A British city with 'scenic walks in a magical setting' is the top spot for a cosy January staycation - full list

Inverness, Manchester and Edinburgh are the top three options, according to experts at GO Outdoors, who considered factors such as snowfall, woodland walks, log-fire pubs and cabins.

Using this information, each destination was given a total "winter adventure score" out of 10. Inverness ranked highly, boasting the greatest number of cabins with two or more bedrooms per 50km². It also had the highest chance of snow, making it the perfect setting for a cosy night.

10 best staycations for a winter adventure

1. Inverness (9.81)
2. Manchester (9.39)
3. Edinburgh (8.43)
4. Birmingham (8.27)
5. Nottingham (8.06)
6. Newcastle (7.89)
7. Sheffield (7.67)
8. Bath (7.39)
9. Cambridge (7.33)
10. Oxford (6.85)

This is the second year in a row that Inverness was crowned in the research, solidifying its place as a top winter destination. The experts said: "Crisp Highland mornings, frost-covered trees, and the River Ness create a magical setting.

"Inverness also has over 200 winter cabins, including a charming stay just five minutes from the city centre at Ardentorrie House. With an average of 15 snow days from October to December and scenic walks like the Inverness Castle and River Circular, it’s the perfect snowy escape."

Outside of Scotland, Manchester came highly recommended. This also had a lot of cosy cabins. The travel pros continued: "Just outside the city, there are nearly 25 easy walking trails per 50 km² and plenty of cosy pubs with open fires, like Peveril of the Peak.

"From the hustle and bustle of the city centre to quiet woodland walks, Manchester offers both busy and peaceful winter escapes."

Despite its 10th place position on the list, Oxford had the most pubs with a real fire per 50km², at 64.69.

This is more than five times as many pubs with real fires as Inverness, making it one of the cosiest UK destinations for winter evenings. It also ranked fourth for the number of cabins.

Another great way to explore the UK is by train, and this country has many incredible routes. Experts have shared the UK's most beautiful rail journeys, with a "cinematic" journey topping the list.