Where to visit in February - from a UK staycation to blowout trip

❚ This page contains some affiliate links and we may receive a small commission for purchases made, but this comes at no extra cost to you and does not influence our editorial choices.

Exterior of the Forest Spa at Middleton Lodge - Rebecca Tappin

Want some ideas on where to go on holiday in February? We’ve curated our pick of destinations for a food lover’s break this winter, with something for everyone. From UK staycations to European city breaks and long-haul adventures, there's plenty to discover this month.

For more travel inspiration, check out our picks of the best winter sun destinations or the best ski destinations in Europe.

The UK region at it's best: The Cotswolds

Whether it's a romantic getaway for Valentine's Day, a walking weekend exploring the rolling countryside, or just long lunches by pub fires with some great food and drink, the honey-hued villages of the Cotswolds offer it all in February. Take The Rectory Hotel, for example, an 18th century former rectory in the heart of picturesque Crudwell. Homemade cordial welcomes rosy-cheeked walkers into the drawing room, where you can warm up by the log fire and sink into pretty peacock feather-hued cushions. The restaurant’s comfort food includes fish pie, alongside pretty salads using fresh produce grown in the allotments behind The Potting Shed pub over the road, which is worth a visit in itself. Check out our picks of the best restaurants in the Cotswolds for more.

Half an hour away, in the quiet village of Southrop, Thyme is exactly what you want from a rural escape. A 150-acre estate, it is home to a cookery school, pub, holiday cottages, boutique hotel, cocktail bar and restaurant, so you don't even need to leave the site. See more of the best hotels in the Cotswolds to start planning yuor staycation.

The UK bolthole: Middleton Lodge, North Yorkshire

Escape to Yorkshire for a wintry spa break. Middleton Lodge is a Georgian estate tucked away in 200 acres of peaceful countryside that has become a must-visit destination for serious food lovers and wellness seekers.

First, head to the estate's Forest Spa for a soothing, sensory escape that will melt away any winter blues. Guest numbers are cleverly limited so it can feel like you have it almost to yourself. There’s an outdoor hot tub, thermal cabins and a steam room. Cute treatment huts offer a range of nature-inspired treatments, from Voya seaweed wraps to the signature In Bloom massage, blending deep relaxation techniques with aromatic oils to reflect the estate’s gardens.

The jewel in the estate's crown is the Michelin-starred Forge restaurant. The hyper-seasonal tasting menus highlight foraged ingredients and estate-grown produce, with inventive flavour combinations. A standout cheese course of Cashel Blue with pickled walnut, medlar and birch syrup precedes intricate desserts like forced rhubarb tart with custard and toasted milk.

Rooms are spread across the estate – from the charming Tack Room with wood-burning stove, huge freestanding bath and beamed ceilings, to contemporary suites with outdoor copper tubs and views of wildflower meadows.

Rooms from £235 per night, check availability at middletonlodge.co.uk or mrandmrssmith.com

The seasonal city break: Valletta, Malta

Malta's capital city Valletta is one of our favourite destinations that still somehow feels like a hidden gem. Heading a little further south for your city break this month means that Valletta is warmer than many European destinations, plus February is also carnival time in Malta. The five-day festival is a riot of music, dance and colourful floats across the island, with the biggest parade taking place in Valletta.

Away from carnival, absorb the rich history of this ancient walled city, stroll through the clean tiled streets to see the unique colourful architecture and make sure you take a boat trip across the harbour to see all sides of the city. For a memorable meal, you're spoilt for Michelin-starred choice: the two-starred Ion Harbour from Simon Rogan offers dramatic city views from it's rooftop terrace, whilst one-starred Noni is the located at the other extreme, set in underground stone vaults over 400 years old. See our guide to the best restaurants in Valletta for more must-visit hotspots.

An overview of Valletta city with old buildings and the harbour

The cultural moment: Mardi Gras in New Orleans

New Orleans’ Mardi Gras carnival falls on 17 February this year, so visit the city to soak up the atmospheric anticipation in the air. While you’re there, tuck into Louisiana specialities at traditional haunts such as The Parkway Tavern for shrimp po’ boys, Willie Mae’s crispy fried chicken and Café du Monde’s sugar-coated beignets.

For a break from the action, explore the grandeur of the quieter Garden District before a jazz and bloody mary-fuelled brunch of shrimp and grits, waffles or gumbo of the day at Atchafalaya. Just outside the French Quarter, the backyard party held each night at Bacchanal makes for one of the city’s great romantic spots. Enjoy wines from small producers and bowls of ceviche while listening to jazz under the night sky.

Stay at Catahoula Hotel and catch carnival sounds from the street below at the rooftop pisco sour bar. The oldest official carnival celebration in the USA is in Alabama, where you can tuck into the likes of boiled peanuts, ribs, oysters and more while soaking up the Mardi Gras vibes and world-renowned southern hospitality.

New Orleans - Scene with jazz music in a big square

The culinary destination to explore: Julian Alps

Discover hearty mountain comfort food in this unique region of the Alps. It is a melting pot of cuisines: Slovenian traditions are intertwined with produce from neighbouring countries, such as Italy or Austria, making it an exciting region to eat your way through. The historical Austro-Hungarian influence also left it's mark on local Slovenian cuisine so you'll find Hungarian goulash with polenta, fluffy shredded kaiserschmarrn and potato dumplings, or knödel, filled with apricot or plum.

For an elevated take on mountain cuisine, head to Majer'ca, a restaurant with rooms that's all about the views. Choose a three-, four- or five-course menu with the likes of pressed potatoes topped with herb-flecked cottage cheese followed by Bohinj trout, black olives and lemon, and seasonal rice pudding made with cream from local cows. Another popular winter destination is Lacni Kekec, nestled at the foot of Kranjska Gora ski lift (Slovenia’s first). This sprawling restaurant of alpine huts and terraces has an extensive menu of hearty dishes, such as cottage cheese štruklji, or grilled čevapčiči sausages stuffed into flatbread pockets with melting kajmak cheese, best paired with roasted peppers and homemade ajvar. Comforting desserts include homemade strudel, walnut štruklji and pancakes with jam.

Image credit: Claudio Parada Nunez

The blowout trip: Québec, Canada

If you're happy to stick with the cold weather, February could be the time to tick Canada off your bucket list. In winter, Québec City is blanketed in snow. Its historic streets glow with twinkling lights, skaters glide across outdoor ice rinks and cozy cafés invite visitors to warm up with hot chocolate. In February, the famous Québec Winter Carnival fills the city with ice sculptures, toboggan rides and parades.

From February to early April Quebec also celebrates what they call ‘sugaring off’, which marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring, as the maple sap starts to rise in the trees and sugar shacks can start to tap and boil the sap to make the famous syrup. Locals and visitors drive out of the cities to the sugar shacks to welcome spring. Activities include horse-drawn sled drives through the maple groves, rolling maple taffy on the snow, hearty breakfasts slathered in maple syrup and typical French Canadian folk music and song. It’s a right of passage for many Quebec families that becomes an annual tradition. Head to La Sucrerie de la Montagne to experience a sugar shack for yourself.

Maple sugar taffy on snow at sugar shack

The boutique retreat: Marrakech, Morrocco

If a trip to the iconic city of Marrakech has been on your wishlist for a while, February is the time to tick it off. The temperature still reaches into the early twenties, meaning plenty of sunshine and enjoyable warmth as you explore everything the city has to offer.

Base yourself at IZZA. This boutique hotel is hidden in the heart of Marrakech’s bustling medina. The network of riads has been transformed into an oasis of calm, with a rooftop restaurant Noujoum that is becoming a destination in it's own right. You’re steps away from entering the hustle and bustle of the famous souk. Spend a morning getting happily lost in the winding streets of stalls selling everything from pottery and textiles to spices and tea. Head back to the hotel for a treatment at the mini spa, an afternoon relaxing by the lap pool or drinks at the bar made using homemade infused spirits and syrups.

Double from £190, check rates and availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com

The alternative choice: Austria for Valentine's Day

Paris might be the obvious choice for Valentine's Day, but there are plenty of other romantic destinations to choose from that make an equally special getaway for two. Try heading to Austria instead for a romantic weekend in the mountains surrounded by ski and snow.

An hour south of Salzburg, Grossarl is ideally placed for an easy break. Stop off at Muhlwinkelhutte in Dorfgastein for käsekrainer (grilled sausage stuffed with cheese), or Gehwolfalm for tiroler gröstl (potato, onion, bacon, sausage and fried egg). Sauerkraut is optional, but why wouldn’t you? After a day on the slopes, book a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride under the stars to the Aschaustüberl restaurant in Hüttschlag. Warm up with mulled wine round an open fire, then order the bauernbratl, traditional local dumplings, and kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) with apple purée. Check out our picks of the best ski destinations in Europe for more snowy travel inspiration.

Stay at the Grossarler Hof for a comfortable base with striking views. Luxurious facilities include a steaming outdoor whirlpool and Finnish-style spa, plus an Alpine breakfast that is worth getting out of bed for. Doubles from £505, check availability at booking.com

The scenic pick: Hokkaido, Japan

The Sapporo Yuki Matsuri or snow festival is one of the best reasons to visit Hokkaido in Japan in winter. This year it falls from February 4-11. People flock in their tens of thousands from all over the world to see huge ice and snow sculptures which fill the squares of Odori Park in the centre of the city.

Hokkaido is not only a magical winter wonderland during the festival, but also an excellent place to explore local delicacies. As the region is home to Japan’s indigenous Ainu people, head to Umizora No Haru, a unique izakaya in Sapporo that brings the flavours of authentic Ainu cuisine to life. Enjoy a carefully curated menu inspired by traditional Ainu ingredients and cooking methods, featuring dishes such as ohaw (a hearty venison or fish soup), citatap (hand-chopped raw fish) and grilled venison. The interior decor of the intimate restaurant also reflects Ainu culture, including a private dining room designed to resemble a traditional Ainu chise, or house, for an immersive dining experience.

Scenic view of Jigokudani Hell Valley in winter at Noboribetsu onsen, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan

The off-season gem: Málaga

Málaga might seem like a summer destination with it's beaches and sunny coastline, but visit in winter to soak up the sights without the crowds. The city still offers plenty to do in off-season: walk along the pier Muelle Uno, cycle to the coast or enjoy the views from Gibralfaro Castle and Malaga’s many restaurants and bars. Wander around Atarazanas Market for seafood and impressive fresh produce. If the weather isn't playing ball, the city has plenty of museums to explore (spend an afternoon at the famous Museo Picasso) or relax at Hamman al Andalus, an impressive Moroccan-style hammam with baths and treatments.

Milli Taylor shared her picks of the best restaurants in Málaga with us. Start your day with churros at Churrería de Malagueña, sample local wine at Antigua Casa de Guardia (the oldest wine bar in the city, open since 1840) and watch the jamón being cut at Mesón Mariano.

The slow travel adventure: Rovos Rail, South Africa

February is the time to fly south to find some sunshine. Head to South Africa and step on board Rovos Rail for an incredibly memorable luxury train adventure. There are several journeys to choose between, ranging from a two-night safari to a 15-day east to west crossing.

A four-day journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls passes through Hwange National Park for a game drive for wildlife spotting, onto Warmbaths (Bela-Bela), known for its hot springs, before ending at one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The open-air balcony of the observation car is perfect for taking in the African vista along the way.

The vintage carriages have been restored to revive the old glamour and rekindle the romance of rail travel, with polished mahogany walls, deep green diamond patterned carpeting and even Victorian-era clawfoot bathtubs on board for lucky passengers in the Royal Suites.

Mealtimes are another highlight of the experience. Expect local fresh ingredients and traditional South African dishes such as bobotie, springbok loin and kudu carpaccio all paired with a range of South African wines. Formal wear is expected for dinner, which allows you to feel fully immersed in the allure of rail travel from a different era.

The train departs from Capital Park at Rovos Rail Station. See journeys at rovos.com.