Where to go for snow in the UK

[Butterfly94]

So we live in the south right by the sea. Which means we never get snow, and DD desperately wants some! So I thought it might be nice to go on a little UK holiday next winter to somewhere that is quite likely to have snow at some point. Any suggestions? I love the Lake District, would that be a good little getaway? I don't know Scotland that well, so suggestions for there would be welcome. We like walks but are open to anything as we haven't really done a holiday with them yet! And what time of year is best, Christmas or Jan/Feb? The kids will be 4 and 2 and we're happy with any sort of holiday. Just not skiing abroad, as that's too expensive for right now!

I remember a self-catering cottage in the Lakes at the end of the Langdale valley. It was February and the fells were all topped with snow. We got up to Scafell Pike and it was deep, above our knees. You will need some poles for that. From the cottage we could see snow on the fell onto which the bomber crashed in WW2. I suspect December is too wet but late January or into February you should see some. Without a doubt Scotland would be better. You want the Cairngorms really - higher and into the East, not the West. Schiehallion is a little to the South but looks stunning in the snow.

Thanks for your reply, will look into those areas!

I am in Scotland. Christmas is not the best time, you'd be luckier at February half-term or even Easter - we're more likely to get snow at Easter than Christmas.

Aviemore is the best place for accessing skiing/snow and also there are lots of other things to do too. Highland Wildlife park has polar bears and tigers and is a good day out.

Aviemore in February school holidays would be the best combination of likely snow and not dark/raining/grim. But you'll still have to warn DC that snow can melt quickly and its not guaranteed to be there the days you visit. At least with Aviemore there's loads of other things for kids to do nearby.

Scotland is by far the best place for snow as the mountains are much the highest in the UK and it’s significantly further north. Aviemore is definitely a good bet, or any of the skiing areas. Even there there’s no guarantee but it’s unlikely they’ll be none in the season (but Christmas is early for snow). The ski centre have artificial snow machines as well.

You could get snow in the lakes but it’s much more of a gamble - if you pick a date in advance, the odds will be against you.

Thanks all. Aviemore sounds like a lovely place so will be looking further into that. I know it's a gamble, but I won't mention snow to them before we go and if it's there it'll be a nice surprise! It's nice to be planning a holiday for winter, I've never had one before!