These 3 Unexpected Cities Are the UK’s Hottest January Escapes
Searches for UK day trips in January 2026 have skyrocketed by 302% compared to last year, as people swap airport hassle and big budgets for a quieter escape. Think cosy cafés, winter walks, and Insta-worthy streets without the summer crowds. With the cost of living and sustainability on everyone’s radar, exploring closer to home has never looked so good.
To help inspire your next adventure, Kia has revealed the UK’s top day-trip destinations for January, and Bath takes the crown. From elegant Georgian charm to quirky cultural gems, the research ranked the top 10 cities based on scenic beauty, cultural attractions, TripAdvisor ratings, and more.
The top three – Bath, Durham, and Edinburgh – promise history, character, and plenty of fun ways to beat the winter slump.
The UK’s most sought-after autumn and winter escapes
| Top 10 UK cities | Average Trip Advisor rating | Average parking availability score | % increase in search trends* | Number of public EV chargers |
| Bath | 4.6 | 7 | 67 | 118 |
| Durham | 4.58 | 2 | 29 | 482 |
| Edinburgh | 4.62 | 6 | 16 | 714 |
| Chester | 4.56 | 8 | 20 | 261 |
| Cambridge | 4.68 | 4 | 15 | 342 |
| Cardiff | 4.52 | 10 | 56 | 230 |
| Oxford | 4.6 | 5 | 58 | 200 |
| York | 4.5 | 9 | 41 | 170 |
| Canterbury | 4.34 | 1 | 127 | 120 |
| London** | 4.56 | 3 | 25 | 95 |
The UK’s top 3 cities for autumn/winter day trips
- Bath
Think steaming rooftop spas with panoramic views, Georgian streets that look straight out of a period drama, and quirky independent shops tucked away in hidden lanes. Bath isn’t just about history – it’s about indulgence. Grab a hot chocolate, wander past the Royal Crescent, and maybe even channel your inner Bridgerton while exploring this elegant city.
- Durham
Durham is like stepping into a storybook – cobbled streets, a majestic cathedral, and plenty of cosy pubs to duck into when the chill bites. Fancy something different? Head to Beamish Museum for a nostalgic trip back in time, complete with vintage trams and old-school sweet shops. It’s the perfect mix of heritage and fun.
- Edinburgh
Edinburgh in January is pure magic – dramatic castle views, winding alleyways, and enough quirky cafés to keep you warm all day. Explore the hidden closes of the Old Town, hunt down the city’s best shortbread, or climb Arthur’s Seat for a windswept adventure (bonus points if you spot a bagpiper on the way!). It’s history with a playful twist.
Kia’s winter driving tips:
- Pre-heat your car – In electric cars, heaters work by taking energy from the EV battery, reducing overall battery output. If you have this running while your EV is charging, none of the precious battery energy will be wasted on heating the car.
- Conserve electric range – You can conserve electric range simply by driving in a more efficient way. Maintaining a steady pace and avoiding sudden braking or accelerating will help to maximize your EV’s range.
- Route plan – If you’re planning a long journey, take this into account and plan accordingly, such as by adding extra charging stops or reducing the distance you intend to travel.
To discover tips on driving electric cars in colder months, check out the Kia blog.
A Kia spokesperson said:
“We wanted to highlight destinations that truly capture the magic of local adventures, and these cities are perfect examples. From historic attractions to EV-friendly cities and accessible parking, Bath, Durham, and Edinburgh show that memorable winter escapes don’t have to be far from home. We hope this list inspires drivers to explore more of what the UK has to offer, discovering places where culture, atmosphere, and convenience come together to make every trip special.”
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