Three unexpected UK cities Londoners should visit this January and Bath tops the list

From rooftop thermal spas to historic castles and cosy independent cafés, new research from Kia has revealed the UK's best destinations for a winter escape.

After the expense and excitement of Christmas, January can feel like the perfect time to escape London for a change of scenery.

And for those looking to beat the winter blues without booking a flight, some of Britain's most beautiful cities could provide the answer.

Searches for UK day trips in January have increased by 302% year-on-year, according to research shared by Kia, as more people look to explore destinations closer to home.

With quieter attractions, cosy cafés and scenic winter walks, a January getaway can offer a different experience from visiting during the busy summer months.

To help inspire travellers, Kia has ranked the UK's top destinations for winter day trips, taking into account cultural attractions, scenic surroundings, parking, electric vehicle charging facilities and average Tripadvisor ratings.

Bath took the top spot, followed by Durham and Edinburgh, while Chester and Cambridge completed the top five.

Here are three destinations worth exploring this January.

1. Bath

Bath has been crowned the UK's best destination for a winter day trip, with its Georgian architecture, historic attractions and independent shops making it an appealing escape from the capital.

The Somerset city recorded an average Tripadvisor rating of 4.6, while searches for the destination increased by 67% over the period analysed.

For Londoners looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Bath offers plenty to do, whether you're interested in history, shopping or simply relaxing.

Visitors can explore the famous Roman Baths, admire the sweeping Georgian architecture of the Royal Crescent or wander through the city's independent boutiques and cafés.

For a little post-Christmas indulgence, the Thermae Bath Spa offers the opportunity to soak in naturally warm thermal waters while enjoying rooftop views across the city.

Fans of Netflix's Bridgerton can also explore some of the filming locations that helped bring the Regency-era drama to life.

Bath is particularly well suited to a day trip from London, although an overnight stay offers more time to explore its restaurants, spa facilities and surrounding countryside.

2. Durham

Taking second place is Durham, a historic city known for its cobbled streets, dramatic cathedral and picturesque riverside setting.

The city achieved an average Tripadvisor rating of 4.58, with searches increasing by 29%.

Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Durham Castle, is one of the city's biggest attractions, while a winter walk along the River Wear offers impressive views of the historic city centre.

Visitors can explore independent shops, stop for lunch in one of the city's traditional pubs or head to nearby Beamish Museum for a journey through Britain's past.

The open-air museum brings history to life through historic buildings, vintage transport and traditional shops, making it a particularly appealing option for families.

Although Durham is further from London than Bath, it makes an excellent choice for a January weekend away, with plenty of opportunities to combine sightseeing with a slower pace of life.

3. Edinburgh

Scotland's capital rounds off the top three, offering historic streets, dramatic scenery and plenty of indoor attractions for those colder January days.

Edinburgh achieved an average Tripadvisor rating of 4.62 and boasts 714 public electric vehicle chargers, the highest number among the destinations featured in Kia's top ten.

Visitors can explore Edinburgh Castle, wander through the narrow closes and winding streets of the Old Town or discover the independent shops and restaurants dotted around the city.

The National Museum of Scotland offers a welcome escape from the winter weather, while those who enjoy the outdoors could head to Arthur's Seat for panoramic views across the capital, weather permitting.

January also provides an opportunity to experience Edinburgh away from its busiest festival periods, with cosy pubs, traditional Scottish food and atmospheric streets providing plenty of reasons to visit.

For Londoners, Edinburgh is better suited to a longer winter break than a single-day road trip, but its combination of culture, history and scenery makes it well worth the journey.

The UK's top 10 destinations for winter day trips

Canterbury recorded the biggest increase in search interest among the ten destinations, with a rise of 127%, while Cambridge achieved the highest average Tripadvisor rating.

The City of London also made the top ten, suggesting that those who would rather stay closer to home can still find plenty of opportunities to explore the capital's historic streets, cultural attractions and hidden gems.

Planning a winter road trip? Kia shares its top tips

For those planning to explore the UK by electric car this January, Kia recommends taking a few extra steps before setting off.

Preheat your car before leaving

Heating an electric vehicle uses energy from its battery, which can affect the car's driving range. Preheating the vehicle while it is still plugged in can help reduce the amount of battery energy needed to warm the cabin once you set off.

Drive efficiently to conserve range

Maintaining a steady speed and avoiding sudden acceleration or unnecessary harsh braking can help drivers get more miles from their electric vehicle's battery.

Plan your route and charging stops

Colder temperatures can affect electric vehicle range, so it is worth planning longer journeys in advance, identifying suitable charging points and allowing extra time for charging stops where necessary.

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."

For more advice on electric vehicle ownership and driving during the colder months, visit Kia.

Research methodology: Kia ranked UK cities using factors including parking, public electric vehicle charging facilities, proximity to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, winter activities and average Tripadvisor ratings. Data was collected from Tripadvisor, Parkopedia, Zapmap, Natural England and Google searches. Destination search trends were analysed over a rolling 90-day period.