Winter is by no means the time of year when all you should be doing is hiding indoors tucked up in bed with a steaming mug of chicken soup. It's actually a season best enjoyed outdoors as the air is at its freshest and the frost seems to eliminate all traces of dust and grime.

For families, a white winter is grounds for new adventures, building snowmen and forts at the local park and further afield.

Christmas Markets

Towards the end of November, Christmas markets pop up in cities and towns throughout the UK, in Edinburgh, Leeds, Bath, Winchester and elsewhere. These are ideal for a family outing and a spot of Christmas shopping. While mum and dad indulge in a warming mug of mulled wine, the kids can enjoy mouthwatering treats such as warm apple strudel, candy canes and gingerbread.

After indulging in all those gourmet goodies, there's nothing better than an hour or two on the ice, skating. See if you can manage a pirouette!

Skiing

You don't have to hit the slopes to try your hand at skiing. The cross country kind is more readily available in the UK, provided we get a nice bit of snow coverage. It can also be easier to learn than downhill skiing. Arguably, it's also that little bit safer for kids as falling is less dramatic on a flat surface than a slope.

There are a few dedicated cross country ski centres in the UK, however, if you're feeling adventurous, most forest trails can be skied along if you're skilled and confident enough to do so without an instructor.

Cross country enthusiasts gather in clubs from London to Aberdeenshire so look into joining a club near you. It's a great way for families to mingle and socialise.

Open Air Museums

Often focused on demonstrating what life was like in the past, open air museums are a fascinating, interactive history lesson that are fun and educational for adults and children alike.

During the winter, these attractions are often less crowded than over the spring and summer months with less queues and more chances to chat to the staff, learning interesting facts and stories while exploring historical buildings and artefacts.

Popular outdoor museums include Beamish in County Durham, Weald and Downland, and Chiltern Open Air Museum.

Outdoor Attire

For surviving a day out in the cold, it's important to dress appropriately. Layers are your best bet for keeping warm. Finish off with a quilted sports jacket and don't forget those all important mittens, hats and scarves.

Kit the family out in kids', men's and womens snow boots that keep feet dry and toasty in the chilliest of conditions and while trudging through snow. These are ideal for wearing both in the city and outdoors.