to do in Manchester 🍴 The best restaurants in Manchester

11. Ramsgate

Last year it was all about Margate , but now, another neighbour has joined Kent’s roster of cosy, culture-filled seaside towns that everyone’s getting obsessed with. Enter: Ramsgate , a walkable gem with a hell of a lot of character. Check out one of its locally-run galleries and studios (including Level 11 , specialising in dog pics), and don’t miss filling up at one of its new food offerings: this year, bar/restaurant Seabird arrived on the scene , as well as new monthly pop-up Catch at the Camden Arms , serving up a delightful seafood set menu. Oh, and the world’s biggest Wetherspoons is here. You heard us.

The perfect day Pull up at Ramsgate Station and stroll towards the seafront, stopping at The Modern Boulangerie on Harbour Street for brunch and a ridiculously good cinnamon roll. Take a coffee to go and spend time checking out Ramsgate’s indie shops, from the records at Vinyl Head to the pottery, books and glass at Island Vintage . Head to the harbour and head out on a seal-spotting boat trip , before grabbing a sunset pint at the Royal Harbour Brasserie . Finally, warm up with pub grub at The Bedford Inn (top tip: you can rent a room at their brand-new hotel too).

Plan your trip Go when it’s sunny and try to catch the town’s International Film Festival in June or the Festival of Sound in August.

📍 The best things to do in Ramsgate

12. Norwich

Hugged by the marshes and woodlands of Broads National Park, Norwich brings the ancient to the contemporary — from its cobbled alleyways and two dazzling cathedrals to the modern exhibitions at the Sainsbury Centre and its Michelin-star prowess. In summer 2024, Norwich Castle (which was apparently one of Europe’s most important mediaeval fortresses) is set to reveal the results of a mighty £15m revamp, due to include redecorated rooms and the restoration of its 12th century Norman keep. As the self-proclaimed ‘City of Stories’ and England’s first UNESCO City of LIterature, you’ll be enchanted by Norwich’s tale.

The perfect day Order your morning drink of choice at Strangers Coffee then stop by the city’s 900-year old market on Gentleman’s Walk to check out the organic produce and food stalls. Save room for dessert so that you can enjoy elevenses at Figbar then take in the magnificent architecture of Norwich Cathedral and check out the curiosities hiding within the antique shops on Elm Hill. Round it all off with dinner from Grosvenor Fish Bar .

Plan your trip A c elebration of queer art and ideas, Queerfest Norwich is happening February 8 to 24.

📍 The best things to do in Norwich

13. Alnmouth

For a tranquil seaside break in 2024, the tiny fishing village of Alnmouth on the border between Scotland and England is a solid bet. Think: wild, windswept walks, pastel-coloured fisherman’s cottages, freshly-caught fish and blissful peace and quiet. Three surrounding beaches make up part of Northumberland’s 40-mile long coastal path — which happens to be a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, recently renamed ‘National Landscapes’ – and as such, there’s a delightful cluster of wildlife to look out for, including adorable puffins and grey seals.

The perfect day Sit down for an A.M. coffee and fresh kippers on toast at Bistro23 before checking out Almouth’s cluster of independent stores like Scots of Alnmouth and Jane and Harry’s. Then stop by the Ferry Hut , a bitesize museum dedicated to the ferrymen of yesteryear. Spend the afternoon adventuring along the coastal path before indulging in a well-earned dinner at The Whittling House .

Plan your trip Alnmouth Arts Festival is happening on June 15 and 16, with more than 50 designers and craftspeople exhibiting their work in venues throughout the village.

14. Ullapool

A tiny village and port around 45 miles from Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, Ullapool is well situated for walkers and cyclists to get their dose of the great outdoors: explore the nearby Corrieshalloch Falls, scramble up Stac Pollaidh mountain or to hop on a ferry to the Outer Hebrides. But there’s more to this place than just hiking boots and anoraks. Ullapool also going under something of a cultural renaissance, with Scotland’s most remote club night bringing of-the-moment electronic DJs to the area and The Seafood Shack and new 3AA Rosette restaurant The Dipping Lugger attracting foodies from far and near. The town was recently chosen as one of Time Out’s most underrated travel destinations in Europe, so get down soon.

The perfect day Wrap up warm and drive over to the foot of Stac Pollaidh mountain, with its spectacular peak of Torridonian sandstone. Reward yourself with a packed lunch on the top after a two-hour climb, before heading home and warming up in The Ferry Boat Inn where you can enjoy a slap-up dinner with some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat.

Plan your trip The next Baile/Baile club nights take place on February 3 and March 2, showcasing some of Scotland’s most exciting DJ talent.

15. Wrexham

Who’d have thought a small Welsh city would have been taken over by Hollywood celebs and become the subject of an extremely popular Disney+ documentary? Wrexham, home to the formerly flailing football club Wrexham AFC, became one of the UK’s hottest tourist destinations after A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club in 2020. The city is also home to St Giles’s, one of the most stunning churches in Wales. Then there’s the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – a huge 18-arched stone and cast iron structure carrying the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee – and two National Trust properties, Erddig Parkland and Chirk Castle . In 2024, the national Football Museum for Wales is also expected to open, with exhibitions on Welsh language communities, fan culture and LGBTQ+ experiences.

The perfect day Start the day at Aussi brunch spot Lot 11 . After fueling yourself, you’re obviously going to want to check out The Racecourse, the stadium that’s home to Wrexham AFC. Then you’ll need to grab a pint at The Turf , the football team’s pub of choice. For the afternoon, hop in the car for a 20 minute drive to check out the gorgeous views from the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and surrounding World Heritage Site.

Plan your trip Wrexham Feast , an annual food and drink festival, takes place in late September.

📍 The best things to do in Wrexham

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

Press office
Investor relations
Work for Time Out
Editorial guidelines
Privacy notice
Do not sell my information
Cookie policy
Accessibility statement
Terms of use
Modern slavery statement
Manage cookies
Advertising
Time Out Market

Time Out products

Time Out Worldwide

Family Travel
Travel Gear
Cruise Holidays
Dog Friendly
More Destinations
Food + Restaurant Reviews
Theatre & Live Shows
Privacy Policy
Disclosure Policy

$Zena\'s Suitcase$

Best Places in the UK to Visit in February

The UK staycation is going to be a popular choice for many this year for so many reasons, and so it should be. We have a long list of beautiful places to visit and wonderful landmarks to explore across the whole country. In very little time at all, you can be enjoying those holiday vibes with family and friends, without having to deal with any of the hoops that European or International Travel presents these days.

Just pack the car with what you need or book yourself a train ticket, and let us help you decide which part of the UK you will be exploring on your next holiday.

Where to go in February

Our number 1 place to visit in the UK during February is Cornwall. If you want to avoid the traffic and the crowds that Cornwall attract in the summer months, then February is a great time to visit. The beaches are virtually empty and you will have no trouble at all visiting any local landmark you chose.

Given that the roads are so much quieter and tourists are few and far between, you’ll be able to explore so much more of this wonderful county. During your time in Cornwall you could the stunning visit Tintagel Castle for a breathtaking dayout. The Eden Project is also a place we highly recommend adding to your list for days out in Cornwall.

Cornwall is also a place where you will never be short of great places to eat and drink, as it’s a region that is incredibly proud of it’s local produce and fine dining.

The Cotswolds

Another one of our highly recommended places to go in the UK during February is The Cotswolds . If you have not had the pleasure of exploring the quaint villages and rolling countryside that this part of England is so famous for, then perhaps it should be the top of your list for your next UK break.

The picturesque villages are swamped with visitors in the summer months, and your instagrammable holiday experience can often be disappointing unless you are prepared to start your tour of Castle Combe at the crack of dawn. If you hit the ground running on a blue sky day in February, you will find yourself immersed in the very best that this charming part of the country has to offer, with far less crowds to-boot!

Devon can also be another popular destination in the summer months that is often overlooked at this time of year. If you are in search of beautiful beach walks, medieval towns to explore and famous UK national parks, then Devon most certainly has it all.

Whether you fancy North Devon and it’s traditional seaside towns like Woolacombe or Westward Ho!, or take your road trip further south to Dartmouth or Brixham, or anything in between, you are in for a real treat if you decide to visit this part of the United Kingdom.

Outdoor lovers are promised some fantastic scenery and dramatic coastline while exploring Devon, as well as plenty of historic towns and villages to explore. Looking for nice places to places in the UK to visit, then Buckland Abbey, Arlington Court and National Trust Carriage Museum and Hartland Quay are worth adding to your list.

If you want a historical UK city break with a difference this February, then Bath is without a doubt one of the top places in the UK to visit. Whether you are a fan of Jane Austen, a Roman history buff or just love to visit enchanting UK holiday destinations, then I promise you that Bath will tick all the right boxes.

The city is the only one in the country to be given UNESCO status due to its significant historical including its Roman origins as well as it’s stunning Georgian architecture and landscape. Bath lends itself very well to a short break or as a stop over on the way to other parts of the south west.

There’s so much to see and do in this historical city, including visit the Roman Baths, take a boat trip along the River Avon or simply enjoy explore this wonderful city by foot, which we highly recommend.

We’re still not sure why Dorset isn’t as popular a place to visit in the UK as Devon or Cornwall, as in our opinion it has a great deal to offer. It can feel a lot more accessible by road than Cornwall, and with even less visitors on the road, your travel time can be reduced considerably if you visit in February.

Not only does Dorset boast a significant stretch of the famous Jurassic Coast, which is fascinating in itself, it’s also home to the colourful seaside town of Weymouth, which makes for an excellent base for exploring this part of the UK. Studland Bay, Corfe Castle and Portland Bill also make Dorset one of the nicest places in the UK to visit.

Don’t let the unpredictable British weather put you off at this time of year, as often some dramatic weather can add to your experience as well as deterring the crowds.

Now that you know the best places to visit in the UK this February, which one will you be going to? Let us know in the comments below.

Pin for later

Discover the Best Spring Flower Destinations in the UK

Best Winter Holiday Destinations in the UK

Blue and green family camping tents with table and chairs, under oak trees in the woodland campground, on a sunny summer day .

Top 10 Best Campsites in the UK: Embark on Unforgettable Outdoor Adventures!

UK in Spring: Top Best Outdoor Activities for Tourists

What to Pack for a UK Holiday: Free Packing List Printable

Best UK cities to visit in Autumn

I’m really keen to visit the Cotswolds – having never been. We’ve visited a lot of other places around the UK, but never there. It does look so picturesque.

Comments are closed.

Team Wanderlust | 22 January 2024

19 of the best places to visit in february.

Whether you're searching for some fiesta fun, unique wildlife encounters, or a snowy escape, we’ve rounded up the best places to visit in February...

February might be when most of us are still reeling from the extravagances of the festive season, but for adventurous travellers it means something more. This is when you can catch the tail-end of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, have rare wildlife encounters in the mountains of Europe, or lose your inhibitions in the rhythms of carnival season. It may be the shortest month, but its sheer volume and variety of travel experiences makes it one of the most exciting.

Whatever you're searching for, here are some of the best places to visit in February...

Here are the best places to visit in February...

1. rapa nui, chile.

Just some of the famous moai statues found on Rapa Nui (Shutterstock)

More than 3,500km off the west coast of Chile, Rapa Nui (better known among westerners as Easter Island) is one of the most isolated places on the planet. Travellers that venture to this remote island in the Pacific are often enticed by the mysterious moai heads that guard its coastline. Polynesian settlers arrived at the end of the first millennium, who’s later generations then carved these giant sculptures between 1400 AD and 1700 AD, that are said to represent their ancestors. In 1995, UNESCO recognised the significance of the cultural landscape and inscribed Rapa Nui National Park as a World Heritage Site. As well as February providing perfect mid-summer temperatures to explore, the locals also celebrate the two-week long Tapati Festival at the beginning of the month. Honouring the heritage of Rapa Nui and its people, the celebration consists of traditional performances, such as singing and dancing, but also island sporting events including swimming, canoeing, horseriding and haka pei (an extreme sled race down a hillside with origins from ancient island rituals).

A carnival performance takes places in Salvador (Alamy)

You may have heard of a quiet little festival in Brazil called Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Of course, we’re only joking – Rio is officially the biggest carnival in the world, attracting approximately two million people to its streets daily. Often called the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’, every corner you turn during the five-day celebration will be full of vibrant costumes, music and plenty of samba dancing, with the epicentre of the event held at the Sambodromo stadium. But Rio shouldn’t be thought of as the only place to visit in Brazil to get a flavour of carnival. Salvador in Bahia is always themed around happiness: it’s a popular event with the locals and has a lot of Afro-Brazilian influence, from the food to its music. The carnival spirit is also strongly felt in the city of Recife in Pernambuco, as well as the nearby colonial town of Olinda. Both of these festivals are strongly influenced by Indian and African heritage: lookout for papier-mâché puppets marching down the streets and street bands playing Frevo music.

3. Ladakh, India

Snow leopard in Ladakh, India (Shutterstock)

The chances of seeing a snow leopard in your lifetime are not high. Fewer than 7,000 are thought to exist in the wild. But if you’re ever going to spot one, the mountains of Ladakh in February offer the best opportunity. This is when mating season (January to March) is in full flow and when treks to the high-altitude steppe of Hemis National Park offer the best chance of sightings. The big cats live here in greater numbers than anywhere else on the planet. It’s still not easy, though. Tours pit-stop in mountain villages and remote camps, with plenty of walking and waiting in between. Altitudes top 3,000m, which takes some getting used to, and trips usually last around two weeks, meaning sightings require patience and strong thighs.

4. Quebec City, Canada

People slide past Quebec City's iconic Chateau Frontenac (Shutterstock)

Québec City makes the most of its chilling February weather with its spectacular Winter Carnival, now in its 70 th year, but with origins dating back to the 19 th century. Across 10 days, the city transforms into a winter fairytale, with snow-inspired decorations, elaborate ice sculptures and light displays. As well as the magical surroundings, a thrilling selection of activities are available for either spectating or participating, from frozen lake canoe races or braving a dip in an ice bath. Red costumes, carnival songs and the Effigy of Bonhomme are all parts of the winter festival’s traditions. Beyond the event, there’s more enchanting scenery to find around the Quebec. Take a walk along the Terrasse Dufferin boardwalk to get a closer look at the imposing Château Frontenac, the most famous landmark in the city, or be transported back in time in Old Quebec, a charming UNESCO-listed town enclosed by a 17 th -century fortification and with 400 years of well-preserved European architecture.

7. Sydney, Australia

Sydney Opera House lights up in vibrant colours (Shutterstock)

A visit to the New South Wales capital in February not only promises spectacular sunshine, but also one of the world’s best Mardi Gras festivals and Pride events. The two have long been interlinked, ever since the first Mardi Gras took place during Pride month back in 1978. Now, it’s a two-week long programme bursting with colourful events, promising endless entertainment in the form of drag shows, LGBTQ+ exhibitions and queer sporting events. But the climax of the festival is the Mardi Gras parade, where thousands of sparkling individuals will dance their way down Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade accompanied by elaborate and colourful floats. If you’re not all partied out, there’s nothing like escaping the crowds to explore the serene coastline of New South Wales, waiting on Sydney’s doorstep.

6. Geilo, Norway

Traditional Geilo hut in winter (Shutterstock)

February sees the return of the Geilo Ice Music Festival , held deep in the snow-blanketed forests of southern Norway, midway between Oslo and Bergen. It’s undeniably one of Europe’s most unique festivals. Concerts take place in spectacular frozen caves, while all instruments are carved from the ice itself. The effort that goes into creating, shaping and tuning them – drums, guitars, harps, even saxophones – is remarkable. Everywhere, technicians can be seen chainsawing huge ice blocks into shape, carving them with the delicacy of artists. The highlight is the midnight concert, complete with a dazzling lightshow against the Hardangerjokulen Glacier.

8. Menton, France

An art installation in Menton crafted from lemons and oranges (Shutterstock)

Most people flock to this town on the French Riviera as soon as they see signs of warmer days, but they’re missing out from experiencing one of the most unique festivals in the world. Fête du Citron (translating to Lemon Festival in English) is exactly what it says on the tin. Held in February every year, this celebration puts a spin on a traditional carnival, with parades filling the streets with enormous floats artistically constructed from lemons and oranges. Now in its 90 th year, its considered an important part of this region's cultural heritage. While here, be sure to explore Menton's picturesque medieval town, home to 18 th -century Basilique Saint-Michel and 17 th -century La Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs.

9. New Zealand

Napier, New Zealand, was rebuilt in Art Deco style after a devastating earthquake in 1931 (Shutterstock)

New Zealand in February not only promises balmy climates, but also the opportunity to be transported into an Art Deco era. The North Island city of Napier was rebuilt in the 1930s after a Earthquake devastated the Hawke’s Bay region: it remains one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters. Although a travesty, it brought local communities together to construct the Art Deco capital we know today. Napier now honours the resilience of the city and its Art Deco heritage with a fantastic annual festival every February since 1988. Expect street celebrations, theatre performances and plenty of jazz music. Make sure to take a walking tour of all the city’s splendid Art Deco architecture, with icons including the Daily Telegraph Building and Municipal Theatre. The nearby city of Hastings is also worth a visit for its Art Deco treasures. When you’re all partied out, make the most of New Zealand’s untouched natural landscapes by hitting one of Hawke’s Bay’s stunning trails, including Lake Waikaremoana – a native forest trail that’s the ancestral home to the Ngāi Tūhoe tribe, and also one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

10. Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo, Uruguay (Shutterstock)

Forget Rio. During February the party never stops in Uruguay’s capital, with Montevideo making a colourful base for experiencing the longest carnival season in the world (late January to early March). Uruguay’s celebrations are a bit different to the rest of South America’s more flamboyant street festivities. Yes, there are parades, but here the evenings are mostly dominated by small stages (tablados) where carnival groups compete nightly as you sit back with a cup of mate. The ‘murga’ category – a kind of choral musical theatre with a satirical edge – is the star. Few topics are off-limits for these troupes, and while many references may go over the head of even Spanish-speaking visitors, for sheer spectacle and wild costumes, they’re the highlight of the carnival.

11. New Orleans, USA

Bourbon Street, New Orleans (Shutterstock)

February sees the return of the USA’s biggest party to New Orleans: Mardi Gras . These days it’s best known for its street parades, but its roots actually lie in the society balls thrown by Louisiana’s French governor centuries ago. By the late 1800s, however, the carnival had fallen into a more familiar pattern, with colourful parades and floats marshalled by ‘krewes’ of revellers hurling ‘throws’ of necklaces and trinkets into the crowds. It’s worth knowing that while Mardi Gras (‘Fat Tuesday’) itself falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, this marks the crowning day of weeks of festivities in New Orleans, during which it’s far easier to bag a room and a spot to stand along the busiest parade routes. Crowds always peak during the extended weekend before the big day, so you’ll need to book a stay months in advance if you want to be there.

12. Binche, Belgium

A masked person during Binche Parade (Shutterstock)

Like most carnivals in February, the festivities of Belgium’s Binche Carnival, in the Wallonia region, are tied to Easter, taking place on Shrove Sunday. It’s then that this small Belgian town is invaded by armies of harlequins, pierrot clowns and, of course, gilles – costumed figures known for their wax masks and ostrich-plumed hats. They carry sticks to ward off evil spirits and often pass out oranges, which are considered rude to turn down. The UNESCO-listed festival’s origins are unknown yet it is still one of the oldest in Europe. Dancers jiggle to the strums of traditional folk music and the finale sees thousands of gilles waggle their plumes in the main square under the crack of the evening fireworks. By then it’s typically a lively affair, so watch out for the odd flying orange!

13. Romania

February is the best month for tracking wolves in Romania (Alamy)

February is prime time to track some of Romania’s most elusive wildlife. The country’s Carpathian Mountains are home to approximately 3,000 wolves – that’s 10% of Europe’s entire population. Saying this, they’re still quite impossible to find unless you know exactly where to look. The first couple months of the year offer ample opportunity to seek them out, as they will be searching for prospective partners but also the snow-blanketed ground reveals their pawprints to track. Closer to the end of February, it’s also possible to catch a glimpse of the Eurasian lynx, as they too begin searching for a mate. Around 2,000 live in the mountains, and if you do manage to spot one, they’ll likely still be donning their fluffiest winter coat – black-tipped ears and all. All wildlife tours in Romania should be booked with a responsible expert guide. They will not only keep you safe and ensure the wildlife is not disturbed, but also give you the best chance of finding these incredible animals.

14. California

The famous 'firefall' at Yosemite National Park (Shutterstock)

February is a unique time to spot grey whales off the coast of San Diego, Southern California. These creatures undertake one of the longest migrations by a mammal on Earth, travelling 15,000km of the North American coast from the summer feeding areas of the Arctic to the warm winter breeding grounds of Baja California. It’s here that these barnacled giants arrive en masse to give birth, typically doing so between January and March. This is also the best time to see them up close (but at a respectable distance) on a whale watching tour. There’s also a high chance of seeing pods of dolphins leaping alongside your boat too. For another nature spectacle, head north of the Golden State for the annual ‘firefall’ in Yosemite National Park . The firefall may look like a stream of lava pouring down the side of Yosemite’s towering rock formation, however it’s actually caused by the evening sunlight shining on the waterflow, illuminating the falls in a florescent orange. It occurs between mid- to late February every year for a mere few moments every day – if the conditions are right. Do check park guidelines before visiting, as its recent surge in popularity has caused restrictions to be put in place.

Punakha Dzong (Shutterstock)

Much like the Chinese, the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan tends to celebrate its new year – called Losar – in February, depending on the lunisolar calendar. Although a chilly winter month, it’s perhaps the ideal time to explore the living traditions and cultures of this fascinating Himalayan nation. For example, archery tournaments take place as part of Losar celebrations in villages across the country, traditional dishes are often cooked in homes, and the Bhutanese visit local temples and monasteries for sacred rituals and performances, such as puja . If you’re not sure where exactly to go, Punakha is dubbed the ‘winter capital’ of Bhutan and home to one of the country’s most iconic dzongs set along both the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Be sure to wish locals t ashi delek as you pass them by.

18. Patagonia, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park (Shutterstock)

February is a dream time to explore Chilean Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park . By then, the flood of summer-holidaying locals has dissipated, the nights are still warm and there’s 14 good hours of daylight to play with. The conditions and long days make it perfect for taking on one of its most iconic challenges. The ‘W’ trail (71km) zigzags the wild north of Torres del Paine and takes five or six days to traverse. It’s also easy to reach, with most hikers starting from Refugio Las Torres, a bus ride from Puerto Natales. Along the way you’ll encounter the region’s most famous valleys (Grey, Ascensio and Francés) and stroll under the multi-coloured spires of Los Cuernos (The Horns) and through the ice fields of Grey Glacier on a route packed with incredible scenery.

19. Trinidad & Tobago

Pigeon Point is one of Tobago's many beautiful beaches (Shutterstock)

February is party time in the Caribbean. Held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the ‘world’s biggest street party’ is a century-old pre-Lent bender that began with the arrival of French settlers to the islands. After emancipation, the festival was adopted by the freed slaves and Africanised. It has survived despite many colonial attempts to ban it. Today, thousands pour onto the streets for the centrepiece ‘mas’ parades, stirred by the rhythms of the steelpan and soca. One annual highlight is the ‘Kings and Queens’ competition, which sees contestants don incredible costumes, some weighing nearly 100kg, while brass bands, calypso competitions and an apocalypse-worth of fireworks light up the night. Once the party is over, there's dozens of white-sand beaches with turquoise waters to rest and recuperate.

Where to go when:

The best places to visit in january, the best places to visit in march, the best caribbean festivals and carnivals, related articles, looking for inspiration.

Join our newsletter

Get the very best of Wanderlust by signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers.

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The best holiday destinations in February

By Sarah James

25 best holiday destinations in February 2024

February might mark the month of romance with Valentine's Day, but the UK winter season is still very much ongoing. If there's ever a time to escape the cold, dark days and lift new year spirits, this is it. From summer sun in South America and culture hopping in Asia , to chic city breaks in Paris or Copenhagen , here we round up the best places to visit in February 2024. Looking for winter sun specifically? See our edit of where is hot in February .

Tulum, Mexico

Temperature in February: 27°C high; 21°C low Season: Dry season Travel time from UK: 10 hours Time difference: GMT -5

Over the past decade, this corner of Mexico ’s Caribbean coastline has become a bucket list staple for influencers and wellness enthusiasts. As a result, finding your own white-sand beach for the afternoon is a little tricky, but with miles of pristine shore and crystal-clear waters, that’s the epitome of a first-world problem. It’s like Tulum was designed for social media feeds. Beauty spots are at every turn, while the clever minds behind the design of the sleek hotels, bars and restaurants here have tapped into the pockets of aesthetes and lovers of all things boho-chic. History buffs head to the mysterious archaeological sites and Mayan ruins slightly inland, while many others opt to simply soak up the dry season’s rays poolside or in the glitzy beach clubs.

Where to stay: Embrace jungle living at Hotel Bardo . Contemporary luxury is rooted in wellness, and regular rituals include sound healing ceremonies and yoga classes. It’s an adults-only oasis where sun-kissed travellers emerge from loft-style villas in search of fruit platters and punchy cocktails by the swimming pool.

Cairo, Egypt

Temperature in February: 21°C high; 11°C low Season: Spring Travel time from UK: 5 hours Time difference: GMT +2

The ancient city of Cairo is a unique, fascinating city everyone should experience once in their lifetime. However, sightseeing isn’t much fun in the blistering summer heat when temperatures exceed 40C. Visiting in February means you’re more likely to stick to the bucket list itinerary and explore elsewhere while you’re at it. Stand before the Grand Pyramids of Giza, explore the sandy desert scape by camel, and wile away the hours in the many museums.

Where to stay: Rest tired toes at the Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis . The sprawling hotel opened its doors at the end of 2023, and there are 252 rooms and suites to choose from. Make time for afternoon tea in the opulent Peacock Lounge, and sip chilled rosé at Le Jardin Pool Bar before heading to supper in the sleek Mediterranean brasserie.

Temperature in February 29°C high; 25°C low Season: Dry Travel time from UK: 10 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT +5

Never turn down a trip to the Maldives , even in monsoon season (May to November). But if you can choose, February is one of the best months of all to go – when the skies are clear and blue, the days long, dry and not too humid, and the sunshine turns the water a luminous turquoise that’s hard to tear your gaze from. The waters are clear for snorkelling and diving and this is the time of year to see manta rays, tiger sharks and whales sharks. Check the eco-credentials of a resort before you book: many Maldives resorts have their in-house marine biologists and conservationists leading underwater and wildlife conservation initiatives; gardens where they can grow vegetables to supply their restaurants ; are plastic-free or, like Kudadoo, use only solar power.

Where to stay: There are dozens of out-of-this-world Maldives hotels ; the thing is to find the castaway fantasy that’s right for you, whether you want haute cuisine or high-octane activities, knock-out design or lo-fi Crusoe chic. For a bit of everything, we love Gili Lankanfushi , where all villas sit stilted above one of the most beautiful lagoons in the country. For a cool newcomer, Patina Maldives offers hi-tech therapies at its unique Flow Spa, while its collection of bars and restaurants are all exceptional.

Courchevel, France

Temperature in February: 2°C high; -6°C low Season: winter Travel time from UK: 1 hour 30 minutes flight to Chambéry; 9 hours by train Time difference: GMT +1

Courchevel is the superstar ski resort of the French Alps. Of its four villages, Courchevel 1850 is the highest, biggest and glitziest, drawing a jet-set crowd with its Michelin-star restaurants , super-smart chalets and hotels, posh aprés ski – oh yes, and its abundance of snowy slopes for all levels, on-piste and off, with a long season and 230 snow cannons to guarantee good snow. It’s brilliant for superstar and beginner skiers alike, so makes a great option for the February half term ; families may prefer the slightly less high-glamour vibe of 1650.

Where to stay: Ski-in ski-out Portetta in Courchevel Moriond (1650) is a lovely rustic-chic alpine retreat. There are lots of dark wood and log fires, a great spa (Bamford facials, double treatment rooms, gym, hammam), an Angela Hartnett Italian-influenced mountain restaurant, and 44 rooms including six loft duplexes and various family options with extra bunk rooms. If you're travelling in a group, the beautiful Chalet Montanum sleeps nine and offers a true ski-in, ski-out experience – there's slope access from the end of the drive.

Cotswolds, United Kingdom

Temperature in February : 7°C high; 1°C low Season: winter Travel time from London: 2 hours by train Time difference: GMT +0

If there’s one thing that can make a British winter appealing, it’s the thought of getting cosy in the Cotswolds . Amid a quintessentially English landscape, publicans pull artisan ales, sipped by roaring fires. Frosty walks ramble past country manors and up green hills topped with Iron Age forts. But while its home to some of the most beautiful villages in the UK , this isn’t back-in-time England. Clued-in movers and shakers have helped sow an ultra-modern crop of Michelin-starred restaurants in the Cotswolds between the organic spacs, antiques stores and tea rooms. Naturally, rates and reservations are more manageable in winter. Two of the best hotels in the Cotswolds that particularly embody contemporary village living: Soho Farmhouse (copper bathtubs; bottled Negronis), and Lady Bamford’s trailblazing Daylesford farm and estate, where the organic ethos extends to everything from the farm shop and pub to wellness treatments.

Where to stay: The Lygon Arms , located in a 16th-century coaching inn in the middle of Broadway Village. The interiors are of the traditional countryside kind and the four courtyard rooms are particularly spacious. For a private stay, takeover this quaint and cosy thatched cottage in Kingham , one of our favourite Airbnbs in the Cotwolds .

Paris, France

Temperature in February: 9°C high; 3°C low Season: winter Travel time from UK: 1 hour 15 minutes flight or 2 hours 15 minutes by train Time difference: GMT +1

The City of Love should be an obvious pick in February, but potential suitors are all-too-often put off by the weather. Très grosse erreur . Anyone who knows the French knows they scarper tout de suite in summer, shuttering restaurants, frustrating foreigners and not giving a tiny French fig. Come instead in winter, when everything’s open, visitors are fewer, reservations easier and rates lower. All the best stuff is indoors anyway: cute, candle-lit bistros; echoey art museums; bo-bo (bourgeois-boho) bars. South Pigalle – or SoPo – still sizzles as one of Paris ’s hottest spots, where the best table is at Bouillon Pigalle. The queue around the block is worth it – three-course meals with drinks here can cost less than €25, practically unheard of within the list of the best restaurants in Paris .

Where to stay: Parisians in the know will recommend Château Voltaire , once the showroom for cult fashion label Zadig & Voltaire and now a super chic bolthole on the rue Saint-Roch. In terms of Paris hotels with a great location, it's hard to beat La Réserve which faces the Grand Palais and, at a slightly greater distance, the Eiffel Tower, overlooks the Champs-Elysées and is only a few doors down from the presidential palace. For Eiffel Tower views, take over The Margaux , a three-bedroom Airbnb apartment on the Left Bank.

Temperature in February: 25°C high; 17°C low Season: dry Travel time from UK: 10 hours 15 minutes Time difference: GMT -5

Swap the white sludge on your doorstep for a bright white beach in the Bahamas . Those in the know head for the Caribbean islands in sleepy February, just as the December holiday crowds have dispersed and before the raucous spring breakers descend in March, for the pristine sands, laidback lifestyle and 18th-century streets tinged with the scent of frangipani. Take advantage of the relative quiet with a barefoot stroll across Pink Sands beach, consider a diving class after a long lunch on Harbour Island or while away the afternoon with a mojito and a novel – what's the rush?

Where to stay: Paradise Island is home to the most famous retreat in the Bahamas, One&Only Ocean Club , a 106-room resort with a neighbouring championship golf course, and a near-perfect, alabaster-white beach

Above: Poolside at The Other Side, on North Eleuthera.

Ibiza, Spain

Temperature in February: 15°C high; 8°C low Season: winter Travel time from UK: 2 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT +1

Winter on the White Isle isn’t as bonkers as it sounds. It’s the best time to experience Ibiza as the locals know it – almond trees flush pink-white with blossom; beach bars and pavement cafés are laid-back not lairy; and the tapas and drinks come cheap. Bargain isn’t a word too often associated with this Balearic, but without the club crowds, proprietors look to lure customers with deals. During winter nights, island restaurants participate in Gastrojueves – Gastro Thursdays – where meals are offered half-price. Craving a blowout? Small towns across Ibiza celebrate Carnival with parades early in the month; superclubs such as Pacha throw the after-parties. Really, though, it’s all about taking time to soak up the quieter side of Ibiza. Ibiza’s bohemian north is the best place to discover a more peaceful side to the island, and one of the smartest experiences here is found at Ibiza Horse Valley . This sanctuary rehabilitates mistreated animals and reintroduces them to riding, offering horseback trips to the White Isle’s untouched forest, remote mountaintops and secret beaches .

Where to stay: The address to know about is OKU Ibiza , a laid-back luxury retreat with two serene swimming pools, wabi-sabi-inspired decor and regular yoga sessions. Another option is Nobu Ibiza Bay in Talamanca, all soothing white bedrooms, fabulous sea views and mostly crowd-free at this time of year. For more, see our round-up of the best hotels on Ibiza and the best Airbnbs in Ibiza .

The best eSIMs for travellers to beat hefty roaming charges

Charley Ward

Condé Nast Traveller

Discovering the Dolomites: a journey through Italy's deliciously underrated mountain region

Jemima Sissons

CNT Editors

Temperature in February: 28°C high; 17°C low Season: dry Travel time from UK: 10 hours 50 minutes Time difference: GMT -6

This little slice of Central America packs a powerful punch. With verdant rainforests and towering volcanoes sitting beside vibrant cities, explorers are spoiled for choice. You can trek through rugged Tenorio National Park, frolic in Arenal's secret waterfalls and finish the day dining on French fusion in San José. Dive into the action in Costa Rica in February, just as prices dip after peak tourist season. The rainforests are still lush (monsoon season ends in December ) and the coconut-strewn beaches of Puerto Viejo as idyllic as ever.

Where to stay: The Harmony Hotel (pictured) in Nosara, with daily classes (yoga on the beach, vinyasa body dance), one-off retreats, a vegetarian juice bar, and a kidney-bean-shaped pool with white-faced monkeys swinging from the nearby trees. On the wonderfully wild southern shores in Puerto Viejo, Aguas Claras 's Victorian-style bungalows gets our tick of approval as one of the best eco-friendly hotels in Costa Rica .

Temperature: 28°C high; 17°C low Season: winter Travel time from UK: 7 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT +4

A seven-and-a-half-hour flight transports you to another place and time – one of heat and spice, epic landscapes and exotic otherness – in this most welcoming country of the Arabian Peninsula. Its topography is diverse and dramatic, with adventures of many kinds: go driving over dunes and diving in the marine-rich waters off the Musandam Peninsula; stay at remote Bedouin camps or polished-luxury resorts from desert to beach. February is the last month of winter in Oman , which means it’s still bearably hot rather than unbearably hot.

Where to stay: In a hard-to-reach cove surrounded by mountains, Six Senses Zighy Bay is one of the country’s original five-star retreats, and for many, still the best hotel in Oman . Its natural adobe casitas are built in harmony with the surrounding desert stone, the restaurants and spa are superb, the creamy-sand beach is footprint-free sublime, and staff can arrange the kind of adventures that are never forgotten. Another impressive option is Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort , a wilderness retreat set on the rim of a beautiful canyon. Mornings are ushered in with dawn yoga while evenings are spent smoking shisha under the stars.

New Orleans, USA

Temperature in February: 19°C high; 9°C low Season: winter Travel time from UK: 9 hours 55 minutes Time difference: GMT -6

“I don't want realism. I want magic,” cooed Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire , an enduring love letter to this romantic, crumbling city. Mardi Gras certainly delivers on that. The iconic two-week carnival sees daily parades and masquerade balls transform New Orleans into a riotous party town. Don a mask, discard your inhibitions and wander the city in mystical torchlight. After the festivities, crawl out of bed for a meal of gumbo over cheese grits and stroll through the cobblestone alleyways of the French Quarter to a soundtrack of Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin. Without the glittering krewes the quaint streets are almost unrecognisable - the discarded beads that litter the pavement act as the only proof that you're in the same place.

Where to stay: W French Quarter , a contemporary urban oasis, with small courtyard pool, bar and Miami-style cabanas; and rooms are in a former sugar mill with grey shutters.

Venice, Italy

Temperature in February: 9°C high; 1°C low Season: winter Travel time from UK: 2 hours Time difference: GMT +1

February is carnival time in Venice , which makes it either the very best time to come, or the worst. Noblemen clink swords in St Mark's Square, courtesans cloaked in red silk drift down the Grand Canal on plumed gondolas, and gilded masks allow royalty to walk freely among the commoners. What seems like a Canaletto painting comes to life every year when revellers gather for three weeks of masked debauchery. Those seeking the quiet charms of the floating city will be disappointed, but if you dare to join the huddled masses you'll be rewarded with an otherworldly experience. You can flaunt your finery on the Rialto, dance the quadrilles at the Doge's ball and wake up the next morning in a luxurious four-poster bed in your very own Venetian palace wondering if it was all a dream.

Where to stay: Palazzo Cristo , a renovated 16th-century house with original exposed timber beams, Carrara marble, oak parquet flooring and canopy beds, all done in a pared-back palette, a million miles from the usual gilded ceilings and Murano-glass extravagance. A more recent addition to St. Mark's Square is Ca'di Dio , where the interiors of the 66-room hotel are molto chic, and many enjoy views of the lagoon. For a stay that feels like a best kept secret, this Airbnb apartment 's canal-side balcony makes it one of the most romantic Airbnbs in Europe. For more places to stay, see our guide to the best hotels in Venice .

Above: Palazzo Contarini Polignac, Dorsoduro.

Cartagena, Colombia

Temperature in February: 31°C high; 24°C low Season: dry Travel time from UK: 14 hours 40 minutes Time difference: GMT -5

A riotous clash of Spanish, Latin and Caribbean cultures, the Colombian seaside city is a feast for the senses, with corn-yellow colonial villas and palm-dotted plazas, citrus-kissed ceviche and potent rum cocktails. True, old Cartagena ’s picturesque romance has turned it into a well-known destination. But the locals in its Getsemani neighbourhood still cling to artsy authenticity: streets here belong to bright murals and vagabond musicians, Champeta dance clubs (Afro-Caribbean beats meet salsa) and hip restaurants (find Di Silvio Trattoria’s thin-crust pizzas in a former soap factory). Ready to dial it down? Rent a boat for the one-hour ride to the Rosario Islands, where simple beach shacks pour Mojitos into coconuts on peaceful, powder-soft beaches. February sea breezes take the edge off summer’s humidity.

Where to stay: Casa San Agustin is the top boutique hotel in the old walled city. Three 18th-century houses knocked into one with a pool in the courtyard and an upstairs library has deep armchairs and an honesty bar.

Finnish Lapland

Temperature in February: -6°C high; -13°C low Season: winter Travel time from UK: 5 hours 20 minutes Time difference: GMT +2

February in Finnish Lapland might be bracing, but there’s plenty going on here that’s hot. How about hopping aboard the world’s only sauna gondola – a wooden cable car that treats passengers to a steamy ride over the slopes of Ylläs Ski Resort? Or working up a sweat by fat-biking across Ylläs National Park’s stark-white scenery (the thick treads help plucky cyclists pedal in deep snow). Of course, Christmas is high season here, but conditions are every bit as romantic in February, without the sky-high prices or crowds. Northern Lights stalkers also have a good chance of spotting those elusive, swirling illuminations – perhaps best viewed from the Aurora Domes at Harriniva, where igloo-like tents are fitted out with a transparent wall, wood burner and Champagne. Experiences with the Indigenous Sami people of Lapland are becoming ever more popular, but be sure your operator is providing a genuine connection with their culture (rather than a ‘show’). Done right, this kind of tourism helps boost a local economy that can only rely on a lucrative revenue stream – tourism – a few months of the year. Magnetic North Travel , for example, organises time with genuine reindeer herders and their families, so you get a real sense of their way of life.

Where to stay: Hotel & Igloo Village Kakslauttanen . A short drive from Saariselkä, these glass igloos are fabulous. There's an ice gallery, ice restaurant and an ice chapel for weddings.

Kerala, India

Temperature in February: 32°C high; 23°C low Season: dry Travel time from UK: 15 hours Time difference: GMT +5.30

If you're dreaming of drifting down Kerala 's tranquil backwaters in relative solitude, wait until February. The tail end of peak season sees low humidity, practically no rain and fewer tour groups to disturb your zen-like state of mind. Whether you prefer to hide away on an elegant houseboat or enjoy southern hospitality at a local homestay, it's impossible not to fall for this state's easygoing charm. Spend your evenings lingering over delicious South Indian thalis, exploring the meandering Dutch canals of Cochin and lazing on Varkala's deserted beaches. Hiring a houseboat to explore the backwaters is undoubtedly a magical experience, but the popularity of the practice has led to some less-than-honourable operations that cut corners and pollute the water. Be sure to research the eco credentials of who you’re going with, and consider combining a houseboat tour with a homestay, which keeps your money within the communities you’re visiting.

Where to stay: If you're not on the backwaters, take over one of the many nearby homestays like Anugraha . The stylish two-bedroom heritage home was restored by former Architectural Digest India editor Manju Sara Rajan.

Antarctica

Temperature in February: 1°C high; –11°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 19 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT +13

February is summertime in the Antarctic. Temperatures can soar as high as slightly above freezing, it’s the optimum time to cross the Antarctic Circle, and fluffy baby penguins are toddling around making hay while the sun shines – for up to 24 hours a day. It’s one of the best months to see the extraordinary white icescapes against blue skies, and spot whales – humpbacks minke, orca – gliding below on Zodiac trips.

How to do it: Adventure company Pelorus has the truly extraordinary 10-night ‘Shackleton’s Antarctica’, following in the footsteps of the polar explorer – climbing, abseiling, hiking, ice-walking and sailing aboard sleek superyacht La Datcha.

Bahia, Brazil

Temperature in February: 31°C high; 25°C low Season: dry Travel time from UK: 13 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT -3

It’s carnival time in Brazil – but it’s not only Rio de Janeiro that brings the party. Salvador, capital of Bahía – the north-eastern state and birthplace of Afro-Brazilian culture – hosts bigger, longer and louder festivities. Drumming troupes thunder through the streets playing the region’s signature axé music: a rousing fusion of reggae, merengue and salsa. And while the Sambadrome is the base for carnival activities in Rio, in Salvador it’s the whole city. Caipirinha-weary revellers can recover with a stint at any one of Bahía’s golden, jungle-fringed sands along its 1,000km-long coast. Beach town Trancoso is where Brazilians go on holiday: it’s a languid, curiously hippie-glam mix of billionaires and bohemians.

Where to stay: Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa is not just a great sustainable stay but also a top stay in general. A ramshackle façade disguises the beloved hotel, where ten beautiful houses are set among high-growing gardens. There's a spa and a pool lined with green aventurine stones.

Temperature in February: 26°C high; 16°C low Season: dry Travel time from UK: 7 hours 55 minutes Time difference: GMT +0

Senegal has always danced to its own beat – usually the beat of a booming sabar drum – and attracts adventurers with its delta wildlife, spicy street food and thriving contemporary art scene. Gloriously golden beaches have also turned it into an unexpected surfing hotspot and February is the best time to catch some big waves. While it's tropical and hot all year round, this month sees no rain, totally bearable heat and eight hours of sunshine a day – your typical Senegalese winter. Even a short trip guarantees life-changing experiences.

Where to stay: Sobo Badé hotel in Toubab Dialaw is an utterly serene stay on the water.

Temperature in February: 19°C high; 5°C low (Torres del Paine) Season: summer Travel time from UK: 14 hours 30 minutes to Santiago Time difference: GMT -3 (south); GMT -4 (north)

Nowhere is the world quite so multi-dimensionally mindblowing, so humbling in its majesty, as Chile . It’s a vast land of two time zones and epic proportions – towering volcanoes, endless deserts, dramatic mountains reflected in pristine glacial lakes. Its clear skies and great uninhabited expanses – Patagonia , Atacama , the Andes – make the night sky an awesome spectacle like no other place on earth. February is the best month for stargazing and, as the last month of summer, it’s also still warm enough for walking, horseriding and wild swimming in the staggeringly beautiful Torres del Paine and other national parks .

Where to stay: Explora lodges are contemporary, low-slung and gloriously miles from anywhere, in Torres Del Paine , Patagonia National Park , Easter Island and Atacama .

Copenhagen, Denmark

Temperature in February: 3°C high; -1°C low Season: winter Travel time from UK: 1 hours 50 minutes Time difference: GMT +1

Home of hygge, layering up is all part of the fun in the undisputed capital of Scandi-cool . The Danes’ design prowess has lately seen the city popularised as a hipster dreamland, but it’s been fabulous far longer than beanie-clad bicyclists have been on Instagram: leading-edge visual arts, high Nordic cooking and fancy coffee are all in the Danish DNA.

Where to stay: Steep yourself in Copenhagen cool at Design Hotel digs Nobis , where contemporary interiors have reinvigorated the former Royal Danish Conservatory of Music, restaurant Niels does frilly things with local, seasonal ingredients, and there’s a traditional sauna to stave off the chill. We also like Hotel Danmark , where bedrooms are styled in a hipster-spartan style, painted deep, inky forest-green with contemporary Danish designs – nab a room on the sixth floor for views of the Tivoli fireworks on a summer’s evening.

Temperature in February: 31°C high; 23°C low Season: dry Travel time from UK: 10 hours 45 minutes Time difference: GMT +5.30

Following the Covid pandemic and Sri Lanka's political troubles, tourism to the country has greatly suffered. More recently the country's Tourism Ministry and government have taken many initiatives to revive the industry. And while the foreign office recommends exercising caution, travel to Sri Lanka is allowed. It may also even help to make a difference. According to The Diplomat , "economic analysts are of the view that, if there is an increase in tourist inflows, it could have a positive impact on pulling the nation out of its current economic crisis." If you're up for the adventure, the best place to begin is in the historic capital Colombo, then head down the coast to the colonial town of Galle, sampling some mouth-watering seafood along the way.

Where to stay: Design fans will love Paradise Road The Villa Bentota , a colonial-era ancestral home with laid-back service and an excellent restaurant.

North American ski resorts

Temperature in February: 4°C high; -12°C low Season: winter Travel time from UK: 12 hours Time difference: GMT -7

Is there anything more alluring than powdery, just-fallen snow? Especially when your primary concern is not how to get to work but deciding what time to book your ski lesson? Fresh snowfall drives winter sports aficionados to the Rockies in their droves from November , but by February you can take advantage of the optimum skiing conditions at more affordable prices. Aspen glitters the brightest, attracting high rollers more interested in sipping hot chocolate by an open fire than hitting the slopes. Serious skiers head further up to Jackson Hole and Banff, in the picturesque Canadian Rockies.

Where to stay: In Aspen, Hotel Jerome is a solid, square old building of mellowed brick that's been a landmark here since it opened in 1889, stylishly designed to mix the patina of age with the design elements of now. In Banff, you can also kick off your skis at the lavish Fairmont Banff Springs , but when rooms come with awe-inspiring panoramas straight out of The Revenant is it even worth going outside?

Mendoza, Argentina

Temperature in February: 31°C high; 17°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 18 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT -3

Summer in Argentina is in full swing, and few places look lovelier under the season’s clear, blue skies than Mendoza. The convivial, famously laid-back city isn’t just the gateway to Argentine wine country, but a destination every bit as seductive as the region’s finest reds – where buzzy bars and restaurants spill out onto pavements, world-class beef is grilled over wood fires, and even the ice cream comes laced with Malbec. Road trips to the Uco Valley wineries are framed by the frosted Andes soaring over neatly plotted, brilliant-green vines. In late February, the Vendimia Festival, celebrating the grape harvest, takes over the town: it’s a fine time to join the party, or flee to a rustic bungalow in a placid Uco pasture.

Where to stay: Cavas Wine Lodge , where the architecture is bold and the 14 abode-style cabaña buildings are spacious. The restaurant makes good use of local produce and, as you'd expect, has a carefully compiled wine list – give advance notice and you can dine by candlelight on your roof terrace.

Valletta, Malta

Temperature in February: 16°C high; 9°C low Season: winter Travel time from UK: 3 hours 20 minutes Time difference: GMT +1

Malta is the Mediterranean's sunshine island – with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, even in February the island skims temperatures of 16°C – practically tropical compared to the British average of 7°C . February is also Carnival Week; when parades with colourful floats passing through the streets of the capital, Valletta.

Where to stay: At 66 Saint Paul’s , doubles from about £120, which has a cute, diminutive rooftop pool. Or book into Domus Zamittello , set in a restored 17th-century palazzo.

Rio de Janerio, Brazil

Temperature in February: 31°C high; 24°C low Season: rainy Travel time from UK: 11 hours 20 minutes Time difference: GMT -4

Of all the carnival celebrations that happen across the world during this time, Rio Carnival is the one to beat. It's widely regarded as the biggest carnival in the world, having taken place since 1723. Samba schools from across the city compete against each other in all-night-long parades at the Sambadrome; but the party rages on outside of the stadium, too – at blocos that takeover the beaches and shut down the streets throughout the week (9 February - 17 February 2024).

Where to stay: Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel , is the city's classic grand dame, a beachfront, Belle Epoque hangout with the city's buzziest poolside scene.

Travel recommendations The world is a big place – not sure where to go? Get recommendations on destinations, the best times to go there, and what to do.
Travel in the UK How much have you really travelled within the UK? There are so many local hidden gems waiting to be discovered – be inspired here.
The taste of travel For some, the best way to experience a place is through its food. See the best places to go for dining and local dishes around the world.
Tips & tricks Hack your way to the most amazing trips ever with tips on everything from how to pack your carry-on to how to eat dumplings.
Travel experiences What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re travelling? Find the best things to see and do based on your interests or type of travel.
News Read the latest news about the travel industry, our products and services, and what’s happening at KAYAK.

The 9 best places to visit in February for a winter break

The best places to visit in February range from romantic Valentine’s getaways and sun destinations to places covered in snow .

Beyond the romance of Valentine’s Day, February is ripe with opportunities to get away. You’ll find sunshine and festivals if you head south of the equator. And if you venture north you can enjoy the magic of the Aurora Borealis and winter wonderlands.

The majestic Aurora Borealis dances in the night sky above a snow-covered mountain landscape, casting a colourful reflection on a serene and frozen lake below.

With that said, if you’re looking to avoid crowds, either at the beach or on the ski slopes, you should be aware of the February half-term (Monday 19 February to Friday 23 February) unless you’re taking your own family away. Flights during these weeks , as well as the cost of accommodation, can increase significantly so make sure you book well in advance .

The best places to visit in February

Beijing, China
San Jose, Costa Rica
New Orleans, USA
Quebec, Canada
Tromso, Norway
Ibiza, Spain
Valletta, Malta
Kos, Greece

The best long-haul places to visit in February

For anyone travelling from the UK, you have three continents and more than 40 countries to explore. There’s no need to travel far but with the below long-haul recommendations you could well be tempted.

1 . Beijing, China

Learn more: Beijing travel guide
Why visit in February? Chinese New Year festivities from Feb. 10th to 17th

China’s New Year celebrations (also known as the Spring Festival or Chunjie) witness one of the largest human migrations in the world. More than half a billion people, travel from all across the country to their ancestral homes to ring in Chinese New Year with their loved ones.

Visiting Beijing at this time of year is a spectacle and one that I recommend you consider for your February travel plans. Be sure to kit yourself out in red as the locals do, then visit one of the famous Temple Fairs, such as the one at the Temple of Heaven, before the massive fireworks displays in Beijing.

Visiting the Forbidden City is a must on any trip to Beijing however, you will have to keep in mind the city will be extremely busy with visitors celebrating the New Year. Try exploring the many night markets of Beijing for incredible local dishes such as the Guijie (Ghost Street), Qianmen and Longfusi food streets.

Find flights to Beijing

2. Goa, India

Learn more : Candolim travel guide
Why visit in February? Pleasant temperatures and a myriad of cultural attractions

Goa makes my list of places to visit in February because of its warm weather and intriguing mix of European and Indian cultures.

Whilst many people associate India as a former British colony, Goa and its port actually spent a long time as a Portuguese territory, giving it a different flavour to the rest of India. Goa is a popular beach holiday destination with more than 103 km worth of stunning coastlines and beautiful beaches to explore during your stay.

Palolem and Candolim beaches stand out in North Goa, while Colva and Benaulim beaches are all the rage in South Goa. If you’ve had enough of frolicking on the beaches or yoga and meditation classes, visit Bom Jesus Basilica (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, which are among the city’s most recognised landmarks.

Goan cuisine is also highly rated for a reason, it’s delicious. Make sure you try as much as possible during your visit, including many incredible fish dishes inspired by Portuguese cuisine.

Find flights to Goa

3. San Jose, Costa Rica

Learn more: San Jose travel guide
Why visit in February? To glimpse volcanic activity in Arenal Volcano National Park

One of the premier eco-tourism destinations on the planet, Costa Rica also shares coastlines with the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. This Central American gem is home to rainforests, volcanoes and beaches, with several biodiversity reserves making it a veritable paradise.

Travel to San Jose to begin your adventure into one of the most diverse countries in the world. The city is filled with culture, art and delicious food. While you’re there explore the barrios of Amon and Escalante before you venture out of the city for some outdoor adventures.

Walk among the clouds and the canopy at Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or check out the Observation Lodge at Arenal Volcano National Park, both of which are just a couple of hour’s drive or bus trip away from San Jose. If you arrive in February you may even have a chance to see the Arenal Volcano erupt, as February to April is when it is most prone to volcanic activity.

Find flights to Costa Rica

4. New Orleans, USA

A vibrant avenue coming alive at night with bright lights as people stroll by the stores and restaurants.

Learn more : New Orleans travel guide
Why visit in February? Experience the vibrant Mardi Gras Festival

Anyone travelling to a place called ‘The Big Easy’ knows they’re in for a treat. For those visiting New Orleans, expect to find it a warm and welcoming place, with the heat slowly rising until the end of February when the annual Mardi Gras Festival comes roaring into town. For a few days, the jewel of the south becomes a heady mix of live music, street parades and beaded revelry that rumbles on into the wee hours.

The food is great too, for some southern gems don’t miss fiery jambalaya, a shrimp po’boy and a bowl of succulent gumbo. Two of my favourite spots to try these are High Hat Cafe and Arnaud’s .

A visit to the French Quarter is a must too as there is no better image of New Orleans than this centuries-old neighbourhood that brought the Enlightenment to America. New Orleans during Mardi Gras, is definitely, one of the best places to go on holiday in February.

Find flights to New Orleans

5. Quebec, Canada

DEST_CANADA_QUEBEC_CITY_WINTER-CARNIVAL_ICE-SCULPTURES_GettyImages-75462032

Learn more: Quebec travel guide
Why visit in February? Enjoy the Quebec Winter Carnival until Feb 11th

For nearly 70 years, Quebec has played host to the world’s biggest and oldest winter carnival. The famous masquerade ball at Chateau Frontenac is one of the highlights, but there is also live music entertainment, interactive adventures for kids and outdoor sporting events. Please remember, with this being winter in Canada , you’ll need to wrap up warm and pack the right footwear for going outdoors.

For those wanting to really get out and about in the Canadian winter wonderland, head Northeast from Quebec City to Mont-Sainte-Anne for winter hikes and fantastic skiing and snowboarding. Mone-Sainte-Anne is the perfect ski resort for people of all abilities, even offering night skiing on 19 different trails. The resort is only 40 km outside of Quebec City, which makes it a great destination for a few days on the slopes.

Find flights to Quebec

Not sure when to book your trip? The KAYAK Best Time to Travel tool has you covered. Just add your origin, destination, and length of trip and you’ll get personalized recommendations on when to book for a great price.

Illustration of KAYAK's best time to travel tool

Best places to visit in February in Europe

Would you rather stay a little closer to home? While temperatures are still pretty chilly across the majority of Europe, there are several spots blessed with milder temperatures too. Venture to the Mediterranean for a little sunshine and seasonal celebrations or enjoy a frosty winter wonderland in Scandinavia.

6. Tromso, Norway

Learn more: Tromso travel guide
Why visit in February? Snow sports and the spectacular Northern Lights

If you’re looking for a real winter adventure this February, then a trip to Tromso might cure your thirst for a wintery adventure. Whilst Norway is not the cheapest country in the world to visit, its wealth of incredible natural attractions does set it apart, especially during winter.

Tromso is a great place to see the Northern Lights , the Aurora Borealis, a true bucket list moment staring up at the incredible light show in the sky during the depth of the frozen Arctic winter. If you want to do more than admire the Aurora, try your hand at hiking and sledging or, kayaking the fjords past frozen stretches of water. Save some time to visit the Arctic Cathedral, with its shimmering glass mosaics, huge crystal chandeliers and magnificent pipe organ.

The best thing about visiting Tromso in February is that whilst it is icy, the days begin to noticeably lengthen and give you more opportunities to explore, whilst still being able to catch the stunning light show from the Aurora in the evenings.

Find flights to Tromso

7. Ibiza, Spain

Learn more: Ibiza travel guide
Why visit in February? Warm hiking trails (and nightlife)

Ibiza is far more than just parties. The island is incredibly beautiful, with dozens of picturesque towns to explore like Santa Agnes de Corona, Sant Mateu d’Albarca and Es Cubells. Ibiza, away from the partying, is filled with stunning scenery, beautiful weather, incredible food and a wonderfully relaxed way of living. But what’s it like in winter?

The beaches are still perfect for viewing sunsets and the occasional swim if the weather is a bit warmer, plus there are plenty of hiking trails all over the island. If you want to feel the party vibe, you can still feel the pulse of Ibiza during February, as many of the cafes and restaurants remain open.

Lola’s Club and LA MOVIDA continue to entice clubbers for the long winter nights. If you’re looking to travel somewhere close to home, Ibiza could be the destination for you this winter.

Find flights to Ibiza

8. Valletta, Malta

A picturesque narrow street with steps is flanked by stunning and timeless buildings, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Learn more: Valletta travel guide
Why visit in February? Join in with Carnival celebrations early in the month

Malta may be known as a summer destination but its capital, Valletta, is one of the best European cities to visit in February. Temperatures sit in the mid to high teens for those tired of the gloomy UK winter weather. Plus, this month sits during the country’s off-season, making it a brilliant time to explore Valletta’s medieval streets without the crowds.

After something a little more lively? Venture to Malta the week before Ash Wednesday (aka Pancake Day) and the entire island comes alive with vibrant carnival celebrations. Valletta hosts most of the festivities, including a huge parade featuring colourful floats and intricate costumes. It’s a feast for the eyes and something well worth incorporating into your February travel agenda.

9. Kos, Greece

A church belfry overlooking its neighbouring houses and a mountain.

Learn more : Kos travel guide
Why visit in February? Sun-soaked beaches and historic relics without the summer crowds

Why visit the island of Kos in February? Kos is just off the west coast of Turkey and is a popular destination during the summer . So much so, that this beautiful little island is often overcrowded, which is why visiting in February is the perfect time to beat the crowds and enjoy the island.

Kos is filled with history and you’ll find many impressive historical sites here, from fortresses belonging to the Knight’s Hospitaller to the remnants of the ancient Agora. As you might expect for an island in the Mediterranean, Kos has many stunning beaches too such as Kefalos, Marmari and Tigaki. Hiking up Mount Diekos or to the Antimachia lookout is the best way to get some stunning views of both Kos and its surrounding islands.

After a day spent exploring, relax and dine out for the evening at one of the many restaurants in the Old Town of Kos and enjoy incredible views of the Aegean Sea as the sunsets. Kos is one of Greece’s best islands to visit throughout the year, which is why it’s one of the best countries to visit in February for your winter break.

Find flights to Kos

How these destinations were chosen

KAYAK’s best places to travel articles are written by passionate travel writers. The destinations in this article have been selected based on personal experience taking into seasonal events and festivals, prices, weather, and seasonal activities.

Find more holiday inspiration

DEST_FINLAND_LAPLAND GettyImages-511370388

Whether you’re looking to escape to somewhere hot in February or looking to head to the Alps for some skiing with the family in Europe during half term, KAYAK has the information you need.

Not sure if you have the time to get away during February? Why not look ahead to the best places to visit in March . Start planning now for your next spring break and get the best possible options on flights and accommodation before prices begin to rise.

For other inspiration, KAYAK Explore and travel guides bring the world to you. And for great value bookings, KAYAK is where you’ll find flights , car rental , and accommodation .

About the author

Explore more articles

Street covered in snow, New York City, USA

How we work
Hotel owners
Advertise with us
Airline fees
Low fare tips
Badges & Certificates
Terms & Conditions

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

Our guide to the UK & Ireland

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Your US State Privacy Rights
Children's Online Privacy Policy
Interest-Based Ads
About Nielsen Measurement
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Nat Geo Home
Attend a Live Event
Book a Trip
Inspire Your Kids
Shop Nat Geo
Visit the D.C. Museum
Learn About Our Impact
Support Our Mission
Advertise With Us
Customer Service
Renew Subscription
Manage Your Subscription
Work at Nat Geo
Sign Up for Our Newsletters
Contribute to Protect the Planet

Accessibility Links

17 best places to visit in February 2024 for a winter getaway

Discover where to go in february for travel adventures including skiing, world-class parties and winter sun.

C hilly February might not inspire many holiday ideas but it’s one of the best times of the year to travel, letting you take advantage of the cheaper shoulder season prices and fewer crowds — ski destinations excepted. In Europe and beyond, big festivals and events mark the carnival season before Lent. If it’s guaranteed warmth and sunny weather you’re looking for, you’ll need to travel a bit further and read up before you set your sights on the shade of a particular palm tree — tropical destinations can vary immensely when it comes to their wet and dry seasons. Read on for the best places to visit in February, including winter sun escapes and long-haul destinations that shine at this time of year.

Main photo: the village of A in Norway’s Lofoten Island s (Getty Images)

This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue

1. New Orleans, US

Why go in February? For the biggest of parties in the home of good times Old-world streets decked out in green, purple and gold announce the arrival of Mardi Gras in New Orleans . The two weeks leading up to Shrove Tuesday see a crescendo of parades and parties by krewes (carnival clubs), with lots of floats, jazz and body paint. It’s a busy time to visit, but much less humid than in Louisiana’s summer months, when temperatures are generally in the high 20s. You’ll find a more local vibe to Mardi Gras away from the heritage facades and tourist traps of the French Quarter. Henry Howard Hotel is a townhouse dating from 1867, with a classical colonnade and part-contemporary design, one block back from a big parade route along St Charles Avenue.

New Orleans’s French Quarter during Mardi Gras (Getty Images)

• Best hotels in New Orleans

2. koh samui, thailand.

Why go in February? For a later start to perfect beach weather Koh Samui and its neighbouring islands in the southern Gulf of Thailand are at their driest in February, after a short but intense wet season from October to December. You’ll find some of the biggest full moon parties on the island of Koh Pha-ngan, while the northeast of this jungle-clad island is quieter, as is smaller Koh Tao to the north, best for diving and snorkelling. Koh Samui itself is a gateway to both and Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket, so there’s plenty of variety in its beaches, activities and hotels. All-villa accommodation on a small private island just off the northeast shore of Koh Samui makes Cape Fahn Hotel a luxurious choice.

• Best hotels in Thailand • Which is the best island in Thailand?

3. Lofoten Islands, Norway

Why go in February? For a meeting of land and sea under the aurora It takes only three months for the Lofoten Islands, above the Arctic Circle, to catch their first glimpse of the midnight sun after many weeks of 24-hour night or twilight, and February sits in the middle of the period when it all starts to shift. This is the month to balance having enough darkness to hope for a sighting of the northern lights, with at least a few hours of sun to light up these majestic islands, where mountain ranges meet the ocean. A highway threads along the chain as far as the concisely named village of A, passing old fishing settlements where wooden cabins perch on stilts at the water’s edge. Get a taste of a fisherman’s life in the days of old Norway by staying in one of the 38 cabins at Svinoya Rorbuer in the town of Svolvaer.

The northern lights illuminate the Lofoten Islands (Alamy)

• Best ways to see the northern lights

4. Baja California, Mexico

Why go in February? For extraordinary wildlife encounters This is a generally dry and slightly cooler time of year across Mexico . Winter sun aside, the best reason to visit in February is to catch some incredible animal migrations. Millions of monarch butterflies are getting ready to fly north after their winter stay in the forested mountains of the Michoacan-Mexico State border. And in the lagoons on the coast of Baja California, grey whales come right up to visitor boats in some of the world’s most well-managed wildlife encounters. You’ll find both high-end resorts and abundant nature reserves along this 700-mile peninsula. In the Baja Sur town of Loreto, which is often a base for whale-watching trips, La Mision Loreto Hotel is a modern outpost with hacienda-style touches, right on the shore of the Gulf of California.

Whale-watching in Baja California (Alamy)

• Best hotels in Mexico

5. Ari Atoll, Maldives

Why go in February? For beach time and underwater discoveries in the best conditions The almost 1,200 tropical islands of the Maldives experience their driest month in February. They are grouped into 26 atolls that lie in an elongated loop, like necklaces within a necklace, suspended in the midst of the Indian Ocean. Whale sharks tend to move to the eastern atolls around December and back west again in May, but at Ari Atoll on the western side these gentle giants can be spotted year-round and March is a great time for diving visibility generally and high season for escapes to white-sand beaches. Well placed for spotting whale sharks and manta rays, Lux South Ari Atoll has overwater villas and thatched beach bungalows on a mile-long island, plus eight restaurants and plenty of family options.

• Best overwater villas in the Maldives • The best hotels in the Maldives • Amazing family-friendly hotels in the Maldives

6. Valais, Switzerland

Why go in February? For hitting the ski runs in the most Alpine of settings Assorted European half-term holidays can make Alpine ski resorts busy in February and this month is typically the best for finding powdery snow. If Switzerland is the heart of the Alps, then the canton of Valais is it in microcosm: French-speaking in the west, German-speaking in the east, with the pinnacle of the Matterhorn almost halfway. Zermatt, Verbier and Crans-Montana are among the best-known resorts, but under-the-radar alternatives include Grimentz, which has kept much of its traditional wooden architecture, and the valley of the Lotschental — of interest even to non-skiers for its slightly scary Tschaggata carnival with its frightening masks. The 32-room Hôtel Alpina in Grimentz has an ideal location between the two main ski lift stations in the village, with an unfussy modern Alpine look inside and cycling facilities for the summer season.

The Tschaggata mask-wearing carnival in Lotschental, Valais (Alamy)

• When is the best time to visit Switzerland?

7. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Why go in February? For samba and sequins in a spectacularly set city While the pre-Lenten carnival season is generally chilly in its European home, in Brazil the revelry happens at the height of summer. It’s a favourite Brazilian holiday time despite bursts of rain in much of the country — apart from the northeast, where Salvador and Recife have their own proud carnival traditions. If you’re looking for bucket-list spectacle, Rio de Janeiro’s show tops the bill, whether you score a ticket to watch the dazzling parade in the 90,000-seat Sambadrome or join in with the beating of drums at neighbourhood parties, watched over by Sugarloaf Mountain and the statue of Christ the Redeemer.

A carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro (Alamy)

• Best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

8. Luxor, Egypt

Why go in February? To follow in ancient footsteps along the banks of the Nile Winter in Egypt means packing something a little warmer to wear outside in the evenings. Summer temperatures regularly top 40C, so if your sights are set more on temples and pyramids than diving in the Red Sea, go in February for pleasant conditions under the desert sun. The pay-off gets bigger the further up the Nile you go and in Luxor (annual rainfall: less than 1mm) you’ll find an outstanding concentration of historic sites in and around one of ancient Egypt’s capitals. February is the time to explore the Valley of the Kings without feeling as parched as the mummies its painted tombs once held. Overlooking the Nile, the Sofitel Winter Palace is an atmospheric piece of Luxor history, built in 1886 and visited by Agatha Christie, Winston Churchill and Tutankhamun expedition sponsor Lord Carnarvon.

Ancient monuments in Luxor (Getty Images)

• Best Egypt tours: Cairo, Nile cruises and the pyramids

9. Quebec, Canada

Why go in February? For joie de vivre in sub-zero temperatures It’s the second-coldest month of the year in Quebec, but the province’s inhabitants are ready to party. In the capital, Quebec City, the Winter Carnival runs over ten days, usually in early February, and features parades, snow sculptures and winter sports such as ice canoeing. Overlapping with this, La Poutine Week glorifies the national dish of Canada — chips, cheese curds and gravy — in a festival that began in Montreal and has spread nationwide. Outside the cities, now is also the season for skiing (downhill and cross-country) in resorts such as Mont-Tremblant. Quebec City’s landmark par excellence since 1893, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac looks even more splendid with snow on its turrets — it’s possibly the world’s most photographed hotel.

• Best Canada itineraries

10. Palawan, Philippines

Why go in February? For tropical island-hopping at the most comfortable time of year With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines defies easy categorisation, but it’s true that apart from along a narrow eastern fringe, February sees the lowest rainfall of the year. It’s still high season and there are fewer tourists than in the New Year period, plus there’s a host of celebrations including Baguio’s flower festival, making February a great time to explore. Inland attractions include the Banaue Rice Terraces and the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, but the call of white sands and turquoise waters speaks loudest. The province of Palawan has world-class wreck diving and — in the Bacuit Archipelago around El Nido — a wonderland of limestone islets sheltering secret coves. One of a small group of hotels dotted around northern Palawan, El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island has rooms in thatched cottages perched on stilts between sheltered waters and green cliffs.

A child at the the Panagbenga flower festival in Baguio (Alamy)

• Best beaches in the Philippines

11. Valletta, Malta

Why go in February? For parade floats in a superb fortress city on the Med The week before Ash Wednesday brings out the crowds, in what is otherwise Malta’s low season, for carnival celebrations across the Mediterranean island nation. Small but rich in historic sights, capital Valletta is the centre of the action, with larger-than-life floats featuring colourful and often satirical figures and dancers in equally eye-popping get-up. Other festivities include the Nadur Carnival in Gozo, with more macabre themes. Costumed merriment aside, it’s a mild time in Malta , with temperatures around the low teens; not exactly beach weather, but a fine choice for some winter sun while staying (just) in Europe. By the waterfront in Senglea, one of the Three Cities across from Valletta, the Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour has 21 suavely contemporary suites inside a 16th-century bastion.

• Best things to do in Malta

12. Eastern Cape, South Africa

Why go in February? For inspiring scenery and safaris in South Africa’s second-largest province Summer in South Africa is both the driest time of year around Cape Town in the southwest and the wettest as you go northeast towards Johannesburg and the Kruger National Park. The picture is more diverse in the province of the Eastern Cape and variety — not just in climate — is key to its appeal. Its boundaries encompass coastal trails at the eastern end of the Garden Route, the semi-desert surrounds of the Karoo inland and wildlife-spotting, including all (with luck) of the big five at Addo Elephant National Park and other preserves. The Wild Coast to the east is green and rugged as the name suggests. Woodall Country House & Spa is ideally positioned for trips to see Addo’s elephants and has spacious country estate-style rooms on a working citrus farm.

• Best stops on the Garden Route

13. Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Why go in February? For rainforest wildlife and unspoiled sandy beaches Central America’s ecotourism star gets tropical downpours throughout the year in most places (hence its resplendent rainforest) but if you’re on the Pacific coast, February is a drier time — busy, but less so than January or Easter. Puntarenas Province covers most of Costa Rica ’s western shore, including the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, with relaxed beach vibes around the town of Montezuma, and further along, two of the country’s top national parks: Manuel Antonio (small and accessible, and very biodiverse) and more remote but stunning Corcovado on the Osa Peninsula. Between Manuel Antonio and Corcovado national parks, Oxygen Jungle Villas has ocean views from the infinity pool in its green hillside perch and a Balinese-inspired vibe.

Sunset on the Osa Peninsula in Puntarenas (Alamy)

• Best places to see wildlife in Costa Rica

14. Tasmania, Australia

Why go in February? For late summer days on Australia’s island state The last days of January signal “back to school” across Australia , but temperatures remain near their summer highs well into February, accompanied by tropical rains in northern parts. At the other end of the continent, the island of Tasmania is at its sunniest and its landscapes are at their most inviting, from the vivid colours of the beaches in the Bay of Fires, to the epic vistas of Cradle Mountain. Add to that a mix of both familiar Australian critters and locally endemic wildlife (wallabies, wombats, Tasmanian devils), food and wine trails, plus cultural discoveries in the capital Hobart, and Australia’s outlier state promises a well-rounded holiday. On the east coast en route from Hobart to the Bay of Fires, the Piermont Retreat is a beachside collection of stone cottages accompanied by a fine farm-to-table restaurant.

• The best Australian experiences

15. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Why go in February? For gorilla encounters and other wonders of nature Most of Uganda gets two dry(ish) seasons — December to February and June to September — and although the first is the wetter of the two, it’s also a less busy time to visit. Thinner vegetation at the end of this first lull in the rains means easier wildlife-spotting. Uganda’s Western Region is home to many of the country’s biggest draws, from the elephants and lions of Murchison Falls National Park in the north, to the otherworldly flora of the Rwenzori Mountains and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the south. Book well ahead for guided treks in the prime sanctuary for mountain gorillas. At the southern edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the Rushaga Gorilla Lodge has comfortable cottages part-way in style between log cabins and safari tents.

A young mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Alamy)

16. Venice, Italy

Why go in February? For costumes and masquerades For two weeks each February, Venice comes alive for carnival season. There are free and ticketed events throughout the city, ranging from concerts and operas to acrobatic performances and treasure hunts. At the centre of the action is Piazza San Marco, where there are daily costume shows. For visitors, getting into the spirit of things means dressing up in elaborate costumes and masks — both are available to hire, though expect prices to be steep. And if you’re planning to attend one of the balls, plan well ahead. For some respite away from the action, stay at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, which sits on its own private island and has shuttles to the mainland.

A masked carnival goer at St Mark’s Square, Venice (Alamy)

• Best things to do in Venice

17. Vienna, Austria

Why go in February? For a city break without the crowds With temperatures still around a chilly zero, February is not the most obvious time of the year to visit Vienna , nor is it the most popular. But that’s the whole point: you get to enjoy this beauty of a baroque capital without all the crowds. Even better, the coffee houses it’s famous for are perfect for escaping the cold, while its world-class museums will provide plenty to see. For those who want to enjoy a taste of the high life, February is also the tail end of the ball season, with events held in the City Hall, the Vienna State Opera and even in the Hofburg palace. The Amauris Vienna is a gorgeous Relais & Châteaux property just down the road from the opera house.

St Stephen’s Cathedral at Stephansplatz in Vienna (Getty Images)

• Best affordable hotels in Vienna • Best places to go in March • Where to go on holiday in January • Where is hot in February?

Take me there

Inspired to go on holiday in February but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from Tui and Jet2 Holidays , as well as the best tours from our trusted partners .

Where is hot in February? 16 best countries for winter sun this month

The Top 10 Places to Live in the UK, According to Stats

Posted: 14 February 2024 | Last updated: 26 March 2024

We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 places to live in the UK any why they score highly, backed by statistics and data from reputable sources.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / P.Cartwright <p><span>Quality of Life: Consistently ranked high in quality of life surveys, with excellent healthcare facilities and low crime rates.</span></p> <p><span>Affordability: Although property prices are relatively high, the city offers good value for money, considering its amenities.</span></p>

#1. Winchester, Hampshire

Quality of Life: Consistently ranked high in quality of life surveys, with excellent healthcare facilities and low crime rates.

Affordability: Although property prices are relatively high, the city offers good value for money, considering its amenities.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / JeniFoto <p><span>Employment Opportunities: Boasts a diverse economy with strong sectors in finance, tourism, and technology, providing ample job opportunities.</span></p> <p><span>Education Quality: Home to prestigious universities and high-performing schools, ensuring access to quality education.</span></p>

#2. Edinburgh, Scotland

Employment Opportunities: Boasts a diverse economy with strong sectors in finance, tourism, and technology, providing ample job opportunities.

Education Quality: Home to prestigious universities and high-performing schools, ensuring access to quality education.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / TurneroundDesigns <p><span>Cultural Scene: Vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous festivals, museums, and theaters catering to diverse interests.</span></p> <p><span>Sustainability: Recognized for its green initiatives and commitment to sustainability, making it an environmentally conscious choice.</span></p>

#3. Bristol, South West England

Cultural Scene: Vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous festivals, museums, and theaters catering to diverse interests.

Sustainability: Recognized for its green initiatives and commitment to sustainability, making it an environmentally conscious choice.

Image Credit: Pexels / eheritage Official <p><span>Historic Charm: Rich in history and architectural heritage, with picturesque streets, medieval walls, and iconic landmarks.</span></p> <p><span>Safety: Offers a safe and secure environment, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community.</span></p>

#4. York, North Yorkshire

Historic Charm: Rich in history and architectural heritage, with picturesque streets, medieval walls, and iconic landmarks.

Safety: Offers a safe and secure environment, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Premier Photo <p>Innovation Hub: A leading centre for research and innovation with renowned universities and thriving tech and biotech industries.</p> <p><span>Transport Links: Well-connected by rail and road networks, providing easy access to London and other major cities.</span></p>

#5. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Innovation Hub: A leading centre for research and innovation with renowned universities and thriving tech and biotech industries.

Transport Links: Well-connected by rail and road networks, providing easy access to London and other major cities.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / A G Baxter <p>Employment Hub: A major business centre home to numerous multinational companies and a booming technology sector.</p> <p><span>Green Spaces: Despite being an urban area, Reading boasts plenty of parks and green spaces, promoting a healthy lifestyle.</span></p>

#6. Reading, Berkshire

Employment Hub: A major business centre home to numerous multinational companies and a booming technology sector.

Green Spaces: Despite being an urban area, Reading boasts plenty of parks and green spaces, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alexey Fedorenko <p><span>Architectural Beauty: Famous for its stunning Georgian architecture, historic Roman baths, and picturesque surroundings.</span></p> <p><span>Quality of Life: Offers a relaxed pace of life, with cultural attractions, scenic landscapes, and excellent healthcare facilities.</span></p>

#7. Bath, Somerset

Architectural Beauty: Famous for its stunning Georgian architecture, historic Roman baths, and picturesque surroundings.

Quality of Life: Offers a relaxed pace of life, with cultural attractions, scenic landscapes, and excellent healthcare facilities.

Image Credit: Pexels / Shaun Iwasawa <p><span>Academic Excellence: Renowned for its prestigious university and academic institutions, attracting students and scholars from around the world.</span></p> <p><span>Cultural Diversity: A diverse and cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural scene, diverse cuisine, and vibrant communities.</span></p>

#8. Oxford, Oxfordshire

Academic Excellence: Renowned for its prestigious university and academic institutions, attracting students and scholars from around the world.

Cultural Diversity: A diverse and cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural scene, diverse cuisine, and vibrant communities.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wozzie <p><span>Commutability: Located within easy reach of London, making it an attractive choice for commuters seeking a balance between urban and suburban living.</span></p> <p><span>Family-Friendly: Boasts top-rated schools, safe neighbourhoods, and ample recreational facilities, ideal for families.</span></p>

#9. St Albans, Hertfordshire

Commutability: Located within easy reach of London, making it an attractive choice for commuters seeking a balance between urban and suburban living.

Family-Friendly: Boasts top-rated schools, safe neighbourhoods, and ample recreational facilities, ideal for families.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrew Roland <p><span>Regency Charm: Known for its elegant Regency architecture, beautiful parks, and gardens, creating a picturesque setting.</span></p> <p><span>Lifestyle: Offers a high standard of living, with excellent shopping, dining, and leisure options, making it an appealing place to call home.</span></p>

#10. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Regency Charm: Known for its elegant Regency architecture, beautiful parks, and gardens, creating a picturesque setting.

Lifestyle: Offers a high standard of living, with excellent shopping, dining, and leisure options, making it an appealing place to call home.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / elenaburn <p><span>Whether you prioritize career opportunities, cultural attractions, or a peaceful environment, these top 10 places offer something for everyone.</span></p> <p>The post The Top 10 Places to Live in the UK, According to Stats first appeared on Edge Media</p> <p>Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Zigres.</p> <p>For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.</p>

The Bottom Line

Whether you prioritize career opportunities, cultural attractions, or a peaceful environment, these top 10 places offer something for everyone.

The post The Top 10 Places to Live in the UK, According to Stats first appeared on Edge Media

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Zigres.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

More for You

Photo: Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)

Stoltenberg: Ukraine has right to strike military targets in Russia

House votes on spending package to prevent partial government shutdown

Mike Johnson suffers embarrassing defeat over government spying bill Trump wanted to kill

Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos to forge new path together with second link up on cards at Inter Miami

Thierry Boutsen, pictured 1987, and the race start of the 2024 Australian Grand Prix.

The ‘shame’ of modern F1: How ‘mediocre drivers’ can excel in car-first Championship

Top 20 ways to use courgettes

I'm abrosexual - it took me 30 years to realise

The top 10 brands that people don't pronounce correctly

Katie Boulter: Emma Raducanu will be welcomed ‘with open arms’ by GB team-mates

LIV chief Greg Norman stuns Augusta by turning up for Masters as paying customer

LIV chief Greg Norman turns up for Masters as paying customer

Musical acts from the '80s who are still playing today

Budget garden ideas: 19 clever ways to improve a big or small plot for less

Jamie wearing a yellow shirt, red neck scarf and black waistcoat, and black rimmed glasses, smiling to camera in a dark a restaurant

I go out for meals by myself. It's taught me what I want in a partner

Act now on puberty blockers, Javid urges government after landmark gender report

Real Madrid’s all-time greatest Champions League & European Cup XI: Carlos, Di Stefano, Ronaldo…

7 insane Cristiano Ronaldo Champions League records that will never be broken

Artificially elongated skull of a woman buried in the 11th century on the Baltic island of Gotland.

Viking Age women with cone-shaped skulls likely learned head-binding practice from far-flung region

Music's biggest night is also one of fashion's biggest playgrounds.

The 31 Best Grammys Red Carpet Outfits Ever

Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch star Dale Bowes dies aged 28

Jake Sullivan, US national security adviser

Biden’s top foreign policy official ‘cancelled Cameron meeting’

"Everything I learnt after going sober for a year"

The average salary you can expect in the UK based on your age (and how to get it)

A comprehensive list of 2023 & 2024 tech layoffs

From major layoffs at google, amazon and microsoft to small fintech startups and apps.

The tech-wide reckoning that began in 2022 and ran throughout into 2023 has continued into this year. And while 2024’s losses are not at that scale, they’re still significant, driven by big names like Pixar , Google , Microsoft , Mozilla and TikTok . It remains to be seen if this year’s layoff trends follow last year’s, in which layoffs slowed down in the summer, before cuts began ramping up yet again toward the winter .

Momentum for a tech sector rebound remains slow to build, outside of bright spots within artificial intelligence and adjacent companies, resulting in tech companies continuing to cut back on their workforces and pivot from a growth mindset to one based on efficiency in the face of stubborn market conditions.

But tracking these layoffs helps us to understand the impact on innovation, which companies are facing tough pressures and who is available to hire for the businesses lucky to be growing right now. Unfortunately, it also serves as a reminder of the deeply human impact of layoffs and how risk profiles could evolve from here .

Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of all the known layoffs in tech that started last year, to be updated monthly. If you have a tip on a layoff, contact us here . If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact us here .

The final total of layoffs for 2023 ended up being 262,735, according to Layoffs.fyi . Tech layoffs conducted in 2023 were 59% higher than 2022’s total, according to the data in the tracker. And 2024 is off to a rough start despite not reaching the peak of last year’s first quarter cutbacks.

January: 89,554 employees laid off — see all January 2023 Tech Layoffs
February: 40,021 employees laid off — see all February 2023 Tech Layoffs
March: 37,823 employees laid off — see all March 2023 Tech Layoffs
April: 20,014 employees laid off — see all April 2023 Tech Layoffs
May: 14,928 employees laid off — see all May 2023 Tech Layoffs
June: 10,958 employees laid off — see all June 2023 Tech Layoffs
July: 10,589 employees laid off — see all July 2023 Tech Layoffs
August: 9,545 employees laid off — see all August 2023 Tech Layoffs
September: 4,632 employees laid off — see all September 2023 Tech Layoffs
October: 7,331 employees laid off — see all October 2023 Tech Layoffs
November: 6,956 employees laid off — see all November 2023 Tech Layoffs
December: 7,159 employees laid off — see all December 2023 Tech Layoffs
January 2024: 19,350 employees laid off — see all January 2024 Tech Layoffs
February 2024: 15,589 employees laid off — see all February 2024 Tech Layoffs
March 2024: 7,322 employees laid off — see all March 2024 Tech Layoffs

Data visualization by Miranda Halpern , created with Flourish

Has laid off 382 employees, amounting to 32% of its total workforce, TechCrunch exclusively learned . The background-screening platform was last valued at $5 billion in April of 2022.

Reportedly laid off a sizable part of its staff in a restructuring effort. The number of employees impacted is currently unknown, but sources told Inc42 that it could be “in the range of 70-100” workers.

Is laying off 614 employees in California after abandoning its electric car project , according to a WARN notice .

Agility Robotics

Has laid off a “small number” of employees as part of a company-wide focus on commercialization efforts.

Ghost Autonomy

Shut down operations. The company, which was backed by OpenAI, employed about 100 people .

Is shutting down Yummly , the recipe and cooking app it acquired in 2017.

Will cut hundreds of jobs across Sales, Marketing, Global Services and its Physical Stores Technology team.

Byju’s

Is laying off about 500 employees , accounting for 3% of its total workforce, as part of a restructuring effort.

Has laid off 20% of its staff after acquiring point-of-sale platform Cuboh. The company previously laid off 100 people in 2022.

Nintendo of America

Is restructuring its testing department, which is largely made up of contractors. A Nintendo spokesperson told Kotaku the changes will end some assignments but will lead to the creation of new full-time positions.

Cut its global workforce by about 6,000 jobs , according to a 10-K SEC filing . The filing reveals the company cut 13,000 jobs in the last year .

Has made cuts to its staff, the company confirmed to TechCrunch . A report in Fintech Business Weekly estimates that 17 people, or about 15% of the company, were impacted.

Is cutting 195 roles in an effort to become more sustainable, CEO Henry Chan wrote in a blog post . The layoffs impact nearly a quarter of its staff.

Reportedly eliminated 20% of its total workforce in its second restructuring effort in the past year.

Chipper Cash

Conducted another round of layoffs impacting 20 employees, CEO Ham Serunjogi announced in a blog post .

Has reportedly cut 16% of its staff in a strategic move to support its Textio Lift product.

Is reportedly laying off around 25% of its workforce . According to Axios, the cuts affect roughly 80 people.

Phantom Auto

Is shutting down after failing to secure new funding, TechCrunch has learned . The remote driving startup, which had cut staff last year, employed a little more than 100 people.

Is reportedly slashing its marketing and communications staff. The company previously announced a strategy to replace upwards of 8,000 jobs with AI.

Inscribe.ai

Cut just under 40% of its staff, equating to dozens of employees, the company confirmed to TechCrunch .

Laid off around 15 people earlier this year , following comments from CEO Chris Caren that the company would be able to reduce 20% of its headcount thanks to AI.

Laid off 13% of its staff based in its New York office as the web3 fantasy sports platform focuses on its Paris headquarters, a source familiar with the matter told TechCrunch .

Is eliminating roughly 7% of its workforce as part of organizational restructuring. The fintech unicorn last conducted layoffs in August 2022.

Is cutting about 13% of its workforce , affecting 40 employees. It’s the second round of layoffs for the battery startup in recent months.

Project Ronin

Is shutting down, resulting in a “permanent mass layoff” impacting around 150 employees.

February 2024

Plans to lay off 15% of its workforce and says it likely does not have enough cash on hand to survive the next 12 months.

Cut 5% of its workforce , impacting 670 employees, as it moves away from the “development of future licensed IP.”

Is letting go of about 350 employees, accounting for 30% of its workforce.

Is likely cutting hundreds of employees who worked on the company’s autonomous electric car project now that the effort has stopped, TechCrunch has learned.

Is laying off 900 employees from its PlayStation unit, affecting 8% of the division’s workforce. Insomniac Games, Naughty Dog, Guerrilla and Firesprite studios will also be impacted .

Will reportedly cut 1,500 roles in 2024 , primarily in its Product & Technology division, accounting for more than 8% of the company’s workforce.

Eliminated roughly 60 employees , or 17% of its workforce. It’s the financial startup’s third major layoff round in the past 12 months.

Is laying off 10% of its salaried workforce in a bid to cut costs in an increasingly tough market for EVs.

Meati Foods

Will lay off 13% of its workforce as it works to “build a financially sustainable business,” CEO Phil Graves told TechCrunch exclusively .

Announced it will eliminate 5% of its employees, impacting more than 4,000 people .

Will lay off about 550 workers in a move designed to promote “operating expense efficiency.”

Announced in an SEC filing that it will lay off roughly 250 employees as part of a restructuring effort.

Is scaling back its investment in a number of products, TechCrunch has learned, resulting in layoffs that will affect roughly 60 employees .

Is laying off 230 employees worldwide as part of the company’s efforts to advance its focus on “the AI-enabled workplace of the future.”

Is cutting 30% of its North American workforce as part of a restructuring.

Is reportedly cutting jobs in its healthcare businesses One Medical and Amazon Pharmacy. The number of impacted roles is currently unknown.

Announced plans to eliminate 6% of its workforce , largely impacting the company’s sales and marketing divisions.

Announced plans to cut 10% of its workforce , impacting roughly 500-plus employees, in an effort to “reduce hierarchy.”

Polygon Labs

Has laid off 60 employees , or about 19% of its staff, CEO Marc Boiron announced in a blog post .

Is laying off approximately 400 employees . The layoffs come almost exactly a year to the day after Okta announced plans to cut about 300 employees.

January 2024

Will lay off 95 workers in New York City, according to a filing with the New York Department of Labor.

Is laying off about 6% of its global workforce , or 280 employees, the company confirmed to TechCrunch.

Conducted another round of layoffs earlier this month, amounting to roughly 15% of its workforce, a source familiar with the situation told TechCrunch.

Is reportedly laying off around 1,000 people in the Cash App, foundational and Square arms of Block.

Has reportedly begun company-wide layoffs . While it is unclear how many people will be affected, one source told TechCrunch it was expected to be in the “thousands.”

Aurora Solar

Has laid off 20% of its staff of about 1,000 people, TechCrunch exclusively learned. The cuts to the software startup come despite record growth in the solar industry last year.

Is laying off 350 people , or one-third of its headcount, after Amazon’s bid to acquire the Roomba-maker shuttered. Longtime CEO Colin Angle has also stepped down.

Is reportedly laying off 700 workers , or around 1% of its staff. This comes after the company had a significant reduction of 10% of its workforce in 2023.

Is reportedly planning to cut around 20% of its staff in the next few weeks. The company announced similar cuts in October, when founder Ryan Petersen returned as CEO and slashed its workforce by 20%.

Is laying off 1,900 employees across its gaming divisions following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Blizzard president Mike Ybarra announced he will also be stepping down.

Is cutting about 400 jobs , 7% of its workforce, as the food delivery startup seeks to bring further improvements to its finances ahead of a planned IPO later this year.

Laid off dozens of workers , according to sources familiar with the decision. The autonomous vehicle technology company has since confirmed that about 3% of its workforce has been laid off.

Will lay off 9% of the company’s workforce , affecting about 1,000 full-time employees. In a blog post , the company also plans to cut contract roles in the coming months.

Announced it intends to offer voluntary buyouts or job changes to 8,000 employees amid restructuring.

Laid off 20% of its staff , affecting 282 workers. In a blog post , Co-CEO Pedro Franceschi said that the company is prioritizing “long-term thinking and ownership over short-term gains in our comp structure.”

Eliminated around 60 jobs across the U.S. in Los Angeles, New York, and Austin in addition to layoffs in international markets. The affected roles, according to NPR’s initial reporting, are largely in sales and advertising.

Is cutting 90% of its employees as it shuts down its online used car marketplace and shifts resources into two business units: one focused on auto financing and the other on AI-powered analytics.

Is laying off 11% of its workforce , affecting about 530 employees, as the company focuses on “fewer, high-impact projects.” The League of Legends maker is also sunsetting its five-year-old publishing group , Riot Forge.

Is eliminating 13% of its global workforce , affecting 1,650 employees, in a restructuring effort aimed at cutting layers of management.

Will eliminate 100 employees , a spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch, as part of a restructuring effort in its creator management and operations teams.

Is laying off “hundreds” of employees in its advertising sales team, according to a leaked memo. The cuts come a week after the company did sweeping layoffs across its hardware teams. And more layoffs will come throughout the year, as CEO Sundar Pichai told the company in a memo obtained by the Verge .

Lost Boys Interactive

Reportedly laid off a “sizable” number of employees January 12. The game developer studio was acquired by Borderlands maker Gearbox in 2022.

Is going to lay off employees in 2024, TechCrunch exclusively learned , with the total impacted employees potentially reaching as high as 20% of the animation studio’s 1,300 person workforce. The cutbacks come as Disney looks to reduce the studio’s output as it struggles to achieve profitability in streaming.

Is laying off 5% of its workforce , citing an “increasingly challenging landscape,” according to a leaked memo obtained by Business Insider.

Is laying off 17% of its staff , impacting 170 people. In an internal memo obtained by the Verge , Discord CEO Jason Citron blamed the cuts on the company growing too quickly.

Laid off hundreds of employees across its Google Assistant division and the team that manages Pixel, Nest and Fitbit hardware. The company confirmed to TechCrunch that Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman are also exiting.

Is laying off “several hundreds” of employees at Prime Video and MGM Studios, according to a memo obtained by TechCrunch. The cuts come days after the 500 layoffs at Amazon’s Twitch .

Is reportedly laying off 500 employees , 35% of its current staff, amid a continued struggle to achieve profitability in the face of rising costs and community backlash. The pending layoffs come after hundreds more employees were laid off in 2023.

Treasure Financial

Confirmed to TechCunch that layoffs, conducted in December, had impacted 14 employees, accounting for 60% to 70% of the company, according to multiple sources.

Confirmed it cut 10% of its contractor workforce at the end of 2023 as it turns to AI to streamline content production and translations previously handled by humans.

Rent the Runway

Will cut about 10% of corporate roles as it goes through a restructuring plan following Anushka Salinas’ planned resignation as operating chief and president at the end of January.

Is reducing its workforce by about 25% , or 1,800 people. The video game engine maker went through three rounds of layoffs in 2023.

Laid off two-thirds of its employees as the German startup, which built collaborative presentation software, looks to pursue a “completely different path.” CEO and co-founder Christian Reber also stepped down.

The AI and biomedical startup reportedly cut 17% of its workforce January 8, citing “shifts in the economic environment,” in a LinkedIn post announcing the layoffs.

Eliminated 38% of its staff January 8 as the online retail logistics company follows up after conducting layoffs in September 2023.

Announced January 8 it is laying off 28% of its staff , or 154 workers, as the small modular nuclear reactor company shifts its focus to “key strategic areas.”

Is reportedly laying off 15% of its workforce focused on computer vision for retailers.

Is shutting down at the end of 2024 after a 12 year run. The design collaboration startup was once valued at nearly $2B.

Is laying off nearly 20% of its workforce as it tries to maintain its battle with Nielsen over media measurement. CEO Ross McCray stepped down from the company.

Orca Security

Is laying off roughly 15% of its staff , totaling 60 employees. The Israel-based unicorn reportedly plans to move some impacted employees into other positions at the company.

Laid off its entire 200-person workforce January 2 after attempts to raise more capital failed, TechCrunch exclusively learned . The mass layoff comes just seven months after the startup acquired rival Zencity .

December 2023

Is cutting 15% of its workforce in a “strategic restructuring” effort for 2024.

Is reportedly laying off 100 employees , with 60 from the company’s Israel headquarters.

Reportedly laid off up to 150 employees in a restructuring effort. This month, the business-to-business e-commerce startup scored $340 million in new funding .

Is reducing their workforce by around 10% , impacting roughly 350 contractors and employees, president and CEO Badri Kothandaraman wrote in a blog post December 18.

Arm Holdings PLC

Reportedly laid off more than 70 software engineers in China and will relocate some roles.

Delivery Hero

Is shutting down operations in Taiwan and Turkey and plans to eliminate roles at its Berlin headquarters, the company said December 18.

Is reportedly eliminating nearly 10% of its workforce in Israel. It’s the company’s second round of layoffs this year.

Will cut 235 employees at its Folsom office campus at the end of the year, the company reported to state employment officials December 15.

Superpedestrian

Is shutting down its U.S.-based shared scooter operation and exploring a sale of its European business, TechCrunch has exclusively learned .

Confirmed it laid off 29% of its staff December 15. The e-commerce company known for its one-click checkout technology was at one time the subject of a federal probe .

In an announcement obtained exclusively by TechCrunch , the embattled self-driving car company is cutting 900 employees , or 24% of its workforce, per a December 14 email from new president and CTO Mo Elshenawy.

Is laying off 11% of its workforce . In a letter to employees December 13, CEO Josh Silverman cited a “very challenging macro and competitive environment.”

Has reportedly laid off 15 people across various departments. It would be the fintech unicorn’s fourth round of layoffs this year.

SmileDirectClub

Has shut down three months after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing $900 million of debt.

Is reportedly winding down its operations . On its website, Y Combinator categorizes Sunfolding as an “inactive” company.

Will lay off more than 500 employees after closing fulfillment centers in Ohio and Nevada in February 2024.

Is shutting down its operations and selling its assets to Nutanix.

Has reportedly eliminated a large part of its workforce. The business-focused streaming TV service raised $100 million in 2022.

Is laying off more than 10% of its staff , the company confirmed to TechCrunch December 7.

Is shutting down operations . The Goldman Sachs-backed “buy now, pay later” startup was once valued at $450 million.

Is cutting about 145 roles as the travel startup previously known as TripActions plans to become public.

Incredibuild

Is laying off 20% of its workforce . The software development startup previously raised $35 million in a Series B funding in 2022.

Will cut around 15% of its workforce , the company announced December 5, and close its Sydney office to increase profitability.

Announced December 5 it eliminated 23 employees across engineering, operations and development.

Shut down operations December 5. The Nigerian fintech startup previously raised $2 million in a seed round.

Announced hundreds of job cuts December 4, amounting to 5% of the company’s workforce.

Is eliminating about 1,500 jobs , the company announced December 4. This marks Spotify’s third round of layoffs this year.

Bending Spoons

Has laid off the entire staff of Filmic , the team behind popular video and photo-editing apps that Bending Spoons acquired in July.

November 2023

Cut 30 roles November 30 after the fintech unicorn eliminated 26% of its workforce earlier this year.

Made reductions to 7% of staff, in addition to reductions in its contract workforce, CEO Joshua G. James announced in the company’s Q3 earnings call November 30.

Is laying off 20% of its staff , the company announced to staff November 30. The A-Rod and Marc Lore-founded sports betting startup previously raised $100 million.

Is cutting its workforce by about 36% , co-founders Anirudh Pandita and Ashwin Suresh announced at a November 30 town hall.

Is laying off 265 workers November 29 after eliminating its Wētā Digital division, which it acquired in 2021.

Tier Mobility

Is cutting roughly 22% of its staff , CEO and co-founder Lawrence Leuschner announced November 28.

Is laying off about 20% of its staff starting November 28, citing “the recent rapid advancements of our AI platform,” according to a memo from founder and CEO Ted Bailey.

Will lay off nearly a third of their U.S. staff . It’s the second round of layoffs at the U.K.-based unicorn company in just over a month.

Is cutting its workforce by around 25% November 27, citing “market conditions” affecting the EV battery startup.

Started mass layoffs November 27 in its gaming department, Nuverse, after two years of tepid performance. The number of affected employees is unknown.

Is closing up shop , according to multiple reports, after reaching unicorn status in 2022.

Laid off 25 employees, CEO Ali Asaria announced November 24.

Is shutting down operations and returning capital to investors, CEO Nishank Jain announced November 23.

Cut 100 workers November 21, reportedly due to increases in automation. The recent layoffs come after Alzero cut 15% of its workforce earlier this year and 5% in 2022.

Reportedly cut jobs across departments November 20, citing a need to reduce costs. People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that several impacted employees received just one month of severance.

Reportedly cut around 100 roles across engineering, customer success, data and sales November 20.

Is reportedly laying off “several hundred” employees in their Alexa division and its freshly launched Artificial General Intelligence team.

Laid off 6% of their workforce November 17 as the company shuts down operations in Raleigh, North Carolina. President Mark Girvan and CEO Don Epperson are also leaving the company.

Is reportedly cutting 25% of its workforce amid a larger restructuring and cost-cutting effort.

Laid off 33 employees in Europe and Dubai November 16 as the company cuts down on operations outside of Africa.

Is reportedly planning to “phase out” 80 temporary workers by 2024. The company is now facing an unfair labor practice complaint, with workers alleging the layoffs are retaliation for unionizing.

Laid off more than 200 employees November 14. The cuts impact roles in HR, recruiting, data, business intelligence, plus directors and higher managers.

Is cutting “just over 180” roles in its gaming division, VP Christoph Hartmann wrote in an email to employees November 13.

Is reportedly cutting more of its workforce . The number of positions affected are unknown, but it would be the unicorn startup’s third layoff round this year.

Is cutting a “few hundred” roles, a person familiar with the matter told TechCrunch November 9. ByteDance’s Oculus challenger held an internal meeting announcing it is halting its expansion this week.

Started laying off contingent workers who supported driverless operations November 9. Those layoffs came after the company recalled 950 robotaxis and lost key commercial permits to operate in California.

Laid off fewer than 20 project managers November 8. CNBC reported that Snap’s vice president of engineering, Nima Khajehnouri, will also be leaving.

Started cutting workers in its music streaming division in Latin America, North America and Europe, the company confirmed November 8.

Confirmed November 8 it eliminated “a small number of roles” in its consumer support staff, Google Users & Products.

Virgin Galactic

Said in a memo to staff November 8 it is cutting costs and reducing staff . The number of employees impacted is currently unknown.

Ubisoft Montreal

Confirmed November 7 it will cut 98 roles in business administration and IT. Ubisoft said 124 positions will be eliminated overall across Canada, including reductions in its global IT team and its VFX studio, Hybride.

Revealed in its Q3 earnings that it is reducing its workforce by 25%.

Beyond Meat

Announced cuts November 6 affecting around 19% of its non-production employees. The plant-based meat company says it will also review its entire global operations for cost-cutting opportunities.

Is cutting 12% of its workforce , CEO Emin Gün Sirer confirmed November 6.

Laid off about 50% of its staff , the company confirmed November 3. CEO Devin Finzer posted a statement on X saying the NFT marketplace is now focused on “OpenSea 2.0.”

Is laying off more than 10% of its staff ahead of the company spinning out from Lionsgate, CEO Jeffrey Hirsch announced November 3. The network and streaming app will also exit Australia and the U.K.

Laid off about 250 people November 3 as part of restructuring. The wholesale marketplace raised a $416 million extension at a $12.6 billion valuation last year.

Confirmed to TechCrunch November 3 that it is issuing a round of layoffs affecting about 10% of their workforce , citing “fierce competition.”

100 Thieves

Is reducing its workforce by 20%, CEO John Robinson announced November 2 . The esports brand is spinning out its game studio as well as its energy drink brand, Juvee.

Conducted a round of layoffs, CEO Jeevan Kalanithi announced November 2 . The number of employees impacted by the layoffs has yet to be reported.

Informatica

Is laying off 10% of its global workforce , the cloud data management company announced in its Q3 results November 1.

Is set to cut around 500 employees CEO Gary Steele said in a message to employees November 1 ahead of its planned acquisition by Cisco .

October 2023

Is laying off about 100 employees, CEO Pete Parsons announced 10/30 . The Sony-owned game studio is also delaying two of its upcoming titles as a result.

Reportedly cut an estimated 10% of its workforce October 27 after the financial startup for creators raised a $70 million Series B round earlier this year.

Plans to eliminate 120 roles , the company said in an SEC filing October 30.

Liberty Mutual

Plans to cut 850 members of its staff , the insurance company confirmed October 27.

Cut 110 jobs and are moving some roles abroad, CEO and co-founder Jason Purcell announced October 25.

Is shutting down , months after its former CEO Chris Kirchner was arrested on fraud charges and sued the company to pay for his legal bills.

Announced October 24 in a company statement that it laid off 3.5% of their workforce and will close many open roles.

The X alternative previously known as T2 announced October 24 that it is shutting down its operations.

Announced October 19 that it will cut up to 14,000 jobs , or 16% of its workforce, following a sizable dip in Q3.

Roblox China

Cut 15 roles on October 24, two years after the joint effort with Tencent abruptly paused its service.

Eliminated 26 roles, CEO David Campbell confirmed in a LinkedIn post October 21.

Is halting operations due to a “massive freight recession,” CEO Dan Lewis announced in a memo October 19, a week after laying off 20% of its workforce.

Plans to lay off more than 100 workers in its sales division, the company disclosed in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act letter.

Laid off more than two dozen workers , TechCrunch learned October 18, about a year after the trans healthcare startup raised a $24 million Series B.

Eliminated at least 40 roles in its news division, Google confirmed October 18.

Expedia Group

Cut around 100 jobs, Skift reports , in its second round of layoffs in recent months. The cuts reportedly impacted employees across data and AI.

Stack Overflow

Laid off 28% of its staff , more than likely impacting 100 people, the Prosus-owned company announced October 16.

Eliminated 50% of its staff on October 16 after ownership changed from video game company Epic to music licensing platform Songtradr.

Confirmed October 16 that it will cut 668 more jobs , bringing the total to nearly 1,400 this year, with the bulk of the most recent cuts impacting those with R&D roles.

On October 13 began laying off 20% of its workers , about 600 people, as it prepares for restructuring, and continues a cost-cutting campaign that began with rescinding offers and working to lease office space.

Is cutting 1,258 jobs in two of its California offices. According to a filing with the California Employment Development Department , the semiconductor company plans to make the reductions in December.

Blue Origin

Laid off 40 people October 10, including software engineers and program managers, according to The Information .

Will lay off 558 employees after the personal styling subscription service closes a distribution center in Dallas.

Confirmed October 6 that it had laid off 86 people , about 40% of the a16z-backed fintech company. Earlier in the year, Synapse laid off 18% of its employees after its growth slowed.

Issued a new round of layoffs after acquiring Spin, according to an email interim CEO Michael Washinushi sent to the company. The layoffs came one week after the company was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange , and the exact number remains unknown.

Announced on October 4 that 780 roles are being eliminated and that “several hundred” roles are changing or moving locations in 2024.

Is reducing its full-time staff by 30%, amounting to 250 job cuts, the company announced October 3 .

Chainalysis

Announced October 2 that it is laying off around 15% of its workforce , affecting approximately 150 employees.

September 2023

In a regulatory filing published September 29, the cybersecurity startup has ceased all business activities as it prepares for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and has laid off its remaining staff.

Naughty Dog

Is reportedly cutting at least 25 contract developers, two sources familiar with the situation told Kotaku .

Announced on September 28 that the Fortnite maker is laying off 16% of its workforce , amounting to 870 people.

An impacted employee confirmed on September 27 that at least 140 people, if not more, were affected by Talkdesk’s third round of layoffs in less than 14 months.

Announced on September 26, the company plans to cut 5,000 jobs due to restructuring efforts. The startup has eliminated more than 10,000 positions in the past two years.

Confirmed to TechCrunch on September 21, Roblox let go of 30 employees in its talent acquisition organization. No other teams are impacted.

Divvy Homes

Announced on September 11 that it is laying off 94 employees .

Sensor Tower

Announced on September 8 that it laid off approximately 40 people out of the 270+ at the company, including C-suite executives.

Announced September 6 that it plans to lay off approximately 10% of its workforce , representing over 300 employees.

August 2023

Malwarebytes.

Announced on August 31 that it laid off 100 employees , mainly impacting corporate employees.

Announced on August 21 that it is laying off 283 employees, or 33% of its workforce.

SecureWorks

Announced on August 14 that it will let go of 15% of its workforce, impacting about 300 employees . This is the company’s second round of layoffs this year.

Announced on August 14 that it is cutting 16% of staff .

Confirmed on August 10 that it is making more layoffs , its second round of layoffs in just six months. The company declined to say how many employees are affected by this round of cuts. NCC Group cut 125 employees in February.

Announced on August 9 that it plans to lay off 18% of its workforce, affecting more than 400 employees globally.

Mobile Premier League

Announced on August 8 that it is laying off approximately 50% of its employees or 350 people.

Announced on August 4 that it has laid off 25% of its workforce since the beginning of the quarter.

Announced on August 3 that it has let go of nearly 40 employees or 4% of its workforce.

Announced on August 2 that it is laying off 12% of its workforce, approximately 50 employees .

Announced on August 2 by Inc42, the startup laid off around 300 employees or 10% of its workforce . Of the 300 employees being let go, about 200 were from Tekion’s India office.

Announced on August 1 that it is laying off 117 employees, or 10% of staff .

Announced July 19 that it is postponing employee salaries for a month and plans a new wave of layoffs as soon as July 20 . Dunzo executives informed employees that they will likely be cutting over 200 jobs, in what will be its third layoff this year. The company has eliminated about 400 jobs this year so far.

Announced on July 18 that it intends to lay off 80 workers .

Announced on July 13 that the Indian startup has laid off 20% of its workforce , around 225 employees.

Announced on LinkedIn on July 9 that the company is laying off 52 employees .

Announced July 10 that the company is eliminating additional jobs a week after the start of its 2023 fiscal year . These layoffs are in addition to the 10,000 layoffs announced in January .

Announced on July 4 that it has laid off 10% of its workforce , about 90 people.

Announced June 29 that it laid of 230 employees — one year after it laid off around 90 employees.

Announced June 29 that it laid off approximately 20% of its staff , or 37 employees.

Announced the week of June 23 that it laid off more than a thousand people , or 11% of its staff.

Announced on June 20 that it has cut around 800 jobs globally . The news comes as the company started to close operations of its automotive business nit Olx Autos in some markets.

Announced on June 18 that the company will be laying off some 150 employees , a majority of the workforce.

Operated by Korean ride-sharing company Socar’s subsidiary VCNC announced on June 15 that it plans to let go of at least 50% of its staff or about 45 people at Tada.

Announced on June 7 that it laid off its real estate team , it is not clear how many people were impacted.

At least 14 people have been laid off from the rocket engine startup , announced on June 7. Ursa Major did not respond to TechCrunch’s inquiry into the layoffs, or the number of people affected. According to LinkedIn, 292 people are listed as currently working at Ursa.

Announced June 5 that it will cut 200 jobs in its podcast unit , leading to a workforce reduction of 2%. This comes just a few months after the company announced a significant wave of layoffs .

Announced on May 30 that it has laid off 20% of staff—120 employees .

Announced May 24 that it is laying off about 6,000 people . In total, about 21,000 people have lost their jobs at Meta since November.

Reliance Retail’s online shopping platform laid off over 1,000 employees on May 22 , and plans to cut as many as 9,900 more roles over the coming weeks.

Krebs Stamos Group

Announced May 18 that the consulting firm laid off six people . In April, the firm had 18 employees including the founders. On May 18, the site shows only 14 team members.

Announced May 18 that it is laying off about 30% of employees .

Prior to the layoff, TuSimple had about 550 employees in the U.S. and post reduction in force the company will have about 220, according to the company.

Announced May 12 that it will lay off 30%, or about 340 employees across the company.

Announced May 8 that it is cutting 716 jobs, or about 3.6% of total employees , and will phase out its local jobs app in China. Despite reducing some roles, LinkedIn also plans to open about 250 new jobs on May 15.

Announced May 5 that Rapid (previously known as RapidAPI) has laid off another 70 employees less than two weeks after letting go of 50% of its staff. Just 42 people remain at the company, down from 230 in April, dropping a total of 82% in headcount.

Announced May 4 that it has cut 15% of its workforce, or 251 roles . This comes after its first round of layoffs, which eliminated 150 roles about a year ago.

Announced May 4 that it is laying off 20% of its workforce , impacting more than 2,000 people . It’s also selling its logistics business to Flexport for roughly 13% in stock.

Announced May 3 that it laid off around 50 employees — or 13% of its workforce — on May 2.

Neato Robotics

Announced May 1 that Vorwerk-owned Neato Robotics is shutting down, with nearly 100 employees impacted by the move.

Announced April 27 that it has laid off more than 50% of staff . A spokesperson for Clubhouse declined to comment on the number of people impacted by today’s workforce reduction or the number of employees who remain at the company. Last October, Davison told TechCrunch that Clubhouse had close to 100 employees.

Announced April 27 that it would be laying off 500 employees or 16% of staff .

Announced on April 26 that it is shutting down its Halo Health division, effective July 31 , among other divisions . The layoffs are part of the 9,000 employees announced in March. Including the 18,000-person layoffs announced in January , this brings the total to 27,000 job cuts or 8% of Amazon’s corporate workforce this year.

Announced on April 25, Rapid, previously known as RapidAPI, lays off 50% of its staff . The layoffs are believed to have impacted 115 people.

Anthemis Group

Announced on April 25 that it will lay off 16 people from its staff, or 28% of employees .

Announced on April 21 that employees will learn whether they have a job or not via an email that will be sent out April 27.

Lyft layoffs to affect 26% of workforce , or about 1,072 people as promised on April 27.

Announced April 18th that it is expected to lay off 10,000 jobs in the coming months . This is on top of the 11,000 jobs that were cut in November .

Announced April 13th that it has laid off 201 employees, about 4% of its workforce . This is the third time the Seattle-based real estate company has reduced its workforce since June.

Bloomberg reported on April 3 that Apple is laying off a small number of roles on its corporate retail teams.

Announced on March 31, Netflix confirms a “handful of layoffs,” which includes two longtime executives . The exact number of layoffs is unclear. Netflix is scheduled to report Q1 2023 results on April 18.

Announced March 30 that it is letting go of about 200 employees, or 6% of its workforce . The company had laid off 200 U.S. employees back in November .

Announced March 30 that it has laid off more than 350 roles, or 12% of its workforce — just over four months after cutting about 350 roles in November.

Shift Technologies

Announced March 29 that it laid off 30% of its workforce in Q1 2023.

Announced March 28 that it is laying off 1,300 employees, or 18% of its workforce , to be completed by the end of Q2 2023.

Announced on March 28 that it has eliminated over 100 jobs in the South Asian market , laying off virtually its entire engineering team in India. A GitHub spokesperson told TechCrunch that the layoff is part of the streamlining effort the firm had disclosed in February to cut roughly 10% of its workforce by end of Q1 2023.

On March 27 in an internal memo to employees, Disney revealed there will be three rounds of layoffs , the first beginning this week. The job cuts will impact approximately 7,000 employees, which was announced in February .

On March 24, Bloomberg reported that more layoffs could be on the way at Salesforce , quoting chief operating officer Brian Millham, who indicated that the company could be adding to the ongoing job cutting at the CRM leader and in tech in general. If the layoffs happen, it would come on top of the 10% cut in January.

Announced March 23 that it plans to cut 19,000 jobs, or 2.5% of its workforce .

Announced March 22 that it will lay off 2,200 employees, or 15% of its staff .

Announced March 22 that it has laid off 27% of its staff, approximately 100 employees .

Announced March 20 that it will lay off 400 employees .

Announced March 20 another round of substantial layoffs, this time 9,000 people are set to lose their jobs . TechCrunch is hearing that around 10% of today’s total came from AWS . As part of the new round of layoffs, Amazon is shutting down DPReview .

Announced March 20 that it has laid off at least 100 employees, about 2% of the company’s workforce .

Course Hero

Announced March 16 that it has cut 15% of staff, or 42 people .

Announced March 15 that it has laid off 140 of its staff across all teams .

As a part of its recent announcement to layoff 10,000 people, Microsoft laid off an entire team dedicated to guiding AI innovation that leads to ethical, responsible and sustainable outcomes. On March 27, Microsoft laid off 559 workers from its Bellevue and Redmond operations.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg confirmed rumors March 14 that the company will be cutting 10,000 people from its workforce and around 5,000 open roles that it had yet to fill.

Y Combinator

Announced March 13 that it will impact 20% of staff, or 17 team members .

Salesforce…continued

Salesforce first announced that it was laying off 10% of the workforce in January , but some employees didn’t know until February . The week of March 10, more employees are just learning they have been laid off . Salesforce confirmed that these layoffs were part of the 10%.

Announced on March 6, Atlassian is laying off about 500 employees, or 5% of its total workforce .

Announced on March 6, the company laid off 475 employees, or 8% of its total workforce .

The Nigerian B2B e-commerce platform had a headcount of more than 2,000 before a first round of layoffs in September 2022. Alerzo has l aid off 15% of its full-time workforce, the company confirmed on March 6 , leaving about 800 employees at the startup.

Announced March 1, the company is letting go 15% of it’s workforce — roughly 285 employees .

Announced March 1, Alphabet’s Waymo issued a second round of layoffs this year . Combined with the initial cuts in January , the self-driving technology company has let go of 8%, or 209 employees, of its workforce.

Thoughtworks

Announced on March 1, the company laid off about 4% of its global workforce — approximately 500 employees.

February 2023

Announced on February 26, the company laid off more than 200 employees , including Esther Crawford, Haraldur Thorleifsson and Leah Culver. Since Musk took over Twitter in October last year, the company’s headcount has fallen by more than 70% .

Announced February 24, Poshmark confirmed with TechCrunch that less than 2% of its workforce was affected , primarily in the U.S. The company employs roughly 800+ employees.

We do not have an exact figure of how many Green Labs plans to lay off its staff. Green Labs confirmed to TechCrunch that it is conducting a round of layoffs that could impact at least 50% of its workforce.

Announced on February 20, the African cross-border payments platform conducted a second round of layoffs just 10 weeks after it cut approximately 12.5% of its workforce. Chipper Cash relieved almost one-third of its workforce, about 100 employees .

On February 17 the company confirmed laying off 129 people .

Announced February 16 that it cut 20% of its staff, or more than 900 positions across its 11 markets , in Q4 of 2022.

Announced on February 16 that it is shuttering its Atlanta office and laying off workers as part of restructuring . This is the third time in less than a year that the company has laid off workers.

Announced on February 15 that it will impact 4% of its global workforce — or more than 100 employees .

Announced on February 13 that it will lay off 7% of its workforce, roughly 85 employees .

Announced on February 13 that it will impact around 17% of its global workforce, about 1,400 people .

Announced February 9, 10% of its staff will be impacted through the end of the company’s fiscal year. Before this announcement, which was first reported by Fortune , GitHub had about 3,000 employees.

Announced on February 9, 20% of its staff, impacting 1,600 employees in its adtech business. Yahoo is the parent company to TechCrunch.

Announced February 9 that it’s reducing its headcount by 7% . The round of redundancies will impact around 114 people, though that specific figure is dependent on its actual headcount as of February 9.

Announced on February 8 that it is reducing its staff by 19%, or about 500 employees , and shutting down its crypto unit.

Announced the cut of 15% of its staff, or 1,300 people on February 7.

VinFast has not shared how many employees have been cut, but a LinkedIn post from a former employee said “nearly 35 roles” were affected . Announced on February 6.

Announced February 6, impacting 6,650 people, or 5% of worldwide workforce .

Announced February 2, 10% of staff — about 42 employees .

Announced February 2, 150 employees impacted . This is the second job-cutting move within weeks of the first round in December 2022.

Announced on February 1, cutting 6% of its workforce for the second time in less than a year.

January 2023

Sofi technologies.

Announced on January 31, cutting 65 jobs, or about 5% of its 1,300-person workforce . First reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Announced on January 31, impacting 8% of its staff — about 960 people .

Impacting another 500 employees announced on January 31. The company said this new set of layoffs will be spread across the first two quarters of 2023 .

Impossible Foods

Reportedly affecting 20% of its staff, over 100 employees , Bloomberg reported first .

Announced on January 30, about 2,000 full-time employees, or 7% of its workforce , were affected.

Announced on January 30, with a newly appointed CEO, slashing 50% of its workforce — 800 employees globally .

The self-driving technology unit under Alphabet quietly laid off workers on January 24 , according to The Information and several posts on LinkedIn and Blind. It’s not yet clear how many of Waymo’s staff will be affected.

Announced on January 23, impacting around 6% of its global workforce — around 600 employees .

Google’s parent company announced laying off 6% of its global workforce on January 21 , equating to 12,000 employees. These cuts impact divisions such as Area 120 , the Google in-house incubator and Alphabet’s robotics division, Intrinsic .

The entertainment company announced an unspecified number of employees impacted across multiple properties on January 20. According to a report by Variety , the company employs around 500 people, and the layoffs have affected roughly 10% of its staff across different sites.

Announced plans to lay off 380 jobs on January 20 and shut down its meat marketplace.

Announced on January 18, 10% of its global workforce, about 450 people were let go .

As announced on January 18, 10,000 employees will be impacted .

Laid off 70% of its workforce on January 18.

Announced on January 17, impacting 30% of staff across all teams .

Announced on January 15, ShareChat laid off 20% of its workforce — or over 400 employees — just a month after eliminating more than 100 roles .

Announced on January 12 a 40% reduction of its U.S. and China workforce, or around 120 people .

Alphabet’s robot software firm, Intrinsic, is laying off 40 employees TechCrunch confirmed on January 12. Amounting to around 20% of the headcount.

The fintech startup offering debit cards to kids laid off 104 employees on January 12, or over 21% of its total headcount of 485 employees.

Career Karma

Learning navigation platform Career Karma laid off another 22 people on January 12 across its global and domestic workforce .

Announced on January 12 plans to lay off about 10% of its management staff on January 20.

Reported on January 11 that it will lay off 7% of it’s workforce, or 450 staffers globally.

Announced on January 11, the equity management platform cut 10% of its staff. Judging by LinkedIn data, the layoff could have impacted around 200 employees.

Impacting 33 staff members on January 11 .

To cut 950 jobs, or about 20% of its workforce , and shut down “several” projects, announced on January 10. This is the second round of major layoffs at the crypto exchange , which eliminated 18% of its workforce, or nearly 1,100 jobs last June.

The NFT marketplace is cutting 30% of its staff, announced on January 6 .

Announced on January 5, eliminating more than 18,000 roles . This announcement extends a previously announced round of layoffs in November of 2022 . On January 19, the company announced it would end AmazonSmile .

Announced on January 4 that it’s cutting 10% of its workforce, impacting more than 7,000 employees . A month later, some Salesforce employees had just found out they were also a part of the 10% layoff announcement.

Announced on January 4, cutting 11% of its workforce .

Editor’s note: Natasha Mascarenhas has contributed to this compilation.

Russia-Ukraine war latest: Russia launches major attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure

Explosions heard in the northeastern region of Kharkiv this morning were part of a major Russian attack on energy infrastructure which has left 200,000 people without power.

Thursday 11 April 2024 08:27, UK

Russia launches major attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure
Zelenskyy responds to Trump 'peace plan'
Sharp increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine
The situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant
The big picture : Everything you need to know about the war this week
Your questions answered: Is it too late to save Ukraine?
Live reporting by Emily Mee

Low demand is not a problem the smuggler has to worry about.

This individual, who takes young men across Ukraine's western border into Europe, says he is only able to assist a tiny fraction of those who make enquiries.

Motivation is not an issue for 'Stas' either - the smuggler claims his purpose is all about saving young people's lives.

"They simply aren't ready to die, young people aren't ready to bury themselves alive," he says.

"So they turn to us for help. A significant number of people are turning to us - I won't mention names."

The smuggler organises "crossings" for men trying to avoid conscription into the Ukrainian armed forces.

By sneaking them into one of five neighbouring European countries, his clients can apply for temporary residency - safe in the knowledge they will not be sent back.

Read more on this from our international correspondent John Sparks below...

Reports are coming in of a "counter-terrorist operation" in parts of the Russian city of Nalchik and in the Cherek district in the southern Kabardino-Balkaria region.

A group of gunmen opened fire on security forces who surrounded them outside Nalchik, Russian news agency RIA reported.

We'll bring you more updates on this as we get them.

We're getting more details now on Russia's overnight strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

Two underground gas storage facilities were struck overnight, Ukraine's national oil and gas firm Naftogaz said.

"Early in the morning of 11 April, the enemy attacked two Ukrainian underground storage facilities," it said.

"The storage facilities continue to operate."

Ukraine's national grid operator Ukrenergo said power substations and generating facilities in five regions were damaged.

An attack in Kharkiv snapped power links to more than 200,000 households, Oleksiy Kuleba, the deputy head of the Ukrainian president's office, said on the Telegram messaging app.

We've had updates from the governors in the Zaporizhzhia (in the south) and Lviv (in the west) regions, while authorities in Kviv also say energy facilities were targeted.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said 40 missiles and 40 drones were launched overnight.

We're waking up to notable attacks in Ukraine - with 200,000 said to be without power as a result in Kharkiv.

We'll have more on these attacks soon - but here's a catch up of developments from the last 24 hours:

Russian forces launched deadly attacks in the north and south yesterday - leaving seven dead and many more injured;
In Odesa district, an evening missile killed four people, including a 10-year-old girl. Governor Oleh Kiper said four people were in a serious condition with doctors "fighting to save their lives". One man had had his legs amputated;
Northeastern Kharkiv has been subjected to intensified Russian attacks in recent weeks. A strike on a pharmacy killed a 14-year-old girl and two women in the village of Lyptsi.

Here's the latest territorial picture...

On the diplomatic front, Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushed back on alleged comments from Donald Trump saying Ukraine should cede some of its occupied territory to Russia.

Mr Zelenskyy said this was a "primitive" suggestion, but added he would be willing to listen to Mr Trump's ideas if he had "strong arguments".

Lord Cameron, the UK foreign secretary, said peace in Ukraine could only come from backing Kyiv, rather than through "appeasement" of Russia.

Thanks for following along today - here is a quick reminder of what has been happening.

We've been hearing from Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who pushed back on alleged comments from Donald Trump saying Ukraine should cede some of its occupied territory to Russia.

He was not the only prominent politician to criticise the former US president's alleged remarks.

Elsewhere, a top US general warned Ukraine will run out of air defences "in fairly short order".

General Christopher Cavoli said the "stakes are very high" for Ukraine.

The UN recorded a sharp increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine in March
A child was killed in Kharkiv after Russia launched an attack using guided aerial bombs
Switzerland will host a high level Ukraine peace conference in June.

Members of the Siberian Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' International Legion have been pictured taking part in military exercises at an undisclosed location in the Kyiv region today.

A top US general has warned Ukraine will run out of artillery shells and air defence interceptors "in fairly short order" without further American support.

They told Congress the "stakes are very high" for Ukraine.

The comments echo those by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who warned over the weekend that Ukraine could run out of air defence missiles if Russia keeps up its intense bombardment campaign.

"If they keep hitting [Ukraine] every day the way they have for the last month, we might run out of missiles, and the partners know it," he said.

In an update to our last post, the regional governor of Ukraine's Kharkiv region has said this afternoon's airstrike in the village of Lyptsi killed three people.

In a post on Telegram, Oleh Synehubov said that as well as the 14-year-old girl's death we reported earlier, two women were killed in the attack.

Two more people were injured, and rescuers continue searching through the rubble for victims.

Local authorities are reporting a child has been killed and at least three others injured in an attack on the Kharkiv region.

Russian guided aerial bombs struck the Lyptsi, Mala Danylivka, and Vovchansk settlements, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

The governor said the local shop and pharmacy caught fire during the attacks.

A 14-year-old girl was killed and at least two people - a 33-year-old female pharmacy worker and a 16-year-old boy - were injured in Lyptsi.

In Vovchansk, a 34-year-old man was taken to hospital with a shrapnel wound.

Mr Syniehubov said the local health centre was destroyed.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

IMAGES

19 Absolute Best Places to Visit in the UK
Best Places to Travel in February
19 Absolute Best Places to Visit in the UK
20+ Best Places to Visit in England (2023 Travel Guide)
Best places to visit in England
Best places to visit in England

VIDEO

Southend on Sea 🇬🇧 Essex- UK
5 Places In The Uk you Should Visit🤩
Discovering the UK's Most Breathtaking Destinations
Places To Visit Italy
Discover the Must-Visit UK Destinations Now!
BEST PLACES to visit in MALTA 🇲🇹 Los MEJORES LUGARES para visitar en MALTA 🇲🇹

COMMENTS

15 top things to do in the UK in February (2024 guide)
9. Attend the Leicester Comedy Festival. 7th - 25th February 2024. The Leicester Comedy Festival is one of the UK's longest-running and most diverse comedy events. As you immerse yourself in this festival, you'll experience a broad spectrum of comedic talent, from well-established stars to emerging comedians.
12 things to do and places to visit in February in the UK
10. Visit a National Trust or English Heritage site, UK-wide. If you're in the mood for fresh air and adventure this February, you might enjoy visiting a National Trust or English Heritage site. With it being the February half-term, many sites are hosting fun events and activities alongside their usual openings.
10 Best Places to Visit in the UK in February
7. Dartmoor National Park, England. Dartmoor National Park is known for its wide open spaces and complete tranquillity. It's the perfect place to recover from the hectic nature of the festive period and January, making it one of the best places to visit in the UK in February.
The United Kingdom in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More
Weather. February is midwinter in the United Kingdom, but the days are slowly getting longer (the shortest day is in late December), and at the end of the month in southern England, the first signs of spring might be starting to appear. Plus, the UK isn't as cold in the winter as its northern latitude might suggest, thanks to the Atlantic Gulf ...
Five February Places to Visit in the UK
This article about February places to visit in the UK was originally created on December 23, 2017. It has been maintained and updated (as of November 21, 2018) to reflect current viewpoints and travel trends. Fun Facts. February weather in the UK is cold and damp and temperatures stay in the low to high 40s.
The United Kingdom in February: Travel Tips for First-Timers
The Best Places to Visit in the United Kingdom in February February is less rainy than January, meaning there are more dry times to explore and go on walks outside. While temperatures are still low, there is plenty to see and do in the United Kingdom that involves both the indoors and the outdoors.
14 Best Winter Getaways in the UK 2023
3. York. The Yorkshire marvel is a fantastic city all year round, and the brilliant roster of museums, restaurants and experiences make it a top-notch spot during winter. The National Railway ...
England in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More
February is a great time to take advantage of low rates and fewer crowds in England. Though it's winter, there are many options to choose from, with lesser-known cities, romantic drives in the countryside, and outdoor adventures on the southern coast (like cliff walking and surfing). Or, stick around London and see the famous sites—plus, there's a month-long orchid show at the Royal Botanic ...
20 Mesmerizing UK Spots to Explore in the Winter
It can get pretty chilly in the North of England during the winter months. 3. Peak District. In my opinion, this is one of the most naturally beautiful places in England! The UK's first national park is an excellent place to get a little exercise during the frosty winter months.
16 Best Places to Visit in Winter in the UK
5. London, England London in the winter. There are many reasons to visit London in winter. The city is adorned with festiveness, stretching from the banks of the Thames River to the vibrant streets near Trafalgar Square.Once it snows, which happens rarely, the city becomes a unique utopia made even more beautiful by the recent dusting.
10 All-Time Best Days Out in February in England
All the greatest things to do in February in England. 1. Spectacle of Light at Compton Verney. February is the perfect time to take a memorable day out. At Compton Verney, located in Warwickshire, people of all ages have the opportunity to experience the Spectacle of Light for an evening of fun and entertainment.
15 Best Places to Visit in the UK in 2023
Best places to visit in the UK in 2023. Photograph: Jim Stephenson. 1. Eastbourne. This coastal town might conjure up images of OAPs on coach holidays, pesky pebbles in your jelly shoes and hordes ...
Best Places in the UK to Visit in February
Cornwall. Our number 1 place to visit in the UK during February is Cornwall. If you want to avoid the traffic and the crowds that Cornwall attract in the summer months, then February is a great time to visit. The beaches are virtually empty and you will have no trouble at all visiting any local landmark you chose.
25 Best Places To Visit In The UK + What To Do & Map
1 - LAKE DISTRICT, ENGLAND. The Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a national park in northwest England blessed with some of the finest mountain scenery in the country. It's a popular vacation destination in the UK with craggy hills framing ribbon lakes, connected by rivers that course through valleys.
Top 5 Things To Do in February
Find out more. 3. Visit somewhere special (with someone special) on valentine's day. This February treat yourself and the one you love to something special by visiting some of England's most picturesque scenery and stunning romantic ruins.
Wales in February: What to Expect + Things To Do
February is not the best time to visit Wales. It's one of the coldest months, with temperatures around 4℃, and rainfall continues to be high (although less than December and January). There may be few crowds, but many accommodations remain closed in February and lots of tours have stopped for the winter.
19 of the Best Places To Visit in February
7. Sydney, Australia. Sydney Opera House lights up in vibrant colours (Shutterstock) A visit to the New South Wales capital in February not only promises spectacular sunshine, but also one of the world's best Mardi Gras festivals and Pride events.
Hot places for UK travellers in February
Average February temperature: 23°C. Average of daily sun: 8. Australia is well known for its hot climate and in February, Australia enjoys a hot summer. Sydney is an ideal destination for a very relaxing, very warm break in the Southern Hemisphere. You can expect daily highs of around 26°C, with nights cooling down to a comfortable 19°C.
25 best holiday destinations in February 2024
Temperature in February: 2°C high; -6°C low Season: winter Travel time from UK: 1 hour 30 minutes flight to Chambéry; 9 hours by train Time difference: GMT +1 Courchevel is the superstar ski resort of the French Alps. Of its four villages, Courchevel 1850 is the highest, biggest and glitziest, drawing a jet-set crowd with its Michelin-star restaurants, super-smart chalets and hotels, posh ...
The 9 best places to visit in February 2024
A visit to the French Quarter is a must too as there is no better image of New Orleans than this centuries-old neighbourhood that brought the Enlightenment to America. New Orleans during Mardi Gras, is definitely, one of the best places to go on holiday in February. Find flights to New Orleans. 5. Quebec, Canada.
The best places to visit in February
Valentine's Day may make February the month of love, but the UK winter season is still very much in effect. Why not get away from the gloomy, chilly days and ring in the new year with a revitalising getaway? Here, we've compiled a list of the top destinations for February vacations to inspire your travel. MaldivesNever pass up a chance to visit the Maldives, even during the rainy season (May ...
Where to travel in February: five of the best destinations
2. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Hedonists head to the streets of New Orleans for the wild Mardi Gras festival. These Carnival celebrations escalate in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday, which often falls in February. Large-scale parades with towering floats and quirky independent processions are run by local 'krewes'.
17 best places to visit in February 2024 for a winter getaway
Overlooking the Nile, the Sofitel Winter Palace is an atmospheric piece of Luxor history, built in 1886 and visited by Agatha Christie, Winston Churchill and Tutankhamun expedition sponsor Lord ...
The Top 10 Places to Live in the UK, According to Stats
We've compiled a list of the top 10 places to live in the UK any why they score highly, backed by statistics and data from reputable sources. #1. Winchester, Hampshire Quality of Life ...
LLYN BRENIG MARCH/APRIL 2024
For this year's opener, I'm starting with AG's recent comments (end of August 2023-February 2024) which give an insight to what's been going on at Llyn Brenig. 12/02/2024 "There are some posts on the Brenig Osprey Project Facebook page with camera trap images and videos of voles, foxes and a family of otters.
A comprehensive list of 2023 & 2024 tech layoffs
Announced February 6, impacting 6,650 people, or 5% of worldwide workforce. Getaround. Announced February 2, 10% of staff — about 42 employees. Pinterest. Announced February 2, 150 employees ...
Russia-Ukraine war latest: Sharp increase in civilian casualties as
The UN has said civilian casualties increased dramatically in Ukraine last month as Russia stepped up its bombardment. Moscow has accused Ukraine of attacking a nuclear plant for three days in a row.
Deaths registered weekly in England and Wales, provisional
For further information on our methods to estimate excess deaths, see our Estimating excess deaths in the UK, methodology changes: February 2024 article. Underlying cause of death versus contributory causes. In this release, we discuss both deaths "involving" a particular cause, and deaths "due to" a particular cause.