Scotland’s “white Christmas capitals” that see the most snowfall have been named.
As we approach December, the odds of snowy weather will get higher and higher. While many aren’t fond of the dropping temperatures and blustery conditions, there is something magical about snowfall over the festive season.
A new study conducted by GO Outdoors has ranked destinations in the UK by the average amount of snow they see per year. Coming in at number one is the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland.
According to the experts, the Cairngorms see 66.4 snowy days annually on average. The snowy setting makes it perfect for a variety of winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding at Glenshee Ski Centre and Cairngorm Mountain Resort.
If you are a fan of a winter hike, there is a huge range of picturesque walking trails in the Cairngorms you can set out on. From the Loch Morlich Loop to the Seven Bridges and Knock Castle Circular, there are hikes to suit every taste and skill level.
Meanwhile, there is a variety of Christmas events and attractions around the national park to entertain the whole family. Younger visitors can ride the Strathspey Steam Railway’s ‘Santa Express’, complete with complimentary gingerbread man and souvenir bauble, while both adults and kids will get a kick out of a visit to The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd — the only one of its kind in Britain.
Elsewhere, coming in at number two on GO Outdoors’ list of the best UK locations for a white Christmas is Aberfeldy in Perth and Kinross. Recording an average of 31.8 snow days each year, the town’s cosy winter cabins and surrounding snowy peaks make it a top spot for a winter staycation.
Aberfeldy also hosts a one-of-a-kind ‘Santa Day’ event each year at the end of November. It sees the streets come alive with a parade featuring Santa and his herd of reindeer, ending with the town’s official Christmas lights switch on.
Following behind in third place is Inverness, which averages 27.1 snow days per year. Visitors can explore local attractions such as Brodie Castle, which hosts an annual festive November light show, and the Eden Court Christmas Fairs.
Meanwhile, the fourth best destination in Scotland for a white Christmas according to GO Outdoors is Stirling. The historic city sees 20.6 snow days per year on average, while top festive attractions in the area include the Christmas Spectacular at Blair Drummond and the Christmas Shopping Fair at Stirling Castle.
More information about the list of the the best UK locations for a white Christmas can be found on the GO Outdoors website.
The best UK locations for a white Christmas
- Cairngorms National Park, Highland
- Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross
- Inverness, Highland
- Stirling, Stirling
- Sheffield, South Yorkshire
- Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
- Derry, County Londonderry
- Perth, Perth and Kinross
- Mold, Flintshire
- Caerphilly, Caerphilly
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