Christmas shopping

The seaside spot is perfect for a wintery day trip or weekend away, and even in the freezing weather, it’s so charming

We’re already a week into January, and while the start of a new year can be invigorating, it’s tough to kick-start your routine after the celebrations. You’re likely feeling drained after returning to work, eagerly awaiting a weekend of rest.

However, exploring a new town or village can do wonders for your mood, which is exactly what I did last weekend. Bracing the frosty breeze, I embarked on a half-hour train journey from Glasgow to Troon, a seaside town bustling in summer but much quieter in winter.

It was an almost perfect day trip, with one minor hiccup threatening to ruin the trip – but don’t let that deter you.

Nestled on Scotland’s west coast with views over the Firth of Clyde, Troon is the perfect coastal retreat from city life. Admittedly, my last visit was around age 15 and I had never been during winter, but craving some outdoor time before returning to work, this seemed ideal.

Upon getting off the train, we made our way to the waterfront, which was freezing yet beautiful. The sun was shining, and although the sea would have been unbearably cold for a dip, it looked stunning, reports the Express.

Depressingly, the sun had begun to set as early as 1pm during our visit, but it provided a lovely backdrop for photos. We walked along the huge beach for around an hour, climbing on top of a paved hill at the end to really take in the panoramic views of the town below.

For kids, there’s a huge play area that was bustling even in the biting cold, so I can only imagine how busy it’ll be in summertime.

When the chill became almost unbearable, it was time to seek out some food. Troon boasts an array of great places to eat and drink, from the stylish Scotts restaurant by the marina to numerous fish and chip shops dotting the high street.

One of the main reasons for this trip was to try out The Wee Hurrie, a seafood shack near the water that had been highly praised by relatives and friends. With TripAdvisor users hailing it as the ‘best chippie in Scotland’, we couldn’t wait.

After braving the icy beach walk, our hunger was intense, so imagine our dismay when we found The Wee Hurrie shuttered. This was our fault, and we should have checked ahead, but the combination of freezing temperatures and hunger nearly brought me to tears.

The closure was due to the Scottish fishing fleet being docked for Christmas, which is entirely understandable. As of Friday (January 9), it’s back in business, and you can bet I’ll be running back as soon as I can for some beachfront fish and chips.

By 3pm, we were still on the hunt for lunch, so we started our journey back to the town centre. As if to rub salt in the wound, it began to snow – but luckily, it was just a brief flurry that ended as quickly as it had started.

I wasn’t expecting much activity on the high street at this time on a Sunday in early January, but I was pleasantly surprised to see plenty of people bustling about, popping in and out of eateries and shops.

Still craving seafood, we stopped into Tempura and ordered a serving of battered prawns and chips each. It hit the spot perfectly, and spotting a tempura Mars bar on the menu made me laugh. You cannot escape the deep-fried life in Scotland.

Despite the slight hiccup with our initial food plans, it was still a great day out – albeit a bit chilly for my liking. But rest assured, as soon as that first hint of warmth graces us in March, I’ll be heading straight back there.

Prague has been crowned the cheapest Christmas market destination in Europe with £2 pints and £74 hotels, and it’s also one of the most photographed festive spots on the continent

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate Christmas market to explore this December, then you’re in luck. Hoppa has done the legwork for you and identified the most affordable destination to soak up the festive atmosphere.

The airport transfer experts have scrutinised dozens of European winter holiday spots, considering factors such as average accommodation costs, Tripadvisor reviews, and even the price of a pint.

And the European location that offers the best value for money this Yuletide is…Prague!

I agree with them after visiting the scenic city of Prague two years ago during the Christmas period. The Old Town Square has an iconic Gothic Church, a 20-Metre Christmas tree and is the most festive place I’ve ever experienced.

READ MORE: Charming UK town with vibrant Christmas market where you might even bump into a celebrity

It truly comes alive in December when the Christmas lights sparkle, locals sing traditional Czech carols and chalets sell everything from Trdelník (chimney cake) to hand-painted Czech Marionettes and puppets.

In addition to a visually stunning Christmas market, you’ll find an impressive 4,811 attractions to keep you entertained. With a score of 7.5 out of 10, the average cost of a 3-star hotel in Prague is a mere £74, and a pint will set you back just £2.17, according to secretldn.com.

The square is lined with eateries where you can sit back, enjoy reasonably priced food and drink, and indulge in some people-watching. Dinner with drinks typically costs between 250-400 CZK (roughly £8 to £14), with street food being even more affordable.

You can enjoy traditional dishes like Goulash, Svíčková (beef in cream sauce) or Vepřo knedlo zelo (pork, dumplings, sauerkraut) washed down with mulled wine, beer or Tatratea : A popular tea-based spirit.

In fact, the Christmas market is so picturesque that it’s been dubbed the most photographed Christmas market in Europe by various media outlets and Prague City Tourism.

There’s still ample time to visit – the market operates annually from late November until early January, transforming the square into a magical scene dominated by the towering Gothic spires of Týn Church and the Astronomical Clock.

One of the best aspects is that despite being only a two-hour flight from the UK, once you set foot in the Old Town Square, it feels as though you’ve travelled back in time. And you can get there for as little as £27 return (if you book well in advance), leaving plenty of spare change for a few £2 pints of beer.

The 10 most budget-friendly European winter getaway destinations:

Prague, Czech Republic.

Bansko, Bulgaria.

Sofia, Bulgaria.

Budapest, Hungary.

Tallinn, Estonia.

Kraków, Poland.

Tirana, Albania.

Belgrade, Serbia.

Bratislava, Slovakia.

Vilnius, Lithuania.

In the winter, you can enjoy the seafront paths without the crowds, and enjoy views of snow-capped mountains on the coldest days.

A coastal path in Wales has been hailed as the UK’s top Christmas walk, thanks to its breathtaking mountain vistas and close proximity to snug pubs. The ranking, compiled by GO Outdoors, utilised TripAdvisor reviews and data on average December snowfall, along with festive factors such as nearby watering holes.

Using this information, the outdoor retailer curated a list of the top ten spots for a brisk December amble or a post-Christmas dinner saunter. Barmouth Beach, nestled on the fringes of Eyri National Park (Snowdonia), clinched the number one position. The area is enveloped by natural splendour, offering panoramic views across Cardigan Bay and the Mawddach Estuary.

During the summer months, this sandy expanse has a classic seaside atmosphere. A land train chugs along the promenade, children enjoy donkey rides on the sand, and the shallow waters are perfect for a paddle.

However, winter also presents an ideal opportunity for exploration, allowing visitors to savour the seafront paths without the throngs of people and admire views of snow-dusted mountains on the chilliest days, reports the Express.

While a tranquil stroll along the promenade is always an option, there’s also a more demanding route for those wishing to soak up some of the surrounding landscape.

The four-mile-long Panorama Walk commences at the beach and meanders through dense woodland and winding country lanes along the Mawddach Estuary.

However, it’s recommended for seasoned walkers, as it can be hilly and tricky to navigate, particularly in cold, damp conditions.

After exploring the coast, venture inland to find a cosy pub for some warmth. Just 500 metres from the beach, The Royal is a traditional stone-clad pub that’s a welcome sight after a chilly walk.

Settle into a leather chair and soak up the old-world charm while sipping on a pint and savouring classic pub grub, from roasts to a Welsh cheeseboard.

If you’d rather warm up with a hot brew, Davy Jones Locker is worth a visit. This harbourside café serves everything from hearty breakfasts to fish and chips.

Enjoy the sunshine at an outdoor table or head inside to appreciate the quirky, nautical-themed décor.

Although it only operates seasonally, usually from April to October, consider booking a ticket on the ferry departing from Barmouth Harbour. At just £4 per adult, it offers breathtaking views of the Afon Mawddach estuary.

The ferry also links with Fairbourne Railway, a vintage train service running along the mid-Wales coast.

Passengers can take in the coastal scenery as they journey along, with day passes available for those who wish to hop on and off at their leisure.

Stroll into town to discover a handful of independent shops, alongside numerous hotels and restaurants in the centre.

If you’re planning a festive getaway, The Sandbanks Hotel is a great choice, boasting direct beach access, rooms with sea views, and Christmas-themed entertainment.