Month: December 2025

December in the Scottish Highlands carries a magic all of its own. Inverness, with its snow-dusted streets, sparkling lights, and lively Christmas markets, transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for a seasonal escape. Whether you are looking for the warmth of a cosy apartment, the charm of festive shopping, or the adventure of exploring Scotland in December, a Christmas break in Inverness offers it all.

Staying in a serviced apartment gives you the freedom to enjoy the city at your own pace, wake up to views of the River Ness, step out to the winter markets, or retreat to the comfort of your own living space after a day exploring the Highlands.

Why Choose Inverness for a Christmas Break?

Known as the capital of the Highlands, Inverness is at its most enchanting in December. Imagine strolling along the Ness Islands with crisp winter air on your cheeks and the scent of roasted chestnuts filling the city, before browsing the stalls at the Inverness Christmas Market, where handmade crafts and seasonal delicacies await.

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The charm of Inverness lies in its rare blend of city spirit and Highland scenery. In minutes, you can go from festive shopping streets to tranquil countryside trails. This balance makes Inverness a dream destination for those seeking cosy Highland holidays.

Things to Do in Inverness in Winter

Explore the Inverness Christmas Market

The market, set in the heart of the city, is one of December’s highlights. Wooden chalets overflow with gifts, mulled wine, and festive food, while live music and performances create a warm, celebratory atmosphere. It is the perfect place to soak up the spirit of the season.

Walk Along the River Ness & Ness Islands

Few experiences rival a winter walk along the River Ness. Crossing elegant Victorian bridges to reach the wooded Ness Islands, you’ll find peace and beauty in equal measure. On frosty days, when the trees glisten with snow, the scenery feels truly magical.

Day Trips into the Highlands

Inverness is the gateway to the Highlands, and winter reveals the region at its most dramatic. Visit Loch Ness, where mist rolls over the water and Urquhart Castle stands proudly against grey skies, or head north to the Black Isle for rugged coastal views and winter wildlife. Scotland in December may be cold, but its landscapes are unforgettable.

Indoor Escapes

When you are ready to warm up, Inverness offers cosy cafes, whisky bars, and cultural spots like the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. A dram of Highland single malt, enjoyed by the fire, is the perfect way to end a day outdoors.

The Cosy Comfort of Inverness Apartments

While hotels have their appeal, apartments provide something especially attractive during the festive season: space, privacy, and flexibility. Mansley’s serviced apartments in Inverness are designed to offer exactly that.

Cook a festive meal in your own kitchen, unwind in a spacious lounge, and wake to views across the city or the River Ness. Apartments also make it easy to enjoy the Christmas markets at your own pace: fill your basket with cheeses, chocolates, or locally distilled spirits, and savour them in the comfort of your living space. After exploring all the things to do in Inverness in winter, returning to a warm apartment feels like the perfect ending.

Planning a Christmas break is even more rewarding with Mansley rewards.

Experience the Magic of Scotland in December

A festive break in Inverness is more than just a holiday, it is an invitation to embrace Highland charm in its most magical season. From browsing Christmas markets and winter walks along the River Ness to relaxing in the comfort of your apartment, every moment is shaped by warmth, beauty, and Highland magic.

Ready to make December unforgettable? Book your apartment stay in Inverness today and experience the festive spirit of the Highlands at its very best.

Just a short tube ride from  Kensington, Marylebone is one of London’s most captivating neighbourhoods, making it an easy day out for guests staying nearby.

A place where leafy streets meet world-class culture, independent cafes, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. For guests staying at No.1 The Mansions, it provides the perfect base to experience the city like a local. Whether you’re planning a London weekend itinerary or searching for the best things to do in Marylebone, this guide will help you uncover the area’s unique charm.

Discover Marylebone’s Cafe Culture

Independent Coffee Shops & Bakeries

Marylebone is a delight for coffee enthusiasts. The neighbourhood is filled with artisanal cafes, each with its own distinctive personality. From Nordic-inspired coffee houses to cosy patisseries serving buttery croissants alongside speciality brews, the choice is irresistible.

These cafes are more than places for a caffeine fix, they’re part of the neighbourhood’s daily rhythm, where locals gather to connect and unwind. Guests at No.1 The Mansions will love starting the day with a leisurely walk to a nearby bakery, sipping a flat white at a pavement table, and soaking up the local atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to begin a weekend walk through Marylebone.

Afternoon Tea with a Twist

For something quintessentially British with a modern edge, Marylebone’s boutique tearooms offer creative takes on afternoon tea. Think delicate sandwiches, inventive pastries, and rare teas served in elegant, contemporary surroundings, ideal for an indulgent pause during your London adventure.

Culture & Heritage in Marylebone

The Wallace Collection

A highlight for culture lovers, The Wallace Collection is one of London’s finest hidden gems. Set in a magnificent townhouse close to Marylebone High Street, the museum showcases an extraordinary collection of 18th-century French paintings, fine furniture, and an impressive armoury. Entry is free, making it an accessible stop on any Marylebone itinerary.

Daunt Books

No guide to Marylebone is complete without Daunt Books. This Edwardian bookshop, with its oak galleries and skylit interiors, is a destination in itself. Specialising in travel literature, it’s the perfect place to gather inspiration for your next journey or to pick up a beautifully bound souvenir of London.

Weekend Walks & Green Escapes

Regent’s Park

Just a short stroll from Marylebone lies Regent’s Park, one of the capital’s most treasured green spaces. With its rose gardens, tree-lined avenues, and the iconic Open Air Theatre, it offers a peaceful retreat from the energy of central London. Families, joggers, and couples all find it a favourite escape.

Learn more about the park.

Marylebone High Street

For a more urban stroll, Marylebone High Street is an elegant alternative. Lined with boutiques, galleries, and delicatessens, it maintains a village-like atmosphere remarkable for a location just minutes from Oxford Street.

Dining & Hidden Gems in Marylebone

Marylebone is a culinary destination in its own right. The area offers everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to intimate brasseries tucked away on quiet side streets.

Beyond its celebrated dining spots, the neighbourhood’s hidden gems are worth seeking out: family-run trattorias, stylish wine bars, and innovative eateries beloved by locals. After dinner, wander through Marylebone’s cobbled mews streets, softly lit by lanterns, for a romantic glimpse of timeless London.

Planning Your Marylebone Stay

When crafting a London weekend itinerary, location makes all the difference. No.1 The Mansions provides elegant serviced apartments that combine period character with modern convenience ideal for unwinding after a day exploring Marylebone.To make your London stay even more rewarding, explore the latest special offers and enjoy the benefits of booking direct. 

Conclusion: Explore London Like a Local

Marylebone –  one of the most iconic London neighbourhoods is more than just an area, it’s a lifestyle. From artisanal cafes and cultural landmarks to leafy weekend walks and intimate dining spots, it offers an authentic and enriching side of London. By staying at No.1 The Mansions, you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy all the best neighboruhouds that London has to offer, with the best of the city right on your doorstep.

Ready to plan your London weekend? Book your stay today and discover central London neighbourhoods like Marylebone like a true local.